ATA: AT Attachment is a standard that defines how hard disk drives and similar drives can be attached to a PC. ATA is the formal name of what is commonly called IDE or EIDE. ATA describes how IDE and EIDE interfaces work with hard drives. Usually you will see ATA listed with a number behind it, such as ATA/33, ATA/66, or ATA/100. The number refers to the amount of data that can be transferred across the interface in megabytes per second. For more explanation of ATA, please see GG Buyer's Guide: Hard drives.

ATAPI: ATAPI stands for AT Attachment Packet Interface. It is an extension to EIDE, which enables it to support CD-ROM players and tape drives.

ATC: ATC, Advanced Transfer Cache, is an Intel term that you may see associated with CPUs. It refers to the speed of the CPU's L2 (level 2) memory cache. L2 cache is a small amount of high speed memory located on or near the CPU, which helps increase a computer system's performance. Sometimes the L2 cache is the same speed as the CPU, but other times it is only ½ or another fraction of the CPU's speed. "ATC" is basically Intel's way of saying the L2 cache runs at full processor speed.

ATX: ATX is a motherboard "form factor," or size. ATX is currently the standard form factor. Another example of a motherboard form factor is microATX. An ATX motherboard usually has 5 to 6 PCI slots and 3 DIMMs, verses 3 PCI and 2 DIMMs on a microATX motherboard.

AGP: AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) is the current standard for connecting a graphics card to a motherboard. It was developed by Intel to meet the high data throughput needs of 3D graphics cards. Previously most graphics cards were connected via a PCI slot, and many still are. AGP, however, has certain advantages over PCI, such as a direct connection with main memory and a higher bandwidth. Currently, there are three levels of AGP-AGP1x, 2x and 4x. For further explanation please see the GG Buyer's Guide: Video Cards.

Advanced Transfer Cache (ATC): A term created by Intel, which means that the memory cache runs at the same speed as the processor.

BIOS: The BIOS, an acronym for Basic Input Output System, is the program responsible for booting up a computer system. It also contains the necessary information to control the flow of data between the computer's operating system and devices such as the hard disk, video card, keyboard, mouse, and printer. The BIOS is an integral part of your computer, and is built into the motherboard. The BIOS has traditionally been located on a ROM (read only memory) chip, though many modern PCs have moved it to a flash memory chip where it can be updated. For instance, Plug-and-Play (PnP) aware BIOSes are always placed on flash memory chips.

Backside bus: The data path between the microprocessor and the L1 and L2 cache. Runs at the PC's core clock speed. It is the fastest bus in your PC.

Bandwidth: Describes the amount of data that can flow across an interface in Megabytes per second. Bandwidth = ("width in bits" x "speed")/8. "Width" x "speed" is divided by 8 because 8 bits make a Byte, and bandwidth is measured in Megabytes.

Buffer underrun error: A problem occurring with some CD-RW drives when there is a gap in the stream of information to be written to the disk. This interruption usually ruins the recording session. Some CD-RW drives now have buffer underrun prevention technology to prevent buffer underrun errors.

bus: A bus is a path along which data travels inside a computer. Busses are used to link the systems main memory with devices in a computer such as drives, expansion cards, and the CPU. Busses have varying widths and speeds. A bus's capabilities are expressed in terms of bandwidth--a measurement of data throughput in Megabytes per second (MB/sec) (not the same as Mb/sec, Megabits per second. Eight bits make a byte.)

CD burner: A slang term for a CD-RW drive, a device used to record on CD media.

CD-R: Compact disk-recordable is a CD type disk onto which data can be recorded. Differs from a CD-RW disk in that it cannot be erased and re-written. A CD-R drive is a drive that can record data onto CD-R disks.

CD-ROM: CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) is a CD style disk which contains information that can only be read. A CD-ROM cannot be recorded onto or rewritten. A CD-ROM drive, is a device used to read CD-ROMs.

CD-RW: A CD-RW (compact disk-rewritable) is a CD style of disk onto which data can be recorded, erased, and re-recorded. A CD-RW drive is a drive that can record data onto a CD-RW, erase that data, and re-record it.

CPU: Most people think of the CPU, central processing unit, as a computer's brain. It is the device inside a computer that processes data as instructed by the software. Its three primary functions are performing mathematical calculations, logical comparisons, and data manipulation.

