You will hear people throw around terms like "memory." Just remember that the word "memory" can be used for the "storage space" on a hard drive, but it is more correctly used to describe the "working memory" a computer only has when it is turned on. This kind of memory is also known as "RAM" (Random Access Memory).

Aside from hard drive space and (Random Access) memory, you might want to consider "Processor Speed" which is usually measured in megahertz.

Even more important is the peripheral equipment that may or may not be included with your computer. Printers, modems, CD ROM drives and sometime monitors are not always included with a computer purchase deal. Scanners and CD burners are still usually considered "extras" – and you do pay extra.

Now we can turn to some basic operations considerations.