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Building A PC

Monday, 13 March 2006 Declan Tobin
Many people simply go to the retail store and get sold to when it comes to computing equipment. You would be very surprised how easily you can pick up all the core components and assemble yourself or get a friend or family member in the know to do it for you. All the top brand PC manufacturers such as IBM, HP and Fujitsu Siemens offer you pre built PC's, Dell on the other hand will take your order and build to your own style. Off them all Dell will come across more flexible with the specification, however, building your own will not only save you many dollars but make you aware of just how much profit these guys are making.
 

What are the core components of a PC?


Well let's start with the basics you will need no matter how high or low spec you want the computer:

PC Case – Motherboard – Processor Chip – Fan – Power Supply – Hard Disk Drive – Memory (RAM) – Power Cord – Keyboard & Mouse – Graphics Card (may come on the motherboard) – Sound Card (if you require one). All these components will get you started. Remember build the PC to your own needs. Gaming PC's generally need a good graphics card with 3d capabilities while general office PC's do not need such powerful cards.

Processors:


Intel and AMD are the key players when it comes to processors, Intel offer the Pentium chip or Celeron while AMD have their range such as the AMD Athlon and Sempron. While both companies have their benefits Intel's being that they are the largest selling globally but AMD seem to have the faster processing capabilities. When looking at the processors think sensibly and ask yourself do you really need the latest and greatest or would you notice the difference in point two of a processor e.g. 3GHz compared to 2.8GHz.
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Remember keep the cost down, basic components such as the PC case comes in a number of different styles such as Mini Tower, Desktop. Choose what suits you. RAM (memory) will depend on what you plan to do, some games and simulators require large amounts of memory so check before you buy, and the graphics card will also depend on your PC plans. If you are generally using the PC for home and Internet browsing remember to purchase a modem or if you are planning broadband arrange with the installer and get yourself on the waiting list.

Building the PC


Building a PC is not as daunting as it seems. If you have not attempted to do this before it is a good idea to have supervision. Some of the components such as the memory need careful handling due to static electricity. Get an anti static wrist strap to protect the components, they cost very little and could save you a lot of money. There are plenty of cheap books out there to guide you in assembly but you will also find free articles online with diagrams for assembly.

Software:


Hardware is one thing but you also need the software such as the operating system and anti virus software for protection against viruses. Depending on what you want and what you are used to using before you can get free operating system such as Linux. Most of us are used to Microsoft Windows but you will require a licence to use this software. You may also need some office software such as Microsoft Office XP or 2003 standard or Professional edition. The anti virus software is essential and Norton's or McAfee are some of the better known brands. There are also free downloads that will help protect your PC such as Stinger and Ad-Ware.

In Brief:


Building your very own PC gives you the flexibility that most manufacturers do not. The price is greatly reduced if you can assemble yourself and it will give you a great insight to all the components and key terms in computing. You will be surprised to find that not all is as technical as first seems.

Some quick notes: Do not forget the following: Modem – Make sure you also have enough USB ports for external devices such as a printer or digital camera. Always back your files up such externally on the off chance you have a problem with the Hard Disk Drive and your files are not transferable, something like a usb keyring would be ideal.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of
Computer Parts which includes
Cheap Computer Accessories , and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Co
 

Speed up your Pocket PC Guide

Monday, 13 March 2006 Vesselin Nerdeff
While new Pocket PC owners are usually excited with their purchase, their enthusiasm is often dampened once they run into stability and speed issues. This guide will walk you through several tips to keep your machine slick and well-oiled.As with any system or registry tweaks, always backup in case something does go amiss. Remember, we're not responsible for any loss of data.
1. Disable Windows menu animation
Switching off eye candies like animation keeps your handheld zippy. To do so, you'll need a registry editor like PHM RegEdit to modify the registry. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SYSTEM\GWE\Menu, then change the value of "AniType" from 6 (default) to 0. This disables the menu animation.
If doing this is a daunting task, an easy alternative is with RegKing. This nifty freeware lets you toggle the menu animation easily and offers other tweaks.


