Economy Computers Definitions

Hard Drive:

The primary storage unit on a PC. It consists of one or more magnetic media platters on which digital data is written and erased magnetically. The size is the amount of information in gigabits (1000 megabits) the hard drive can store.

Input/Output Ports:

The various ports located on the computer’s tower. These typically include USB ports FireWire connections and additional peripheral connections like keyboard, speakers and mouse.

Memory:

The random–access memory (RAM) is the most common computer memory used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on. An integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored and accessed in any order. All storage locations are equally accessible.

Operating System:

The installed software application that organizes and allocates files and data. It enables the user to communicate with the computer. Common operating systems included Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OSX.

Optical:

A disk drive that uses lasers lights to read and write data. Optical drives include CD readers and burners and DVD readers and burners.

Processor:

We graded each computer according to the central processing unit (CPU) it offers at the base price. We looked at the type, bus speed (in MHz) and cache (in MB) and allotted points accordingly.

Warranty:

The computer company offers a warranty guaranteeing the quality of their computer. The most common warranty is one year.

Video Card:

The type of video graphics card included with the computer.

Network:

The ability of the computer to connect to a network or the internet.

Audio:

The type of audio card included with the computer.

Depth:

The depth of the computer measured in inches.

Height:

The height of the computer measured in inches.

Weight:

The weight of the computer in pounds.

Width:

The width of a computer in inches.