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OK so you think you’ve found the perfect Laptops, but just what exactly does AGP, Gigabyte, Bios, ATA or even Hyper threading.
Read on and we’ll try to explain as best we can.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line
This is also known as Broadband sometimes, ADSL is a connection using existing telephone lines with fast download & upload speeds.
It can reach speeds of up to 9Mbit per second for downloading and currently up to 640Kbits per second upload speed.
It works by splitting your phone line signal into two seperate channels, one for normal voice usage and the other for data usage, this is achieved by placing a splitter on the existing phone line to enable multi-frequency communication.
Another advantage of having an ADSL line is not missing calls while you're online, as both voice and data can be transferred at the same time. Great for using with your Laptops.
AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port
An interface developed by Intel which allows a graphics card to access your Laptops memory directly which along with the wider bandwidth helps improve graphics performance.
AGP has now come to replace a lot of PCI video cards due to its superior performance, most modern motherboards have an AGP slot as standard. Some motherboards come with an AGP graphics card built-in.
You will see AGP cards advertised with different specifications, including throughput (bandwidth), here is a summary of the throughput they refer to:
1X - 266MBps
2X - 533MBps
4X - 1.07GBps
8X - 2.1GBps
Obviously the higher the throughput the better, although nowadays most video cards run at 8X.
Many Laptops do not have an AGP Port.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
A widely used character encoding system first used in 1963. It uses a 7 bit code to represent characters with numbers (0 to 127), there are also ASCII extensions in use which utilise 8 bit codes to represent international characters in addition to the standard ASCII scheme.
AVI
Audio Video Interleaved
A multimedia file type, the audio and video elements are interleaved in alternate segments within the AVI file. This has become a very popular format on the Internet for video distribution due to the fast download times and reasonable quality reproduction. Most Laptops are capable of playing AVI files with compatible software.
Bandwidth
In computing
Bandwidth refers to the capacity of a communications line/channel to transmit/receive information and is measured in bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes.
Internet Service Providers
Bandwidth (when specified by an ISP) is the monthly quota of data that you are allowed to upload and download with your internet connection, your monthly bandwidth allowance will (usually) be measured in Megabytes or Gigabytes, the amount of bandwidth you need depends on how you intend to use the internet. Most Laptops are compatable with most Internet Service Providers.
For example, if you will be using the internet just to view websites, then you won't need as much bandwidth as someone who is downloading music and video for the same amount of hours.
note: one Megabyte (MB) = 1024 Kilobytes (KB).
- · The average webpage is around 50KB (kilobytes) including images
- · The average MP3 audio file is around 4MB (Megabyte)
So you would use the same amount of bandwidth to download one MP3 audio file as you would to view eighty one webpages (50Kb) on the internet.
As you can see it depends greatly on what you are using your internet connection for as to how much bandwidth you will need.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System
The CPU in a Laptop needs a way of communicating with the many different hardware devices that are installed, each hardware device has its own special BIOS software which allows for this communication.
The BIOS contains special software instructions that enable the CPU to communicate with and control devices, it is usually stored in ROM and can be either built-in to the motherboard or on the device itself.
The main BIOS in a system is stored inside a microchip on your motherboard and is the first piece of software your computer runs when you (boot up) turn it on.
It uses the information stored in the CMOS memory for configuration purposes.
A Flash BIOS can be updated with new information and many motherboard manufacturers publish updates for their respective BIOS on their websites. All Laptops come with BIOS.
Bit
Binary Digit
This refers to a binary digit i.e it would either be a 1 or a 0, 8 bits make a Byte. It refers to information stored or processed in a digital system. For instance if you have a 64 bit processor then it can process 64 bits (8 bytes) of data every clock cycle.
Byte
A Byte is made up of 8 bits, and is the measurement unit used to describe the storage capacity and transfer rate of digital systems. One Kilobyte is 1024 bytes, One Megabyte is 1024 Kilobytes and so on.
