Before you upgrade your PC hardware its best to search all options and ask for advice. Only after this you can go and buy a new component. Its also useful to check if you really need an upgrade.
Do not upgrade your very old PC because it would cost a lot of money. Its cheaper to buy a new computer in such cases because they are easier to upgrade later.
upgrading the hard drive:
The majority of people do not really need to upgrade their hard disk, unless they use it for playing a lot of music, movies, and games. A 20 GB hard drive is sufficient to keep new office and internet applications, and all your files and data.
A medium sized hard drive would be around 40 GB and the maximum would be around 60 80 GB.
Before upgrading your hard disk its best to do a complete disk checkup including disk scan, defragmentation, etc. If you happen to be an average user and need more storage you can add an additional drive to the existing one. Before an upgrade, be sure to back up your files.
Upgrading the RAM:
RAM or Random Access Memory is the short-term memory of the PC. It keeps data that is being worked on now and may or may not be transferred to the hard drive that represents the long-term memory of the computer.
Current processors can perform an enormous number of operations per second. The hard drive, on the other hand, is significantly slower to handle so much information. This is where a high-speed RAM memory comes in. RAM needs a power supply to keep data. Once the power is turned off the data is lost.
Almost all PCs have 64 MB RAM and often 128 MB. If you want to run newer applications on your PC then you must upgrade to 128/256 MB RAM.
A lot of people who upgrade from 98 to Win 2000 discover that their computers lock up very often. This is because they don't have enough RAM.
CPU upgrade:
If you choose this upgrade, you will have faster execution of instructions but it leaves the RAM and hard drive capacity unchanged.
This sis the most cost effective upgrade and can increase the efficiency of your computer
considerably. Seek a professional help before you take a decision.
Motherboard:
Upgrading motherboard is not such a good proposition unless you replace the CPU and the RAM as well to achieve greater performance levels. You upgrade the motherboard either because the current one doesnt support a faster CPU or the CPU requires a different socket. It could be very expensive. Think about buying a new PC.
Ports:
Ports are sockets at the back of your computer where you plug in external devices. Older PCs work on parallel ports. If you need to work a lot on peripherals such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, CD burners, and scanners then you need to upgrade to USB and Firewire ports if you are not using them already.
Both tend to be cheaper than the parallel and SCSI devices they replace. Always make sure that there are no compatibility problems with other devices in your PC when you plan to upgrade any hardware on your machine.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Select the Computer That's Right For You
These days, it seems a computer is almost as necessary an appliance as a refrigerator. Once thought of as a luxury or a device solely reserved for business, the home computer performs many necessary functions that keep daily life running smoothly.
Paired with an Internet connection, the home computer closes the gaps of communication between family and friends, helps keep finances balanced, and serves as an invaluable tool for organization and education. It isn't just for video games anymore!
That said, it is important for a family on a budget to choose the computer system that is best for them. When shopping for computer systems, one should not get carried away by unnecessary bells and whistles if they are not needed to perform the business and personal computing tasks that need to be done.
So when you are out shopping for your next, or first, computer, take the following into consideration before you commit to a purchase:
Functionality - What do you need a computer to do for you? Do you have a student in the home who needs to compose term papers and reports? Do you wish to keep track of family finances and pay bills via the Internet? Do you operate a home-based business that requires a computer to maintain long-distance communications with clients?
Depending upon your business, the platform you use can make a difference. In education, for example, teachers and administration lean toward one particular platform over another due to the increased functionality for making graphs and flowcharts, presentations for overhead projection, and spreadsheets for tracking grades.
For the graphic artist, it is important to choose a platform compatible to advanced graphics software. A writer may need a specific platform that can easily transfer documents to be read by editors, agents and publishers. Whatever your profession, it is always a good idea to consult with others in the field to determine the platform best suited for your needs.
Speed - How often do you use a computer? Do you fire it up once a month when the bills are due, or maybe a few times a week to check e-mail from family and friends? Are you a die hard user, and literally have to leave it on all the time for business or other projects. Do you require a powerful Internet connection to transfer large files to and from clients, or is a standard dial-up account suitable for what you do?
Some may argue faster is better, particularly if you are a heavy Web user who prefers to download sites without constantly checking your watch. However, high-speed modems and tons of memory may not be necessary for all computer owners. If you fall into the category of occasional user, you likely don't need the expense of a mass connection package if you only surf the Web on occasion.
Determine how much time in the week is spent on the computer and on the Internet as opposed to your other priorities and work out a connection and memory package from there. Don't feel you have to keep up with the Joneses as far as speed is concerned. Sometimes it is best to take things slowly.
Software - What kind of software do you need? Do you need a word processor for everyday correspondence and reports? Do you need graphics software to edit photos and images? Do you need accounting software for bookkeeping purposes?
Some platforms and speeds work well with some software programs, so if you have a specific task in mind for your computer you should consult with a knowledgeable sales representative to help you choose the right system for you. Don't allow anybody to sell you what you don't need. If you have no use for an advanced program like Photoshop but would like a program to sort photos from a digital camera, don't let anybody convince you to spend the extra money.
Consequently, if you need a program like Word but don't need other office peripherals, shop for the best suited package for you. If you are an educator or student, look for discounted or specialized software for your needs.
Shop smartly when you prepare to take home a computer. Learn what each system does and how well it runs programs. If you have something specific in mind, ask a sales clerk and weigh all payment options before making a decision. A computer is a good investment for any family to have, so make it a good one.
Paired with an Internet connection, the home computer closes the gaps of communication between family and friends, helps keep finances balanced, and serves as an invaluable tool for organization and education. It isn't just for video games anymore!
That said, it is important for a family on a budget to choose the computer system that is best for them. When shopping for computer systems, one should not get carried away by unnecessary bells and whistles if they are not needed to perform the business and personal computing tasks that need to be done.
So when you are out shopping for your next, or first, computer, take the following into consideration before you commit to a purchase:
Functionality - What do you need a computer to do for you? Do you have a student in the home who needs to compose term papers and reports? Do you wish to keep track of family finances and pay bills via the Internet? Do you operate a home-based business that requires a computer to maintain long-distance communications with clients?
Depending upon your business, the platform you use can make a difference. In education, for example, teachers and administration lean toward one particular platform over another due to the increased functionality for making graphs and flowcharts, presentations for overhead projection, and spreadsheets for tracking grades.
For the graphic artist, it is important to choose a platform compatible to advanced graphics software. A writer may need a specific platform that can easily transfer documents to be read by editors, agents and publishers. Whatever your profession, it is always a good idea to consult with others in the field to determine the platform best suited for your needs.
Speed - How often do you use a computer? Do you fire it up once a month when the bills are due, or maybe a few times a week to check e-mail from family and friends? Are you a die hard user, and literally have to leave it on all the time for business or other projects. Do you require a powerful Internet connection to transfer large files to and from clients, or is a standard dial-up account suitable for what you do?
Some may argue faster is better, particularly if you are a heavy Web user who prefers to download sites without constantly checking your watch. However, high-speed modems and tons of memory may not be necessary for all computer owners. If you fall into the category of occasional user, you likely don't need the expense of a mass connection package if you only surf the Web on occasion.
Determine how much time in the week is spent on the computer and on the Internet as opposed to your other priorities and work out a connection and memory package from there. Don't feel you have to keep up with the Joneses as far as speed is concerned. Sometimes it is best to take things slowly.
Software - What kind of software do you need? Do you need a word processor for everyday correspondence and reports? Do you need graphics software to edit photos and images? Do you need accounting software for bookkeeping purposes?
Some platforms and speeds work well with some software programs, so if you have a specific task in mind for your computer you should consult with a knowledgeable sales representative to help you choose the right system for you. Don't allow anybody to sell you what you don't need. If you have no use for an advanced program like Photoshop but would like a program to sort photos from a digital camera, don't let anybody convince you to spend the extra money.
Consequently, if you need a program like Word but don't need other office peripherals, shop for the best suited package for you. If you are an educator or student, look for discounted or specialized software for your needs.
Shop smartly when you prepare to take home a computer. Learn what each system does and how well it runs programs. If you have something specific in mind, ask a sales clerk and weigh all payment options before making a decision. A computer is a good investment for any family to have, so make it a good one.
Finding Better USB Mass Storage Solutions
The USB Mass Storage Device Class (USB MSC) is a set of computing communications protocol that runs on the universal serial bus (USB). The electronic hardware that stores information and support a protocol to send and retrieve the information over a hardware interface is a mass storage device. A mass storage device typically stores information in files.
Some of the devices that practically implement the USB Mass storage devices are external hard drives, CD and DVD reader and writer drives, various digital audio players and portable media players, gaming systems and mobile phones. Most of the current mainstream operating systems support USB Mass storage devices and therefore USB mass storage is versatile enough for a wide range of peripheral devices. Every USB communication is between a host and device, USB host is a PC and the host controls the communication. USB mass storage device contains USB device controller hardware and program code.
A USB device controller enables a USB mass storage device to share its data with other computers. Programming and designing a USB mass storage device involves a variety of interfaces, protocols and structures. Every USB Mass storage device supports two interfaces. First a USB device interface to enable the device to communicate with other USB host and secondly an interface between the device’s micro controller and CPU and storage media.
