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Do We Really Need The Internet?
As someone who earns their living entirely online, I considered myself the last person I ever thought would ask the question, "Do we really need the Internet?" However, the extended power outage of almost 4 days, ongoing loss of Internet access,...
How To Troubleshoot DVD Drives Fast
You really enjoy those dvd movies and games and the last thing you need or want is to experience problems with your dvd drive.
To prepare for the possibility of having your dvd drive leaving you out in the cold one morning,we will dicuss...
The Metaphors of the Net - Part III
3. The Internet as a Collective Nervous System Drawing a comparison from the development of a human infant - the human race has just commenced to develop its neural system. The Internet fulfils all the functions of the Nervous System in the body...
What Does your "John Hancock" Look Like?
If you have a website and simply sign your e-mails with just your name, STOP right there! If you're not taking advantage of using a good signature line, you're missing out on promoting your business every time you send mail. So you ask, what...
What is TCP/IP?
Many people may not know what TCP/IP is nor what its effect is on the Internet. The fact is, without TCP/IP there would be no Internet. And it is because of the American military that the Internet exists.
During the days of the cold war, the...
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What to look for in an assembled PC
Not too well versed with the hardware jargon but need a computer? For starters, read Ask these 3 questions before you buy a computer.
Once you are sure what you need one for, get cracking. Here is a basic guide to get you started.
Do note: while all potential buyers will benefit from this piece, it is mainly targeted at individuals opting for an assembled PC. Embedded: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-3.html
An indicative price list at the end will help you budget accordingly.
Motherboard
The large circuit board into which the Central Processing Unit, memory boards and peripheral cards are plugged is referred to as the motherboard.
It is the most vital part of any computer as it holds and connects all your peripherals and add-ons to give you upgrade options and support for future technologies.
What you must know:
Check whether it comes with all the necessary options, support for upgradeability and extra slots for memory and other add-on cards.
Processor
Processor chips are primarily available in two brands -- INTEL and AMD.
The Intel chips range from the very basic Celeron chip to the Pentium series to the advanced Centrino processor. Print and Fax: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-4.html
AMD has a chip called Athlon, which is slightly cheaper than the higher end Intel chips.
Most users prefer Intel Pentium chips to Athlon as the latter heats up soon and isn't as efficient as a Pentium 4 chip. Also, the Athlon chip based systems need extra fans to cool the system.
The most preferred chip is the Pentium 4 2.4 GHz.
You might want to consider the Athlon chip with the motherboard would cost you about Rs 3,000 less than its INTEL counterpart. Movie Maker: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-5.html
What you must know:
Though the processor speed plays a crucial role, you need not have the latest and fastest one available. If a processor with a slightly lesser core speed can do just as well for your demands, go for it.
Make sure the chips are box packed with a serial number to ensure they are original.
Random Access Memory
RAM is the amount of memory available for use by programmes on a computer.
The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 MB, even 1 GB. Most computers function efficiently with 256 MB RAM, though a 512 MB RAM does offer you an edge.
As a thumb rule, always go in for a minimum of 256 MB RAM.
The latest memory technologies in use are DDR RAM, RD RAM and the latest release of the DDR2 RAM.
What you must know:
Since it
ensures the smooth running of your system, the more the better.
Make sure the memory capacity is upgradeable. Games: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-6.html
Make sure the RAM is original and opt for the DDR range of RAMs. Duplicate RAMs will not function on Windows XP operating systems.
The RAM comes with a year's warranty.
Hard Disk Drive
HDD capacity counts for a great deal.
A 40 GB hard disk is sufficient disk space but you may choose an 80 GB variant.
The brand SEAGATE is a very reliable brand for hard disks and is preferred by most computer manufacturers and assemblers.
What you must know:
The hard disk comes with a three-year warranty.
Monitor
Monitors are computer screens available in varied sizes, the most popular being the 15" and 17". Windows Update: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-13.html
You can choose between a flat panel plasma screen and a regular desktop monitor.
The Dynaflat type monitor is preferred to the conventional CRT type, which is technically referred to as the Cathode Ray Tube.
The various brands for monitors are Samsung, Mercury and LG, to name a few. Samsung is the preferred alternative for monitors and is also the leading peripheral components dealer.
What you must know:
Monitors usually come with a three-year warranty.
Peripherals
These include the keyboard, mouse, web cam, printer, scanner, joystick, etc.
Samsung and Microsoft are the preferred brands.
Choose an optical mouse over the usual one. The price difference is marginal. The same applies for the Internet keyboard.
Don't opt for a wireless mouse or a keyboard as the sensors get spoilt with time. Besides, you have to charge the batteries every week.
For printers and scanners, Hewlett Packard is the market leader.
What you must know:
Don't choose the cheapest printer in sight. You will spend the money you save in less than a year on cartridges.
Don't go for the ones cheap ones as they have poor resolution.
Voltage stabilisers and Spike guards Photos: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-9.html
If your locality has frequent power failures or severe voltage fluctuations, opt for a voltage stabiliser. This will prevent any damage that could reduce the life of your machine.
Regardless of the locality and the power supply, opt for a spike guard. It will provide four power plug points for your computer and peripherals.
About the Author
Adam Fletcher is the webmaster of Hardware Software Articles http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com .
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| Tom's Hardware |
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| Computer hardware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
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| Hardware is the general term that is used to describe physical artifacts of a technology. ... In a looser sense, hardware can be major military equipment, ... |
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| What is hardware? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer ... |
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| Reg Hardware: Product News and Gadget Reviews from The Register |
| More Gadgets Stuff. 5th December 2006 12:09 GMT. Author: Reg Hardware ... 27th November 2006 15:31 GMT. Author: The Hardware Widow ... |
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| red hat hardware compatibility lists |
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| Here's our tip to hang strands of lights with ease. Jeanenne & Jim Tucker Plantation True Value Hardware Richmond, TX ... |
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| A complete illustrated Guide to the PC Hardware |
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