2. Increase display cache
Another tip to speed up the display is to increase the glyph cache value. However, this will take up more system memory. Launch your registry editor and browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\GDI\GLYPHCACHE. Change the value of "limit" from 8192 (default) to 16384 or even 32768.

If meddling the registry is unnerving for you, RegKing gets this done in a few taps.
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3. Close not minimize
If you are unaware, when you tap on the close button, the program only minimizes. Hence, you may end up with a string of programs running on the background taking up valuable memory. Check out our wrapper on freeware task managers to better manage your device's resources.

If you don't mind spending a little, we recommend Spb Pocket Plus. In addition to task management, this feature-laden software adds a launcher, battery meter and other functions.


4. Remove unused programs
Although processor speed is important to system performance, the availability of memory plays an equally crucial role. When it comes to Pocket PC, the more free memory, the better. Programs consumes precious memory so uninstall those you don't require. Go to Start/Settings/System/Remove Programs to uninstall them.


5. Relocate big files to storage card
Instead of keeping space-intensive data on your main memory, move these files to your storage cards instead. A quick way to identify files hogging the space is via WIMR. Thereafter, using the built-in File Explorer, just cut and paste to move files off the main memory. Make sure these are data files rather than executables or you may break your programs.


6. Install programs onto external storage
If you need a host of software on your Pocket PC, there's no way all of them can be installed on your main memory. Whenever possible, choose to install programs onto a flash memory card or even non-volatile memory such as iPAQ File Store. This frees up main memory for running programs.


7. Remove redundant folders and files
Like your Windows desktop, the uninstall routine on the Pocket PC often does a bad job leaving orphaned folders and files. Manually remove them using File Explorer.
In addition, programs may accumulate redundant data over time. Rather than removing them manually, install SpeedClean, a free tool that deletes Temporary internet files, Cookies and the Temp folder with ease.




8. Clean up the registry
Over time your registry may be choked up with redundant entries. Hunt these down with Remover or Pocket Mechanic.
Want to save some dough and don't mind getting your hands dirty? Try manually removing them from the registry. Launch your registry editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Apps and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE. Delete entries of programs that have been uninstalled but still lurk in the registry. This won't do as good a job by Remover and Pocket Mechanic but should be suffice.


8. Overclocking
If having the fastest Pocket PC means the world to you, try overclocking it. Immiersoft's XCPUScalar or Pocket Hack Master from Anton Tomov let you run your handheld at speeds higher than it's designed for. Beware though, there's a good chance your device may freeze or even hard-reset.


For more Pocket PC tips and Tricks or Smartphone And Pocket PC software and freeware visit us at mobiletopsoft.com
 

Computer Diagnostics 101

Saturday, 04 March 2006 Natalie Aranda
If your PC is sluggish, the screen freezes more, the hard disk makes strange noises and/or you reboot frequently due to error messages then computer diagnostics are essential to sort out the trouble.

A complicated machine is bound to have trouble in delivering every time, smoothly. Apart from external factors sometimes, internal factors also might result in the malfunctioning or crashing of a computer. To determine the nature of the problem there are computer diagnostic tools . Though the word diagnosis means identifying and analyzing the problem, computer diagnostic tools go all the way to set things right after preliminary diagnosis. A comprehensive computer diagnostic tool would diagnose dead PCs, motherboard, power supply, memory, hard drive and the central processing unit. Data recovery diagnosis is a part of this process too.
 
