Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is
measured in megabytes (MB) and is the place where the PC
temporarily stores information that is on its way to or from the
processor. Increasing the amount of memory in your PC is one of
the most economical ways to increase its performance. As with the
processor, the higher the number, the faster the computer,
generally speaking. RAM also helps determine how many and what
size programs you can effectively open and run simultaneously.
Average systems have 128MB of RAM, but more of them are now
coming equipped with 256MB. Adding RAM later is possible, but it
can cost more than buying it up front.
Hard
Drive: This is the PC's central repository, where startup
files, the operating system such as Microsoft® Windows®
2000, data and software programs are stored. Again, bigger is
better, and many PCs now come with "monster" hard drives of
30GB1, 40GB and more. The size hard drive you need will depend on
the kind of things you're storing. Music, graphics and video, for
example, can fill up your hard drive before you know it.
CD-ROM: Many PCs come with a
CD-ROM (compact disc, read-only-memory) as standard equipment. If
not, consider adding one! CD-ROM speed is measured by its "X"
number, so a 48X drive is faster than a 32X drive. When you see
the designation "32X/48X," you're looking at the range of speeds
available on that particular drive. Most software programs and a
great deal of course materials are now offered on CD-ROM because
of its 650MB storage capacity. A CD drive not only allows you to
listen to audio CDs and retrieve large amounts of external data
quickly, it can drastically reduce the amount of time needed to
load software applications.
CD-RW: The "RW" stands for
"Read/Write." In addition to playing or reading CDs, this drive
can "write" or create them as well, using special writeable blank
CDs. This is an ideal student-oriented upgrade from a standard
CD-ROM since it can come in very handy for storing large amounts
of data without using up valuable hard drive space. It's also an
ideal way to transport and/or share large amounts of data between
computers.
DVD: In addition to reading
CD-ROMs, a DVD drive provides the added benefit of playing DVD
data, such as movies, on the PC. If you plan to use a DVD to view
movies, you will need an MPEG decoder card as well. Ask the
Varsity Mart for details.
ZIP®: While a floppy disk
holds 1MB of data, a ZIP can hold 100MB, 250MB and soon 500MB on
special cartridges. Think of it as a small, removable hard drive.
It is a good idea to consider investing in a ZIP drive for
storage and transport of important data files.
We hope we've stored your brain with helpful information! Be on
the lookout for future e-mails about what to look for in a
computer. If you're ready to buy, please visit the
North Dakota State University Varsity Mart today. And if you think this
information could be just as useful to your friends, please
forward it to them!