A USB mass storage device should implement four protocols namely, Generic USB protocol (every USB device should respond to requests sent by the USB host and other events) and USB mass storage protocol (every USB mass storage device should detect and respond to request specific to USB mass storage class), SCSI commands (USB hosts access mass storage device through commands developed originally for Small Computer Systems Interface-SCSI) and media specific protocol (the storage media’s controller typically supports a command set for accessing the contents of the media).
Reading and writing data to a USB mass storage device also involves understanding media structure and file system. Media structure is the information about the logical blocks, which are nothing, but the storage area in drives. File system such as FAT 16 or FAT 32 should be implemented if USB mass storage device reads or writes files on its own rather than through USB hosts.
USB mass storage supports three bus speed, low speed – with a bandwidth of 800 bytes per second and useful for keyboard and mice, full speed – to transfer data up to 1.2 mega bytes per second and a high speed – to transfer data at over 30 megabytes per second. It is recommended that USB devices support USB 2.0.
USB mass storage has four types of transfer and they are used for enumeration for control transfer, printer and scanner data for bulk transfer, mouse and keyboard data for interrupt transfer and real time audio and video for isochroous transfers.
Some of the devices that practically implement the USB Mass storage devices are external hard drives, CD and DVD reader and writer drives, various digital audio players and portable media players, gaming systems and mobile phones. Most of the current mainstream operating systems support USB Mass storage devices and therefore USB mass storage is versatile enough for a wide range of peripheral devices. Every USB communication is between a host and device, USB host is a PC and the host controls the communication. USB mass storage device contains USB device controller hardware and program code.
A USB device controller enables a USB mass storage device to share its data with other computers. Programming and designing a USB mass storage device involves a variety of interfaces, protocols and structures. Every USB Mass storage device supports two interfaces. First a USB device interface to enable the device to communicate with other USB host and secondly an interface between the device’s micro controller and CPU and storage media.
A USB mass storage device should implement four protocols namely, Generic USB protocol (every USB device should respond to requests sent by the USB host and other events) and USB mass storage protocol (every USB mass storage device should detect and respond to request specific to USB mass storage class), SCSI commands (USB hosts access mass storage device through commands developed originally for Small Computer Systems Interface-SCSI) and media specific protocol (the storage media’s controller typically supports a command set for accessing the contents of the media).
Reading and writing data to a USB mass storage device also involves understanding media structure and file system. Media structure is the information about the logical blocks, which are nothing, but the storage area in drives. File system such as FAT 16 or FAT 32 should be implemented if USB mass storage device reads or writes files on its own rather than through USB hosts.
USB mass storage supports three bus speed, low speed – with a bandwidth of 800 bytes per second and useful for keyboard and mice, full speed – to transfer data up to 1.2 mega bytes per second and a high speed – to transfer data at over 30 megabytes per second. It is recommended that USB devices support USB 2.0.
USB mass storage has four types of transfer and they are used for enumeration for control transfer, printer and scanner data for bulk transfer, mouse and keyboard data for interrupt transfer and real time audio and video for isochroous transfers.
Building Cheap Computers in 3 Easy Steps
Just a decade ago, the only people who put computers together were those individuals who possessed an extensive technical background. Advancements in technology have eliminated some of the complexities in how computers work. This change has resulted in average people who have a basic understanding of computers being able to build a system themselves. Whether you are interested in building computers to establish a new hobby or to start a business, you can so in only a few easy steps and on a shoestring budget.
The first step in building cheap computers is to determine the route you want to use to build systems. You basically have three choices when considering building cheap computers: build a system from scratch, expand on a bare bones computer, or upgrade an existing system. Building a system from scratch can be a rewarding experience. However, it is not for everyone. If you are impatient or are intimidated by mechanical tools, you are better to choose one of the other two options.
Regardless of the method you choose, you will follow three basic steps:
1. Plan
2. Assemble
3. Test
The planning phase of your project involves determining the specifications for the computer you want to build. Once you know this information you can start shopping for parts that meet those specifications. Your main considerations should be
hard-disk, memory, and CPU (central processing unit). The harddrive is important because it determines how much information you are able to store on the computer. While you could build a computer with a harddrive smaller than 2 GB (gigabytes), it is not recommended.
The harddrive and memory work together. The amount of memory you place in your computer will directly affect how the system is able to complete the different processes that you request when using the system. If you have no idea what size hard-drive and the amount of memory you need, you should consider the type of operating system you intend to load on the system. You can consult the manufacturer of your hard-drive or review the information on Cheap-Computer-Guy.com, which features a list of minimum harddrive and memory requirements for various operating systems, and use this information as a guide.
The equipment presented in this article includes the basics of a computer system. Of course, nowadays people want far more than the basics and you undoubtedly feel the same way. There are optional components available that you may want to add to your systems, which include CD or DVD drives, a modem or other communication component for Internet connectivity, or a video graphics card.
Once you have decided on the specifications of the computer you want to build, you are ready to assemble the system. In addition to detailed information about the parts you will need to build your computer, cheap-computer-guy.com includes step-by-step instructions for assembling a cheap do-it-yourself computer.
When you have finished assembling the computer, you will then need to test to make sure that the system boots and that all components are functioning properly. Once you have completed all these tests you will have built your own cheap computer.
The first step in building cheap computers is to determine the route you want to use to build systems. You basically have three choices when considering building cheap computers: build a system from scratch, expand on a bare bones computer, or upgrade an existing system. Building a system from scratch can be a rewarding experience. However, it is not for everyone. If you are impatient or are intimidated by mechanical tools, you are better to choose one of the other two options.
Regardless of the method you choose, you will follow three basic steps:
1. Plan
2. Assemble
3. Test
The planning phase of your project involves determining the specifications for the computer you want to build. Once you know this information you can start shopping for parts that meet those specifications. Your main considerations should be
hard-disk, memory, and CPU (central processing unit). The harddrive is important because it determines how much information you are able to store on the computer. While you could build a computer with a harddrive smaller than 2 GB (gigabytes), it is not recommended.
The harddrive and memory work together. The amount of memory you place in your computer will directly affect how the system is able to complete the different processes that you request when using the system. If you have no idea what size hard-drive and the amount of memory you need, you should consider the type of operating system you intend to load on the system. You can consult the manufacturer of your hard-drive or review the information on Cheap-Computer-Guy.com, which features a list of minimum harddrive and memory requirements for various operating systems, and use this information as a guide.
The equipment presented in this article includes the basics of a computer system. Of course, nowadays people want far more than the basics and you undoubtedly feel the same way. There are optional components available that you may want to add to your systems, which include CD or DVD drives, a modem or other communication component for Internet connectivity, or a video graphics card.
Once you have decided on the specifications of the computer you want to build, you are ready to assemble the system. In addition to detailed information about the parts you will need to build your computer, cheap-computer-guy.com includes step-by-step instructions for assembling a cheap do-it-yourself computer.
When you have finished assembling the computer, you will then need to test to make sure that the system boots and that all components are functioning properly. Once you have completed all these tests you will have built your own cheap computer.
WebCam Chat - Experience The 'Real' Effects
Think this - you are far away from home, from your near and dear ones, missing them day in and day out and always longing to get back to them as soon as possible. Well, real life may not allow you this reunion so quickly. But, webcam chat can bring about a virtual union for you. You can talk to your loved one and see them. This new generation chat is now fast emerging as a great tool to bridge distances and get closer.
What is webcam chat?
Webcam is a small camera attached to your computer. It transmits video images. It needs the other person to also have a webcam so that when you are chatting with somebody using webcam facilities, both of you can see and hear one another. It's a great way to personalize communication via internet. Being able to see one another gives you the feeling of actually being with each other in person.
Webcam chat Vs conventional chats
Although webcam chat may seem to be quite similar to conventional video conferencing, some differences exist. Video conferencing uses phone lines to transmit signals. Webcam chat uses Internet platforms and tools like the Instant Messaging (IM) system. It facilitates multi usage - any two persons can log into the same IM program and go ahead with private video chats in separate windows that appear on the screens of the computers of both the persons. Most webcam products have the necessary tools included such as microphone and earphones. Once you've installed the webcam software you will then need some webcam chat software, available online for free or a small subscription.
The advantages of webcam chat
The most important advantage of this chat is that it helps you to overcome distance and feel closer. You may have had to make the decision to stay away from home for various reasons. It may be a study program in some other country or a job some distance away. Today's dynamic business environment requires you to be constantly on the move. You are away from your children, your home and your friends. And it's not always possible to just get on a plane and say 'hello'. There are many limitations. Webcam chat is your best solution. You can talk to your loved ones, see them, experience their experiences to some degree, and share your best moments using webcam enabled chat. Distance is now no barrier - you have overcome it, at least virtually, with webcam chat.
The disadvantages of webcam chat
Like any online system, webcam chat too has its disadvantages. The main one relates to privacy. Whatever may be the temptation, you are wise to avoid chatting with strangers. The web camera can allow an unknown person to peek into your privacy. Also, be careful allowing children to use the web camera. They may unknowingly fall into the traps of a cunning outsider and get into sharing private information. Ensure that children get your permission before entering into webcam chatting. It can even be possible that the other person has taken a quick inventory of your house by using the webcam tool. Do not exchange your IM address with people you do not know. Often, this erodes your privacy. It is best not to get involved with free webcam chat networks as they provide no security, quality of images is poor, and you will get flooded with advertising. Join up with one of these networks that will provide you with the necessary additional software. Two well known ones are Yahoo and MSN.
