5. Language Lesson

From here on in, we are going to learn what makes up a computer and what all those words in the computer catalogue mean. So before we proceed, you will need to learn some basic computer jargon. Please note that not all the descriptions here are accurate. I had purposefully done so for the benefit of computer illiterate readers.

CPU
The brain of the computer. Also called the processor

Memory
This is where the computer stores data and information temporarily before sending it anywhere else.

Motherboard
The main circuit board where everything is connected to. It’s like your nervous system.

RAM
(See Memory) there are different types of RAM which we will cover in detail later.
DRAM, SDRAM, VRAM

PC
Personal Computer – desktops, laptops and notebooks

LAN
Local Area Network.

Cache
Pronounced “cash”. A very high-speed memory built into a processor unit.

FSB
The data transport system from CPU to memory (RAM)

Video Card
The component that controls your visual on the monitor

HDD
Hard Disk Drive. A solid component inside the computer that stores all your data for later retrieval.

FDD
Floppy Disk Drive.

ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment. The technology that enables communication between a drive and the motherboard to the CPU.

SATA
Serial-ATA. This is the successor to ATA.

Hardware
Anything (visible and non-visible) that you can physically touch.
E.g. : HDD, FDD, memory units, CPU, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc

Software
Non-physical items stored inside the computer.
E.g. : Operating System, application software, programs, web-browsers, etc

Driver
An interpreter software that enables components from different manufacturers to communicate with your CPU.

Bluetooth
A short-range radio technology that enables wireless connection between devices.

Wi-Fi
A wide-range radio technology that enables computing devices to connect to a network or the internet.

Bytes
Measure of data.

Kb
Kilobytes. Roughly 1000bytes per Kb

Mb
Megabytes. Roughly 1000Kb per Mb

Gb
Gigabytes. Roughly 1000Mb per Gb

MHz
Megahertz. Measure of processing speed per second.

GHz
Gigahertz. Measure of processing speed per second. Roughly 1000MHz per GHz

Computer Virus
Software designed to cause problems in your computer.

Anti-Virus
Software designed to counter the effects of computer viruses.

dpi
Dots per inch. A measure of image sharpness on a printout.

pixel
A single point in the image on your monitor.

Blog
Short for weB LOG. A public access journal on the internet.

Previous Topic Next Topic

4. Desktop or Notebook?

Up until recently I had always been a desktop computing sort of person. However with today’s growing technology one does consider purchasing a laptop. But how do we choose?

Let me lay out the pros and cons of both options and you can decide what is important for you.

Notebooks

This range of computers is great for people who need to be mobile. Business, insurance and a variety of sales people would very commonly require mobility in the course of their daily activities. Coupled with today’s growing network of wireless broadband services, it enables a person to utilize faster internet services from the conventional home dial-ups and ADSL services. Notebooks are light, the average weighing just short of three kilos. They are especially useful on trips as an entertainment center.

The problem with notebooks is that once you have purchased it there is very little room for upgrades. The average notebook becomes redundant after a couple of years. Newer software and operating systems may force you into buy another notebook. You also have to change the batteries every couple of years and after four or five years your notebook’s battery maybe hard to come by. Another drawback with notebooks is that most cannot take much knocking about unless you fork out another RM800 or so for a hardy built. Most brands today are able to sell notebooks at prices that nearly compete with desktop machines because they use cheaper and less durable chassis and casing. Also replacing parts in a notebook can be rather costly and difficult to get if your unit’s parts are phasing out. Most of the time you will have to leave your notebook computer at the shop for a few days to get it fixed. The disadvantage of a notebook computer that bugs me the most is that you only have two slots for your memory cards, so upgrading memory is limited and you’d sometimes have to waste the existing memory card to give space for new ones. Last but not least, you are limited with the screen size. If you want it small you have to sacrifice the size of the screen. Of course you can attach a screen to it but you still can’t bring it around with you.

Desktop

A desktop computer, commonly called the PC, is simply a computer that you cannot stuff into a briefcase or carry it around. So it has to sit on a table or desk (hence the name). A desktop computer has a casing that is internally spacious, which means that you can easily add components to your unit at anytime. Where a notebook computer can only have one physical hard drive, a desktop can have up to ten depending on the size of the casing. Most motherboards (the computer’s main circuit board) can cater for more memory cards; anywhere from 4 to 8 slots. Another advantage of a desktop is taht you can change your screen at anytime without having to send the whole unit to the shop. You simply go out, but a new screen, come home and plug it in. This is also known as Plug-and-Play. A notebook computer’s keyboard is compact and does not have an attached numeric keypad, whereas a desktop has a variety of keyboards available to suit your needs and just like the screen it’s Plug-and-Play. For the most part, if something breaks down in your desktop, you simply go to the shop and buy the latest model and replace the part.

