John W. Colby
jwcolby at colbyconsulting.com
Sun Mar 20 11:45:41 CST 2005
HT - Hyper threading - The ability to "simultaneously" have tow threads running at the "same time". As programs run, things happen to cause them to stall processing waiting on something. HT really does "fill in the gaps" by switching back and forth between two different programs or threads. It does work and creates the appearance of 10-25% faster processing in many situations. FSB - Front side bus - the interface between the computer and the memory and peripherals. 800 (megahertz). Memory - technical stuff - "it's good" Good price. They must be clearing them out. You didn't mention the video specs. 1024 x 768 (at least)? Most likely an integrated (and not overly speedy graphics processor sharing part of the main memory with the computer. For that price that's OK, it just won't support the monster games. John W. Colby www.ColbyConsulting.com Contribute your unused CPU cycles to a good cause: http://folding.stanford.edu/ -----Original Message----- From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Rocky Smolin - Beach Access Software Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 12:31 PM To: dba-tech Subject: [dba-Tech] I couldn't help myself Dell, which is always looking out for my best interests, invited me to buy a cheap computer. It would only have been polite to accept. So it's on the way. But there's a couple of specs I don't understand - maybe someone could enlighten me: 1) 3GHz P4 with HT Technology (800 FSB) - what's HT technology? What are FSBs and why do I need 800 of them? 2) 1/2 gig memory dual channel - dual's got to be better than single, yes? 400 MHz DDR SDRAM. I've looked into memory specs and decided to learn dead languages instead because it's easier. Explaining this may be beyond the scope of an email. 'It's good - You don't really need to know more' is a legitimate answer Anyway with a 48x CD/RW, 24 bit SB sound card, keyboard, mouse, no monitor and a bunch of software which you never use it was $408 plus tax - free shipping. I have been promising the boys to replace their old 192MB Celeron processor, so I have a flimsy rationalization. How could I refuse? TIA Rocky _______________________________________________ dba-Tech mailing list dba-Tech at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/dba-tech Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com