CNC Newsletter December 2017
 
CNC News Update

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Welcome to our December newsletter

This month we give you the inside track on your computer. How exactly does it work? What do you need to know about computers to make the right purchasing decisions for your business?

We also take a look at PDF files. Why are they the best way to present information online? And why we recommend Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer.

And last but not least, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas!

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Understanding Your CPU!

The Central Processing Unit of Your Computer.

The Central Processing Unit of your computer is its brain. The CPU is where the the computer's "thinking" happens. As its name suggests, the Central "Processing" Unit is where your computer processes all the information you feed into it :

  • Crunching numbers in spreadsheets
  • Editing documents in Word
  • Displaying web pages
  • Sorting data in databases

The faster your CPU, the faster it will perform the functions you want it to.

Leading computer processor manufacturer Intel have just released the 8th-Generation processor chip for desktop and laptop computers.

Understanding the model name of CPU's can be confusing at the best of times!

Intel

Here's our simple guide:

The first word in the processor name is the brand. Next is the brand modifier which could be either i3, i5 or i7. The first number after the hyphen is the generation indicator. The latest generation is the 8th so the very newest CPU's have an 8 here.

The numbers next indicate the part number and the letters indicate the processor line. The processor line is extremely important because it tells you roughly how much wattage, or electrical power the processor needs.

Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7?

When buying a desktop or laptop we recommend a minimum of a Core i5. As the numbering suggests, Core i3 is the slowest and i7 is fastest. For most business users the i5 model is more than adequate. Core i7 is intended for users of advanced software, for example intensive graphics, and engineering and gaming software.

Intel's new 8th Generation Core platform is only available in Core i5 and Core i7.

Quick Guide to CPU Terminology

Cores

The number of cores defines how many tasks the processor can do simultaneously. With 7th Generation Core this was usually 4 but with 8th Generation this has increased to 6.

Hyper-Threading

Enables multitasking. Again with 7th Generation Core this was usually 4 but with 8th Generation it is now usually 6.

Clock Speed

Measured in gigahertz, this is the number of cycles per second that the CPU can execute. The higher the number the faster the processor.

Turbo Boost

Temporarily raises the clock speed from its base frequency to a higher one in order to complete a task more quickly. Most Core i5 and i7 CPUs have this feature.

Cache

A small amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) that lives directly on the CPU, so speeding up repetitive tasks. Most CPUs have between 1 and 4MB of cache. The 8th Generation has 9Mb on most versions.

TDP (Thermal Design Power):

The amount of watts or electrical power, the CPU uses. More watts means better performance, but also higher temperatures and greater power consumption.

SO HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT COMPUTER FOR MY BUSINESS?

When choosing a new computer for your business you need to consider how it's going to be used.

  • How many tasks will be running at the same time?
  • How fast does it need to be?
  • Are you using complex software that may require a higher spec?

For most business users the new Intel i5 model is more than adequate.

If you'd like to talk through your requirements with an expert, please call us on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk. We are always happy to have a no-obligation chat with you.

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CNC News Update

Why Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer Rocks!

PDF's or Portable Document Format, have been around for a long time.

PDF's allow you to share documents across different devices and operating systems, knowing that the document will look the same however it is being accessed. For example a Word document saved on an Apple Macintosh computer, may not look the same when transferred to a Microsoft PC. A PDF will look the same on both devices.

PDF's also have trusted security. The legal profession uses PDF's as their preferred file format. A PDF is acceptable in a court of law because it cannot be altered without leaving an electronic footprint.

Documents created in all the common software platforms - Word, Excel and PowerPoint - can easily be converted into PDF's.

The new Adobe Acrobat XI PDF creator offers a number of valuable additional benefits:

  • You can convert any file into a PDF without sacrificing quality. You can even merge multiple documents, such as spreadsheets, photos, and presentations, into a single PDF file which help to reduce the overall file size.
  • Reading your PDF is Free. Most PDF Readers, including Adobe Reader, are free to the public. This ensures that anyone you send the file to will be able to see the full version of your document.
  • You can add hyperlinks, rich media, music, movies, and many other advanced features to your PDF.
  • Adobe Reader is available on any device, so people can read your PDF files anywhere they want, while still accessing a lot of the same functionality they would get on a desktop.
  • Users can easily find what they are looking for through a quick search. PDF documents can even be organized with a table of contents that link all sections to the appropriate pages in the file.
  • Additional security options - if a higher level of security is needed, for example when dealing with sensitive material or intellectual property, the password protection option can be used so that both sender and recipient know that the information is secure.
  • Dell PC's and laptops purchased from CNC include the option of Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer software at a fraction of the retail price.

    ALL OF US AT CNC WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

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    We hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter and picked up some useful info. Do get in touch with your feedback and any ideas for future articles. We love to hear from you!

    You can call us on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk if you want any further information on the products and service that we can provide.

    Computer & Network Consultants Ltd, Unit 9 Riverside Business Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE