Honda Repair: What is the difference?, honda accord lx, salvage yard

Question
Is there a difference between an A/C clutch and an the compressor? My A/C just started smoking one day in my 1993 Honda Accord LX, and I was told my A/C clutch was burned out. Then, I had someone look at, and listen as I turned on my A/C, and they observed that it was my compressor; it was located at the front of the engine, near the left headlight, and it had a belt, making a weird humming sound. Is that the compressor gone bad? If so, I would like to be able to find a pretty good deal on one to replace it, because I was told it was very costly.

Answer
Talia,
The clutch is one part of the compressor. The compressor is the "pump" that circulates the freon thru the system. It is possible that your clutch went bad, but I usually recomend replacing the whole compressor if you say you saw smoke.
They are costly, and you may be able to have a salvage yard find one, but I do not recommend that either. They give no warranty, and you will need to have a someone replace it. If it goes bad in 1 month, there you are again without air.
You would be better off saving up for a new one. Then you will have a warranty and a good compressor.
Good luck