Computer diagnostic tools flood the markets in both software and hardware form. A lot of computer diagnostic software is available for free and can be used by an end user without any technical help. The assistance of technicians may be sought to set problems like stuck keys on the keyboard, mouse related problems, rolling pictures, memory loss and loss of data with the help of computer diagnostic software.
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Most of the computer diagnostic programs are easy to run and come with useful instructions that can be performed by PC users themselves, unless there is a serious problem concerning the hard disk or the CPU. Computer diagnostic programs should be run periodically by end users even when there is no obvious problem to check for troubles that might be lurking in the system. It is advisable to leave some space in the drives to accommodate the computer diagnostic software. Computer diagnostic programs would run a set of tests either individually or simultaneously to identify the problem and prepare a report. This report may be saved for future reference. After this, the computer diagnostic program would proceed to trouble shoot.

Computer diagnostic software can retrieve lost data in minutes. However, complete testing of a PC by using a computer diagnostic program may take as long as 100 hrs. The costs of computer diagnostic software is higher than the cost of computer data recovery software, as the later does a myriad of functions that includes identifying, analyzing and trouble shooting that also includes data recovery.

Windows mode computer diagnostic software is compatible with 2000, 2000 Pro, XP and 2003. DOS mode computer diagnostic programs are compatible with IBM XT, PC, AT and Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium I, II, III, and Pentium IV to name a few.

 

Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. She contributes to Ecommerce Guide and Gift Ideas for Wedding and Valentines .

 

Tips to protect your PC files from external attack

Wednesday, 15 February 2006 Paul Wilson
Essential to peace of mind is protecting the PC and your online privacy. When connected to the web, your work and data is open to attacks of various kinds including harmful downloads. A simple game, picture, or program may be the vehicle for malevolence. So, you need to check whether every file that you download, open, or save, is safe or whether there are irregularities of any kind.

Protect your PC by:
 
• Blocking hackers and viruses by installing the latest firewall and antivirus software. It is advisable to install a software firewall even if you have a hardware firewall in your system. A software firewall is designed to query whether or not it should permit “X,” access. The user can specify which applications can access the port and which cannot. A bi-directional firewall such as ZoneAlarm3 and Personal Firewall 5 will monitor both inbound and outbound traffic preventing Trojans and backdoor programs from functioning.

• Block downloads that install unwanted programs by using the options in Internet explorer to block all software from source X specified by you.

• Install software programs that will constantly scan your PC for spyware, adware, dialers, and web bug traces which can create a nuisance and cause crashes, slow down systems, or steal financial information. By adding a schedule you can instruct NoAdware to automatically scan your PC at set times for in-filtrations.

• Immunize your PC and prevent malicious add ons to your system.
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• Configure your PC browser to protect you when you are working online. Use a ‘real time shield' and prevent intrusions. Be sure to click the “protect IE Favorites” box and ensure that no thief can add an URL without your permission to your browser's favorites list. This will block offensive and dangerous websites from entering your PC environs.

• Say “no” to any web address or site that instructs you to download specific software to view their pages. Such software can contain a virus, Trojan horse, or auto dialer.

• Create a regular back up schedule for your work. Once a week is ideal if you are a virtual worker or running a business. This will minimize any damage should problems arise.

• Be sure to update your software with the latest patches and bug fixes. Then use the updated or enhanced security settings provided by the updates. There are in built ways which you can operate to block damaging viruses, stamp out cookies, and keep unwanted visitors away from your computer system. The method is easy for example if you are using Internet Explorer just go to Tools-Internet Options-Privacy tab. Click the edit button to accept or reject a specific cookie. Go to the advanced settings and check block third party cookies.

• Scan all downloaded files before use. Never launch executable or scriptable files namely those that have dot.exe; .bat ;.doc; .vbs extensions. Do not access attachments of any kind before they are certified as safe.

• Remove file sharing and windows printer options these increase vulnerability of the PC.

• Encrypt your e-mail and embed an identifying key.

Better be sure than sorry. Preventing snoops is easier than trying to recover after an attack. Take informed steps to protect yourself and your PC.

About the Author: Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/software-download/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Software Download Forum including topics on all about software, download, spyware, freeware, shareware and more. He also freelances for the premier Software Download Site http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
 

WEBCAM How to Choose

Thursday, 23 February 2006 John Wright
With the growing availability of high bandwidth internet connections getting a webcam and staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier.

