1. Dawn Pedersen

2. Flick the switch… What happens when you turn a computer on?

3. Components Processor Logic board/bus Hard Drive Memory Video card Audio card Networking Ports

4. Understanding Specifications What does all this stuff mean? How do you choose? How much will it cost?

5. Processors Speed Faster means the computer will do complex calculations faster Cache Larger means the chip stores more temporary information Manufacturer E.g. Intel – some chips will work better with some software)

6. Hard Drive Speed 5400 RPM, 7200 RPM Faster means the computer will load and write files faster Size Measured in gigabytes (more on that later) Larger means more can be stored on the computer

7. Memory Size Measured in gigabytes More means you can have more programs running at once

8. Networking Types Ethernet Wireless What ports are available?

9. Video Card Memory size Measured in megabytes The more memory your video card has, the more quickly it can draw complex images on the screen

10. Ports What types of ports are available for plugging in other equipment, e.g. audio input and output?

11. Software What software is included by default?

12. Conclusion You should know what the basic components of a computer are and what they do. You should be able to purchase a computer and look at the specifications and understand generally what they mean.