Summary:
Webcam chat is fast emerging as a popular tool to interact with others live through voice and picture transfer over the Internet. You can talk face to face with people by using this great facility.
What is webcam chat?
Webcam is a small camera attached to your computer. It transmits video images. It needs the other person to also have a webcam so that when you are chatting with somebody using webcam facilities, both of you can see and hear one another. It's a great way to personalize communication via internet. Being able to see one another gives you the feeling of actually being with each other in person.
Webcam chat Vs conventional chats
Although webcam chat may seem to be quite similar to conventional video conferencing, some differences exist. Video conferencing uses phone lines to transmit signals. Webcam chat uses Internet platforms and tools like the Instant Messaging (IM) system. It facilitates multi usage - any two persons can log into the same IM program and go ahead with private video chats in separate windows that appear on the screens of the computers of both the persons. Most webcam products have the necessary tools included such as microphone and earphones. Once you've installed the webcam software you will then need some webcam chat software, available online for free or a small subscription.
The advantages of webcam chat
The most important advantage of this chat is that it helps you to overcome distance and feel closer. You may have had to make the decision to stay away from home for various reasons. It may be a study program in some other country or a job some distance away. Today's dynamic business environment requires you to be constantly on the move. You are away from your children, your home and your friends. And it's not always possible to just get on a plane and say 'hello'. There are many limitations. Webcam chat is your best solution. You can talk to your loved ones, see them, experience their experiences to some degree, and share your best moments using webcam enabled chat. Distance is now no barrier - you have overcome it, at least virtually, with webcam chat.
The disadvantages of webcam chat
Like any online system, webcam chat too has its disadvantages. The main one relates to privacy. Whatever may be the temptation, you are wise to avoid chatting with strangers. The web camera can allow an unknown person to peek into your privacy. Also, be careful allowing children to use the web camera. They may unknowingly fall into the traps of a cunning outsider and get into sharing private information. Ensure that children get your permission before entering into webcam chatting. It can even be possible that the other person has taken a quick inventory of your house by using the webcam tool. Do not exchange your IM address with people you do not know. Often, this erodes your privacy. It is best not to get involved with free webcam chat networks as they provide no security, quality of images is poor, and you will get flooded with advertising. Join up with one of these networks that will provide you with the necessary additional software. Two well known ones are Yahoo and MSN.
Summary:
Webcam chat is fast emerging as a popular tool to interact with others live through voice and picture transfer over the Internet. You can talk face to face with people by using this great facility.
Shopping For Low Cost Computers
Computers are today our basic requirements. When we work we need them to connect with other people, retrieve information and control manufacturing units. At home we chat, play games, use them for interactive activities like pod casting and for watching movies etc. There are lots of places you can shop for computers, if you are planning to either replace an existing one or buy a new one. One resource for low cost computers is Dell.
Dell is a leading US-based computer hardware company, Dell Inc. Dell has over 63,700 employees the world over. Dell's operations span development, manufacture, support and marketing of personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, personal digital assistants (PDAs), software, peripherals, etc. The location of Dell headquarters is in Round Rock, Texas, USA.
In 2005, Forbes 500 ranked Dell 28th among the largest US companies revenue-wise. Dell topped Fortune magazine's annual list of the most admired US companies the same year. The company's press releases in January 2005 revealed increased international sales for the first two quarters of the fiscal year 2005. An ominous article "It's Bad to Worse at Dell" appeared in the November 2005 edition of BusinessWeek, predicting decline in earnings and sales and a pessimistic third financial quarter prediction. Faulty capacitors on motherboards of the Optiplex GX270 and GX 280 had already been acknowledged by Dell at a loss of $300 million, which CEO Kevin Rollins partially blamed a low-end PC focus on.
Around 2004, a Dell Dimension desktop PC was marketed with different brand names for different consumer segments. OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision were for medium and large business clients, advertising durability, reliability and functionality. The Dimension Inspiron and XPS brands are ideal for consumers, students and small offices due to value, performance and expansion. The recently re-introduced Dell XPS targets the gaming segment. Silver instead of black cases is used for Dell XPS desktops. Non-computer products started with the portable digital audio player, Digital Jukebox or Dell DJ, apart from USB keydrives, LCD tvs, Windows mobile PDAs and printers.
Brand names for product ranges include OptiPlex for office desktops, Dimension for desktops, Latitude for commercial laptops, Inspiron for consumer laptops, Precision for workstations and high-performance laptops, PowerEdge for larger corporate servers; PowerVault for direct-attach and network-attached storage (NAS), Dell EMC for storage area networks, XPS for enthusiast/high-performance systems and Axim for PDAs utilizing Microsoft's Windows Mobile.
Microsoft Windows XP is Dell's current choice for most new computers along with Red Hat and SUSE for servers. Bare-bones computers minus pre-installed software have considerably lower rates. Licensing contracts with Microsoft ensures availability on request only, with a FreeDOS disk included. A Windows refund is issued after a regular retail price sale.
Dell's Windows comes with substantial software. There have been accusations of spyware and instructions to technical support team to avoid de-installation. Dell made no secret of an offer to Apple for a future Intel version of Mac OS X but the latter chose to run OS only on Macs, declining to license Mac OS X to Dell.
Dell is a leading US-based computer hardware company, Dell Inc. Dell has over 63,700 employees the world over. Dell's operations span development, manufacture, support and marketing of personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, personal digital assistants (PDAs), software, peripherals, etc. The location of Dell headquarters is in Round Rock, Texas, USA.
In 2005, Forbes 500 ranked Dell 28th among the largest US companies revenue-wise. Dell topped Fortune magazine's annual list of the most admired US companies the same year. The company's press releases in January 2005 revealed increased international sales for the first two quarters of the fiscal year 2005. An ominous article "It's Bad to Worse at Dell" appeared in the November 2005 edition of BusinessWeek, predicting decline in earnings and sales and a pessimistic third financial quarter prediction. Faulty capacitors on motherboards of the Optiplex GX270 and GX 280 had already been acknowledged by Dell at a loss of $300 million, which CEO Kevin Rollins partially blamed a low-end PC focus on.
Around 2004, a Dell Dimension desktop PC was marketed with different brand names for different consumer segments. OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision were for medium and large business clients, advertising durability, reliability and functionality. The Dimension Inspiron and XPS brands are ideal for consumers, students and small offices due to value, performance and expansion. The recently re-introduced Dell XPS targets the gaming segment. Silver instead of black cases is used for Dell XPS desktops. Non-computer products started with the portable digital audio player, Digital Jukebox or Dell DJ, apart from USB keydrives, LCD tvs, Windows mobile PDAs and printers.
Brand names for product ranges include OptiPlex for office desktops, Dimension for desktops, Latitude for commercial laptops, Inspiron for consumer laptops, Precision for workstations and high-performance laptops, PowerEdge for larger corporate servers; PowerVault for direct-attach and network-attached storage (NAS), Dell EMC for storage area networks, XPS for enthusiast/high-performance systems and Axim for PDAs utilizing Microsoft's Windows Mobile.
Microsoft Windows XP is Dell's current choice for most new computers along with Red Hat and SUSE for servers. Bare-bones computers minus pre-installed software have considerably lower rates. Licensing contracts with Microsoft ensures availability on request only, with a FreeDOS disk included. A Windows refund is issued after a regular retail price sale.
Dell's Windows comes with substantial software. There have been accusations of spyware and instructions to technical support team to avoid de-installation. Dell made no secret of an offer to Apple for a future Intel version of Mac OS X but the latter chose to run OS only on Macs, declining to license Mac OS X to Dell.
People Search - How To Find Anyone In The World
Whether you are trying to complete your family tree or would like to get in touch with a long lost classmate from elementary school, an online people search is the best way to go about it. Although plowing through hundreds (or even thousands) of records may seem daunting at first, the rewards of a people finder search, once successful, are truly fulfilling. (Besides, think of how much more difficult it will be if you had to conduct a manual search!)
Why Do A People Search?
Conducting a people finder search could be for any number of reasons. Some people have used online people finder search facilities to look for a parent, child or sibling they have never met due to adoption, war and others.
For some individuals, a people finder search is also one of the best ways to do some networking. You can build connections with other people based on mutual acquaintances or similar hobbies and interests. You can also use these newfound connections to further specific goals and aspirations that you may have.
If you just met someone new, running a people search on them could also give you an idea of what they are like based on their background. This is especially helpful for employers who are trying to get information on job applicants and for entrepreneurs who are entering business ventures with new partners.
People Search - There's Nothing Faster Than an Online Search
Conducting an online people search is probably the most practical and efficient way to go about it in a world that has become increasingly connected through the Internet. Knowing a few simple details about the person you are looking for is the best way to start; it can be an old address, phone number or simply a general idea of where this person used to live.
An online people finder search is the fastest method because you will not have to look through outdated records located in far flung places. It's also the most cost-effective as you don't need to travel nor deal with any private detectives.
