I have a question concerning computer processors.  

If you have a computer that has a processor that is rated at 1 Ghz and
you replace that processor with one that is rated at 2 Ghz, does that
mean that the upgraded computer is twice as fast?  Does a processor
that is rated twice as fast mean that your computer will be twice as
fast? (My question pertains to just the processor, not changing
anything else on the computer, just the processor).

Hello Xanne,

In some cases yes, in most cases, no. The ONLY cases where this is
yes, is an application / system that is not limited by other factors
(e.g., memory, I/O).

Here is an example where the CPU speed was increased 3x with an
overall performance boost of about 14% (apparently several years ago).
  http://www.pauldennis.com/kopcol/upgrade.htm
It also references a study indicating that increasing memory has a
much larger performance boost on most systems than CPU.

Here is another study at Byte magazine, a 66% increase in CPU
performance resulted in about 36% improvement in overall system
performance.
  http://www.byte.com/art/9706/sec3/art7.htm
Again, it mentions that adding memory boosts performance for far less money.

For several other references, search with a phrase like
  upgrade processor performance increase
Good luck with your work.

  --Maniac

There are bottlenecks inside computers

- increasing the amount of RAM or installing a new (faster) hard disk
can make a sluggish machine wake up.

You also have to realise that your CPU needs to be supported by your
motherboard and that the FSB and HD IDE cables are not the reason for
the slowness.

usrhlp