What is a Webcam


A webcam is a small video camera that takes still or moving images and sends them to your PC via a USB cable. The quality of image capture is determined by the webcam's lens, optical sensor and the frame rate the camera can transmit.
 
The best available resolution is 640x480 and the frame rate is almost always 30 frames per second. If your looking to take movie clips then you will need a camera with a high resolution and frame rate. If you want to use your video camera for video conferencing, you could go for a cheaper, lower-spec camera but with the ever increasing availability of high bandwidth internet connections and VoIP software such as Skype, I would recommend going for a good quality camera.
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PC specification and your Webcam  


At this point it would be a good idea to check the minimum specification required to run the webcam of your choice, and whether your PC meets that specification.  The majority of current webcams require at least Windows 98 Second Edition to work properly. Minimum processor requirements generally vary from 350MHz to 700MHz but I would suggest a processor speed of at least 1000MHz.  RAM specifications vary from 128MB to 512MB. Manufacturers of webcams will generally state a wide compatibility specification, however, a good rule of thumb would be to take the top specification mentioned for your webcam and use that as your minimum specification requirement.

Ok your PC has met the minimum RAM and Processor specification for your webcam, the next thing to think about is the kind of port your webcam is going to plug into. The majority of webcams manufactured in the past five years plugs in to a USB port.  However, there are two kinds of USB ports older USB1.1 ports (12Mbit/s) and the more recent USB2.0 ports (480Mbit/s). These two types look identical and you can plug a USB2.0 port into a USB1.1 socket and you can plug older USB1.1 devices into a USB2.0 port, however, only a USB Hi-Speed device on a USB2.0 port will transfer data faster than 12Mbit/s.

Upgrading your PC to meet your webcam requirements


Before you undertake any upgrade, you need to compare your PC's specifications to the minimum requirements of the webcam you want to install.  Check out the need to know below before you take the plunge.

  • A webcam's manufacturer will specify certain minimum requirements that your PC should meet if it is to work successfully with the device. These generally include the version of Windows on your PC, your processor's speed and the amount of RAM fitted.
  • Some webcams use a USB Hi-Speed connection. Before you buy one of these cams check to see if your PC has USB2.0 ports. If your PC runs a version of Windows older than XP then it almost certainly doesn't have USB2.0 ports.
  • Most current webcams come with a built-in microphone, but a few don't.  Before you buy, check to see if your webcam has a microphone, if it doesn't you'll have to buy one that plugs into your sound card. 
 

Mac or PC

Wednesday, 01 February 2006 Michael Kaye
For the longest time, people would just walk into a computer store and buy a PC because that is what everyone else seemed to be using. With the success of the iPod people are beginning to take notice of Apple and their very eye catching products. Now there seems to be a choice, which computer is best for you? Mac or PC?

I'm going to say right off the top, my Personal Computer of choice is a Mac. This doesn't mean that I wouldn't use a PC or that a Mac is right for everyone.

Firstly so we all understand, PC stands for Personal Computer. Is a Mac a Personal Computer? You bet, since most people refer to Windows based Computers as PC's. We will use the term PC to describe a Windows based Personal Computer and we will use Mac to describe Apple's OSX-Unix based Computer.

Whenever I help someone find the best computer for their needs, I like to ask a lot of questions.

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Here are a few questions to consider.

1. What are you going to use the computer for?
2. Do you have a computer geek in the family that is going to help you with setup, questions and problems you may have, or do you want to be independent.
3. Are there any specific programs that you must be able to use, how important is software compatibility?
4. Are you the creative or business type?
5. How concerned are you about Security,Viruses and Spyware?
6. Will Design and Styling be part of your buying decision?
7. How important is Gaming to you?

How do these question help me determine which Computer System to recommend?

Lets start with Question 1.
What are you going to use the computer for?

