When a new computer user sets up their system fresh from the store, they often refer to the big main box as the computer, or sometimes the tower. Most don’t realize that this box contains the motherboard, the heart of any PC, or perhaps the brain would be a better description.
The motherboard is also known [...]
What is a CPU? New users ask that question a lot. They often refer to the system box, which houses the motherboard on which the CPU sits, as the CPU. But this is not correct. CPU stands for central processing unit, the very core of the computer, and the artificial brain that allows the rest [...]
Your monitor is, in many ways, the most important part of your computer purchase. Sure you can make a case that without a keyboard you couldn’t enter data, but that’s not totally true. You could have a touch screen monitor or you could use a computer mouse. Naturally you need a box containing a CPU, [...]
Many people never bother to think about what is actually inside their computer. The nuts and bolts of what’s in a computer could baffle them, but it really isn’t that complicated when you look at it. That little box on your desk isn’t magic, it is technology and technology can always be explained.
The brain of [...]
Deciding on the appropriate hard drive is a personal decision made according to an individual’s computing needs. These days, 20 gigabyte, up to 40 gig, 80 gig, 100 gig and even larger are common. When pricing hard drives, it is common to see very little price differences between smaller size drives and larger. For instance, [...]
Many people decide to buy a laptop computer because it offers flexibility and portability. Laptops are most suited for those who do light computer work such as surfing the internet, word processing, accounting, and to help manage bills and home organization. There are many features available now on laptops that used to be available on [...]
The hard drive disk of a computer is the primary storage device of the computer. It is a non-removable device that retains all the information when the computer is turned off. A fast hard drive supplies the computer with data as fast as it needs. Hard drives are measured in Gigabytes (GB) and the larger [...]
All computers possess the ability to store information in its memory, also called Random Access Memory, or RAM. Some computers can hold small amounts of stored data in the memory and others have the ability to store massive amounts of information. Whether looking at memory for your next computer or trying to improve the memory [...]
When choosing a new computer monitor, there are many choices and options available on the market. Consider whether or not you are looking for sharp graphics, bright colors and sleek designs. Perhaps you need a larger monitor for videos or games. Or, perhaps, you just need a basic monitor for basic computer functions. There are [...]
SCSI, or Small Computer Systems Interface, also pronounced “scuzzy” is defined as a standard type of input and output system used to attach peripheral devices to provide a very fast connection rate. These devices can be scanners, hard disks or other devices that can connect to a computer. Most Mac computers and operating systems use [...]
WiFi is short for “wireless fidelity” and is a wireless local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet. The WiFi route uses an Ethernet protocol, which is different than using a wired Internet system. The WiFi system is a good alternative to [...]
For anyone who utilizes a computer on a regular daily basis, the noise a PC makes can be loud and irritating. There are several things a computer user can do to help silence older computers and get some of the peace and quiet back to the computer workstation.
The first step to silencing a noisy computer [...]
A DVD ROM is a new type of read-only compact disks that can hold 4.7 gigabytes of information, which is enough for a full-length movie. A DVD ROM can be used to store large amounts of data including photos, videos and movies while maintaining a high quality picture and sound. A DVD-ROM drive is also [...]
The computer mouse first began to be used with the Apple computers in 1984. Now, mice are used on a daily basis by thousands who use computers. A computer mouse can sense your motions and your clicks and helps send them to your computer.
A computer mouse is usually connected to the computer using a USB [...]
When it is time to purchase a new computer case for your computer it is always best to look at the many available selections and find what is right for you. Your computer case will, first of all, serve to protect your computer when traveling, but you also must consider what other features you are [...]
So you have finally decided to get “hip,” and “with it,” and have waved farewell to your clunky old desktop computer and purchase that sleek, new, state of the art laptop. No sooner did you bring it home and register its software with the various manufacturers, than you also started receiving the advertisements for the [...]
Ports are to a PC what indents are to a Lego block. Without them, the item is virtually useless. The ports on a personal computer hook it up to the world: ports that welcome the mouse and keyboard, and thus allow the user to communicate with the machine, make it aware of its wishes, and [...]
