HARDWARE TERMS

CPU (Central Processing Unit, Processor): It is sometimes helpful to think of the CPU as the brain of a computer because it performs all the calculations and coordinates all systems events. Because of its central role, the CPU is often the most significant factor in the speed of the computer.

Memory (RAM): While a document or application is open on your computer, at least part of it is stored in the computer’s random access memory (RAM). The more RAM you have on your computer, the more tasks you will be able to do at once, and the faster your computer will operate. The amount of RAM a program uses varies from program to program. Graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop require large amounts of memory, whereas a simple text editor such as Note Pad usually requires very little memory. Data stored in RAM is temporary; the information stored in it will be lost when your computer is turned off. A minimum of 256 MB of memory is standard today for Macs and PCs. Compared to the cost of other components, RAM is inexpensive, and it is often the easiest and least expensive way to increase your computer’s performance.

Hard Disk: A hard disk is where all the information on your computer is stored. Most computers today come with the capacity to hold several gigabytes of information.

CD-ROM Drive: A CD-ROM drive is a unit that is used to read CDs. It is an essential component to have in your computer system. Although a CD-ROM drive will allow you to read CDs, it will not allow you to write to them (in other words, you cannot save work to them). In order to write to CDs, you will need to have a CD-R or CD-RW drive.

CD-Recorders: There are two types of CD-Recorders, CD-R drives (short for CD-Recordable) and CD-RW drives (short for CD-Rewritable). CD-R disks can only be written on, or “burned,” once. You can read CD-R disks on all CD-R and CD-ROM drives. CD-RW disks, on the other hand, can be written over and over, but cannot be read on any drives but CD-RW drives. CD Recorder drives allow users to store information on CDs that can hold up to 650 MB. CD Recorders are good for making permanent archives or backups of data.

DVD-ROM: DVD-ROM is a type of compact disk that holds 4.7 GB of information, eight times more than a normal CD. DVD-ROMs are emerging as a standard way to play films, and are becoming increasingly common for distributing software applications. It is very likely that they may gradually replace CD-ROMs in computers.

DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM drives allow you to save data to a DVD. There are two different and incompatible formats for DVD-RAM drives, DVD-R and DVD+R. It is important to note the format type of the drive.

Sound Cards: Sound cards are responsible for playing and recording sound to or from a computer. Almost all new PCs and Macs come with sound capabilities that meet most administrative needs.

Display (Monitor): The most common output device on a computer, a display is much like a television. Displays come in varying sizes and resolutions, which determines how much of a Web page or document you can see at a time. Most desktop displays are 15”, 17”, or 21” diagonally; laptop displays generally range from 8” to 15” diagonally. There are several types of displays, from CRT monitors to the newer LCD displays (flat panel, thin). The LCD monitors tend to be more expensive, but they take up less desk space and generally provide less strain on the eyes.

Network Interface Card (NIC): The NIC allows your computer to connect to a network. When purchasing a NIC, look for 10/100 MB speeds. A NIC is required for connecting to the campus network and should be part of any new computer purchase.

As the wireless network grows, wireless networking is becoming more viable. As of now, wireless network access is available on campus in a few locations and is an option for laptops. Wireless network cards are available for laptops and desktops. If you wish to have wireless access, make sure that your computer also has a regular NIC card for those areas not covered in the wireless network.

Floppy disks and other removable media: Many computers today include at least a floppy drive for transporting and backing up up to 1.44 MB of information. These are obsolete on Macs and will soon be obsolete on PCs.

Graphics or Video Card: A video card controls the computer’s interface with the display (monitor). Video cards come in many different makes and models. You will want to make sure that the video card you choose can display the resolution you require (anywhere from 800x600 to 1600x1200) and the color depth you need (16-bit to 32-bit). Most computers come with video cards that will match your requirements.

OPERATING SYSTEM TERMS

PC: Windows XP is the newest and recommended Windows operating system for PCs.

Macintosh: OS X offers a stable system, with backwards compatibility for all of the previous applications. OS X also offers good security, and is designed to act as a multi-user system. OS X is based on the Open BSD system.

Warranty: When purchasing a computer, it is advised to buy a warranty for that computer that will last the lifetime of the computer. Many departments run a 3-year replacement cycle for computers. Most manufacturers offer 3-year parts and labor warranties on their machines. Purchasing the warranty brings the total cost of ownership down, as replacement parts and support are available for the machines from the vendor.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE TERMS

Word Processing: Virtually all personal computers are equipped with a word processing program that allows you to create, edit, print, and store text documents. Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity applications, is the most commonly used word processor on campus. Other word processing software includes WordPerfect.

Electronic Spreadsheet: These programs allow you to enter data into rows and tables, perform computations, and sort the data. Spreadsheets are also used to create graphs and charts. Microsoft Excel, part of the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity applications, is the most commonly used spreadsheet on campus. Quattro Pro is another spreadsheet program.

Database: A database program stores different types of information so that it can be sorted, queried, arranged for a report, or otherwise manipulated as needed. Microsoft Access (for PCs only), FileMaker, SQL Server (for PCs only) and Oracle are examples of database programs.

Email: Email programs allow you read, compose, send and receive email across the Internet and campus network. This has become a vital, day-to-day operations on the campus. Examples of email programs include Eudora, Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail, Microsoft Entourage and web-based email programs such as Geckomail and MyUCDavis.

Desktop Publishing: These applications allow you to create documents, newsletters, or magazines using a combination of text, graphics, and advanced formatting. Examples of this type of software include Adobe PageMaker and InDesign, Quark Express, and a variety of other specialized graphics and animation programs.

Web Browsing: With the campus network and a web browser, you can connect to the web and view millions of web pages. This gives you access to an unprecedented amount of information that can be used for research, general information, or just to inspire you with new ideas. Examples of web browsers include Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer. It is recommended that you have both of these browsers because some Web pages are designed to display features properly in one browser or the other. If a Web page does not display properly, you should try another browser before concluding that the problem is with the Web page.

Graphics: This type of program allows you to create and modify images and movies for use in presentations, Web pages, and flyers. Examples of this type of software include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and Director.