It's very important to first find out what this computer will be used for. Is it going to be for very basic uses such as Internet, email and Word Processing or will you be using it for a home business or for creative tasks like Graphics and Design. There is no cut and dry which is better here, in this case a basic user could go with Mac or PC, The business type may be leaning towards a PC, and the Graphics and Design person should start considering a Mac.

Question 2.
Do you have a computer geek in the family that is going to help you with setup, questions and problems you may have, or do you want to be independent?

This is an important question because if you have a Geek in the family, more then likely they prefer one system over the other, if you want their approval and support you may need to purchase the system that they use.

On the other hand, do you want to be self sufficient? If so then you have the freedom to choose the system that you like best. If you are not overly computer savvy the Mac offers the quickest learning curve with the least amount of technical understanding to be self sufficient.

Question 3.
Are there any specific programs that you must be able to use, how important is software compatibility?

Does your business require specific software programs for real-estate, database, design or education? Not all programs are cross-platform, meaning they may only run on PC or Mac but not both. This could greatly effect your purchasing decision. One note to make here is that a Mac can run a Virtual PC program that allows you to install Windows and Windows based programs. This allows you to run PC programs on a Mac but they will run at a reduced speed because of software emulation.

Question 4.
Are you the creative or business type?

A common perception is that PC's are best for business and Mac's are best for creativity. There is definitely some truth to this however both PC's and Mac's are capable of either. It may come back to compatibility if you are working closely with others.

Question 5.
How concerned are you about Security,Viruses and Spyware?

Viruses and Spyware are here to stay, but did you know the Viruses and Spyware that can bring your PC to its knees will not even slightly affect a Mac? This is due in part to the Mac's Unix based operating system. The reason for this is Viruses and Spyware are programs for PC's, PC programs will not run on a Mac. This doesn't mean a Mac can't get a virus but is much more unlikely since it would have to be written specifically for the Mac and it's very robust Unix security.

Question 6.
Will Design and Styling be part of your buying decision?

Without question Apple makes some very stylish computers! This is prevalent when ever you watch a Movie or TV show. Mac's are in almost every scene where a computer is scripted. Style isn't just about looks, it's also about making a product that is usable and simple yet full of features that you really need.

Question 7.
How important is Gaming to you?

Maybe you are purchasing your computer as a gaming machine. Hands down the PC would be the best choice for this. Make sure you balance all of your computer uses, you may not have as much time as you think to game with all of the other great programs available. You can always purchase a console game like the XBox 360 and destroy your friends from the comfort of your couch.

More to Consider... I wanted to mention some of the strong points to each system.

PC:

-Extensive selection of software and hardware to choose from.
-Very competitive pricing on hardware and software as a result of a multitude of companies selling PC's and their related programs.
-Full compatability with virtually all accessories.

Mac:

-Very tight integration between hardware and software due to Apple designing both aspects.
-Extremely user friendly and stable. -Lots of Pre-installed software programs for todays digital lifestyle called iLife. iLife is a suite of fully integrated programs that make it easy to use digital cameras, digital video editing, audio and music.
-Mac users are the most product loyal customers in the industry, that's got to say something!

Todays computers are becoming closer and closer in speed and what they can do, compatibility between PC and Mac is almost seamless. I recommend you go to a retail store and talk to a qualified sales rep and give both systems a test drive with an open mind. The right computer will reveal it's-self to you...



Author-Michael Kaye
DigitizMe.info
http://www.digitizeme.info

Get you free Computer and Technology eBook:
http://www.digitizeme.info/free.html

 

Buy a Cheap Laptop or a Cheap Desktop

Sunday, 29 January 2006 Charles Wee

Should I buy a cheap laptop or a cheap desktop?


You may find yourself asking that question many times while shopping for a computer. This guide offers you the pros and cons of owning a laptop versus a desktop pc.

Processing speed

Comparing processing speeds, laptops usually lag behind their desktop counterparts. With the rapid advance in microchip technology, the gap between them will become smaller.