There might be a lot of restrictions to accessing data is stored in libraries, clubs, government offices and other similar institutions but an online people finder search is usually free for all. Furthermore, you can conduct your search in complete anonymity so you don't even have to offer any reason or excuse to conduct any particular search.
The technology of an online people search also allows you a lot of freedom to filter your search and make it as specific as it needs to be. This saves you a lot of time from chasing after false leads or having to read tediously through pages of documents.
There are a myriad of people finder search websites on the Internet today, some even tailor-made for specific purposes such as looking for a military buddy or an old friend from church. As such, that long-anticipated reunion of yours could turn out to be sooner than you think.
Why Do A People Search?
Conducting a people finder search could be for any number of reasons. Some people have used online people finder search facilities to look for a parent, child or sibling they have never met due to adoption, war and others.
For some individuals, a people finder search is also one of the best ways to do some networking. You can build connections with other people based on mutual acquaintances or similar hobbies and interests. You can also use these newfound connections to further specific goals and aspirations that you may have.
If you just met someone new, running a people search on them could also give you an idea of what they are like based on their background. This is especially helpful for employers who are trying to get information on job applicants and for entrepreneurs who are entering business ventures with new partners.
People Search - There's Nothing Faster Than an Online Search
Conducting an online people search is probably the most practical and efficient way to go about it in a world that has become increasingly connected through the Internet. Knowing a few simple details about the person you are looking for is the best way to start; it can be an old address, phone number or simply a general idea of where this person used to live.
An online people finder search is the fastest method because you will not have to look through outdated records located in far flung places. It's also the most cost-effective as you don't need to travel nor deal with any private detectives.
There might be a lot of restrictions to accessing data is stored in libraries, clubs, government offices and other similar institutions but an online people finder search is usually free for all. Furthermore, you can conduct your search in complete anonymity so you don't even have to offer any reason or excuse to conduct any particular search.
The technology of an online people search also allows you a lot of freedom to filter your search and make it as specific as it needs to be. This saves you a lot of time from chasing after false leads or having to read tediously through pages of documents.
There are a myriad of people finder search websites on the Internet today, some even tailor-made for specific purposes such as looking for a military buddy or an old friend from church. As such, that long-anticipated reunion of yours could turn out to be sooner than you think.
If You Need More Traffic To Your Site, Try These Free Methods
Starting a business can be very expensive, with the cost of inventory, office supplies and advertising. Many people pay a lot of money to build a website for their company with the hopes of attracting the millions of Internet users to increase their sales. The biggest problem with this method is that the competition on the World Wide Web is fierce and it's hard to make your website stand out from the rest.
It's also difficult get a premium spot in the search engines that will allow your site to come up at the top of the results list when people are searching for your product type. There are companies that offer ways to increase your visibility on the Internet but they can be very costly and many business owners do not have the excess revenues needed to employ their services. There are ways to drive traffic to your website without any cost at all and increase your chances of successfully building up a clientele.
One way to accomplish this is by using the endless amount of forums that the Internet offers. These are places that are designed around a specific interest and people gather there to discuss them. It is extremely likely that there is a forum that has your type of product as a theme. For example, if you are selling auto parts, then you can access a forum that caters to car restoration enthusiasts. You can join several of these forums and start making contact with the members by making posts and starting conversations. Once you become more familiar to that community, you can talk about your business and supply a link to your website.
Another way to capitalize on forums and online communities is by creating a newsletter. The newsletter should contain informative articles about the type of product that you are selling. These articles should portray you as an expert in your field, so make sure that they contain lots of information that the people who read them can use. It can also contain coupons or special offers and should always include a link to your website. Try to get people in the forums to subscribe to your newsletter by supplying their email address. Now you have a growing list of potential customers that you can target on a weekly or monthly basis. Eventually, some of them will visit your website and hopefully make a purchase.
You can also try a marketing strategy that entails link exchanges, to get more traffic. This works by exchanging a link with another company that shares your field and you can locate companies willing to do this by searching under, "link exchange programs" on the Internet. Find one that has a product in the same field as yours, and exchange links with them. If you sell exercise equipment then look for a company that sells diet plans. By exchanging links, you will both be able to gain customers that you may not have been able to otherwise.
It's also difficult get a premium spot in the search engines that will allow your site to come up at the top of the results list when people are searching for your product type. There are companies that offer ways to increase your visibility on the Internet but they can be very costly and many business owners do not have the excess revenues needed to employ their services. There are ways to drive traffic to your website without any cost at all and increase your chances of successfully building up a clientele.
One way to accomplish this is by using the endless amount of forums that the Internet offers. These are places that are designed around a specific interest and people gather there to discuss them. It is extremely likely that there is a forum that has your type of product as a theme. For example, if you are selling auto parts, then you can access a forum that caters to car restoration enthusiasts. You can join several of these forums and start making contact with the members by making posts and starting conversations. Once you become more familiar to that community, you can talk about your business and supply a link to your website.
Another way to capitalize on forums and online communities is by creating a newsletter. The newsletter should contain informative articles about the type of product that you are selling. These articles should portray you as an expert in your field, so make sure that they contain lots of information that the people who read them can use. It can also contain coupons or special offers and should always include a link to your website. Try to get people in the forums to subscribe to your newsletter by supplying their email address. Now you have a growing list of potential customers that you can target on a weekly or monthly basis. Eventually, some of them will visit your website and hopefully make a purchase.
You can also try a marketing strategy that entails link exchanges, to get more traffic. This works by exchanging a link with another company that shares your field and you can locate companies willing to do this by searching under, "link exchange programs" on the Internet. Find one that has a product in the same field as yours, and exchange links with them. If you sell exercise equipment then look for a company that sells diet plans. By exchanging links, you will both be able to gain customers that you may not have been able to otherwise.
Legal Action Against Spyware
The United States House of Representatives recently passed the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act, or the SPY Act. The act requires any company that may be installing spyware in your computer to first make the user aware of its presence. Failing to give PC users the knowledge that spyware is being installed will cost the violator up to $3 million in fines.
Unfortunately for internet users the Act will not do very much against protecting internet privacy. Much of spyware works by piggy backing its way in with the approved download of other programs. In the license agreement spyware makes itself known, following the stipulations of the Spy Act, but most users do not read through an entire user agreement, they simply click "I agree." Because of this spyware will be able to remain a prevalent internet threat.
It should also be noted that most spyware threats originate outside of the United States, making it difficult to stop them if the Act is breached. The Spy Act will most likely have as little of an impact at the Spam Act to control junk email did.
For advertisers spyware is a lucrative business, especially because the average computer is infected with nearly 30 spyware applications. Most likely the spyware epidemic will not be controlled until international regulations are set up and enforced. Until then users should download, install and regularly use some sort of anti-spyware software
Unfortunately for internet users the Act will not do very much against protecting internet privacy. Much of spyware works by piggy backing its way in with the approved download of other programs. In the license agreement spyware makes itself known, following the stipulations of the Spy Act, but most users do not read through an entire user agreement, they simply click "I agree." Because of this spyware will be able to remain a prevalent internet threat.
It should also be noted that most spyware threats originate outside of the United States, making it difficult to stop them if the Act is breached. The Spy Act will most likely have as little of an impact at the Spam Act to control junk email did.
For advertisers spyware is a lucrative business, especially because the average computer is infected with nearly 30 spyware applications. Most likely the spyware epidemic will not be controlled until international regulations are set up and enforced. Until then users should download, install and regularly use some sort of anti-spyware software
Purchasing Spyware Software-Avoid the Scams
With the demand for anti-spyware tools continuously on the rise because of the constant release of new and more invasive spyware scams, computer users may find themselves falling victim to malicious software downloads while searching for the right spyware removal tool. Several spyware removal software programs have been identified as fakes, but not before many computer users were drawn into the trap.
Spyware Assassin claimed to be a spyware removal tool released by MaxTheater but underneath the claims to remove malicious spyware, the program was found to be a fake. The tool offered users a free scan that of course detected spyware, whether it was there or not because there was actually no real scan taking place. Once the results from the scam scan were presented to the user it was advised that they immediately purchase the entire program to rid their computer of the malicious "spyware." Recently, however, the Federal Trade Commission uncovered their scam to make money off of false spyware tools.
An even sneakier spyware scam was put on by Seismic Entertainment Productions who used tactics to infect user's computers with actual spyware and then advised those users to purchase Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter to remove the spyware. Any of these fake software programs are obvious reasons why computer users must learn to research the credibility and background of a program before purchasing or downloading.
If a company bombards you with aggressive advertising for their product or pushes you to take immediate action by offering scare tactics, it is best for users to steer clear of that product. Any company, especially new or young companies that claim perfect results or all around protection is something to look at with caution. No spyware tool can offer users complete protection and any one that claims they can is using irresponsible advertising.
Computer users should also remember not to purchase or download a spyware program based on their name. The name is not a depiction of what the product offer.
When searching for a legitimate spyware tool spend time researching the program and company's background and avoid believing everything the advertisements tell you.
