Media Center Computers
Perhaps the hardest thing to understand when buying a Media Center computer is the terminology. Here is our guide to some of the key terms you'll encounter:
Processors
The processor (or CPU) is the brain of the machine, controlling all aspects of the desktop computer and greatly influencing the speed. The speed of a desktop PC processor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz) and faster the processors the better it can handle the things you ask it to do. You can also opt for processors with more than one core, this will often result in things getting done quicker if you or the software you use does more than one thing at once. There are two main manufacturers of processors for Media Center PCs - Intel and AMD. Each manufacturer has different models:
- Intel Celeron - for basic tasks and performance
- AMD Sempron - for basic tasks and performance
- Intel Pentium - General performance
- AMD Athlon - General performance
- Intel Dual/Quad Core and "i" series - High-end performance
- AMD Phenom Dual/Triple/Quad Core - High-end performance
Memory
Memory is temporary storage used by programs and files currently running on your computer. Memory is known as RAM, or Random Access Memory, and needs power to be able to store information. So, when your computer is switched off, the information is forgotten about. Memory or RAM is not to be confused with your hard drive; that's permanent storage for programs and files. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB).
Hard Drive
Media Center Computers generally require more hard drive space than desktops or laptops. The size of your hard drive is really important because you will no doubt want to store lots of music and videos, photos etc.
Optical Drives
Optical drives are the tray drives in the front or side of a computer, similar to those found on your stereo or DVD player. Drives allow you to load and install software and write (or "burn") data to a disc. New computers usually have a DVD-RW drive. Optical drives come in many formats:
- CD-ROM - only reads CDs
- CD-RW - Record and play CDs
- DVD-ROM - reads CDs and DVDs
- DVD RW - Record and play CDs and DVDs
- DVD Dual Layer - Loads double DVD
Operating Systems
An operating system is what allows you to use applications and generally access all of the information you have on your computer. By far the most popular operating system in the world is Microsoft Windows, the most recent of which is Microsoft Windows 7 but others you may have heard of include, Windows Vista and Windows XP. Windows 7 comes with a built in software package for maintaining and using your media correctly. From viewing and recording television, to films and music. There are lots of alternatives out there, normally trading simplicity with functionality.
Which Media Center PC to go for?
Media Center PCs differ in price and performance depending on the components inside them. For example, there is no point spending thousands on a state-of-the-art gaming center if you only use it for occasional Internet browsing and watching a film or two.