Cache
Pronounced "Cash" this usually comes in two forms, either disk cache or memory cache, the former being a space normally on a hard disk set aside by the computer/software to store information it thinks it will need again, for instance browsers use disk cache to store information from websites such as pictures and alike, this reduces the need for the modem to keep downloading the same data each time you visit a webpage. The latter can either utilise normal memory or special memory which has a faster access time that is used by the system to store information that is used frequently, it can also 'guess' what information the user may require next and loads this into the cache memory for faster access. Many Laptops come with a 1mb Cache.
Cookie
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites for various different reasons. For instance Yahoo use cookies for reasons such as storing your preferences for Yahoo related services, and to access certain information when you sign in to a personalised service such as My Yahoo.
Other websites will often use cookies for identifying purposes, demographic statistics and also when you are shopping online to remember what you have in your shopping basket.
CPU
Central Processing Unit
This refers to the processor (or brain) in your Laptop system:
Its common components are as follows:
- · CU - Control Unit, this sequences, controls and times the other functions of the CPU.
- · ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit, this carries out simple mathematical equations on the binary data stored inside the data registers.
- · Registers - these are temporary memory locations which hold binary data and store the results of ALU calculations, there are also memory address registers which as the name suggests hold data concerning where in the memory certain instructions and data is held.
- · BUS - this carries data between the memory and registers.
DDR
Double Data Rate
DDR refers to a specification of SDRAM memory, DDR can transfer data at double the rate of normal SDRAM. It achieves this by transferring data twice per clock cycle, once on the rising edge and once on the falling edge of the cycle.
DIMM
Dual Inline Memory Module
DIMM refers to a type of memory module commonly used in modern Laptops and Computers.
DIMMS have a 64-bit data path and are widely used in Laptops with 64-bit processors as they don't need to be doubled up unlike SIMMS.
The dual inline part refers to the way the chips are mounted on the module.
They come in either a 144 pin or 168 pin package, the 144 pin module is commonly used in laptops and the 168 pin modules are used in most modern Laptop motherboards. Most Laptops have DIMM memory.
DOS
Disk Operating System
This is a system that software uses to utilise the disk drives in your computer.
IBM® first created DOS® for the series 700 computers years ago, then Microsoft® developed their own version called MS-DOS®, over the years DOS has become outdated due to it's limited capabilities, although Windows® still shipped with MS-DOS® until the recent XP version.
DRAM
Dynamic Random Access Memory
A type of memory (RAM) widely used in today's Laptops. DRAM works differently to SDRAM as it needs to be refreshed to continue holding the data, this means a slight loss of speed as the memory refreshes itself with a pulse of current to each of its cells.
EIDE
Enhance Integrated Drive Electronics
EIDE refers to an interface standard developed by Western Digital, since around the end of 1994 EIDE controllers have been widely used in the Laptop industry surpassing the earlier IDE standard due to its faster data transfer rates.
The interface controls storage devices like hard drives, CD ROM drives, and CD Writers.
Seagate introduced their own implementation of the EIDE standard and is commonly known as Fast ATA.
Typical EIDE transfer rates are up to 16.6 MBps, the newer Ultra ATA standard which is a variation of EIDE but developed by Seagate can reach data transfer rates of up to 33 MBps. Most Cheap Laptops feature EIDE interface controls.
Ethernet
Refers to a standard of the LAN system, Ethernet supports up to 10Mbps per second transfer, a newer implementation of the Ethernet specification 100 Base-T supports up to 100Mbps.
The latest standard (Gigabit Ethernet) can support up to 1000Mbps (1 Gigabit).
Ethernets are common place in offices where file/device sharing is required. Many modern Laptops include an Ethernet port.
Firewall
Refers to a security program which protects your computer from un-authorised access through a network and/or the Internet. These are very important especially if your computer is connected directly to the Internet i.e. cable users.
Gigahertz
Gigahertz is a frequency measurement and it refers to billions of cycles per second, it is widely used in computing for processor specifications, for example a processor running at 2 GHz can handle 2 billion cycles per second. 1 GHz is equal to 1000 Mhz. Hertz is named after Physicist Heinrich Hertz.
Gigabyte
This is a measurement used to describe 1024 Megabytes. Hard disk capacity is usually measured in Gigabytes.
1 Gigabyte is 1,073,741,824 Bytes.
Graphics Card
A Graphics Card also known as a Video Card is an internal device which controls and produces the display on your screen.