More specifically, it is the microchip, or microprocessor inside the CPU that actually does the work. Other elements of a CPU are L1 cache (high speed memory) and sometimes L2 cache. There are three major manufacturers of CPUs-Intel, AMD, and Via (Cyrix).

Chip: There are different types of chips, such as a CPU chip (i.e. a microchip/microprocessor), or a memory chip. Chips are made out of semi-conducting material, usually silicon, and have an integrated circuit embedded into them. A typical chip contains millions of transistors, and is no bigger than a quarter of an inch squared. Computers contain numerous chips.

Core clock speed: The speed at which a CPU operates. Usually measured in Megahertz or Gigahertz. Core clock speed is the number such as 650MHz or 1GHz, which is commonly mentioned when discussing CPUs.

Cyrix: Cyrix is a former manufacturer of CPUs who was recently bought out by VIA Technologies. Via will continue to make Cyrix processors, primarily for the value market. At the time that they were bought out, Cyrix had a large presence in Asia.

DDR SDRAM: Double Data Rate SDRAM refers to a type of synchronous DRAM memory, which can transfer data on both the rising and falling edge of the clock cycle, rather than just on the rising edge as with single data rate SDRAM. This results in twice as much data throughput. DDR SDRAM is gaining popularity in 2001 as more and more motherboards offer support for it.

DIMM: A DIMM, Dual Inline Memory Module, is currently the most widely used packaging for main memory SDRAM. DIMMs are made up of one or more RAM chips located on a circuit board with pins that plug into the DIMM sockets in a motherboard. One DIMM can be used in place of two SIMMs (single inline memory modules). Today, DIMMs are more commonly used than SIMMs.

DVD-RAM drive: A drive capable of recording onto DVD disks. Currently DVD-RAM drives are very expensive.

Disk cache: The disk cache in a hard drive, is a relatively small amount of memory that is used to store recently accessed data, or data that is likely to be accessed next. The point of the disk cache is to improve hard drive performance by reducing the amount of time needed to access certain data.

Driver: A driver is a special program written for a specific device, such as a mouse or video card. The program contains special knowledge of the device, and helps other programs interact with it.

Drive bay: A slot in a computer case where a drive, such as a hard drive, CD-RW drive, DVD-ROM drive etc. fits.

ECC Memory: ECC (Error Correction Code) Memory has the ability to find and correct some memory errors. However, the downside is that it will probably slow your system down by about 2 percent. Since memory errors are uncommon in today's memory chips, most average users don't need ECC. Those who should consider ECC memory include individuals planning to use their system as a server, or another type of "mission-critical" machine. If you are interested in optimal speed, non-parity is the better choice.

EIDE: Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics is a standard interface used to connect drives to a computer. EIDE is an enhanced version of IDE, though you may see these terms used interchangeably. You may also see EIDE referred to as ATA-ATA is actually a more specific name for EIDE. There are several varieties of ATA such as ATA/33, ATA/66, and ATA/100. The other popular interface for connecting drives is SCSI (small computers system interface). These days, most PC motherboards come equipped with EIDE, rather than SCSI. When it comes to drives, EIDE is generally the interface of choice among mainstream users, because it is less expensive than SCSI, and often easier for mainstream users to configure. For more information about the differences between EIDE and SCSI, please see the section "EIDE/SCSI Comparison Chart" in the GG Buyer's Guide: Hard Drives .

Ethernet: At present, ethernet is the most commonly used LAN (local area network) technology.

Expansion card: Examples are sound or video cards, which are inserted into an expansion slot in the computer's motherboard in order to add capability to the system.

Expansion slot: A slot in a motherboard where an expansion card such as a video or sound card is inserted for the purpose of adding capability to a computer system. Examples of expansion slots are the PCI slot, and the AGP slot.

FC-PGA: "Flip chip-pin grid array" is a type of packaging designed by Intel, and used on their new Celerons and PIII Coppermines. CPUs with FC-PGA packaging, can be connected to motherboards with a Socket370.

FC-PGA2: "Flip chip-pin grid array 2" is a type of packaging designed by Intel, and used on their new PIII Tualatin processors. CPUs with FC-PGA2 packaging can be connected to motherboards with a "universal Socket 370". Such a motherboard should indicate support for FC-PGA2 in addition to FC-PGA. FC-PGA2 will not connect to a regular Socket 370.

