MAIN Technology

All set to buy that new computer, cell phone, digital camera or superlight laptop? Read the ads and start trying to figure out what it all means.

Just try.

Is a Pentium 4 better with RAM or ROM - and what do the megahertz have to do with anything?? And what is a Bluetooth?? Does that mean you'll have to get dental insurance?

More than 1,500 Internet savvy computer users completed an 11 question quiz to test their ability to speak tech jargon. The survey was done in partnership with the Global Consumer Advisory Board (GCAB).

If you'd like to take the test before you find out how everyone else did just click on over to the Terminology and Complexity Test.

The news is great for all of the non-tech shoppers out there. You are not alone... no one knows what it all means!

The people who answered the questions were international:

– 58% US (893 respondents)
– 14% UK (220 respondents)
– 14% Japan (210 respondents)
– 14% China (212 respondents)
– less than 1% were from Shanghai, Beijingand and Guanzhou.

Only 3% “aced” the quiz, correctly identifying 11 of 11 multiple-choice definitions for various technology terms

– Most respondents got only 7 or fewer correct
– Less than one quarter (22%) got 5 or fewer
– Less than one tenth (9%) got 3 or fewer

The end result of all of the confusion is that people put off buying any electronics because they just can't figure out what to buy. It's not very surprising that 48% of the respondents delay purchasing digital cameras because they are too complicated, but even microwave ovens have gotten too complicated for most people to buy.

The full report is online at here. Failed the test? Here's help:

Guides to Technical Jargon around the Web

Tech Encyclopedia - Search more than 20,000 computer-age related terms, get a random definition or just a quick overview with Top 10 Terms.

Helpanswers.com: - Searchable database of thousands of questions and answers on operating systems and application software and hardware created specifically to help computer users, not 'techies.'

Guides to Buying Electronic Gadgets around the Web

ZD Net Reviews - ZD Net is a place where computer saavy people hang out - but their product reviews are really helpful even if you are not fluent in computer-ese.

Computer Buying Help - This is a wonderful site. They explain just what you need to look for and why. You'll find out why a Mac is different than a PC and what it means to have ROM or RAM and... well, all those questions you need answered. Bookmark this one.

Buying A Computer - The US Federal Government has put together a very useful pamphlet on computer buying basics. The go over all of the simple questions, provide a glossary and even give you a note sheet to take with you when you go shopping!

If Buying Computers was Like Buying a Car - This one won't help you make any buying decisions, but it should get a chuckle or two out of you.