Spyware Assassin claimed to be a spyware removal tool released by MaxTheater but underneath the claims to remove malicious spyware, the program was found to be a fake. The tool offered users a free scan that of course detected spyware, whether it was there or not because there was actually no real scan taking place. Once the results from the scam scan were presented to the user it was advised that they immediately purchase the entire program to rid their computer of the malicious "spyware." Recently, however, the Federal Trade Commission uncovered their scam to make money off of false spyware tools.
An even sneakier spyware scam was put on by Seismic Entertainment Productions who used tactics to infect user's computers with actual spyware and then advised those users to purchase Spy Wiper or Spy Deleter to remove the spyware. Any of these fake software programs are obvious reasons why computer users must learn to research the credibility and background of a program before purchasing or downloading.
If a company bombards you with aggressive advertising for their product or pushes you to take immediate action by offering scare tactics, it is best for users to steer clear of that product. Any company, especially new or young companies that claim perfect results or all around protection is something to look at with caution. No spyware tool can offer users complete protection and any one that claims they can is using irresponsible advertising.
Computer users should also remember not to purchase or download a spyware program based on their name. The name is not a depiction of what the product offer.
When searching for a legitimate spyware tool spend time researching the program and company's background and avoid believing everything the advertisements tell you.
How Spyware Gets to your Hardrive
The average internet user's computer is very likely to have some sort of hidden spyware infection that is slyly monitoring their internet activities.
Thousands of spyware applications exist making it difficult for users to avoid the threats when using the internet for numerous purposes. While online you could become infected with spyware by downloading games, music,
screensavers, pop ups, pictures, emails, freeware and shareware.
A spyware or adware infection can slow down your computer, sometimes causing it to crash because advertisers bombarding you with pop ups and monitoring your activity are using all the system resources. Spyware programs latch onto computers to track your uses and acquire personal information to be sent out to intruders, all done without your permission or knowledge.
Legislators are now looking into making laws that would protect internet users from the privacy invasive software. Consumers must beware of spyware because it can uncover and take advantage of your personal information including credit card numbers, passwords, social security numbers and more. Malicious operators can hack into your computer and take control which could cause more permanent, serious damage to you and the computer.
If you are wondering what spyware may be latching onto your computer try downloading spyware scanning tools that can detect and eliminate malicious codes such as spyware. Spybot, Pest Patrol and ZoneAlarm Pro and popularly used removal tools.
Thousands of spyware applications exist making it difficult for users to avoid the threats when using the internet for numerous purposes. While online you could become infected with spyware by downloading games, music,
screensavers, pop ups, pictures, emails, freeware and shareware.
A spyware or adware infection can slow down your computer, sometimes causing it to crash because advertisers bombarding you with pop ups and monitoring your activity are using all the system resources. Spyware programs latch onto computers to track your uses and acquire personal information to be sent out to intruders, all done without your permission or knowledge.
Legislators are now looking into making laws that would protect internet users from the privacy invasive software. Consumers must beware of spyware because it can uncover and take advantage of your personal information including credit card numbers, passwords, social security numbers and more. Malicious operators can hack into your computer and take control which could cause more permanent, serious damage to you and the computer.
If you are wondering what spyware may be latching onto your computer try downloading spyware scanning tools that can detect and eliminate malicious codes such as spyware. Spybot, Pest Patrol and ZoneAlarm Pro and popularly used removal tools.
Find People Online In Seconds
Are you looking for someone? An old friend? A business associate? The Internet makes it simple to search for people. The numerous services like yellow pages and people search engines make it a snap to locate people on the World Wide Web.
There are many services that help you locate people. In North America, entering a telephone number into Google can give you details on the person you are looking for. In fact, there are Google cheats that help you tap in and use the full potential of the world's largest search engine for your purposes. Yes! Google can help you locate your friend!
Consider using the lookups online you will be able to find all kinds of information with a reverse phone directory. If you're trying to find someone's address or phone number, you will often find that this is the cheapest and the fastest way to go about finding someone. In most cases all you have to do is type in someone's phone number, and you'll discover who belongs to that phone number and what their address is (if they're listed, that is).
The yellow and white pages are always an option as well. These are available and run by many companies. This might be your best bet if nothing works. These are well kept and if you entered the required data right, then the job could be done in just a few seconds.
If nothing else works, there is always the specialized search engine that helps you locate people alone. This type of search engine only looks for people across the net and nothing else. True, Google can bring up some results but these might not be relevant and it may waste valuable time. But there are various other search engines that are specialized in locating people. Just go to your google and type in "find people". You will be presented with numerous results.
When you log on to a free people search web site you will notice that almost all of them require you to fill out some online forms. These forms are required in order to facilitate your search request. Be careful in filling up the form. Give accurate and precise information regarding the person you are searching for in order to acquire a correct search result.
So we can clearly, see, that getting lost with Internet around is difficult. People can be located and friends need not be lost. IF you forget some one by mistake, then there are always options to bring their details back to your mind. These services are not completely precise yet but as time passes, they can only become better to use and easier to understand.
There are many services that help you locate people. In North America, entering a telephone number into Google can give you details on the person you are looking for. In fact, there are Google cheats that help you tap in and use the full potential of the world's largest search engine for your purposes. Yes! Google can help you locate your friend!
Consider using the lookups online you will be able to find all kinds of information with a reverse phone directory. If you're trying to find someone's address or phone number, you will often find that this is the cheapest and the fastest way to go about finding someone. In most cases all you have to do is type in someone's phone number, and you'll discover who belongs to that phone number and what their address is (if they're listed, that is).
The yellow and white pages are always an option as well. These are available and run by many companies. This might be your best bet if nothing works. These are well kept and if you entered the required data right, then the job could be done in just a few seconds.
If nothing else works, there is always the specialized search engine that helps you locate people alone. This type of search engine only looks for people across the net and nothing else. True, Google can bring up some results but these might not be relevant and it may waste valuable time. But there are various other search engines that are specialized in locating people. Just go to your google and type in "find people". You will be presented with numerous results.
When you log on to a free people search web site you will notice that almost all of them require you to fill out some online forms. These forms are required in order to facilitate your search request. Be careful in filling up the form. Give accurate and precise information regarding the person you are searching for in order to acquire a correct search result.
So we can clearly, see, that getting lost with Internet around is difficult. People can be located and friends need not be lost. IF you forget some one by mistake, then there are always options to bring their details back to your mind. These services are not completely precise yet but as time passes, they can only become better to use and easier to understand.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
PDA - Personal Digital Assistant (Organizer)
Introduction to PDA's
A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, also called a pocket organizer) is a pocket computer composed of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), a touch sensitive screen, and network functions bundled in an extremely small compact case.
PDA Use
A PDA is a pocket computer originally designed as an organizer. A personal assistant generally supplies the following standard applications:
an agenda to organize time, with visual or mechanical reminders. Meetings or planned events can be contextualized in order to meet professional and personal requirements thanks to an adaptable classification system (office, private, etc.).
a task manager that serves as a reminder for tasks to be done. The priority, deadlines or reminders can be assigned to each task.
an address book (contact manager) that provides instant contact information (phone number, mailing address, email, etc.).
email software that allows messages to be received and sent.
Personal assistants offer light versions of office automation tools such as text editors, spreadsheets, a calculator, and viewers for a wide variety of file formats (PDF files, images, etc).
In addition to these basic functions, more and more PDA’s offer advanced multimedia tools for playing videos (in different formats, including DivX format), music (notably in mp3 format) and Flash animation.
PDA’s are also used with increasing frequency for geo-referencing, mapping and road navigation by plugging them into a geo-reference device (GPS, Global Positioning System). In effect, it is possible to obtain a compatible, low cost and high performance GPS that helps with road navigation a using a map that continually displays the user’s location, speed and a visual representation of the road (eventually in 3D) with instructions both on-screen and from a synthesized voice.
Operating System
PDA’s have operating systems adapted to their screen resolution and whose features correspond to the characteristics of the device.
Many types of operating systems exist for PDA’s, usually different for each type of PDA and each manufacturer, the same as there are Mac and PC computers. The two main operating systems are:
PalmOS, marketed by Palm.
Windows Mobile or Pocket PC (formerly Windows CE), marketed by Microsoft.
These two systems have almost the same characteristics and the same functions, but with different methods of holding them and with incompatibilities between systems.
Note that there are Linux operating systems that were specifically developed for both types of machines.
Technical Characteristics
When purchasing a PDA, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics:
weight and size: PDA’s are designed to be carried everywhere and must therefore fit into hands and pockets. Its size and weight must be as small as possible, bearing in mind ergonomic requirements and screen size.
autonomy: A PDA’s autonomy is a function of its battery’s characteristics.
Ni-Cad (Nickel / Cadmium): a type rechargeable battery now obsolete due to its memory effect, meaning a progressive reduction of the maximum charge when it is recharged before being completely "empty".
Ni-Mh (Nickel / Metal Hybrid): a type of rechargeable battery with higher performance than nickel-cadmium batteries.
Li-Ion (Lithium / Ion): a type of rechargeable battery that is found in most computers. Li-Ion batteries give excellent performance for a moderate cost. As well, Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from memory effects, which means that they can be recharged before becoming completely empty.
Li-Polymer (Lithium / Polymer): a type of rechargeable battery with performance similar to that of Li-Ion batteries, but made much lighter by replacing the electrolyte fluid and the micro-porous separator of Li-Ion batteries with a much lighter solid polymer. However, the recharging time is longer and their life expectancy is shorter.
