CD-ROM Drive

The two essential specifications are access time and data transfer speed. Access time in Milliseconds (typically 250 to 400 ms) tells how long it takes for the drive to find the data the PC has requested. Transfer speed is the speed at which the data is loaded into memory. Multimedia PC with video capacity needs a 2x and even a 4x transfer rates. CD-ROM drives with 8x and 12x data transfer rates are available on the market today. Without the required data transfer speed for the CD-ROM drive and if the multimedia application includes full-motion video, it will result in a choppy motion as the PC waits for more data to be delivered.

Cluster

The smallest allocation unit in the FAT (File Allocation Table) file system (the method of organizing files on a disk). Larger disk partitions have larger Allocation Units (Clusters) thus requiring more disk space than a smaller hard disk. So, when storing a 1 KB text file on the hard drive for example, it would occupy 4 KB of hard disk space on a 200 MB hard disk while the same file would occupy 16 KB on a 800 MB hard disk because in each case, this 1 KB text file would occupy 1 cluster.

CPU/ Speed

The microprocessor or Central Processing Unit is the heart and mind of a computer. It both analyses information and controls how that information is circulated. The most significant CPU specification is "clock speed", the rate at which information circulates. Theoretically, a 486 chip running at 33 Megahertz (MHZ) will execute 33 million "functions" per second. The same 486 chip running at 66 MHz will execute twice as many "functions" per second, and hence be faster. Note that this is not the only factor that will determine the overall speed of a computer. CPU increases in power with the number (386, 486, Pentium (586)) and for the same CPU value, the speed increases with the MHz value. Games that require sound and complex graphics need a more powerful CPU (486 or Pentium) running at higher speed (66 MHz) than other type of software.

DOS

An operating system developed by Microsoft for personal computers. While DOS stands for Disk Operating System, in general the operating system also manages other computers resources such as memory, disks, monitor, networks, etc...Other versions of DOS exist (PC-DOS, IBM-DOS, etc.).

Graphics Cards/Video Cards

A Video Card fits inside the computer and determines the screen resolution and number of colors the monitor can display. Some Video Cards enable the monitor to display graphical information, such as geometric designs, in addition to text and numbers. Because so much of Windows' work involves graphics, and screen redrawing can be painfully slow, a high-speed graphics accelerator card (as opposed to a standard VGA card) may be preferable to speed up the video. These new boards include a coprocessor chip to speed up the creation of graphics and text in applications such as spreadsheets or illustrations (Computer Assisted Design).

Hard Disk

A mechanical, rotating storage medium comprising rigid, metal platters coated with magnetic material. The storage capacity (the amount of information that can be stored) is given in megabytes (MB) - million of bytes or gigabytes (GB) - one thousand million bytes. A byte is the smallest information package that can exist in memory (the letter "a" for example).

Memory

Where information required to run programs is stored. The more the better when Windows applications are used. Modern Windows software requires at least 8 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory) preferably 16 MB. When buying a computer, buy as much memory as you can afford. Increased memory is particularly noticeable when multitasking (running several different programs simultaneously).

Modem

A device that transmits/receives computer data through a communications channel such as radio or telephone lines. It also changes signals received from the phone line back to digital signals before passing them to the receiving computer. Requires a communication software. Modems can be internal (inside the computer) or external (outside the computer). Usually classified by data transmission rate that ranges from 2,400 bps (bits per second) to 28,800 bps and higher.

Monitor

Device that displays information, such as instructions the user sends to the computer and the information and results the computer sends back after interpreting the instructions. A colour monitor will not display colour without the appropriate Video card.

Mouse

A pointing device that is essential for running Windows graphical user interface. It comes in many shapes and forms, standard mouse, track ball, pen mouse, hand-held cordless mouse, etc...

Platform / Operating System

An Operating System allows programs to cooperatively use computer resources (disks, memory, printers, networks, etc. ). For Personal Computers (PC) generally referred to as IBM Compatibles (or IBM Clones), the most widely used Operating System is MS-DOS (although other versions of DOS exist). Windows 3.x operates on

MS-DOS while Windows 95 is a separate and distinct operating system, as is Windows NT. Upward compatibility is assured with MS- DOS meaning that if a software requires DOS version 4.01 to work, it should perform just as good on a computer equipped with a DOS version 6.22.

Macintosh has its own operating system that differs from the PC and generally requires software that indicates it can be used on a MAC system.

SCSI
(pronounced scuzzy)

(Small Computer Systems Interface) One of several competing interfaces for hard drives. It allows "daisy chaining" of up to seven peripherals, including CD-ROM and backup drives. SCSI drives outperforms IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drives for some applications, such as multimedia and high-end graphics. They are also more expensive.

Shareware

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. Shareware is "try before you buy software". Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones! The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee ? if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it but if you continue using it, you are expected to register. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to getting an updated program with a hard copy manual. Note that there are shareware versions of commercial programs where, in many cases they represent only a portion of the total software package.

Sound Equipment

An important part of the multimedia PC, the sound equipment comprises a Sound Card (printed circuit that plugs into the PC), speakers, software and drivers, connecting cables and, may include a microphone (for voice registration). Sound Blaster (a trade mark of Creative Labs) is considered a leader in the industry for sound equipment but other companies manufacture comparable sound equipment.

Virtual Memory / Swap File

Virtual memory is the space on the hard disk that Windows uses as if it were actual memory. Windows does this through the use of swap files. The benefit of using virtual memory is that more programs can run at one time than the system's physical memory would normally allow. The drawbacks are the disk space required for the virtual-memory swap-file, and the decreased execution speed when swapping is required. Swapping is the exchange of information between memory and hard disk. It requires time to read-write that information and to load-unload it to and from memory.