Desktop Computers by Brand Key Terms

Know terms you'll encounter when shopping for desktop computers

By M. Worcester

There are various kinds of desktop computers, and people know different brands for making specific versions. In some cases, only a few manufacturers sell some types of operating systems and computer processor chips.

There are several types of desktop computers. Someone who watches a lot of movies and wants to record TV shows might want a media center PC, while someone who plays a lot of video games would prefer a gaming computer. A graphic artist who wants a large screen might get an all-in-one PC, and someone who knows how all the computer parts work might buy a barebones model.

Media center PC

Media center computers can be any computer with extra software designed to play and record audio and visual media. Some models go the extra mile by providing hardware such as a TV tuner card, a quality DVD drive, a wireless keyboard & mouse or a remote control. They may fit in an entertainment center instead of on a desk. Popular media center PC brands include Hewlett-Packard, Alienware, Dell and CyberPower.
Try: Find a glossary of computer terms, including the definition of media center PC, at Ultimo PC.

All-in-one PC

All-in-one PCs are computers that have large monitors of 20 inches or more. Instead of having the parts in a separate unit, the parts are in the back of the monitor. A keyboard and mouse are still separate units. Apple was the first to make a popular all-in-one computer, but recently Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony and Averatec have come out with popular models of all-in-one PCs.
Try: View examples of all-in-one desktop PCs at the Hewlett-Packard Development Company website.

Barebones or budget computer

Barebones computers are often missing key parts that you need to run a computer. Budget computers are generally fully functional but inexpensive and may be lacking a monitor, keyboard, mouse or speakers. Barebones computers brands include Shuttle and Asus, but are also often brand-less or sold under the brand of a small local company. Other brands of budget computers include eMachines, Compaq and Gateway.
Try: Read an article explaining barebones computers at PCSTATS.

Gaming computer

Gaming computers are desktop PCs with high-end graphics cards, fast processors and a high amount of memory. Some gaming PCs may come with gaming equipment such as a game control pad. Popular brands of gaming computers include Dell, Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Micro Express and CyberPower.
Try: Browse a list of the most popular gaming computers, along with an explanation of this niche market, at TopTenREVIEWS.

Operating system

An operating system is the computer software that runs all the other applications on a computer. Popular brands of operating systems include Windows, and the Macintosh operating system made by Apple and Linux. Computers that are dubbed PCs generally run a version of Windows.
Try: Find a glossary of computer terms including "operating system" at 5 Star Support.

Processor or CPU

The computer processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is a computer chip that controls the computer. The specifications of this chip have a big impact on the performance of the computer. Popular brands of CPU chips are Intel and American Micro Devices.
Try: Find out all about computer processors at Webopedia.