        
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the
differences between the Quad Core, i3, i5 and i7 processors?
What is RAM?
What do I need RAM for? What are the different types of RAM?
What are the
differences between Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7?
Video /
Graphic Cards? What do they do? What is ATI and what is NVIDIA?
What are the
different manufacturers of laptops? Which would you recommend for laptops?
What is a HDD?
Why is it important? How large should I get my HDD?
Adam from Greystanes:
I’m buying a laptop but I’m not sure what accessories I might need… Can you
suggest a list of things I might need?
Natalie Blutton from
Lidcombe:
I’m not sure whether to buy a PC or a Mac. What are the differences and
which should I go with?
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What are the differences between the Quad Core, i3, i5 and i7
processors? |
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The processor: A PC is a box of components, including circuit
boards, memory cards, hard drives, and so on—that together help you
accomplish tasks. Your PC needs a centralized controller to
coordinate these components, and that's the role of the processor.
Processors go by other names, too, including microprocessor, CPU
(central processing unit), and sometimes just "the chip."
Intel have now released a new line of processors which make use of
Quad Core technology.
The Intel Core i3 processor is the perfect entry point for a fast,
responsive PC experience. It operates at
3.06
GHz and 2.93 GHz core speeds and has 2 processors with 4 threads,
with a 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Each processor handles four
tasks at a time, meaning 8 tasks at a time.
The Intel® Core™ i5 processor includes intelligent performance that
accelerates in response to demanding tasks, such as playing games
and editing photos. It operates at
2.66
GHz and up to 3.20 GHz core speeds, has 2 processors with 4
threads and includes an 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache (which is
double the cache of the i3). Each processor handles four tasks at a
time, with double the cache, meaning 8 tasks at a time at half the
time of the i3.
The Intel® Core™ i7 processors is a
breakthrough in quad-core performance.
It operates at
3.06
GHz, 2.93 GHz, and 2.66 GHz core speeds in 4 processors with 8
processing threads and 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Each
processor handles eight tasks at a time, with double the cache,
meaning 32 tasks at a time. |
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What is RAM? What do I need RAM for? What are the different types of
RAM? |
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RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM helps your
computer to run faster and do more at the same time. In your
computer, your files are stored in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) using a
magnetic arm. This type of memory is slow, so a computer uses a chip
called RAM to remember data so it can be used instantly.
If your computer runs slow, it might be because it has a small
amount of RAM. Often laptops with only 512MB or 1GB of RAM tend to
run slower.
RAM comes in SDRAM, DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 RAM varieties.
SDRAM (or Synchronous Data RAM) is the first type of RAM, common to
computers in the 90s.
DDR1 RAM stands for
Double Data Rate RAM, which basically means it operates at twice
the speed and capacity of SDRAM.
DDR2 RAM operates at twice
the speed and capacity of DDR1 RAM.
DDR3 RAM operates at twice
the speed and capacity of DDR2 RAM.
Most computers take a maximum of 4GB RAM. The newest computers are
now taking up to a maximum of 16GB of RAM. |
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What are the differences between Windows XP, Windows Vista and
Windows 7? |
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Windows has come in many different formats over the last twenty
years, but the platform took off when Windows XP was released
in 2001. Windows XP is considered to be light, simple and reliable
as an operating system and so it’s preferred if you have a machine
with lighter specs, or want to run older programs.
Windows Vista
was released in 2006, and during it’s first year underwent teething
problems. After the release of a few service packs, Vista became
stable but still carried a poor reputation due to the initial
problems. As far as a system goes, it’s reliable and very secure at
the cost of some speed.
Windows 7 was released in
late 2009 and has been a popular addition to the Windows range. This
is mainly because it’s designed to look and feel like the simple and
reliable Windows XP, while maintaining the considerable security
advantages of Windows Vista. It’s faster than Vista, yet far more
modern than Windows XP. It’s fast becoming the operating system of
choice for all consumers. |
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Video / Graphic Cards? What do they do? What is ATI and what is
NVIDIA? |
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Video cards allow your computer to process graphics and feed images
to your monitor. All computers will have a basic graphics card
installed onto the motherboard, powerful enough to display images on
your monitor.
