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HDD - HARD DISK DRIVE

• The place where your data is stored - everything from your programs to your work documents & holiday photos . This is the primary memory for your computer.

RAM - RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

• Each time you open a program/application, your computer loads it to the RAM. This is because it's faster to run the program from RAM
  than the HDD. The bigger your RAM, the faster/smoother programs will run. This is particularly helpful when running more than one
  program at a time.

GB - Gigabyte

• 1GB = 1000MB approx.

TB - Terabyte

• 1TB = 1000GB approx.

DVD+/-RW

• Digital Versatile Disc


• Plays, writes & re-writes CDs & DVDs.


• +/-R: Blank discs are either labelled DVD+R or DVD-R. If your computer's DVD drive says DVD+/-RW it means you can use either disc.
  If not, it will only work with the specified format.

BLU-RAY ROM

• AKA BD-ROM. This will play Blu-Ray movies but NOT burn/write.

BLU-RAY BURNER

• Burns/writes to blank Blu-Ray discs.

DUAL LAYER DVDs

• DVDs that can store a second layer of data.


• They can generally store approx 8GB of data on a single DVD as opposed to 4.7GB on a standard DVD.

WIFI - WIRELESS FIDELITY

• Wireless 802.11 is an industry standard for wireless connections. If your device is "WIFI Certified" it can connect to any WIFI certified access point. This could be your home router, a cafe or public hot spot.

WEBCAM

• A webcam is a camera that connects to your computer that can be used for displaying your own image to others across the internet. This can be used for skype, msn messenger, google chat, video calls, conference calls plus loads more!


• Some computers come with inbuilt webcams, otherwise they're sold seprately and simply plug into a USB port.

DESKTOP

• Tower + Monitor = Desktop Computer

MONITOR

• 'Monitor' is the technical name for your computer screen. Can be used with both desktop and laptop computers.

TOWER

• The tower is commonly mistaken for the CPU. The tower is the box that usually sits next to your legs under your desk. It holds the CPU, CD/DVD drive, power button and all the cables plug into the back of it.

NOTEBOOK/NETBOOK/LAPTOP/ - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE!?!

• Notebook = Laptop


• Netbooks are smaller laptops (usually 10" or under) designed for portability. They're great for travelling - both business & pleasure!


• Netbooks usually have less processing power as they're designed for basic use such as Internet browsing and checking emails. This keeps them small & cheap.

WHAT IS ULV?

• 'Ultra Low Voltage' computers are designed to consume far less power than usual. This means you can use your computer for over
  8 hours without having to recharge!

WHY DO I NEED BLUETOOTH ON MY COMPUTER?

• Let's say you've just taken a photo of something funny on your smartphone. You can then connect your phone to your computer via bluetooth (same as a car hands-free headset) and swiftly transfer the photo to your computer.


• If you pair your computer to your phone via bluetooth you can transfer your favourite songs to your phone and set them as your ringtone!


• If you have a smartphone with tethering enabled, you can pair your phone and computer via bluetooth and use your phone as a modem to access the internet. Before you know it, you'll be surfing the web on your computer while sitting on the train!

CPU - CENTRAL PROCCESSING UNIT

• AKA 'The processor'. This is the part of the computer that makes everything work.


• CPU is NOT short for 'Computer'

GHz - GIGAHERTZ

• This is a measurement of the computer's processing speed. This gives an indication of the performace of the processor.
  E.G.
  Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz
  Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz = Faster
  
  This is not the only indicator though...
  E.G.
  *Old Chip* 2.66GHz CPU
  *New Chip* 2.13GHz CPU
  The new chip will likely be a faster processor.

DUAL CORE? QUAD CORE? CORE 2 DUO? ...I JUST WANT TO CHECK MY EMAIL AND FACEBOOK!

• Inside every computer is a processor chip which calculates all the data. There are different kinds of chips which will make your computer run at different speeds. The need for the different chips can vary depending on how you regularly use your computer. Some are better for media ie watching dvds, playing video games etc. some are better for using many programs at the same time.

• Intel & AMD are brands that produce processor chips. For more information on the latest and fastest processors Contact your nearest JB Hi-Fi Computers Stockist! Our friendly staff will gladly explain the differences between them and advise which is most suitable for your needs.