Graphic cards come with various specifications, and unless they are built-in to the motherboard (mainboard) they have their own RAM onboard. Some models boast a TV OUT feature which allows you to connect the Graphics card to your TV/VCR, this can be useful if your Laptop has a DVD player and you want to watch a DVD on your domestic TV.
Graphic cards also come with different slot types, although the most common now is the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) type you can still get PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) graphic cards for older motherboards.
The built-in (motherboard) graphic cards use the system's main RAM as their own, the amount of RAM assigned can be adjusted within your computer's BIOS setup. Laptops have either a dedicated graphics card or on board graphics.
Hard Disk / Hard Drive
This is your computers main storage device, this is where you would normally keep your programs and files. These devices contain platters (disk like objects) that rotate at speeds of 5400 rpm and above, there is a device called an actuator that can be likened to an arm which moves across the platters and reads or writes the information through the use of READ/WRITE heads. the gap between the READ/WRITE heads and the platter is typically a lot less than the thickness of a human hair. Many Cheap Laptops only have a hard drive of around 20-40 gig.
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-threading refers to a technology developed by Intel® which is incorporated into some of Intel's Pentium 4 processors.
Hyper-threading basically extends the multi-tasking capability of the processor by allowing more than one instruction thread to be processed at a time.
Most processors can only process one instruction thread at a time, with Hyper-threading this is extended to 2 threads giving a significant increase in processor performance.
IDE
Integrated Drive Electronics
IDE (also known as ATA) refers to a standard used in Hard Drives whereby the controller is integrated into the device, this standard saw the end of separate disk controllers for IDE devices, see also SCSI.
ilink
A fast digital link for transferring video, audio and other files between two devices.
IEEE 1394 (firewire) refers to the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) digital connectivity standard commonly referred to as Firewire.
Apple inc, Sony Corp and a few others helped to develop the IEEE 1394 standard.
This type of interface is becoming ever more popular, some common devices using the IEEE 1394 interface are digital video cameras, hard drives and other storage devices, it offers real-time, bi-directional, fast data transfer along with Plug and Play compatibility for ease of use. Some Cheap Laptops feature an ilink port.
IEEE 1394/Firewire characteristics:
IEEE 1394a - Firewire 400
- · Data Throughput: 400Mbps
- · Maximum Cable Length: 4.5 Metres
IEEE 1394b - Firewire 800
- · Data Throughput: 800Mbps
- · Maximum Cable Length: 100 Metres
Firewire®
Firewire is the registered trademark of Apple's IEEE 1394 digital connection.
iLink®
iLink is the registered trademark of Sony's IEEE 1394 digital connection.
KB
Kilobyte
A measurement used in digital systems to describe storage capacity, 1 Kilobyte is equal to 1024 (210) Bytes in digital systems.
MB
Megabyte
This is a measurement used in digital systems such as Laptops to describe storage capacity (usually RAM, Hard Drive capacity is mostly stated in Gigabytes these days).
Mathematically one Megabyte is 220 (1,048,576)
One megabyte is equal to 1024 Kilobytes, so a memory module with a capacity of 256MB can store 268,435,456 Bytes.
MHz
Megahertz
A frequency measurement, refers to millions of cycles per second, for example a processor running at 500 MHz can handle 500 Million cycles per second. See also GHz, 1 MHz is equal to 1,000,000 Hz. Hertz is named after Physicist Heinrich Hertz.
Modem
MOdulator DEModulator
A communications device used to connect to a network such as the internet.
Modems come in various different forms, the most common is the internal modem which uses a PCI interface to connect to the motherboard. Some motherboards come with modems built-in.
Another type of modem is the external, which, as the name suggests is not inside the case and has it's own power supply. It is connected by way of a cable, which can be serial, USB etc. Just about all Laptops come fitted with an internal Modem.
Motherboard - Mainboard
A motherboard (mainboard) is the main circuit board within a Laptop, most modern motherboards come with the following features:
- · A processor slot (type will depend on the board specifications)
- · Memory banks
- · AGP slot
- · PCI slots
- · IDE interface
- · USB ports
These are just some of the features that a motherboard may have as standard, some motherboards come with integrated components such as a sound card, graphics card, modem, NIC (Network Interface Card) and more.
