Laptops Computers Definitions

Battery Life:

The total time the battery will operate the laptop computer from fully charged to completely dead measured in hours.

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.

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 Drive:

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:

Measured in megahertz (MHz,) the processor's speed is the rate at which the computer performs basic tasks like adding or word processing.

Screen Resolution:

The total number of horizontal and vertical lines imbedded in the computer screen. The higher the screen resolution the better the monitor’s picture.

Screen Size:

The monitors size measured diagonally in inches.

Video Card:

A peripheral device that attaches to a slot in your computer and enables the PC to process and deliver video. Once installed in the computer, a cable attaches the graphics card to a computer monitor. Some card types include NVIDIA GeForce and Radeon.

Video Memory:

The space allotted to store short-term video data. It functions much like RAM or cache.

Warranty:

The limited time the manufacturer guarantees the quality and functionality of their product. Usually one year.

Weight:

The weight of the laptop measured in pounds. 

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.

Wi-fi:

The ability of a laptop to connect to the internet via a wireless LAN.

Audio:

The type of audio card included with the laptop.

Depth:

The depth of the laptop as measured in inches.

Height:

The height of the laptop as measured in inches.

Widescreen:

A laptop has a widescreen aspect ratio, usually 16:9.

Width:

The width of the laptop as measured in inches.

2nd Hard Drive:

The inclusion of a 2nd hard drive for additional storage.

Built-in Camera:

The digital camera (webcam) built into the chassis or display of the laptop. Camera resolution is measured in megapixels.

Memory Card Reader:

A memory card reader reads and transfers data from and between a flash card.