So you’ve switched on your machine and low and behold, the nice welcome screen comes on and you press the right buttons, and you start to have a play.

This is when you can start to appreciate what they mean with all the writing next to the model specification.

First up usually is the computer’s speed in terms of its processing power. And the bigger the brain, and the faster the brain, the better the computer will perform; this is usually referred to in terms of the Central Processing Unit’s clock speed, which is expressed in units of Hertz. So, at the time of writing, most computers come in at around 2.5GHz, but there are some that can climb to 4GHz and beyond.

And they now boast dual-core capabilities which basically means the computer can multi-task without slowing down its brain. In other words, you can have a number of applications open on your desktop without it hurting core performance.

The next big preoccupation is memory and that’s usually means Random Access Memory. In simplistic terms, much of what the computer needs to know is held in RAM, so think of a computer as a person working at a desk and constantly having to refer to past documents in order to get their job done. Right, the boss wants a document, so the person, before running off to the filing cabinet to refresh their memory as to how the document should look, checks their in-tray, because that’s quicker.

Thus, if they can’t find it on their desk (RAM), they run to the filing cabinet (hard drive) to get what they want. Obviously, the less running around, the quicker the person is working, and the less wear and tear is made on the filing cabinet workings (the hard drive). So, the more RAM you can pack on your computer, the quicker it will be in completing day-to-day tasks. Memory is expressed usually in terms of size, so nowadays two gig of RAM is pretty normal.

Finally, you need to have a think about the hard drive, or the filing cabinet to keep up with the above analogy. The size is usually expressed in terms of gigabytes and a size of 500GB is not uncommon. Basically, the bigger the filing cabinet, the bigger amount of applications and files you can store on your computer.

Now, there’s no need to get hung up on sizes and terms, but if you can get a basic grasp of the three concepts above, then you are a fair way on to understanding your computer.

So, to recap. The computer’s brain is called a processor (CPU), much of its day-to-day tasks are handled by constantly referring to the memory (RAM) and most of the stuff is stored in the hard drive.

What most occupies people about their computers is the memory and the hard drive. You can’t do much about the processor speed. You’re basically stuck with the brain size. You can add to memory in most computers, especially if you bought a low specification machine and it’s beginning to slow down. There are slots inside the case that allow for simple upgrades and although it might seem daunting, it’s a relatively simple task to undertake.

As an average person using your computer, it will give you grief in two ways. It will slow down and it will become attacked by viruses. And these two areas preoccupy most computer users and the good news is, much can be achieved by everyone to put things right. You don’t have to get Bob the handyman around to give you advice, drink your coffee, tell awful jokes then give you a huge bill.

Firstly, slowing down. A computer slows down because, to use our busy person analogy, the person running around the desk doing the task can’t find all the files he needs quick enough. There’s not enough stored on his desk, so he keeps running back to the filing cabinet which is progressively becoming fuller and fuller with files, spilling out all over the place and all out of order. In other words, it’s a complete mess. In computer terms, the CPU can’t get enough from RAM, so it keeps having to use a hard drive and because the hard drive is so disorganised, or packed full, and things take that bit longer.

And when that happens, a person needs to do a quick Spring clean and make sure that the memory is right for the job and that the hard drive is emptied of rubbish and that the files are organised properly.

Secondly, the big problem with your computer will be viruses. Basically it’s a jungle out there and if you roam the internet, do not wander from the pack and look around the corner. For the unsuspecting user, it can be a nightmare.

So, back to your nice computer There’s a quick tip and this reinforces the need to get to know your machine. Remember the sounds when its running ‘sweet’; when its operating without a hitch in other words.

Disregard the fan noises if you can. Bits inside a modern computer get hot, so don’t worry if the fan is going hell for leather to keep everyone cooled down. But if you computer is merrily chattering away to itself like the old boy in the park talking to himself (have a look at the red light, is it going like the blazes), even when you’re not doing much, then this could be a sign that: a. the memory is not able to cope and that the CPU is having to rely more on the hard drive (which puts wear on it); b. the hard drive is totally disorganised and can’t find anything anymore; c. that there’s other applications whirling away in the background which shouldn’t be on; or, d. that some nasty bug is on your computer and that it’s doing its own thing, without your knowledge.

We handle each possibility on our website.

But remember that sound when you’re computer is running well. Because if you hear that sound change, there may well be something wrong.

Getting To Know Your PC – Part II – Recap

Remember:

• central processing unit (CPU);
• random access memory (RAM);
• hard drive;
• the sound of your computer.