All the components inside your Laptop connect to the motherboard in one way or another, a few examples:
- · Memory banks are used for RAM modules.
- · PCI slots are used to provide connectivity for PCI cards such as modems and sound cards.
- · AGP slots are used for graphics accelerators.
- · IDE interfaces are used to connect and control IDE devices such as hard drives and CD-ROM drives.
Your choice of motherboard will depend on what processor you intend to use in your Laptop. All laptops come fitted with a motherboard.
MS DOS
Microsoft Disk Operating System
This is the system that Windows® based machines use to access and maintain storage devices.
Operating System
Refers to the main software of a computer system for instance Windows ®, all installed programs run under the control of the operating system.
Parallel Port
Parallel port/interface refers to a standard 25 pin (D25) connector found on most (if not all) Cheap Laptops, commonly used for connecting a printer.
A standard parallel port transmits 8 data bits at a time, as opposed to a serial port which transmits data one bit at a time.
Due to the speed advantage (up to around 150KBps a second) over the serial port, parallel ports are commonly used for printers and even small networks.
ECP (Extended Capability Port) and EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) are both implementations of the parallel standard, they both offer faster data transfer (up to 2Mb/sec) and are commonly supported in modern Laptops.
PCI
Originally developed by Intel, PCI refers to a cross platform local bus technology integrated into modern motherboards.
PCI slots are used to connect a computer's internal components such as modems, sound-cards, network cards, etc.
There are 2 different implementations of PCI, one which is a 32-bit bus running at 33Mhz and the other (PCI 2.0) which is a 64-bit bus running at 66Mhz.
The development of the PCI bus specification is controlled by PCI-SIG whose board is made up of members of Adaptec, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies and more.
RAM
Random Access Memory
Originally developed by Intel, PCI refers to a cross platform local bus technology integrated into modern motherboards.
PCI slots are used to connect a computer's internal components such as modems, sound-cards, network cards, etc.
There are 2 different implementations of PCI, one which is a 32-bit bus running at 33Mhz and the other (PCI 2.0) which is a 64-bit bus running at 66Mhz.
The development of the PCI bus specification is controlled by PCI-SIG whose board is made up of members of Adaptec, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies and more.
RAID
Redundant Array of Independant Disks
RAID refers to a hard disk technology which can be used to speed up data transfer and/or provide disk redundancy through disk system fault tolerance.
RAID provides these features by utilising more than one hard disk at a time, there are several variations of a RAID configuration referred to as levels.
Each of these levels provide different performance and/or fault tolerance benefits.
RAID configurations are commonly found in data critical applications.
SDRAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Refers to a type of memory (DRAM) that can sychronise itself with the processor's bus speed, and can run at much higher speeds than it's EDO counterpart.
Serial Port
Communications port which connects the computer to various peripherals including modems.
A serial port tramsmits data sequentially (one bit at a time) as opposed to parallel ports which transmit 8 bits at a time.
Sound Card
This is an internal device which controls and produces any sounds including music that your Laptop makes.
Sound cards come with various specifications, for example some have more inputs/outputs than others allowing for 5.1 surround sound etc, others have a higher sampling frequency to give better sound recording.
Sound cards can also come built-in to motherboards (mainboards), although the built-in cards are usually sufficient for most uses they can be lacking in quality and features if you intend to record or create digital music or sounds.
USB
Universal Serial Bus
This is a fairly recent feature of new computers, that simplifies adding peripherals (mice, printers, scanners, etc) to your Laptop.
Most (if not all) new Laptops come with USB ports built-in, the amount of USB ports your Laptop has will depend on the manufacturer and model.
If you need more USB ports then you can purchase special devices (internal and external) which will allow you to add more USB devices fairly easily.
You can connect USB devices while the Laptop is switched on, also it isn't necessary to restart the Laptop and SHOULD automatically prompt the user to load any necessary drivers that came with your device.
USB 2.0 is a newer implementation of the USB standard and was jointly developed by Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC and Philips.
USB 2.0 provides a higher data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps (Megabits per second). Many Laptops feature several USB ports.
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