'Computer speak' in plain English please?

Being a complete numpty when it comes to computers, could some kind soul please explain to me exactly what 'a dual core processor' is, and why it's better to have one?

I have asked in a well-known computer shed and was told that ... 'A dual core processor has two separate cores on the same die, each with its own cache and each of which handles incoming data strings simultaneously.'

I'll take his word for it, but what the hell does it mean in plain English and would I actually notice any difference anyway?

 

As I understand it is like having two computers in one, therefore being able to process data faster and simultaneously if needed...
But don't ask me details...
PS I don't think there is need for a dual-core computer unless you do massive amount of work on it. The speed can be achieved in other ways, if that is what you are after.

 

only really needed for a gaming pc a bit like having 2 engines under the bonnet of a car

 

Try it this way:

A computer normally has 1 "Brain" but it can only do one thing at a time, all be it very quick.

A duel core processor is like 2 "Brains" but in the same head. Each can still only do one thing at a time, still very quick, BUT it can do two different things at the same time.

Example

Old system
Food required, Arm gets food, arm brings food to mouth, mouth opens, food goes in etc.


New system
Food required, arm gets food, arm brings food to mouth, food goes in, because 2nd brain opened mouth in advance.

 

This may have been true in the very beginning but even the Sinclair QL contained a multi-tasking processor (Motorola 68000). Multi-tasking is achieved by the use of an interrupt which uses processor power to the full by sending "packets" to the processor (similar to radio packet switching).

Multi core processors just increase the processing power. One of the first personal computers with multi processors was the Amiga which had 3 separate processors, each control separate jobs. I have had an Amiga doing three different jobs at the same time.

 

When a salesperson tells you dual core is faster because it has two cores, he is simply trying to close the deal.

What it means is that there are two processors in it, each able to work on running your software simultaneously.

Dual core does not equal faster processing

The 'two engines under the bonnet' analogy is good one, but to extend that analogy, two small 50hp engines have less power than one larger 120hp engine.

In reality, the CPU is rarely the limiting factor in a modern computer. Often the RAM takes that title, but it really depends what you use the computer for.

For general use, best spend your money on more RAM than on a faster CPU.

When the RAM (memory) is too low, the system juggles it onto the hard disk, which is by comparison very slow. The CPU will spend a lot of time waiting around while that happens.

 

Thanks guys - information very much appreciated.

I'm not into gaming and I'm not sure I'm 'savvy' enough to know or recognise whether one computer is actually processing something faster than any other, so ultra high speeds etc., aren't necessarily my priority (this is the person after all for whom watching TV in HD means putting your specs on!).

What I'm looking for is a machine which doesn't keep saying 'Windows is low on memory' and then suggests I shut down other programs - especially when I'm only using one program, albeit with a large file.

I think, on balance, from what Clueless1 has said, I'll look to spend my ' ...money on more RAM than on a faster CPU.'

 

how large is the file? Would need to be very large to cause the machine to use it's swapspace!
As Clueless1 suggests, get as much RAM as your machine will take. Check Crucial Memory's site - they have a tool that tells you the type of RAM to buy, how much you can install, and a price. Then go to ebuyer or the likes and buy the same RAM cheaper

SF

 

Unfortunately that's Windows for you, that's why I switched to a Linux system. It is much better behaved.

 

This could be also down to the fact that you don't have page file enabled, which version of windows do you have? (98, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7)

 

I love Linux! Don't have it on this laptop mind you but it's just a dream!


I'm not into gaming and I'm not sure I'm 'savvy' enough to know or recognise whether one computer is actually processing something faster than any other, so ultra high speeds etc., aren't necessarily my priority (this is the person after all for whom watching TV in HD means putting your specs on!).

What I'm looking for is a machine which doesn't keep saying 'Windows is low on memory' and then suggests I shut down other programs - especially when I'm only using one program, albeit with a large fi

To be honest, unless you are using trying to do a lot of things at one time (imagine media player on, opened 3 websites and playing solitaire and what have you) then you likely won't notice a huge change. The only one potential time it will claw off lag would be something such as HD because it needs to process a lot more.

I think definitely it's both RAM and Hard Disk Drive that you need. If it is low on memory - then literally it is because you have not enough HDD left. RAM is what aids the processor, it does not do a lot in terms of memory itself. I think of it as short term (RAM) and long term (HDD) memory :D

 

l33t sp34k

 

err what?

 

Leet speak apparently. I only know that because our student mentions it from time to time. We just ignore him when he does it, or tell him off for wasting valuable time

 

All i know About them is our kid payd £1595 FOR His from Commet Got in that much Agrow on face book on :o He gave it to me :yess: i day pay that much for my car GOSPEL Nice 1 Bruv