Computer-speak in plain English

The CPU or central processing unit 

The CPU could be called the engine of your computer. Intel consumer marketing manager Dan Anderson says a 2.66 gigahertz (GHz) processor, found in many entry-level computers, is more than powerful enough for most users.
 

RAM or random-access memory

RAM is short-term memory, responsible for keeping track as you write letters or surf the web. Two gigabytes (GB) of RAM is all most users require.
 

The hard drive

The hard drive records and stores data such as photos, documents or music files. Most entry-level laptops have 160GB hard drives, which is plenty unless you’re amassing a huge music or movie database. You can always buy an external hard drive if you need extra capacity or to back up your data.

Anderson suggests that rather than taking a “bigger is better” approach, people buying a computer or laptop should look for a “balanced platform”. “There’s no point in having a souped-up CPU and no RAM, or lots of RAM and a weak PC,” he says, adding buyers should consider what’s easier to tweak down the track. “The CPU is the hardest thing to upgrade, whereas things like RAM can be added relatively cheaply.”

The sales people at the shop might try to upsell you a souped-up graphics card. Anderson says having one is not necessary unless you plan on playing graphics-heavy video games.

The operating system
 

The operating system is the interface that connects you to the computer. Most PCs run Microsoft Windows; Apple computers have their own operating system. Fiona Martin of Apple Australia and New Zealand claims that Apple computers are more intuitive for the average user. “We make it as easy as possible for people to do things such as set up a [wireless internet] network,” she says.