These days, hardware comes in a bewildering array of sizes, capacities, and speeds, all identified by acronyms and numbers that, like automobile engine numbers, are usually indecipherable at first glance. The microprocessor is the main computer chip. The numbers describe its speed and capabilities. New programs designed for the higher model numbers may not work on older machines. One megabyte equals about 500 pages of text.
RAM stands for random-access memory.
It's a measure of how much information your computer's memory can hold while it is on. To preserve your data when the computer is turned off, you must first transfer or save it to either a hard drive or a diskette. Diskettes may measure 3.5 or 5.25 inches. Information may also be stored on CD-ROMs or laserdiscs , which require special players attached to the computer. This is the generic word for the various programs that tell your computer what types of tasks to perform.