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PCs, laptops and netbooks jargon buster

Buying a computer can be a confusing experience, with all the different PC and technological jargon. To make it easier to find the right computer for you, we've listed an explanation of the most common technical terms.

Bluetooth This allows you to wirelessly connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices, such as keyboards, mice and mobile phones.
CD/DVD drive (Optical drive) Used for reading/playback of CDs and DVDs. Some drives are also able to record and rewrite. Some of our PCs can also play Blu-ray discs, allowing you to enjoy your favourite films with high-definition detail.
Contrast ratio This is a measure of the brightest whites and darkest blacks that a screen can produce simultaneously. Screens with a high contrast ratio can reproduce better quality images with more detail.
Ethernet ports This can be used to connect your computer to another computer, a local network, or an external modem or router.
Graphics card The graphics card within your PC is a device that makes your computer capable of displaying and manipulating images.
Graphics memory If you want to use your PC for high-quality gaming or intensive image editing, look for a computer with dedicated graphics memory. These PCs will display a number in brackets next to the graphics category; this is the amount of memory specifically assigned to running graphics.
Hard drive This is the computer’s central storage system. The bigger the hard drive, the more applications and data you can store on your PC.
HDMI ports A connection that allows full digital transmission of both audio and visual data. HDMI supports full high-definition signals.
Modem/cable router This is a communication device that is connected to a telephone or cable line providing internet access to your home PC.
Multi card reader This is a device used to read from, or write to, a smart card or flash memory card (SD, Micro SD, etc).

Operating system

 This is the term used to describe the software that handles the computer’s basic functions. Windows is the operating system for PC’s, and Mac OS is the operating system for Apple.
Processor The processor drives the performance and quality of applications. Our range of products feature Intel or AMD branded processors.
RAM Random Access Memory or RAM is the space available to run programs and files. The higher the amount of RAM the more applications you will be able to run simultaneously.
Resolution Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on screen. The higher the screen resolution, the more detail can be displayed.
Response time
 This is a measure of how long a display takes to change the image. Look for fast response times if you want to play computer games and view action movies and sports on your PC monitor.
Screen size The diagonal measure of visible picture from one corner of the screen to the other.
TV card This is a component that allows television signals to be received by a computer. Most also function as video capture cards, allowing you to record and save television programmes.
USB ports This is a high-speed multi-purpose connection that allows external devices to be connected to your computer, such as scanners, printers and digital cameras.

Webcam

 These are low resolution digital cameras built into your PC that allow you to communicate with your friends and family online.
Wi-Fi Allows you to wirelessly connect your PC, or other computing equipment to the internet using a wireless network. This feature also allows you to wirelessly connect multiple PC’s to one another. The use of Wi–Fi typically needs to be used in conjunction with a wireless modem/router.
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