QUOTE (Bouzip @ Dec 10 2005, 10:47 AM)prosessor...cpu? 2.4Ghz
yes, the processor is the cpu (central processing unit).
BTW, that Ghz speed is one of the least important characteristic. Front side bus speed and amount of cache and internal architecture are more important.
Front side bus is usally called FSB on the box. It can be 800-533-400 for the Pentium4
Cache is some times marked as L2 cache. Could be 128k (only on very early P4 version, very rare), 512k or 1mb.
If your machine is a P4 with a 800FSB and 512k or 1mb of cache, investing in a brand new machine might not be worth it. You could probably pay less to for a few upgrades here and there and keep that machine for some more time.
Its facinating how some computer reaseller have succeded in implanting the idea in people that a computer is only going to be good for 1 or 2 years. When properly configured, a computer can last a lot longer than that (and I mean without frustrating the user because his machine is too slow!!)
Of course, there are some exceptions. People in graphic design and heavy math calculatons never have enough processing power! But for the regular domestic market (word processing, games, internet, etc), you can make intelligent choices that are going to last for some times.