However, for extra performance, many people insist on purchasing a
dedicated graphics card which allows you to display 3D
graphics, as well as perform all normal functions at higher speeds.
These cards are necessary if you want to play most of today’s PC
games, as well as for architectural work which requires 3D graphics
displays.
Graphics cards are mostly manufactured by two companies: ATi
and NVIDIA. Each manufacturer makes many different brands but
essentially it’s like Holden vs Ford: same product, different badge.
Basic cards come in the 256MB variety, while most laptops come in
the 512MB variety.
For ultimate performance, seek a 1GB model. |
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What are the different manufacturers of laptops? Which would you
recommend for laptops? |
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The major manufacturers of laptops are Toshiba, Samsung, Acer,
Activo and HP, with niche manufacturers such as Gigabyte,
Sony and Gateway. In terms of their product, there isn’t a
significant difference between brands in terms of reliability and
service.
You mainly shop by brand if you have an attachment to a specific brand name.
Otherwise, we recommend you shop by the most suitable specs at the
best price instead. It saves you money and gets you the most
powerful machine for your outlay. |
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What is a HDD? Why is it important? How large should I get my HDD? |
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HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive and is the place where your
files are stored when your computer turns off.
Hard Drives are starting at 160GB in brand new machines, with sizes
of up to 1000GB (or 1 Terabyte) in the most advanced machines. 320GB
is fast becoming the standard sized hard drive for laptops.
A 160GB HDD will store up to 320,000 photos, 320GB HDD |
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Adam from Greystanes:
I’m buying a laptop but I’m not sure what accessories I might need…
Can you suggest a list of things I might need? |
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A surge protector protects your computer and other equipment
from short-lived periods of unusually high power in the electrical
lines. The most common causes are nearby lightning strikes or when
the electric service is restored after a power outage.
External speakers
provide better sound than the onboard ones built into most computers
(some desktop machines don't include any internal speaker at all).
Even if your computer came with speakers, consider upgrading them so
you can rock out to your favourite music, movie, or game.
Extra mice
are a necessity for most users because they allow you to scroll and
select much easier than the standard touchpad on a laptop.
Screen filters
are translucent covers that fit over your computer monitor. Along
with a specific filter, they can help to reduce the glare from
reflections, cut down on eye strain by blocking some of the
display's ultraviolet light, and enhance privacy by making it harder
for others to read your screen at an angle.
Webcams
come built into most laptops, and are also available separately and
as an addition to other computers. One especially cool thing they
let you do is chat to extended family overseas such as Skype & MSN.
External hard drives
connect to your computer with a cable to provide you with extra
storage that lets you store large amounts of data like media files.
They are also useful for backing up your computer. |
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Natalie Blutton from
Lidcombe:
I’m not sure whether to buy a PC or a Mac. What are the differences
and which should I go with? |
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Are you a Mac or a PC? The answer depends less on your hardware
preferences and more on your computing philosophy.
From a hardware standpoint, they're about the same. They use many of
the same components from the same manufacturers, including
processors, memory, and hard drives.
The true differences between the systems lie in the way the hardware
is packaged and the software is implemented. If you like a close
integration between hardware and software, you're probably a Mac.
But if you want the freedom to choose from a wide range of system
components, peripherals, and applications, you're most likely a PC.
Apple's approach to computing is simplicity. They do this by
controlling the development of the system and the software that runs
it. For example, no other company can produce a Mac or its operating
system (OS), and Apple dictates how other developers write programs
for the Mac.
Apple offers just three tiers of product: high-end, mainstream, and
basic systems in either desktop or notebook versions (see the table
"Apple Product Breakdown" above).
Dozens of PC makers make almost any combination of Intel processor
and component you can think of. There are countless other variations
mixed and matched with components of just about every capacity.
As a result, your range of choices with a PC is much wider than with
Apple. If you do undemanding tasks like e-mail, browsing the Web,
and word processing, for example, all you need is a basic system
which can be served by a PC. |
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