Wireless

Most laptops especially those with Intel mobile chips come with wireless capability out of the box. This means you can get online from any location at home easily without ugly wires if you have a wireless network setup at home. Desktop pcs do not typically provide this capability out of the box although that may change in the near future.

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Memory

Memory chip tends to be more expensive in Laptop than desktop pcs. If you buy a laptop with less than 512MB ram, be prepare to pay more for memory upgrades than you have to with a desktop pc.

Graphics Display

Because of the size of a laptop, most business or entry level laptop use integrated graphics with limited ram. This means most laptops even some expensive ones cannot run graphics intensive applications or 3d games as well as a desktop pc. With a desktop pc, you can buy a dedicated graphics card just to serve a graphics intensive application.

Portability

Portability is why everyone wants a laptop these days. Because of their size and weight, it is easier to carry a laptop around as opposed to a desktop pc.

Screen Display

Everyone buy laptop for their portability so laptops usually do not come with screens as big as their desktop counterparts. The screen technology used is usually not as good as those used by desktop pc. Furthermore with a desktop pc, you can always upgrade to a bigger and better screen whereas for laptop you are stuck with the same screen display for the whole lifespan of the laptop.

Upgradeability

Laptops do not offer many upgrade options. You can only upgrade memory and hard disk. With a desktop you can upgrade almost anything and only limited by the motherboard. This means a cheap desktop pc offers a longer lifespan than a laptop.

So whether you should buy a cheap laptop or a cheap desktop, ask yourself what are your needs? If you want to be able to use a computer wherever you go, then you are looking at a laptop to fulfill your needs. However if you do not require the portability of a laptop, play a lot of 3D games, graphic intensive applications, if you care about upgradeability to prolong the lifespan of your investment, then desktop pc is a smarter choice for you.

Charles Wee runs a free hosting service at BloggerHaven. He also owns and runs a website at CheapLaptopGuide which provides free guidance for buying of cheap laptops and notebooks

 

The untold dangers of Spyware and viruses

Monday, 21 November 2005 le Perdu
It's hard to believe that anyone would want to steal the information on your PC. You have absolutely nothing of interest to anyone, right? WRONG. In the last couple of years code writers, hackers and virus writers have stepped up their efforts to get every single piece of your digital life and information they possibly can off of your lonely little computer. Once they get this info the sell it to who ever wants it and they do this all through the use of small programs called spyware or malware

 

These people will steal anything, from your extremely important and serious information such as your bank account details and password or social security numbers to apparently less serious details like your email passwords, online purchasing habits, searching habits and browsing habits. Everything you do or look at is worth something to someone. For this reason these people of the internet under world will go out of their way to quietly relieve you of this data.

"So what if someone knows where I shop or what sites I visit?" I hear you ask. The answers bring nothing but more questions: what else are these people and their spyware programs stealing from you? or worse yet ask yourself what damage could a stranger inflict on you with this stolen information?   I shudder to think of the possibilities of what someone could do with my information.
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What can you do to protect yourself? There are numerous ways for these programs to get onto your PC such as through emails, unfriendly web pages or through the careless downloading of apparently harmless (and often free) programs off the Internet. Everyday in many more ways then I can describe these people are trying to get your data so you need to prepare yourself and your PC to fight back.

To protect your home email from Spam and spyware you should use software that uses advance Bayesian Filtering. Bayesian (bÄ?' zÄ“-en) is described by webopedia.com as "A technique for identifying incoming e-mail Spam. Unlike other filtering techniques that look for Spam-identifying words in subject lines and headers, a Bayesian filter uses the entire context of an e-mail when it looks for words or character strings that will identify the e-mail as Spam. Another difference between a Bayesian filter and other content filters is that a Bayesian filter learns to identify new Spam the more it analyzes incoming e-mails." This amazing technology actually analyses your mail and decides on a case-by-case basis whether or not it is Spam! I have used Spam Bully in the recent past but now I am partial to PALSpam Killer.  In some case the software manufacturer promises 99% removal, but I have came to expect and be happy with a removal rate around 95%.