FSB: See frontside bus.

Fan and heatsink: Because of the nature of silicon, it is very important that the chips inside your computer not get too hot. If they do, your entire system could be destroyed. For this reason, current CPUs must always be accompanied by a fan and heatsink in order to keep things as cool as possible.

FireWire: Also known as IEEE 1394, FireWire is a high performance serial bus with a data transfer rate of 400 Mbps (megabits per second). FireWire is a name trademarked by Apple, so 1394 products from other companies are called by different names, for instance "ilink." Like USB (universal serial bus), FireWire supports Plug-and-Play and hot plugging. However, FireWire's data transfer rate and cost are much higher than those of USB. Therefore, FireWire will most likely be primarily used with peripherals requiring high, real time, data throughput, such as video devices.

Firmware: Firmware is similar to software except that it is incorporated directly into hardware. Firmware is commonly used with printers, modems, and other computer devices.

Footprint: The footprint of a device refers to how much space it will take up if placed on a desk top or floor.

Form factor: Commonly used to describe the size or physical arrangement of a computer hardware item such as a motherboard or case. Common motherboard form factors are ATX and MicroATX.

Frontside bus (FSB): Also called the system bus, the frontside bus is the data path connecting the CPU and main memory (RAM). The CPU and memory constantly exchange information across the FSB in order to complete tasks. The FSB is the most important bus in your computer.

GB: A gigabyte equals approximately one billion bytes. It is the numerical term used to express the capacity of a hard drive.

GBps: Gigabytes per second.

GIF: A type of image format. Frequently non-photo images are saved as gifs. Many images on the web are GIF format.

GPU: Graphic Processing Unit is a term coined by Nvidia, presently the leading manufacturer of graphics chips. A graphics processing unit is similar to a CPU except that it is designed exclusively for the purpose of processing graphics. Whereas some graphics cards require a fair amount of help from the CPU, a GPU reduces the CPU's graphics workload as much as possible, so it will be free for other tasks.

Graphics card: A card or board containing the graphics circuitry needed in order to see 2D or 3D graphics on a computer. The graphics card is usually connected to a computer's motherboard via an AGP slot or PCI slot. Some graphics cards enable 2D graphics, others 3D graphics, and some enable both 2D and 3D.

Graphics processor: High end graphics cards sometimes have a graphics processors. A graphics processor is similar to a CPU, but focuses on processing graphics only.

Hard drive: A hard drive, also called a hard disk drive, is the device in a computer where all data and programs are stored. When you ask your computer to "Save" something, the information is "written" onto a disk inside the hard drive. When you "Open" a file, the information is retrieved from your hard drive, where it was saved earlier.

Hard disk drive: The proper term for a hard drive. The "disk" is where information is written down, stored, and retrieved.

Home PNA: Stands for Home Phoneline Network Alliance, and refers to a home communications network based on Ethernet and using existing phone lines. With HomePNA, devices can be placed up to 1,000 feet apart. In addition, HomePNA can support a very large area of up to 10,000 square feet.

IEEE 1394: Also known as FireWire, IEEE 1394 is a high performance serial bus with a data transfer rate of 400 Mbps (megabits per second). Like USB (universal serial bus), IEEE 1394 supports Plug-and-Play and hot plugging. However, FireWire's data transfer rate and cost are much higher than those of USB. For those reasons, IEEE 1394 will most likely be primarily used with peripherals requiring high, real time, data throughput, such as video devices.

I/O: Input/Output.

ISA : Formerly, the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus was widely used to connect devices such as graphics or sound cards to a computer. The ISA bus has largely been replaced by the PCI bus, which has a higher bandwidth. However, many modern motherboards still include one ISA slot.

Interface: In regard to computers, the primary function of an interface is to enable various parts of the computer to communicate. For instance, consider the interfaces EIDE and SCSI. These interfaces have different characteristics, but their main job is to enable communication between a computer's drives and the CPU and main memory. Another example is a "graphical user interface". Windows '98 has a graphical user interface, to make it easy for users to interact with their computers.

JPEG: A file format used for images. Photos are usually in JPEG format, where as non-photo images are usually in GIF format.

KB: Kilobyte

KBps: Kilobytes per second, a measurement of bandwidth.