The power supply is to the computer what the engine is to the car — quite possibly the most crucial component of the entire machine! Without a properly functioning power supply, a personal computer (or its cousins, the laptop, notebook, etc.) is nothing but a receptacle of wires, cables, resistors, and plastic. On a personal [...]
It is said that processors determine the functionality of a personal computer. In a time when we believe that bigger is better, the same could be said for processors…or is this simply an old wives’ tale?
When selecting a processor for your computer, keep in mind that the type itself is not as important as its [...]
We have all been driving a car to locations unknown with nothing but a computer generated map, only to discover a major road closure and no mention of alternate routes. Unless we carry a trusty assortment of city maps, or a car powered direction service, how will we find a new map? We might want [...]
If you remember the days of Atari and “Pong,” you probably also remember the personal computer’s first sound: beep. Yes, you are correct, in the early stages of computing, computers were only able to utter a beep. This sound was used as a warning to the user that something might be amiss. Later on, technicians [...]
The ability to access the Internet via wireless means has become one of the top selling assets for cell phones. Consider yourself being out and about, while your real estate business information is locked up tight in the memory of a personal computer. You know you have your latest client’s information in your e-mail, but [...]
Do you remember the good old days of the dot matrix printer? Do you remember the holed computer paper it required and how hard it was to feed this continuous paper into the printer without getting it in a bit crooked? Do you remember just how loud the old dot matrix machines were? If you [...]
The old days of computing asked us to be content with computers that uttered no sound except the occasional “beep,” printers that made more noise than a cat using a scratching post, and monitors that offered either an orange or a green glow. Fortunately, these days are history, and we may now bask in the [...]
Without the processor, a computer is but a simple collection of hardware tossed together in a mindless bundle inside the same box. Without the cables, none of the hardware could be connected, much less powered, and the computer would be of little use to anyone (except perhaps as an elaborate paperweight). At face value it [...]
Web cameras are everywhere now. If you have been on line at all in the past few years, then you have encountered a web camera in some form or another. They range from the mini to video camera size. Web cameras do have value, and are something that you should consider purchasing and setting up. [...]
The decision on whether to use an external storage drive versus an internal storage drive with your PC or device can be difficult. It is not just an aesthetic decision, but rather one that should be based on your needs versus the pros and cons of each type of drive.
The first thing you should consider [...]
There was a time when keyboards existed only on typewriters. The keys worked in a fairly straightforward manner: the user pressed the key, the key forced a “stamp” to press the letter onto the paper through an ink ribbon. Well, today our keyboards have numerous functions and uses. We use them to input information in [...]
Everyone, it seems, has a laptop today, and if you don’t have one, you probably are thinking of buying one. As if it were not difficult enough to select from the numerous types and brands of laptops out there, then you are confronted with the accessories. Of the thousands of accessories out there, it can [...]
Admit it; your home computer isn’t just about work, paying bills, and emailing out resumes, is it? You sneak off from time to time to play the newest computer games, and that is certainly okay. So you probably also know that sometimes you just need certain accessories to fully enjoy the gaming experience. That is [...]
So it is time for you to buy a scanner. Well, no matter whether you are relatively inexperienced and working with a tight budget or a professional in need of high quality scanning in order to sell your award winning photographs, these are some tips you will want to take.
First of all, concerning your scanner [...]
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, ports are an external bus standard that support data transfer rates of as much as 12 Mbps. There are over 100 devices that may connect to a computer via the USB ports. There are, however, ten basic components that plug into USB ports on computers. Most computers have only a [...]
With the internet, there has come ease of connection to those from whom you live far away. You can email, instant message, or talk over a voice connection for only the price of your internet service. However, you can make it more real. Web cams are becoming a bigger and bigger craze on the internet, [...]
So you get a web cam to enhance your internet experience. You hope it will allow you to more interactively communicate with family, friends, or acquaintances. The web cam sits on your desk, activated only when you use your video email or IM program, and otherwise you give it very little thought. Well, the problem [...]
