( 
)There are a host of different computers and devices to choose from varying in shape, size, color, and of course cost!
Finding the one that is right for you should not be a life changing event, so let’s try to categorize the type of computers and their functions.
Your choice will depend on the type of needs you have for work or play, the environment you work in, and how much computing power you really need.
Computers are categorized by processor type and speed, knowing what type of processor you need is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a new computer.
We will look at the various types of processors according to their processing power
and capabilities.
The Intel Pentium Processor
The Intel Pentium comes in several different models and processor sppeds currently ranging from 2.6Ghz to 3.8Ghz, which processor is right for you depends on your needs.
We can breakdown the processors into simple categories to help define the functions that they are best suited for.
Intel Celeron Processor
The celeron processor is a reduced cache processor that has speeds up to 2.80Ghz .
Cache is what is used to buffer requests and speed up operations of the processor, since Intel has put the least amount of cache in these chips, they are the slowest rated for processing power.
The ideal usage for the Intel Pentium Celeron chip is listed below:
If your basic needs are in this category, than you should look for this type of processor and save yourself some money, any more is like buying a fast car when you know you can really only go 65 MPH and if you dont need anymore speed, this is a perfect fit.
Intel Pentium 4 Processor
The Intel Pentium 4 currently ships with processor speeds from 2.66Ghz to 3.8Ghz , and utilize processor cache from 1Mb to 2Mb in size. This increased cache size allows more instructions to be cached to the processor allowing greater computing capabilities.
Additionally the Pentium 4 processors offer something called HyperThreading, this is a way of splitting up instructions and acting like 2 processors in 1 chip. To the Microsoft operating system it is discovered as 2 seperate chips and allows multiple tasks (multi threading) to be run simultaneously.
The Pentium 4 capabilities are listed below:
Intel Pentium D Processor
The Pentium D processors are Dual Core (2-processors) in one chip, available in 2.66Ghx to 3.60Ghz
the Pentium D offers true multi tasking operations with split cache (2x1Mb or 2x2Mb).
This processor is generally used by what is known as Power Users, advanced computer users who typically do multiple tasks at once and cannot afford to have the processor slow down.
The Pentium D capabilities are listed below:
Desktop or Laptop Computer ?
Another item to think about is the type of computer you need, are you in a Home Office, just a casual Internet and E-Mail user, are you constantly going out of town for business ?
These are basic questions for helping decide what type of computer you need.
Desktop PC
The Desktop PC is a stationary item, consisting of the PC, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and peripheral devices attached. The Desktop is ideal for the Home or Office and offers greater expansion than a Laptop can.
The desktop PC will have expansion slots that will allow you to customize your PC by adding components for whatever your needs are. If you need a lightening fast graphics adapter with acceleration you only need to purchase it, or maybe a special effects board for recording music or video.
Additionally the PC will usually offer additional memory slots which allows the Desktop to have much more memory capabilities than a Laptop. This is a definite plus for the Power User, but is something typically not needed for the average user.
Another feature that needs to be considered is the type of monitor to use, monitors are typically in the sizes from 15" to 21" and offered in CRT (Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal) models.
If you are the type of users who needs any of the functions mentioned aboved, you should consider a Desktop PC.
Laptop PC
The Laptop PC or mobile computer is small lightweight and versitile, allowing you to carry your data files with you from Office to Home, or on Business.
Along with the sleek looks, the Laptop has a built in LCD display, usually from 14" to 17" and are also available in Wide Screen, a built in keyboard that is a reduced size from the normal keyboards used by the Desktops, and has a built in mouse (usually a touchpad).
Typically most Laptops have 2 memory slots available, and can allow for several gigabytes of memory which is usually more than sufficient for their usage.
Thep Laptop is also a great device for the college student who can utilize its capabilities on campus as well as Home.
The basic information stated above will help you in sizing the needs for your computer, what type of processor, expandability, memory, and mobility.
All of the stated processors are available in both the Desktop or Laptop PC, and do a fantastic job whatever your needs may be.
The only consideration with a Laptop is the keyboard size and LCD display. The keyboard on a Laptop may make it difficult to use if you do not see well, and a small LCD screen like a 14" makes it difficult to see smaller objects.
So the basic questions comes down to do I need mobility or not and what type of processor power do I need ? Hopefully the information above will help you make a informed decision on your next PC purchase or upgrade.
Below are Links to help you search for the basic models available.
Pentium 4 3.2Ghz
Pentium 4 3.6Ghz
Pentium 4 Hyperthread
Pentium 4 Dual Core
Pentium 4 - 2.8Ghz
Pentium 4 - 3.0Ghz
Pentium 4 - 3.2Ghz
Finding the one that is right for you should not be a life changing event, so let’s try to categorize the type of computers and their functions.
Your choice will depend on the type of needs you have for work or play, the environment you work in, and how much computing power you really need.
Computers are categorized by processor type and speed, knowing what type of processor you need is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a new computer.