I guess the most obvious disadvantage of a desktop is its mobility, or lack of. Also, a desktop uses more power compared to a notebook and the more components you add to it the more power it consumes. A notebook computer uses a battery so manufacturers have to design specific low-wattage components so they only run out of power after 2 to 4 hours. Another thing is, most desktop computers do not come with wireless connectivity, but for a few hundred ringgit you can easily add it.

In conclusion, the only real question is – do you really need your computer mobile?

Hybrids

Since there is a growing demand for mobility, the computer industry has developed a new breed of computers combining the notebook and the desktop computer. I don't know exactly what they will be called, but I refer to them as mobile-desktops. They weigh about 5 to 10 kilograms, comes with a full keyboard and screen size above 17 inches; so having the whole unit on your lap may not be as comfortable. These are basically computers that have most of the advantages of a desktop coupled with the latest in design to provide mobility;

the best of both worlds. Mobile-desktops have more room for more components. Some models come with detachable wireless keyboard, more than one hard drive and longer battery hours. They even come with cool sound systems coupled with sub-woofer and all. These machines won’t phase out nearly as fast as a notebook, as they are only packaged with the latest and the best in computer technology. This leads us the only disadvantage that this range of computers have – High Price Tags. You are looking at a starting price of around RM15,000.

The Dell XPS M2010 weighs just over 8kgs (18 lbs)

Previous Topic Next Topic

Dell XPS 2010 Review by CNet.com


Dell XPS M1330 Tour

3. How much should I spend?

This is often the second question I’m asked and a tricky question to answer. What you need to do first is determine what you need the computer for and then consider what features you actually need. Understand that you will be paying more additional features and for mobility. You pay more for less weight and smaller footprint size. Basically, you pay more for less (just like mini-skirts). At the same time don’t be deceived by the price tag either. People often ask me why my quotations are higher than some vendors in the market. When we go through each component in a computer you will better understand this. For now I’ll just simply tell you that a computer’s casing is just that. It does not reflect what is actually inside the machine. I can sell you a fancy looking machine, remove a couple of components, replace a few more with cheaper parts and reduce the price significantly. I won’t do that because you will find your computer out of date very rapidly. Technology is moving at such a pace even vendors have a problem keeping up. I bought my first computer in 1990 and paid RM2500 for it. It was an 8088XT with no hard drive and a 16-colours CGA screen. At the same price today I can get a computer that is a hundred times faster, with a huge hard drive, a multi-coloured screen and features that didn’t even exist back then.

Like I said earlier, the features move the price. Sony Viao for instance has a range of cool looking laptops and you’d probably pay an extra RM500 just for it. It is the same for the Acer Ferrari, you pay several hundreds extra for the Ferrari logo and it isn’t even a chick magnet. Size is another factor, you’d find yourself paying about RM1000 extra for a 12.1” screen and a couple of hundred extra for a 14.1” screen as compared to a 15.4” laptop. The one thing that really brings the price up or down is the processor. Always read the specifications. An AMD Athlon XP will save you nearly a thousand whereas an Intel Core 2 Duo can set you back a thousand. We will cover more on processors later on but for now I’ll leave you with a list of processors that are still in the market with their general specification . Don't worry if it doesn't make sense to you yet. The basic rule is - the higher the number the better it is. So, the next time you read a brochure look at the figures next to the processor, they are important when you are doing a price comparison.

As a general rule, I normally advice a budget of around RM2000 for desktops and RM3000 for laptops (excluding software). You'll spend about another RM1000 for a Microsoft Office Pack and RM150 for a good Anti-Virus software.

Previous Topic Next Topic

2. What is the best brand in the market?

This is actually the most common and yet most impertinent question to ask. That is like asking people to figure out what is the most delicious food in the world. Each person will have their own views, each person will have their own preferences and each person will have their own individual taste experience. So to one person pate is an exquisite experience and yet to another it’s a horrible tasting nightmare. Some people have personal liking towards certain brands for their own personal reasons. I like one brand for their sleek designs and reliability and I like another brand for their sheer architectural design that provides me computing speed and efficiency. It is actual rather subjective.

Just like clothes, cars, household appliances and such, you pay for branded items. In the case of computers there are many factors to consider such as:

• Designs
• Performance
• Mobility
• After sales support
• Warranty

The brand of the computer should be your last point of consideration unless of course you are simply in the market for an image upgrade.

So back to the question, what is the best brand in the market? I can’t answer that question. What I can say is understand a little bit more about computers, do some research, ask some friend who know computers and get their points of view and finally at the end of make your own decision.

Previous Topic Next Topic