Kbit: Kilobits

L1 cache: A small amount of high-speed memory located on the CPU. Frequently accessed data is kept in the L1 cache so it won't have to be fetched from the main memory, which takes longer. The size and speed of the L1 cache in a computer can have a significant impact on performance.

L2 cache: A small amount of high-speed memory traditionally located near the CPU, but which, as of late, has been appearing on the CPU. Frequently accessed data is kept in the L2 cache, which helps improve performance by keeping that information near the CPU, and eliminating the need to fetch it from main memory. The size and speed of L2 cache can have a significant impact on a computer's performance.

LAN: LAN is an acronym for local area network. It refers to a group of computers in the same area, which all connect to the same processor or server where they can access applications or store data. A LAN may only be made up of a few individuals, as in a home network, or thousands of users.

Legacy Device: Usually refers to any piece of computer hardware that uses older, largely outdated technology. For instance an ISA video card could be considerd a legacy device.

MIPS: MIPS stands for millions of instructions per second, and is a measurement of CPU performance.

MPEG: MPEG most often refers to a type of digital video compression developed by the Motion Pictures Experts Group. The MPEG compression technique involves storing only the changes from one frame to another rather than the entire frame. There are two MPEG standards: MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. MPEG-1 offers a resolution of 352 x 240 at 30 frames per second (fps)-- quality slightly below that of VHS tapes. MPEG-2 offers resolutions of 720 x 480 and 1280 x 720 at 60 fps, with full CD-quality audio, and meets NTSC and HDTV standards. MPEG-2 can compress a two hour video into just a few gigabytes, and is used for DVD-ROMs. Decompressing MPEG-2 data streams does not require much computing power, however encoding video in MPEG-2 does.

MTBF: MTBF is an acronym for Mean Time Between Failures, which indicates how likely a hard drive or printer is to fail within the first few hours of operation. Generally the MTBF will be a very large number like 300,000 hours, which means that of all hard drive of a particular class that were tested by the manufacturer before being shipped out, there was one failure per 300,000 hours of testing. However, each drive is usually only tested for about two hours. More useful numbers for consumers to look at are a drive or printer's service life and warranty.

Main memory: A computer's main memory can be thought of as a holding ground for the data and instructions the CPU will need to complete the requested operations. The CPU and main memory are connected by the "system bus", a data pathway over which information travels between the two. SDRAM is currently the most common type of memory used for a PC's main memory, though DDR SDRAM and RDRAM are also used. In addition, the main memory should not be confused with the hard drive. A hard drive offers long-term storage, whereas the main memory only holds information until you turn off your computer. The amount of memory a PC user needs these days ranges from 32 to 256MB or more.

Memory bus: The memory bus is a data pathway that runs from the memory controller located on the motherboard's chipset, to the system's main memory (RAM), which is also located on the motherboard.

MicroATX: MicroATX is a motherboard form factor, which is smaller than ATX, and generally used for space saving reasons. Whereas an ATX motherboard generally has 3 DIMMs and 5 PCI slots, a MicroATX motherboard usually only has 2 DIMMs and 3 PCI slots.

Micron Process: The micron process refers to a type of technology used in manufacturing microprocessors. Most microprocessors are currently manufactured using either the .25, .18, .15, or .13 micron process. Smaller is more advanced. One micron is 1/1000th of a millimeter. One of the main purposes behind reducing the microprocessor chip size is to make room for more memory cache. Memory cache is a small amount of high-speed memory used to hold frequently requested data close to the CPU in order to improve system performance.

Microprocessor: The microprocessor, commonly referred to as the CPU, is responsible for performing operations based on the instructions of programs. In general, the microprocessor performs three functions: data manipulation, logical comparisons, and mathematical calculations. The microprocessor is closely related to the overall speed and performance of a PC.

Multitasking: When you are working on a Word document, then decide to browse the web without closing that Word document, you are multitasking. The ability to multitask is a function of your operating system. Operating systems capable of multitasking can jump from one task to another without losing information-to a point. Most of today's operating systems are capable of multitasking.

Motherboard: The main circuit board in a PC. Some call the motherboard the heart of a computer system. The CPU, BIOS, main memory, expansion cards, and drives, all connect to the motherboard. The most common motherboard form factor today is ATX. For more information, please see GG Buyer's Guide: Motherboards.

