The speed of a computer is a factor of multiple things. A thread is the ability of a computer to handle a single data thread (a program).
For desktop (and laptop) processors, it's usually Intel or AMD processors. Right now, per clock speed (ex. 3 gigahertz), Intel runs faster. AMD's rely on adding more cores and overclocking in order to offer great value. Some programs can take advantage of multiple cores, and others can not. Intel also uses a schedule trick called hyperthreading, which allows their processors to address 2 threads per core. It's not the same as having 2 dedicated cores, but it does boost performance.
Then there's also ram speed, graphics cards (if gaming), processor generation.
If you want a computer for general office or home use, you can go with either an Intel Pentium (ivy bridge or haswell, but they limit ram speed among other features. Good deal for $60 though) or I3 or an AMD FX-4300 series or FX-6300 series for desktop computers.
For laptops, it really just depends on your price range. If you can get an Intel i3 or i5 that is Haswell generation running at a decent clock rate, that is great. Haswell worked on reducing power usage and improved graphics a little bit (not enough to do heavy gaming on though). Ivy bridge is older than Haswell, but is pretty good too.
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