We will look at the various types of processors according to their processing power
and capabilities.
The Intel Pentium Processor 
The Intel Pentium comes in several different models and processor sppeds currently ranging from 2.6Ghz to 3.8Ghz, which processor is right for you depends on your needs.We can breakdown the processors into simple categories to help define the functions that they are best suited for.
Intel Celeron Processor 
The celeron processor is a reduced cache processor that has speeds up to 2.80Ghz .Cache is what is used to buffer requests and speed up operations of the processor, since Intel has put the least amount of cache in these chips, they are the slowest rated for processing power.
The ideal usage for the Intel Pentium Celeron chip is listed below:
- Word documents and spreadsheets
- E-mail, Web access
- Basic home software (Finance, Educational, Recreational)
If your basic needs are in this category, than you should look for this type of processor and save yourself some money, any more is like buying a fast car when you know you can really only go 65 MPH and if you dont need anymore speed, this is a perfect fit.
Intel Pentium 4 Processor 
The Intel Pentium 4 currently ships with processor speeds from 2.66Ghz to 3.8Ghz , and utilize processor cache from 1Mb to 2Mb in size. This increased cache size allows more instructions to be cached to the processor allowing greater computing capabilities.Additionally the Pentium 4 processors offer something called HyperThreading, this is a way of splitting up instructions and acting like 2 processors in 1 chip. To the Microsoft operating system it is discovered as 2 seperate chips and allows multiple tasks (multi threading) to be run simultaneously.
The Pentium 4 capabilities are listed below:
- Gaming
- Music
- Video
- Authoring
- Design
Intel Pentium D Processor 
The Pentium D processors are Dual Core (2-processors) in one chip, available in 2.66Ghx to 3.60Ghz the Pentium D offers true multi tasking operations with split cache (2x1Mb or 2x2Mb).
This processor is generally used by what is known as Power Users, advanced computer users who typically do multiple tasks at once and cannot afford to have the processor slow down.
The Pentium D capabilities are listed below:
- Video Editing/Authoring
- Music Editing/Authoring
- Design/CAD software
- Multi Tasking Operations
- Intense Gaming
Desktop or Laptop Computer ?
Another item to think about is the type of computer you need, are you in a Home Office, just a casual Internet and E-Mail user, are you constantly going out of town for business ?These are basic questions for helping decide what type of computer you need.
Desktop PC 
The Desktop PC is a stationary item, consisting of the PC, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and peripheral devices attached. The Desktop is ideal for the Home or Office and offers greater expansion than a Laptop can.The desktop PC will have expansion slots that will allow you to customize your PC by adding components for whatever your needs are. If you need a lightening fast graphics adapter with acceleration you only need to purchase it, or maybe a special effects board for recording music or video.
Additionally the PC will usually offer additional memory slots which allows the Desktop to have much more memory capabilities than a Laptop. This is a definite plus for the Power User, but is something typically not needed for the average user.
Another feature that needs to be considered is the type of monitor to use, monitors are typically in the sizes from 15" to 21" and offered in CRT (Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal) models.
If you are the type of users who needs any of the functions mentioned aboved, you should consider a Desktop PC.
Laptop PC 
The Laptop PC or mobile computer is small lightweight and versitile, allowing you to carry your data files with you from Office to Home, or on Business.Along with the sleek looks, the Laptop has a built in LCD display, usually from 14" to 17" and are also available in Wide Screen, a built in keyboard that is a reduced size from the normal keyboards used by the Desktops, and has a built in mouse (usually a touchpad).
Typically most Laptops have 2 memory slots available, and can allow for several gigabytes of memory which is usually more than sufficient for their usage.
Thep Laptop is also a great device for the college student who can utilize its capabilities on campus as well as Home.
Which Should I Choose ?
There are many different manufactures that offer the Desktop and Laptop PC, vendors like HP, IBM, Toshiba, Dell, E-Machines, Gateway each offering a unique line of products.The basic information stated above will help you in sizing the needs for your computer, what type of processor, expandability, memory, and mobility.
All of the stated processors are available in both the Desktop or Laptop PC, and do a fantastic job whatever your needs may be.
The only consideration with a Laptop is the keyboard size and LCD display. The keyboard on a Laptop may make it difficult to use if you do not see well, and a small LCD screen like a 14" makes it difficult to see smaller objects.
So the basic questions comes down to do I need mobility or not and what type of processor power do I need ? Hopefully the information above will help you make a informed decision on your next PC purchase or upgrade.
Below are Links to help you search for the basic models available.
Desktops:
Pentium 4 CeleronPentium 4 3.2Ghz
Pentium 4 3.6Ghz
Pentium 4 Hyperthread
Pentium 4 Dual Core
Laptops:
Pentium 4 - CeleronPentium 4 - 2.8Ghz
Pentium 4 - 3.0Ghz
Pentium 4 - 3.2Ghz
Guide created: 08/10/06 (updated 04/19/09)
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