jillruss
RootsChat Aristocrat
Posts: 2920
Gt Gt Grandfather Shepherd from Aberdeen 1827-1910
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I'm looking to buy a new PC in the next month or so.
I've been doing my best to try to understand all the techno-speak and found a handy blog which explains a lot of what was previously pretty meaningless to me! 
However, there are 2 things I'm still not sure about - apologies if they're elementary to most of you!
First, the processor. The sites I've been on recommend an Intel Premium Dual Core/Core 2 Duo Processor. I keep coming across Athlon 64x2 processors - is there a big difference or do they essentially do the same job? Or should I be sticking to the Intel?
Second, sound. This might make you smile but I don't know the answer so have to ask - a blog that I read, says
"Even basic PCs come with built in sound, so you can at least plug in some speakers or headphones. A good home PC deal will include at least a pair of speakers."
but I have seen online Desktop package offers which don't include speakers, and Tesco even have one which under the "Sound" heading, says "none". 
Do the modern LCD monitors have inbuilt speakers? Or does the package assume I will buy speakers separately? I have a pair of speakers plugged into my current ancient PC - would they be okay to recycle and use with a new PC?
This whole thing is a bit of a minefield if you're not au fait with all the terminology, but I'm determined to give it a whirl!! 
Jill
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mshrmh
RootsChat Aristocrat
Posts: 1079
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Jill - I can't answer the techie bits, but we've just got a new PC - new "box" which came with keyboard & mouse - we've re-used the screen & speakers from the old PC with no problems. I suppose there may be reasons to have new speakers, but I doubt there's much difference in quality of the ones supplied with most PC packages; though like those for hifi systems I daresay there are superior ones around for those with different requirements/better hearing than me.
A minor point - PCs seem to be like TVs - a different colour casing comes in every few years. Current fashions seem to be either silver-grey or black so older speakers may not colour-co-ordinate.
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jc26red
RootsChat Aristocrat
Posts: 2760
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Hi Jill...
When you read the blurb for a new PC and it says speakers = none it means it doesn't come with external speakers you plug in. All pcs come with a basic sound system which is inbuilt to the main (mother) board inside the pc. If you look at the back of the pc there will be a green jack where you can plug in speakers (if your not a music/film/game junkie your old ones will work fine). There will also be a jack to plug in your headphones.
Anyone wanting anything better than the basic can add super-dooper sound cards and flashy speakers to listen to whatever they are into 
If your monitor has speakers, it will need a cable to connect into the green sound jack on the pc for it toproduce sound. Connecting just the monitor cable is for optical output only not sound.
Personally I don't know much about difference between the processor types you mention but Dual cor or Core will be sufficient depending on what you are using the pc for. Just remember to go for the highest RAM 1/2/4GB within your price range.
Jenny
You may want to post this on the technical board for the real techies to add their 2p's worth
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Dancing Master
RootsChat Veteran
Posts: 542
Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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You may find that cables are down as extras, speakers most definitely are extras You need also to know if the new computer is Vista will your present peripherals ie. printer,games, programmes that use disks (for genealogy) etc work with that system.
Ours didn't and the patches they advised didn't so we ended up with a new printer as well. With a new computer set-up they now don't do internal modems for people who want them because they presume that everyone is on broadband. If you need a modem you have to buy an external one.
All needing extra pennies.
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indiapaleale
RootsChat Aristocrat
Posts: 1401
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No good asking me about the ins and outs of computer guts - Mr. Indi takes care of that part of the biz....
However, when it comes to sound - I have a Dell PC with fairly decent speakers but my lovely Mr. Indi bought me a set of Harmon Kardon Sound Sticks - they are superb - and if you like playing music - rock - classical - country - you MUST buy a set!
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Author
(It's an HP again).
..... The main difference between SATA and PATA drives (and to confuse things even more they are also known as Ultra ATA) is really the speed they work at transferring the information and the connection to your motherboard inside the computer. It would only have any bearing if you wanted to mount an old drive internally as a second hard drive.