Desktop Computers Key Terms

Understand the meanings of desktop computers key terms

By Missy Duncan

Desktop computers are staple in most offices. These computers can help you do everything from accounting to printing signs and business cards. Computer terminology can be confusing for some users. Learning exactly what the meanings are of desktop computers key terms will allow you to review product descriptions with ease and better navigate your computer system. Understanding these terms can also help you to pinpoint what type of computer your office needs.

HDMI monitor

HDMI monitor is short for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface monitor. An HDMI monitor is a audio/video interface that does not compress digital data. HDMI monitors are commonly used in audio-visual productions and for computer gaming.
Try: Pacific Custom Cable can help you better understand HDMI monitors. Visit HDMI Licensing to find more information about HDMI monitors.

PCI

PCI, or peripheral component interconnect, is a type of port or connection for devices plugged into a computer. There are two types of PCI slots: basic and express. PCI express slots have a higher bandwidth for communicating with peripheral devices.
Try: HowStuffWorks provides information about PCI slots and PCI express slots. 4Crawler.com also has information and diagrams about PCI slots.

Optical drive

An optical disk drive uses electromagnetic waves or a laser light to read data on disks. The most common optical drives are CD and DVD drives. These are available in both readers (which read the disk) and writers (which record data on the disk) for both CDs and DVDs.
Try: TechTerms.com supplies information about optical drives. Discover more about optical drives at iWebTool. Darren Desepoli offers detailed information about optical drives.

Chipset

A chipset is a group of chips or integrated circuits that are designed to work with each other to control the components in a computer. Most commonly when a desktop computer description includes a chipset it is referring to the chipset on the motherboard.
Try: Cheap56K has more information about chipsets. TechTarget also has details regarding computer chipsets.

Processor

A processor is the device that allows the computer to run programs. Processors are available in both dual and quad core. The dual core processor has two processing units on one piece of equipment. The quad core has four processors within the unit.
Try: Explore more information about processors at ComputerHope.com. Windows Reinstall has more information about processors available online.

Platform

A computer platform is the software that allows the computer to run. Platforms are also referred to as operating systems. There are three major computer platforms Windows, MAC and Linux.
Try: Find more information about computer platforms at TechTarget. Read more about computer platforms at The Linux Information Project.