OEM: An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is a company that purchases components from other companies in order to build a product which they sell under their own brand name. For instance, IBM is an OEM. They purchase components from other companies and build computer systems, which they sell as IBMs.

On die: On die is another way of saying "located on the chip." The term on die is often used when referring to L2 cache, which is sometimes located on the chip and sometimes not.

Operating system (OS): An operating system is the program that manages all the other applications in a computer. For instance, the operating system determines whether you can multitask-open more than one application at a time without the computer crashing. Windows '98, UNIX, and IBM's OS/2 are all examples of operating systems.

overclocking: Overclocking is the practice of adjusting your computer settings so your CPU will run faster than the manufacturer's recommended speed. Overclocking is possible, but risky. In addition, overclocking will void your warranty.

PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect is a type of bus (data path) in a computer. Most new motherboards have approximately 5 PCI slots where expansion cards, such as a sound card, can be plugged in. The PCI bus has largely replaced the ISA bus, because the PCI bus has a higher bandwidth.

PDA: PDA (personal digital assistant) is a small, portable device used for computing. Another term for a PDA is a "handheld". Examples of PDAs are the PalmPilot and the Visor .

Pipelining: Pipelining is a technique used in many microprocessors to improve performance. With pipelining, a microprocessor can begin executing a second instruction before it has finished with the first. A pipeline is split into segments and each segment can execute its operation at the same time as the other segments. Usually, the more advanced a pipeline is the more segments it has.

Plug-and-Play: Plug-and-Play (PnP) was developed by Microsoft for its Windows 95 and later operating systems to facilitate the process of adding hardware to a system. With PnP, an individual is supposed to be able to plug a PnP capable device into their motherboard and have it be immediately recognized by the system without having to configure anything.

RAID: RAID is an acronym for redundant array of independent disks. RAID configurations are most commonly used in servers, however PC users are starting to take advantage of them too. A RAID configuration consists of two or more hard drives recognized by the operating system as a single hard drive. When the user makes a request to "save" data, it is saved to all hard drives, thereby automatically making a back up. In addition, data can be read from both hard drives simultaneously, improving performance. However, there are more than 10 types of RAID, some which vary from this definition.

RAM: RAM (random access memory) is the main memory in a PC. Applications and data that are in use are loaded from the hard drive into the RAM so they can be accessed quickly by the CPU. The system bus acts as a direct link between the CPU and RAM. When you save data, it is saved to the hard drive, not the RAM. That's because once you turn your computer off, everything in the RAM disappears.

RAMDAC: The RAMDAC (random access memory digital-to-analog converter) is a microchip in a computer that converts digital information to analog information so that the monitor can understand it.

RDRAM: RDRAM, developed by a company called Rambus, is a new type of memory that is much faster than SDRAM (the current standard for main memory). RDRAM is also supposed to be faster than DDR SDRAM, though more expensive. Motherboards supporting the Intel P4 processor require RDRAM memory.

Refresh rate: Refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that the image on your computer screen is recast. You may not realize it, but that's probably about 80 times a second. You may notice a slight flicker on your screen. By increasing the resolution on your monitor you can reduce screen flicker-but only to a certain point. A refresh rate of 80Hz is usually optimal.

Removable storage: An example of a removable storage device is a CD-RW drive. Data can be recorded (i.e. stored) onto a CD type disk, and that disk can be removed later. A hard drive is not considered removable storage, because the actual hard disk where data is stored cannot be removed.

Resolution: Resolution refers to the number of pixels in a given area. The more pixels there are in that area, the more distinct the image. Given the same image, a higher resolution will require more memory than a lower resolution.

SCSI: SCSI is an acronym for small computers system interface. SCSI is used to connect peripheral devices such as drives or video devices to a computer. EIDE is the interface generally used by mainstream users, whereas SCSI is often chosen by tech savvy users needing to connect a number of peripheral devices.

SDR: As opposed to DDR (Double Data Rate), SDR (Single Data Rate) refers to the transfer of information on the falling edge of the clock cycle. With DDR, data is transferred on both the rising and falling edge of the clock cycle resulting in twice as much data throughput.

SDRAM: As opposed to DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SDRAM (synchronized DRAM) type memory is synchronized with the CPU's optimum clock speed, in order to increase system performance.

SVGA: Most current PC monitors are type SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array). An SVGA monitor can support up to 16 million colors. Image resolution varies according to the size of the monitor. A standard programming interface for SVGA monitors was developed by VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) and is called the VESA BIOS Extension.