For your web downloads and online browsing you should definitely use an anti-spyware program like the well rated NoAdware or the excellent Spyware Nuker. These programs monitor your PC while you are online and will actively block pop up ads and other annoying or malicious programs from running. This method of doing things ensures that your PC stays cleaner for longer. Some other well-known spyware and adware removal tools are Ad-Aware and Spybot - Search & Destroy. I like to be on the safe side of things so I run a combination of the Spyware Nuker and NoAdware. No removal tool is perfect so I run them one after the other and generally speaking one will find a few problems which I fix and then the other will find a few more. In the end though I am fairly confident that my PC is bug free.

These programs combined with a software or hardware firewall and a good anti virus (I love Symantec's anti virus product) should leave your PC clean and more importantly keep prying eyes out of your personal information. Are you brave enough to see how many bad unfriendly programs live on your PC? Download one of the programs mentioned above or one that you have heard of elsewhere and scan your PC ASAP. Tell your family and friends or email them a link to this article so they can read about the risks they face, everyone is at risk...everyone.

le Perdu is a contributing author on http://www.Quampha.com a growing site dedicated to random reading, obscure articles and some rather out there opinions. We dare to be different, and we are always looking for more authors.

 

How to buying the perfect PC

Monday, 28 November 2005 Dee Kerr
PCs have become a staple in every home. Without PCs, you will find it hard to stay connected and to even do the work required of you in school or in the office. With so much PC packages being shoved to our throat every time we go to department stores and computer shops, you’ll really get quite confused on what you really need and what PC package will fit your budget and lifestyle. To help you through this dilemma, here is a brief backgrounder of the parts of PCs that you should get to know.

Processor.
This is one of the three primary components of your PC. The processor is the part that determines how fast your computer process information. Intel is still the leading brand in processors but competitors such as American Micro Devices (AMD) are slowly catching up, offering cheaper alternative. In shopping for a processor, one should consider the following:

Clock speed – this will show the number of instructions that a computer can execute in a second. This usually comes after the brand name. Processors nowadays are already set at the gigahertz range.

Cache memory – this stores the data that were previously accessed. This simplifies the work of the computer as it would not take twice as long to access information already stored in memory bank. Without a cache memory, much of the work will fall on the RAM (Random Access Memory).
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Operating temperature – some processors easily heats up. Before buying, make sure that you have asked about the operating temperature just in case you need to buy additional fans or put the computer in an air-conditioned room.

RAM (Random Access Memory).
RAM serves as the temporary memory of the PC, containing information that are needed for the computer and the programs to function. In addition to processors, RAM also determines the speed of the computer. The higher the RAM, the faster the computer is in accessing information and responding to commands.

Motherboard
This is where all the parts of the PC’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) are attached. Some motherboards already have videocards and soundcards embedded on it while others don’t. what is important however is to choose a motherboard that is compatible with your RAM and processor. Incompatibility of PC hardware can cause major problems and may even lead to the breakdown of your computer.

Hard drive.
This is the part where you store all the information in your PC. Picture a floppy disk with much much larger storing capacity. The hard drive serves as the permanent memory of your computer. Here you install all your programs and save all the documents that you need. It is also important that you buy a hard drive with really big capacity especially now when people are so used to storing multimedia files that may use up a lot of hard drive space.

Video cards
This is the part of the computer which determines the quality of the multimedia images that you will view. The higher the memory of the video card, the better is the picture quality and the colors. Also, video cards are also responsible for how fast multimedia images are accessed. This is especially needed if you use your computer for multimedia activities such as watching a movie or playing video games.


Dee Kerr makes it easy to find a PC that suits your needs, quickly & easily. Learn the essential keys to look out for. visit: Pc guide website, or want to build your own computer?

