Computer processor terms

FROM: Beau Smith

TO: Mom

SUBJECT: I'm not typing a subject in this thing



Hey, Mom,

Sorry it's taken so long to write back, but I'm ready to help you out with your computer. Processors, or CPUs, are pretty easy to understand--they're basically like the heart of your computer because they take in and send out data across the entire system. I like comparing it to that because it'll help some of the terms make sense.

Processor frequency is like the heart rate of the computer. It tells you how many instructions it can complete every second. The higher the frequency, the faster your computer will run. It's already impressive enough, though, that a computer can complete millions of those every second.

When we talk about word size, we're talking about how large a piece of information is. The larger a piece of information is when it enters a processor, the more information it stores.

Overclocking is basically running the risk of a computer going into cardiac arrest. Remember how you said that if I worked out too hard on the treadmill--if I got my heart rate above a safe limit--that I could possibly have a heart attack? It's the same thing; if a computer is forced to operate at a higher frequency than it was designed, it overheats the processor and can damage it. People actually do overclock their systems, but many of them are gamers and hobbyists. With your work, overclocking isn't necessary (much less recommended).

Datapath is a tricky one to define, so stick with me for a moment. :) A processor is divided into several units. Some control the instructions that go in and out of the processor, and others actually calculate and process the instructions. A datapath is basically the route data takes when it's being calculated and processed. A datapath is like the part of the brain that thinks about something and understands it (as opposed to acting on that particular something).

SRAM, or static RAM, is memory in the processor. There's a difference between this and the type of RAM that you can add to a system. The RAM you can add to a system is typically called memory, but it's also called DRAM (dynamic RAM). This kind of RAM doesn't store data very long; that's why it can take so long to work with big applications even after you've used them for several hours. But SRAM, which stays in the processor, can hold onto the data as long as the computer has power; this is important because it "anticipates" what the processor will need down the line. Put another way, DRAM is like saying, "I'll take instructions as they come," but SRAM is like saying, "I'd better keep this in mind because we might need to know it later."

Memory caches are temporary data storage. Any kind of RAM is a form of temporary data storage, but memory caches are designed specifically for processors. The kind that is built into the processor itself is the primary cache. This makes the system run as fast as possible. It's like the human heart; it gives the body the most life. External caches are a part of the processor but aren't directly built into the processor itself. It helps give life, like a deep breath or a glass of water. It helps the heart and the rest of the body, even though it's not directly part of the body.

*Exhales* Wow, I know we've gone over a lot, but I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, just let me know!

Love,

Beau

Powerstax PLC

FROM: Beau Smith <"silly_willy_walnut_head">

TO: Mom

SUBJECT: Why do I have to type a subject in this thing?



Hey, Mom,

I got your e-mail. You said that your office was looking to upgrade their power system. I found something that'll help you guys find out what you need. A company called Powerstax PLC in the UK sells bulk power supplies, but one of their distributors is Peak-to-Peak Power near Tampa. The module right here has the best wattage and highest efficiency; in other words, a few of these will power every computer in the office without costing an arm and a leg. These are about $640 a piece for five units.

If you're also looking at other products, tell your IT guys to check out their website. Tell them the company sells AC-DC power converters and DC-DC converters (if numbers matter, tell them there are 27 of those alone). According to the website I found the company through, they're a well-rated company to buy through. That last website I showed you can give you guys a lot of information about the power supply you've got as long as you type in a brand name, but I don't recommend going through the Powerstax website to find out info unless you're using their products.

Hope that helps with your power situation in the office! I'll bet the thunderstorms in Tampa are exciting. I wish I could be there to watch.

Love you,

Beau

Trading Competence for Cash

Can the outsourcing of customer support ever be justified? Most computer users don't think so. International customer support for computer users continues to leave customers stranded and frustrated. Even the biggest companies in the world would do well to know the reasons why.

Even as technology spreads across the world, it doesn't solve the problems. Communication is one of those problems. People who don't know or don't grasp the English language present an obstacle. That's not to excuse it, but it's still an obstacle. When the company and the customer can't communicate well, it justifies the complaints.

A qualified technician needs good communication and solid knowledge of computers. This holds true for any technician, whether local or overseas. This forum thread illustrates several users' experiences with HP, its products, and its local and overseas technicians.

Make no mistake: the issue is competency. The goal of any good company is to provide the best products and the best services, and its employees need the skills to make it happen. The demand for good computers and good customer service underscores this fact. Every penny spent toward running a good business earns money down the line; a loyal customer base will come back for more products and tell others that the company does quality work.

But trading competence for cash produces the opposite effect. It reduces a long-term customer base and downgrades superior products. In essence, it creates a paradox: the company loses a dollar to save a dime. Even in today's economy, outsourcing overseas tends to promote a loss of quality control, and the complaints that result from overseas tech support prove it.

One of the basic unspoken principles of economics will never change: Everyone loves a good product. If I ran my own computer company, my goal would be simple: satisfaction of a job well done. Everything I do would work toward that goal, and I would want to hire competent workers who share that goal. This justifies the next unspoken rule of economics: Good customer service maintains a business's integrity.

Even though these rules are unspoken and unofficial, everything I've seen with customer service has taught me that any good business relies on both these rules. There is no substitute for competent customer service. Anything else is less.

Computer ad

These questions are taken from page 33 of CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, seventh edition. The ad is on page 34.


1. What is the system bus called? What is the system bus frequency?
The system bus is the ASUS P6T Deluxe, and its frequency is 1066FSB.

2. What is the frequency for the processor?
The processor's frequency is 2.66 GHz.

3. What is the brand of the processor?
The processor's brand is Intel.

4. How much RAM is installed?
6 GB of RAM is installed.

5. What type of expansion slot is used for the video card?
A PCIe slot is used for the video card.

6. What type of interface does the hard drive use?
The hard drive uses a SATA Revision 2.0 interface.

7. How much data can the hard drive store?
The hard drive can store, theoretically, 1 TB of space. (Actual formatted capacity less.)

8. What is the brand of the motherboard?
The motherboard is made by ASUS.

9. What type of optical drive is used?
An LG optical drive is used.