Server: A server is a computer program designed to assist other computer programs that may be in the same computer, or in another computer. In addition, the computer that houses the server program is often referred to as a server.

Slot 1: A type of connection used to connect an Intel CPU to a motherboard. The slot 1 is actually designed into the motherboard so that the CPU can be connected easily. Most of Intel's new PIII and Celeron CPUs use the Socket370 connection, also known as FC-PGA (flip chip-pin grid array).

Slot A: An AMD designed slot in a motherboard, where an AMD CPU can be connected. As technology advances, connection types change. Most of AMD's newer processors use the Socket A connection rather than the Slot A.

Socket A: Most AMD Athlon and Duron processors require a motherboard with a Socket A. This socket is how the processor is "plugged into" the motherboard.

Socket 370: An Intel designed socket in a motherboard, where an Intel CPU can be connected. As technology advances, connection types change. Socket370 however, is the latest connection type for Intel PIII and Celeron CPUs. It is also referred to as FC-PGA (flip chip-pin grid array) and may be called FC-370 or similar names.

Socket 423: Socket 423 is a motherboard socket designed for Intel 423-pin P4 processors. The original P4s used Socket 423, but newer 478-pin P4s use Socket 478.

Socket 478: See Socket 423.

SoftMenu: A type of BIOS (basic input/output system) developed by ABIT, which allows a user to set the system bus speed electronically rather than manually with jumpers or dip switches. SoftMenu III is the latest edition.

system bus: Also called the frontside bus (FSB), the system bus is the data path connecting the CPU and main memory (RAM). The CPU and memory constantly exchange information across the FSB in order to complete tasks. It is the most important bus in your computer.

S-Video: S-video stands for Super-Video, a technology for transmitting video signals over a cable. S-Video sends video in two signals, one for color (chrominance) and one for brightness (luminance), rather than in a single signal like Composite Video technology. Since TVs display separate luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) signals, S-video produces superior images on TVs than Composite Video does. *(Y/C is the same as S-Video.)

Computer monitors are designed for RGB signals. Devices such as digital cameras produce video in RGB format. For that reason, such images look better when output to a computer monitor, than to a TV.

In order to use S-Video, your video card must have S-Video output, and your TV or VCR must also have it. In addition, a special cable is needed to connect the two.

Texture mapping: The application of a bitmap onto a 3D shape to give the appearance of perspective and different surfaces.

TV-Out: TV-Out is a feature on a video card, which allows a user to output the images normally viewed on a computer monitor to a television, or VCR for recording.

Unix: A type of operating system, commonly used on workstations.

USB: If a device is USB capable, it can be connected to your computer via the USB (universal serial bus). The USB is a bus, or in other words a path on the motherboard along which data can travel. Devices that are commonly USB capable include keyboards, scanners, and printers. One of the benefits of USB is that it is a "plug and play" interface. That means it is very simple to connect a USB device-you don't even have to turn your computer off.

VESA: VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a non-profit, international organization established in 1989. VESA was created because of the need for industry wide standards regarding interfaces for the PC, workstation, and other computing systems.

VRM: Stands for Voltage Regulator Module, which regulates the voltage fed to a microprocessor.

Video card: A video card is a card that plugs into your motherboard and enables you to see things on your display (monitor). If you have video circuitry built-in to your motherboard, you don't need a video card. But if you don't, then you will need a video card in order to see anything on your monitor. There are 2D video cards, as well as 2D/3D video cards. Usually a video card will plug into either a PCI slot or an AGP slot in your motherboard.

Video capture: Video Capture refers to the technique of transferring video footage, such as from a video camera, onto a computer's hard drive. This requires converting the video camera's analog video signals into digital format for the computer. Today, several high-end video cards offer a video capture feature.

Workstation: A workstation usually has a faster microprocessor, more special features, and more memory, than a PC. That is because workstations are designed for professional users such as engineers, graphic designers and architects, rather than recreational users. Workstations often use the Unix operating system.

X86: Present day microprocessors are based on X86 architecture developed by Intel. In 1978, the first PCs came to market and they were based on the 8086 microprocessor. Today we are in the 7th generation of microprocessors, yet they are still based on the same core architecture as the 8086. The 8086 has come to be known as X86.