I've been shopping around for either a new processor or entire system.

This one, processor only, does have the 'drive'.

here

This one, the complete system now on sale, does not.

here

My questions are: What is the CD-ROM drive? What does it do? Do I really need it?

Thanks for any help offered. I'm totally lost at this point.

Howdy Di:

Both those systems some with dvd and cd-rw drives which are basically cd-rom drives with extra's (cd-rw = burner and dvd allows you to play dvd disks)..

As for needing a cd-rom (or cd-rw), every program you buy comes on a cd and you need the cd drive to use it !!

Murray

Di -

First a little terminology correction. The processor is a small chip inside of your computer. Neither of those is just the processor, as they both contain a motherboard, case, power supply, hard drive...

The difference between the two is that one comes with peripherals, such as a monitor and speakers, and the other does not.

now on to the question:

A CD-ROM drive is the part of the computer that you put CDs in. It is pretty vital becasue most programs these days come on CDs (because they are so much bigger than floppies). No need to worry, though. Both of these computers come with CD-ROM drives. The difference appears to be that the first comes with a a DVD-ROM (reads DVDs) and a separate CD-Rom Drive and the second has one drive that does both.

P.S. - both are actually one step better than a CD-ROM. They have CD-RW drives, which can record to special CDs as well as reading regular CDs.

Hi Murray-

Now I am really confused! Why then does the second one, (complete system) state in the Product Details list:

Maximum CD-Rom Drive--- No CD-Rom Drive

CD-Rom Drive--- No

DVD-Rom/CD-RW combo drive---No

I just don't understand what they are 'saying'.

BTW- thanks for answering so quickly.

Diane

Both links have CD-ROM drives. Most of the software U buy including the Operating System comes on a CD. Without a CD-ROM Drive U wouldn't be able to use any of it. U can even listen to music on it. But the second link will allow U to copy files to a CD also. And even let U watch DVD movies.

Hi Methos-

Thanks for your speedy answer too!

Perhaps I should have called what they describe as a 'processor' a tower??

Their Detail list really threw me as I couldn't figure out how I would add any programs from CD's if there was not CD drive!

I'm not all that interested in having a DVD drive, what drew my attention was the Athlon system (?), and the CD-RW capabilities.

HI ivnj!- Thanks...Gosh, such great and fast help from everyone this morning!

Don't know what I'd do without all you great people.