 

6 Simple Steps To Add an Hard Drive To Your PC

Thursday, 17 November 2005 Ford Fairline
The most popular and probably the easiest upgrade project for PC enthusiasts is still installation of a new hard drive. It's just a matter of time before terabyte-eating applications demands an upgrade to a bigger and faster hard drive. And don't forget video, audio and graphic files. There are several sizes to choose from and certainly all price ranges.Most drives come in 5400 and 7200-rpm versions. The 5400-rpm drives are less expensive than the 7200-rpm models, but you will then loose the performance boost delivered from the 7200 version. If you need quicker access times and improved data transfers, the 7200 version is a better alternative.

You should plan to make your new drive your primary drive i.e. the new home for your OS. This simply because your new hard drive is bigger and faster. The old drive may be your secondary hard disk and you may use it for archives etc.

All major drive makers pack software with their upgrade kits that prepares the drive for partitioning and formatting and can also copy what's on your current drive to the new one, helping to make the upgrade a breeze.

1. Preparation of PC
Prepare Your PC's existing Hard Drive from future problems. Make sure the current drive in your PC is trouble-free. Run ScanDisk followed by the Disk Defragmenter. These tests could take hours to complete but you will save time and headaches later in the installation process by ensuring that you will be copying error-free data.
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Do not forget to make backup of your hard drive ie if you are able to. Don't forget files like normal.dot from Microsoft Word and Bookmarks or Favorites from your Web browser.

2. Run the New Drive-Installation Software
First of all, read your new hard drive's manual. Almost all hard drives ship with installation software that takes care of formatting and partitioning. Some will even help you transfer data from your old disk to the new one. You must run most installation software before you physically install the new drive. You will either install and run the software from within Windows, or boot from a floppy disk. Program details vary by drive manufacturer, so read the directions carefully.

3. Open your PC
Turn off your computer and unplug it before you remove the cover. Before you begin working inside your PC, put on an antistatic wrist strap. You can get this from local electronics supply stores. Clip it to a grounded metal object.

A. Find a space. Usually you will find an accessible space for your new hard drive next to your existing drive.

B. Find the drive. Make a note of where the red wire of the cable meets the drive (Pin 1) so you can connect your new cable correctly. Mark the location with masking tape.

C. Find a power connector. Alternatively you need a y-adapter if your power supply has no free connector.

D. Use your new cable. For best performance, today’s drives require an 80-wire cable. Most drives ship with one. Replace the old with the new one, the connectors are compatible.

4. Set the Drive Jumpers.
It's advisable to install your new drive as the second drive on the primary IDE channel. This is exactly the same channel where the current drive is connected. When two IDE drives are connected to a single cable, one must be designated 'Master', and the other 'Slave'.

These jumper settings should be printed on the drives. Set your new disk as your PC's boot drive, and its jumper to Master. Change the jumper settings on your old drive to Slave. Check that the installation software supports copying of data over to your new hard disk.

5. Assembling
Install the new drive. Attach the two connectors on the new ribbon cable to both your hard disks. Make sure the red wire goes to Pin 1. Also make sure the other end of the cable is connected to the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, and that it's correctly connected so that the red wire on the cable goes to Pin 1 on the motherboard connector.

Power up both drives. Check all your connections. Don't put the cover back on until you're sure that everything's working correctly.

6. Finishing up
Put your installation utility disk is in the floppy drive. Turn your PC on. Enter your PC's setup utility. This is done either by pressing Delete, F1, or F2 at start-up, although details could vary by manufacturer. Make sure drives 1 and 2 are set to AUTO. If they're not, your PC may not detect your new drive.

Save the setup settings. Reboot from the installation utility floppy disk. Follow the directions to set up your new drive and copy the data from the old to the new one.

Finally, remove the floppy and reboot your PC. After this your PC should start Windows normally. After checking that everything's working, reformat your old drive to wipe out its superfluous data and to prepare it for new files.


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Article by F.Fairline of http://www.hard-drive-resource.com
 
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