Do you feel confused by the list of acronyms and technical terms that appear in promotional ads for computers and software? You're not alone. The following glossary contains terms you should know before purchasing a new computer.
| Computer Terms Glossary | |
| Term | Definition |
CD-ROM drive | A disk storage device that uses compact disc technology. |
CD/RW drive | A device that a computer uses to read and write data to a compact disc that can be altered, erased and rewritten. |
CPU (central processing unit) | The computational and control unit of a computer. The CPU is the device that interprets and executes instructions. |
Floppy disk drive | A device that a computer uses to read data from and write data to magnetic floppy disks. |
Firewall | A security system intended to protect an organisation's network and computers against external threats from hackers and other malicious attacks. It prevents unauthorised access to system software or data on your computer. |
Hard disk | A rigid disk inside a computer that is magnetised to hold a large quantity of computer data and programs. |
Laptop computer | A small, portable personal computer that runs on either batteries or AC power; designed for use during travel. |
Megabytes/gigabytes | Units of computer memory or disk storage space. Briefly, 1 megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,048,576 bytes, and 1 gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,024 megabytes. |
Megahertz (MHz)/Gigahertz (GHz) | A measure of the speed at which information is processed, which is equal to 1 million or 1 billion hertz (cycles per second), respectively. |
Modem | A communications device that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line. |
Monitor | Allows images generated by the computer's video adapter to be displayed. |
Operating system (OS) | The software that controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory, CPU time, disk space and peripheral devices; the foundation on which applications are built. |
PDA (personal digital assistant) | A small, handheld computer with a built-in notebook, and calendar and fax capability, usually operated using a stylus rather than a keyboard. |
Pocket PC | A computer that fits in the palm of your hand and runs the latest Microsoft Windows CE operating system. These devices include Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Calendar, Contacts and Tasks, as well as other applications. |
Pop-up | A window that appears over the browser window of a website that a user has visited. |
Pop-up blocker | Software that works in conjunction with your internet browser and is designed to block unwanted pop-ups from occurring while you are browsing the internet. |
RAM (random access memory) | The primary working memory in a computer used for the temporary storage of programs and data, and in which the data can be accessed directly and modified. |
Server | On a local area network (LAN), a computer running administrative software that controls access to the network and network resources such as printers and disk drives. A server also provides resources to computers functioning as workstations on the network. |
Sound card | A type of expansion board on PC-compatible computers that allows the playback and recording of sound, such as from a WAV or MIDI file or a music CD-ROM. |
Video card | The electronic component that generates the video signal sent through a cable to a video display. |
Windows Security Centre | A Windows Control Panel feature in Windows XP Service Pack 2 that allows customers to check the status of essential security functions at a glance. Windows Security Centre also reinforces the firewall and sets a schedule for receiving automatic updates from Microsoft. |
The following software and hardware guidelines can help you with some of the decisions you or the IT professional you've hired must make when selecting a computer for your small business, starting with the importance of having genuine Microsoft software.
Buying Genuine Software
When
purchasing a new computer for your business, you want to start with
genuine software to ensure security, reliability, support and to get
the latest updates. Genuine Microsoft software is software licensed by
Microsoft, certified as authentic by Microsoft and published and
supported by Microsoft.
New computers that are pre-installed with genuine Windows XP operating system software include a Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label. This label typically is affixed to the computer chassis. The Certificate of Authenticity serves as proof of licence for a valid and licensed operating system and contains a number of anti-piracy features that are difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. Without the COA, you do not have a legal licence to run Microsoft software.
Besides locating the Certificate of Authenticity on your computer, you can also find out if the Windows software on your computer is genuine by using the online Windows Validation Assistant. (See the Quick Tip for more on this.)
Knowing
how to check for genuine Microsoft software on your new and existing
computers is important. But to purchase the best computer for your
business, you need information about the major system components.
Courtesy Microsoft Corp.
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