A personal computer,
or PC, is a machine that accepts and gives information. That
information comes in the form of
digital
data.
A PC is a tool or
device built
around a microprocessor. also
known as a CPU or central processing unit.
The CPU on your computer is your computer's engine. It is made
up of a single chip. When you hear words like Pentium, you are
discussing CPU's. They keep getting better, so ask your
salesperson to compare the
features
of each one. A microprocessor is very small, and it is
placed inside the computer's box with the other parts.
A microprocessor is
like the heart of the computer. It has lots of different parts:
a
memory, a
hard
drive, a
modem, and
more. Those parts work together to let you do many things. For
example, you can use a PC to type documents, send e-mail, watch
movies, hear music, talk to and see other people, browse the
Web, and play games. In the future, computers may even begin to
manufacture products from digital images. Think about that!
Although all PC's do
about the same type of things, you need to look carefully before
you buy one. You need to consider why you need a computer. What
components do you need and will you use? You do not want
to spend money on parts or programs you will not use.
Talk to people
before you buy a computer. Ask them to give you good ideas on
what to buy. Computers are like dogs. They all work about the
same way, but you need one that will fit your personality. And
like a dog, if you treat it right, it will be there for you when
you need it!