Right now, server processing power is a buyer’s market. Intel has had decreasing success in getting higher clock rates without proportional performance gains from the Pentium architecture, as well as its Xeon server-optimized configurations.
In the battle between Intel and AMD, how much opportunity is there still for hardware to analyze an increased flow of Pentium-style [...]
Getting a Graphics Card for your PC is a great idea. Graphics have become an integral part of the computing experience. They were once a low key component of computers. In the past it made sense to have graphic circuitry stored in the motherboard. Now the amount of graphic information being used is so intense [...]
Fashionable external gadgets are all the rage. There are a number of snazzy and smart accessories available to improve your computer. Everything from storage to graphics technology can be added into your computer.
Long ago all the applications computers carried out were self contained. Your computer consisted of a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Nowadays there are [...]
Congratulations! You have already taken a huge step in your future by enrolling in an A+ Certification course. Now you just have to make sure that you pass it. Many have stood in these same shoes before and made it out the other side alive.
You have chosen to get into one of the few career [...]
You don’t have to keep it all inside anymore. It’s okay to let it out. The days of storing everything on your internal hard drive are over. There are a bunch of cool, low cost external components that can enhance your Mac, PC or laptop.
This is the technology age. The better your computer is, the [...]
Printers, just like every other aspect of PC technology are evolving as we speak. Newer more advanced models are carving out their place in the computing world constantly. With so many options it can be hard to choose printers that suit your needs.
What you need the printer for should definitely influence what model you buy. [...]
The death of a power supply could be rather traumatic. A PC is almost like a part of the family. When we loose touch with our computers, it is great cause for concern. How are we going to chat with our friends? How are we going to research that project that is due the next [...]
You are taking the bull by the horns by building your own computer. Well, before you pat yourself on the back, make sure you have the best technology possible. This is a great feat you are tackling and you want it to turn out as close to perfect as possible. When your PC is complete [...]
Don’t toss out your trusty PC! Just because there is a new shiny model on the showroom floor, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Save yourself money and upgrade.
With the price of computers these days, it is important to get the most out of your purchase. So you are may not be a computer [...]
Computers are a part of everyday life. We use them at home, in school and in the office. We rely on them in many ways. Some of us even have some endearing feelings towards them, but do we know what the driving force behind our precious little desktop or laptop is? It is aptly named [...]
Floppy Drives and Floppy Disc do still exist, but in a few years, that probably won’t be true. Floppy Drives are a near obsolete technology and which means they are on their way out. Remember your old 45’s? Do you recall how you absolutely refused to believe that they were one day going to be [...]
Most everyone with a computer is looking to have the fastest, most efficient computer filled with the latest computer technology. To keep up with the continual changes as technology becomes more and more advanced; it requires complete upgrades on the computer. But, what are the best computer upgrades available?
Memory Upgrade
One of the most popular computer [...]
If you have a computer, a modem, and a little creativity, you have all that is necessary to make your computer work for you.
With the ever-growing internet traffic and reliance on this technology, businesses and companies are more and more looking toward the internet for reliable employees. Taking advantage of this trend has allowed for [...]
The difference between dial up and dial out is more than just a matter of semantics. It’s also a matter of service and the difference between an individual pc and a network of computers. Understanding the differences is important, particularly to those who are running a business requiring regular internet access.
Dial up is often used [...]
With the ever-growing presence of computer technology in both our personal and professional lives, many of us have become quite familiar and comfortable performing routine maintenance on our computers. In fact, many have become so comfortable that they take it upon themselves to perform upgrades, ranging from simple sound card upgrades to more complex motherboard [...]
The Universal Serial Bus, or USB, is an external data bus, or a collection of wires that connects a computer to peripheral devices, that supports data transfer. One USB port can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices, including modems, mice, and keyboards. A USB port also supports hot plugging, which is the computer system’s [...]
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
You are currently browsing the archives for the hardware category.