NOTE: All or some of these components may be in your computer.

CD-ROM: Computer storage read and/or read/write device, always of substantial capacity, which has one surface. Data on this surface may be randomly accessed. The optical disk containing digitized information uses the same technology as the musical CD. Most of the compact disks used by computers are 4.7 inches and hold as much as 780 MB. The CD drive uses laser technology to read and write to the drive. A 52X speed CD ROM drive is adequate.

DVD-ROM: The next-generation video CD and high-capacity CD-ROM; the disc is the same diameter as a CD-ROM, but can be recorded on both sides. Each side holds 4.7GB, equivalent to seven CD-ROMs, or 14 CD-ROMs, if both sides are used.

CD-RW: Compact Disc Recordable/Rewritable. These drives, can record up to 700 megabytes of data onto inexpensive CDR discs, and can write and erase data from more expensive CD-RW discs. Anybody with a standard CD-ROM drive (ie, almost everybody) can read a CDR disc, but only those with an enhanced "Multi-Read" variety of CD-ROM (or another CD-RW writer) can read CD-RW discs produced by these drives.

DVD-RW: Short for DVD Recordable/Rewritable, a recordable and re-recordable DVD format. Each side holds 4.7GB’s of data or more. The data on a DVD-RW disc can be erased and recorded over numerous times without damaging the medium.

MOTHERBOARD: This is the backbone of your system. It is the main board that all the other components plug in to. When it is time to upgrade, find out which processors it will support. Low price computers are sometimes designed with motherboards that have other peripherals permanently set limiting the system's ability to upgrade in the future. Make sure you can upgrade your system if needed.

PROCESSOR: A processor is the brain of the computer that will affect how fast your system will perform, however other factors play a large role in performance. Do not simply compare computers based on processor and price! You may pay ahigher price to obtain the latest technology and will be disappointed to see prices drop after you’ve made your purchase. Many other processors will work nicely for most users.

MEMORY: RAM is where your work gets done. The more space you have the more work you can do. The amount of Ram should be based on the type of applications you will be running and the operating system you use. The type of Ram you have will also affect your computer's performance.

MODEM: A modem is the device that allows your computer to communicate with other computers over the phone lines (the Internet), V.92 modems are now standard. There are other faster means of connecting such as DSL and Cable Modems, however those are a bit higher in price.

HARD DRIVE: The hard drive is the storage area for your computer. Its capacity will determine how much software can be loaded into your computer. 60-80 gigabyte’s is entry level by today’s standard. Twice the capacity should not be twice the price.

SOUND CARD: For most users, a 64 bit sound card is sufficient at entry level, however if audio quality is a high priority, better cards are available Keep in mind that pre-packaged speakers are often inferior. Better speakers make a big difference. Unless your system is for all work and no play it should have a sound card.

VIDEO CARD: The video card is a circuit board that transforms your data into a viewable image on the monitor. There is a large range of video cards, differing both in performance as well as price. High end video cards are required for the latest gaming software as well as photo and video editing. All modern video cards come with their own memory on board.

NETWORK CARD: Also, Network Interface Card or NIC. This is a component of a computer that enables the computer to communicate with other computers via a direct network connection. A network card is also used to connect to the internet.
There are several other considerations to take into account such as monitors, keyboards, speakers, printers and scanners, etc. This is where your budget and needs will determine your purchases.

Computers are advancing very rapidly in today's market. It’s important that the computer you purchase today has the ability to be upgraded in the future.