Be careful about data loss when the battery is totally empty!
A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, also called a pocket organizer) is a pocket computer composed of a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), a touch sensitive screen, and network functions bundled in an extremely small compact case.
PDA Use
A PDA is a pocket computer originally designed as an organizer. A personal assistant generally supplies the following standard applications:
an agenda to organize time, with visual or mechanical reminders. Meetings or planned events can be contextualized in order to meet professional and personal requirements thanks to an adaptable classification system (office, private, etc.).
a task manager that serves as a reminder for tasks to be done. The priority, deadlines or reminders can be assigned to each task.
an address book (contact manager) that provides instant contact information (phone number, mailing address, email, etc.).
email software that allows messages to be received and sent.
Personal assistants offer light versions of office automation tools such as text editors, spreadsheets, a calculator, and viewers for a wide variety of file formats (PDF files, images, etc).
In addition to these basic functions, more and more PDA’s offer advanced multimedia tools for playing videos (in different formats, including DivX format), music (notably in mp3 format) and Flash animation.
PDA’s are also used with increasing frequency for geo-referencing, mapping and road navigation by plugging them into a geo-reference device (GPS, Global Positioning System). In effect, it is possible to obtain a compatible, low cost and high performance GPS that helps with road navigation a using a map that continually displays the user’s location, speed and a visual representation of the road (eventually in 3D) with instructions both on-screen and from a synthesized voice.
Operating System
PDA’s have operating systems adapted to their screen resolution and whose features correspond to the characteristics of the device.
Many types of operating systems exist for PDA’s, usually different for each type of PDA and each manufacturer, the same as there are Mac and PC computers. The two main operating systems are:
PalmOS, marketed by Palm.
Windows Mobile or Pocket PC (formerly Windows CE), marketed by Microsoft.
These two systems have almost the same characteristics and the same functions, but with different methods of holding them and with incompatibilities between systems.
Note that there are Linux operating systems that were specifically developed for both types of machines.
Technical Characteristics
When purchasing a PDA, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics:
weight and size: PDA’s are designed to be carried everywhere and must therefore fit into hands and pockets. Its size and weight must be as small as possible, bearing in mind ergonomic requirements and screen size.
autonomy: A PDA’s autonomy is a function of its battery’s characteristics.
Ni-Cad (Nickel / Cadmium): a type rechargeable battery now obsolete due to its memory effect, meaning a progressive reduction of the maximum charge when it is recharged before being completely "empty".
Ni-Mh (Nickel / Metal Hybrid): a type of rechargeable battery with higher performance than nickel-cadmium batteries.
Li-Ion (Lithium / Ion): a type of rechargeable battery that is found in most computers. Li-Ion batteries give excellent performance for a moderate cost. As well, Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from memory effects, which means that they can be recharged before becoming completely empty.
Li-Polymer (Lithium / Polymer): a type of rechargeable battery with performance similar to that of Li-Ion batteries, but made much lighter by replacing the electrolyte fluid and the micro-porous separator of Li-Ion batteries with a much lighter solid polymer. However, the recharging time is longer and their life expectancy is shorter.
Be careful about data loss when the battery is totally empty!
Laptop Computer
Relegated several years ago only to business use, laptop computers now have processing and storage capabilities close to that of desktop computers, and can easily be used for high-tech multimedia purposes (DVD drive, video games, 3D-image processing, etc.). If the price of a laptop computer is still higher than that of a desktop computer because of its mobility, its use is also more varied because of the fact that can be taken virtually anywhere.
However, given its reduced size, most of a laptop computer's pieces are integrated and therefore cannot be changed. This is why users must choose their laptop's characteristics once they are well-informed and have their planned use in mind. On the other hand, the fact that the manufacturer integrates the components allows for reduced risk of hardware incompatibilities (hardware conflicts).
What is a Laptop Computer?
A laptop computer (also called notebook computer) is a computer that integrates all the elements that needs to run properly, including a battery power supply, a screen and a keyboard, in a small casing (on average 360 cm x 40 cm x 270 cm).
Why a Laptop?
The main advantage of a laptop computer versus a desktop computer is its mobility as well as its reduced size. On the other hand, the price is generally higher for slightly less impressive performance and the laptop's hardware configuration is much less adaptable, even though it is possible to connect additional external peripherals thanks to its numerous I/O ports. Therefore, the motivation for buying a laptop computer must above all be a need for mobility or a need to save space.
Moreover, with the emergence of wireless networks, and WiFi in particular, it is becoming very easy to connect to the Internet in public Hot-Spots or simply in any room of your home as long as it is equipped with a WiFi terminal.
For advanced multimedia uses (e.g. digital video manipulation, connecting a digital camera or an mp3 player, etc.), the choice should fall on both the computer's performance (both graphic as well as computing power) and on the types and number of I/O ports that are available.
Processor and RAM
The processor represents the computer's brain in that it processes the instructions. Its execution speed depends on its frequency (in MHz), but two processors from different brands that have very different frequencies can perform equally.
Even though a processor's frequency is still an essential criterion for choosing a laptop computer, today it is preferable to favour the quality of all the components (graphics card, memory, etc.) over only the processor's frequency.
What is more, the quantity of random access memory (RAM) can have a considerable effect on performance, notably when it comes to multimedia use. In addition to the quantity of memory, it is also important to pay attention to its working frequency, which corresponds to the frequency that most of the peripherals will run on.
Screen
Laptop computers have flat screens. Most of the time they are active matrix screens (generally with the TFT, Thin Film transistor technology), i.e. each pixel is individually controlled, allowing for improved display fluidity over passive matrix screens, on which pixels are controlled by line and by column. The latest generations of laptops have favoured active matrix screens over passive matrix screens.
The screen is distinguished first of all by its size, which is expressed in inches (an inch equals 2.54 cm) and corresponds to the screen's diagonal length. Unlike screens with cathode ray tubes (CRT screens), the diagonal length of a flat screen corresponds to the effective display area. Moreover, considering the liquid crystal based technologies used in flat screens, the screen quality of a flat screen can be defined by the response time, which is the length of time necessary to turn a pixel from white to black and then back to white.
The display format is generally 4:3 (i.e. 4 units wide to 3 units high), but there are more exotic laptop display formats that are close to 16:9, such as 15:10, which is adapted to viewing video sequences (e.g. watching DVDs). In general, this type of screen has does not have a whole number diagonal length (e.g. 15.4 inches).
Hard Drive
The hard drive is the area where all the computer's data is stored unlike the RAM, which is a volatile memory that only acts as an information transit area while the computer is running. The most important characteristic of the hard drive is its capacity (expressed in gigabytes), because it determines the amount of data (and, in particular, programs) that a user can store on it. However, it is a good idea to pay particular attention to its performances (in relation notably to its spindle speed), which can hamper the system's overall capacities if they are too weak.
Using external hard drives (FireWire or USB 2.0) can nevertheless enhance a laptop computer by wiping out the intrinsic limitations of its standard hard drives and extending its storage capacity ad infinitum.
Graphics Card
A laptop computer's graphics card is integrated, i.e. it is a specialised graphics chip (graphic chipset) that is soldered to the motherboard. It is impossible to change it once the laptop has been purchased. Therefore, if the laptop computer will be used for graphics applications (video visualisation or manipulation, video games, 3D applications, etc.), it is best to choose a top-of-the-line graphics chipset.
CD/DVD Drive or Burner
More and more laptop computers are making a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM drive or even a burner into standard features on high-level configurations. When the drive combines several of these functions, it is called a "combo".
There are different types of CD (with a capacity of about 700 Mb) and DVD (with a capacity of about 4.7 Gb) burners.
The term "CD-R" refers to recordable compact disks
The term "CD-RW" refers to rewritable compact disks
The term "DVD-R" refers to recordable DVDs
The term "DVD-RAM" refers to rewritable DVDs Thus, there are two incompatible standards promoted by different manufacturer consortiums:
DVD+RW, by Philips, that have performances in terms of recording time that are generally slightly better than the DVD-RW format
DVD-RW, which cost slightly less than DVD+RWs
It should be noted that some burners support both of these standards and thus are called "multi-format" burners.
Input/Output Interfaces
Input/output interfaces allow you to extend a laptop computer's functionalities by connecting external peripherals. Laptops generally have PC Card connectors (PCMCIA) that allow you to insert additional peripherals.
USB ports are available on all recent laptop computers but it is a good idea to verify if they are USB 1.0 ports, which offer a peak throughput of 12 Mbit/s, or USB 2.0 ports, which can have a peak throughput of up to 480 Mbit/s!
Having IEEE 1394 ports (with the commercial name of FireWire on Apple machines and i.LINK on IBM compatible machines) is a good idea for those users acquiring video from a DV digital video camera. FireWire ports allow throughputs on the order of 800 Mbit/s!
Some laptops come standard with multi-card readers that can read flash memories in the following different formats: Secure digital (SD Card), Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory stick (MS), SmartMedia (SM), Compact Flash (CF) or xD picture card. This type of reader can be extremely practical for those people who have MP3 players, digital cameras or personal desktop assistants (PDAs) because it facilitates the direct copying of files (e.g. music or digital photos) at a high bandwidth.
Audio and Video Input/Output
Every laptop computer has a screen and internal speakers but in some circumstances it is useful or even necessary to connect it to higher performance stereo or video systems (e.g. for a presentation or for a DVD projection).
Laptop computers come standard with a VGA connector, which allows you to connect them to an external monitor or a video projector. Sometimes laptops come equipped with a video output (called a TV output), i.e. a S-Video connector that allows you to connect the computer directly to a television.
With regard to audio I/O, all laptop computers come with standard headphone and microphone jacks as well as stereo speakers of varying quality. Having a S/PDIF output (digital audio output) can allow users to connect their laptop to a sound system that supports Dolby Digital 5.1 (e.g. for Home Cinema use).
Pointing Device / Keyboard
Laptop computers come standard with an integrated keyboard and pointing device. The pointing device is generally a touchpad, i.e. a flat touch-sensitive surface that allows you to move the cursor like a mouse. Some laptops come equipped with a trackpoint, i.e. a little touch-sensitive eraser-like tip (generally red) located in the middle of the keyboard that allows users to move the cursor with their fingers.
The keyboard and pointing device should be chosen according to their ergonomics. They should be tried out in order to determine if they are comfortable to use.
It should be noted that nothing prevents users from connecting a traditional mouse to a laptop computer for more comfort.
Mobility and Network Connectivity
In the communications world that we live in today, it is impossible to imagine a laptop computer without network functionalities. The terms nomadism and mobility are used to refer to individuals' capacity to have access to their information over the Internet, no matter where they are.
Most laptop computers come standard equipped with a 56K V90 modem that allows them to connect to the Internet over the telephone network (STN, switched telephone network).
The "10/100 Mbit Fast Ethernet" connector can be used to connect a laptop to a local area network (LAN) or to connect it to network equipment such as an ADSL modem, a router, a switch or even directly to another computer with a crossover network cable.
With the emergence of wireless networks and the increased number of public and private wireless network access points (called hot spots), the concept of nomadism is taking on a whole new meaning. Thus, some laptop computers now come standard with built-in or card WiFi adapters. WiFi technology allows computers equipped with specialised adapters (WiFi cards) to connect with each other over a range of several dozen or even hundreds of meters and possibly even to connect to the Internet thanks to a wireless router (WiFi terminal). There are several WiFi standards that use different transmission channels:
WiFi 802.11a for a throughput of 54 Mb/s (30 Mb/s of real throughput)
WiFi 802.11b for a throughput of 11 Mb/s (6 Mb/s of real throughput) with a range of up to 300 meters in an open environment
WiFi 802.11g for a throughput of 54 Mb/s (30 Mb/s of real throughput) on a frequency band of 2.4 GHz.
Some laptops are equipped with Bluetooth technology, which is another wireless network technology. However, it is used primarily for wireless personal area network (WPAN), i.e. it is intended for small wireless devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc.
IrDa (infrared) technology allows users to connect small devices wirelessly to each other but, unlike BlueTooth technology, has distance limitations (several dozen centimetres facing each other) and reduced throughput.
Technical Characteristics
When you buy a laptop computers, in addition to choosing specific hardware elements you should carefully weigh the following characteristics:
weight: a laptop computer is made to be transported, so it is important to choose the lightest one possible. Nevertheless, watch out for laptops that are light and have many external peripherals (CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, mouse, power supply, hubs, etc.)
autonomy: Computer autonomy depends on how much energy a computer's components use as well as the battery's characteristics
NiCad (Nickel / Cadmium): a rechargeable battery that is now obsolete because it suffered from the memory effect, i.e. a progressive decrease in the maximum charge when it is recharged when it is not completely "dead"
NiMH (Nickel / Hybrid Metal): a rechargeable battery that works better than nickel-cadmium batteries
Li-Ion (Lithium / Ion): a rechargeable battery used in most laptop computers. Li-Ion batteries perform well and are reasonably priced. Moreover, Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, which means that it is not necessary to run the battery dry before recharging it.
Li-Polymer (Lithium / Polymer): a rechargeable battery that is equivalent to Li-Ion batteries in terms of performance but is much lighter because the battery electrolytes and microporous separator in Li-Ion batteries are replaced by a solid polymer that is much lighter. On the other hand, Li-Polymer batteries take longer to charge and their longevity is shorter
Generally, computer autonomy is expressed in the amount of time that a computer can remain in sleep mode and in use.
Operating Temperature: Running certain parts of a laptop computer (particularly the processor) causes the temperature of the computer to increase and sometimes become bothersome (especially when the keyboard becomes too hot).
Overheating can become a real danger that can worsen when the laptop is running with the screen down because this can prevent proper thermal dissipation.
noise: In order to dissipate the heat caused by the running of different parts of the laptop (especially the processor), laptop computers are sometimes equipped with heat evacuation devices, such as fans, that can create loud, bothersome noises. This is also true for that motors that run the hard drives and CD/DVD drives/burners. Therefore, it is a good idea for buyers to enquire about the level of noise the computer makes when it runs.
Docking Station
Some laptops come with a docking station. This is the device that the laptop computer fits into in order to easily connect it with a keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.
Warranty
Buying a laptop computer is a big investment. Therefore it is necessary to protect yourself against the risks associated with computer failure by signing up for a warranty. The warranty is even more important for laptop computers because it is not possible to change parts (graphics card, sound card, etc.) like you can on desktop computers. Most offers automatically include at least one year but it might be a good idea to take a several year warranty extension in order to cover the maximum number of risks.
Make sure you get information about the type of damages that are covered by the warranty. Batteries in particular are rarely covered.
Software Package
Laptop computers are almost systematically equipped with an operating system when you purchase them but some offers also include a whole package of useful software such as office tools, an encyclopaedia or even antivirus software. It is a good idea to keep this in mind when you are buying a laptop.
Protective Cover
If you are going to travel with your computer, it is necessary to have a computer bag in order to protect it when transporting it with all its accessories.
In addition, it is highly recommended that you invest in a security cable (Kensington ComboSaver), which allows you to attach the laptop to a fixed piece of furniture thanks to the standard notch that is found on almost all laptops on the market.
However, given its reduced size, most of a laptop computer's pieces are integrated and therefore cannot be changed. This is why users must choose their laptop's characteristics once they are well-informed and have their planned use in mind. On the other hand, the fact that the manufacturer integrates the components allows for reduced risk of hardware incompatibilities (hardware conflicts).
What is a Laptop Computer?
A laptop computer (also called notebook computer) is a computer that integrates all the elements that needs to run properly, including a battery power supply, a screen and a keyboard, in a small casing (on average 360 cm x 40 cm x 270 cm).
Why a Laptop?
The main advantage of a laptop computer versus a desktop computer is its mobility as well as its reduced size. On the other hand, the price is generally higher for slightly less impressive performance and the laptop's hardware configuration is much less adaptable, even though it is possible to connect additional external peripherals thanks to its numerous I/O ports. Therefore, the motivation for buying a laptop computer must above all be a need for mobility or a need to save space.
Moreover, with the emergence of wireless networks, and WiFi in particular, it is becoming very easy to connect to the Internet in public Hot-Spots or simply in any room of your home as long as it is equipped with a WiFi terminal.
For advanced multimedia uses (e.g. digital video manipulation, connecting a digital camera or an mp3 player, etc.), the choice should fall on both the computer's performance (both graphic as well as computing power) and on the types and number of I/O ports that are available.
Processor and RAM
The processor represents the computer's brain in that it processes the instructions. Its execution speed depends on its frequency (in MHz), but two processors from different brands that have very different frequencies can perform equally.
Even though a processor's frequency is still an essential criterion for choosing a laptop computer, today it is preferable to favour the quality of all the components (graphics card, memory, etc.) over only the processor's frequency.
What is more, the quantity of random access memory (RAM) can have a considerable effect on performance, notably when it comes to multimedia use. In addition to the quantity of memory, it is also important to pay attention to its working frequency, which corresponds to the frequency that most of the peripherals will run on.
Screen
Laptop computers have flat screens. Most of the time they are active matrix screens (generally with the TFT, Thin Film transistor technology), i.e. each pixel is individually controlled, allowing for improved display fluidity over passive matrix screens, on which pixels are controlled by line and by column. The latest generations of laptops have favoured active matrix screens over passive matrix screens.
The screen is distinguished first of all by its size, which is expressed in inches (an inch equals 2.54 cm) and corresponds to the screen's diagonal length. Unlike screens with cathode ray tubes (CRT screens), the diagonal length of a flat screen corresponds to the effective display area. Moreover, considering the liquid crystal based technologies used in flat screens, the screen quality of a flat screen can be defined by the response time, which is the length of time necessary to turn a pixel from white to black and then back to white.
The display format is generally 4:3 (i.e. 4 units wide to 3 units high), but there are more exotic laptop display formats that are close to 16:9, such as 15:10, which is adapted to viewing video sequences (e.g. watching DVDs). In general, this type of screen has does not have a whole number diagonal length (e.g. 15.4 inches).
Hard Drive
The hard drive is the area where all the computer's data is stored unlike the RAM, which is a volatile memory that only acts as an information transit area while the computer is running. The most important characteristic of the hard drive is its capacity (expressed in gigabytes), because it determines the amount of data (and, in particular, programs) that a user can store on it. However, it is a good idea to pay particular attention to its performances (in relation notably to its spindle speed), which can hamper the system's overall capacities if they are too weak.
Using external hard drives (FireWire or USB 2.0) can nevertheless enhance a laptop computer by wiping out the intrinsic limitations of its standard hard drives and extending its storage capacity ad infinitum.
Graphics Card
A laptop computer's graphics card is integrated, i.e. it is a specialised graphics chip (graphic chipset) that is soldered to the motherboard. It is impossible to change it once the laptop has been purchased. Therefore, if the laptop computer will be used for graphics applications (video visualisation or manipulation, video games, 3D applications, etc.), it is best to choose a top-of-the-line graphics chipset.
CD/DVD Drive or Burner
More and more laptop computers are making a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM drive or even a burner into standard features on high-level configurations. When the drive combines several of these functions, it is called a "combo".
There are different types of CD (with a capacity of about 700 Mb) and DVD (with a capacity of about 4.7 Gb) burners.
The term "CD-R" refers to recordable compact disks
The term "CD-RW" refers to rewritable compact disks
The term "DVD-R" refers to recordable DVDs
The term "DVD-RAM" refers to rewritable DVDs Thus, there are two incompatible standards promoted by different manufacturer consortiums:
DVD+RW, by Philips, that have performances in terms of recording time that are generally slightly better than the DVD-RW format
DVD-RW, which cost slightly less than DVD+RWs
It should be noted that some burners support both of these standards and thus are called "multi-format" burners.
Input/Output Interfaces
Input/output interfaces allow you to extend a laptop computer's functionalities by connecting external peripherals. Laptops generally have PC Card connectors (PCMCIA) that allow you to insert additional peripherals.
USB ports are available on all recent laptop computers but it is a good idea to verify if they are USB 1.0 ports, which offer a peak throughput of 12 Mbit/s, or USB 2.0 ports, which can have a peak throughput of up to 480 Mbit/s!
Having IEEE 1394 ports (with the commercial name of FireWire on Apple machines and i.LINK on IBM compatible machines) is a good idea for those users acquiring video from a DV digital video camera. FireWire ports allow throughputs on the order of 800 Mbit/s!
Some laptops come standard with multi-card readers that can read flash memories in the following different formats: Secure digital (SD Card), Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory stick (MS), SmartMedia (SM), Compact Flash (CF) or xD picture card. This type of reader can be extremely practical for those people who have MP3 players, digital cameras or personal desktop assistants (PDAs) because it facilitates the direct copying of files (e.g. music or digital photos) at a high bandwidth.
Audio and Video Input/Output
Every laptop computer has a screen and internal speakers but in some circumstances it is useful or even necessary to connect it to higher performance stereo or video systems (e.g. for a presentation or for a DVD projection).
Laptop computers come standard with a VGA connector, which allows you to connect them to an external monitor or a video projector. Sometimes laptops come equipped with a video output (called a TV output), i.e. a S-Video connector that allows you to connect the computer directly to a television.
With regard to audio I/O, all laptop computers come with standard headphone and microphone jacks as well as stereo speakers of varying quality. Having a S/PDIF output (digital audio output) can allow users to connect their laptop to a sound system that supports Dolby Digital 5.1 (e.g. for Home Cinema use).
Pointing Device / Keyboard
Laptop computers come standard with an integrated keyboard and pointing device. The pointing device is generally a touchpad, i.e. a flat touch-sensitive surface that allows you to move the cursor like a mouse. Some laptops come equipped with a trackpoint, i.e. a little touch-sensitive eraser-like tip (generally red) located in the middle of the keyboard that allows users to move the cursor with their fingers.
The keyboard and pointing device should be chosen according to their ergonomics. They should be tried out in order to determine if they are comfortable to use.
It should be noted that nothing prevents users from connecting a traditional mouse to a laptop computer for more comfort.
Mobility and Network Connectivity
In the communications world that we live in today, it is impossible to imagine a laptop computer without network functionalities. The terms nomadism and mobility are used to refer to individuals' capacity to have access to their information over the Internet, no matter where they are.
Most laptop computers come standard equipped with a 56K V90 modem that allows them to connect to the Internet over the telephone network (STN, switched telephone network).
The "10/100 Mbit Fast Ethernet" connector can be used to connect a laptop to a local area network (LAN) or to connect it to network equipment such as an ADSL modem, a router, a switch or even directly to another computer with a crossover network cable.
With the emergence of wireless networks and the increased number of public and private wireless network access points (called hot spots), the concept of nomadism is taking on a whole new meaning. Thus, some laptop computers now come standard with built-in or card WiFi adapters. WiFi technology allows computers equipped with specialised adapters (WiFi cards) to connect with each other over a range of several dozen or even hundreds of meters and possibly even to connect to the Internet thanks to a wireless router (WiFi terminal). There are several WiFi standards that use different transmission channels:
WiFi 802.11a for a throughput of 54 Mb/s (30 Mb/s of real throughput)
WiFi 802.11b for a throughput of 11 Mb/s (6 Mb/s of real throughput) with a range of up to 300 meters in an open environment
WiFi 802.11g for a throughput of 54 Mb/s (30 Mb/s of real throughput) on a frequency band of 2.4 GHz.
Some laptops are equipped with Bluetooth technology, which is another wireless network technology. However, it is used primarily for wireless personal area network (WPAN), i.e. it is intended for small wireless devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, etc.
IrDa (infrared) technology allows users to connect small devices wirelessly to each other but, unlike BlueTooth technology, has distance limitations (several dozen centimetres facing each other) and reduced throughput.
Technical Characteristics
When you buy a laptop computers, in addition to choosing specific hardware elements you should carefully weigh the following characteristics:
weight: a laptop computer is made to be transported, so it is important to choose the lightest one possible. Nevertheless, watch out for laptops that are light and have many external peripherals (CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, mouse, power supply, hubs, etc.)
autonomy: Computer autonomy depends on how much energy a computer's components use as well as the battery's characteristics
NiCad (Nickel / Cadmium): a rechargeable battery that is now obsolete because it suffered from the memory effect, i.e. a progressive decrease in the maximum charge when it is recharged when it is not completely "dead"
NiMH (Nickel / Hybrid Metal): a rechargeable battery that works better than nickel-cadmium batteries
Li-Ion (Lithium / Ion): a rechargeable battery used in most laptop computers. Li-Ion batteries perform well and are reasonably priced. Moreover, Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, which means that it is not necessary to run the battery dry before recharging it.
Li-Polymer (Lithium / Polymer): a rechargeable battery that is equivalent to Li-Ion batteries in terms of performance but is much lighter because the battery electrolytes and microporous separator in Li-Ion batteries are replaced by a solid polymer that is much lighter. On the other hand, Li-Polymer batteries take longer to charge and their longevity is shorter
Generally, computer autonomy is expressed in the amount of time that a computer can remain in sleep mode and in use.
Operating Temperature: Running certain parts of a laptop computer (particularly the processor) causes the temperature of the computer to increase and sometimes become bothersome (especially when the keyboard becomes too hot).
Overheating can become a real danger that can worsen when the laptop is running with the screen down because this can prevent proper thermal dissipation.
noise: In order to dissipate the heat caused by the running of different parts of the laptop (especially the processor), laptop computers are sometimes equipped with heat evacuation devices, such as fans, that can create loud, bothersome noises. This is also true for that motors that run the hard drives and CD/DVD drives/burners. Therefore, it is a good idea for buyers to enquire about the level of noise the computer makes when it runs.
Docking Station
Some laptops come with a docking station. This is the device that the laptop computer fits into in order to easily connect it with a keyboard, mouse, screen, etc.
Warranty
Buying a laptop computer is a big investment. Therefore it is necessary to protect yourself against the risks associated with computer failure by signing up for a warranty. The warranty is even more important for laptop computers because it is not possible to change parts (graphics card, sound card, etc.) like you can on desktop computers. Most offers automatically include at least one year but it might be a good idea to take a several year warranty extension in order to cover the maximum number of risks.
Make sure you get information about the type of damages that are covered by the warranty. Batteries in particular are rarely covered.
Software Package
Laptop computers are almost systematically equipped with an operating system when you purchase them but some offers also include a whole package of useful software such as office tools, an encyclopaedia or even antivirus software. It is a good idea to keep this in mind when you are buying a laptop.
Protective Cover
If you are going to travel with your computer, it is necessary to have a computer bag in order to protect it when transporting it with all its accessories.
In addition, it is highly recommended that you invest in a security cable (Kensington ComboSaver), which allows you to attach the laptop to a fixed piece of furniture thanks to the standard notch that is found on almost all laptops on the market.
Types of computers
Types of computers
There are several families of computers, depending on their format:
Mainframes, computers which a great deal of computing power, enormous input-output capabilities and high level of reliability. Mainframes are used by large companies to carry out heavy computing operations are large volumes of data processing. Mainframes are normally used in centralised architectures, in which they are the heart.
Personal computers, including, Desktop computers, made up of a case which houses a motherboard and allows users to connect multiple peripheral devices such as the screen.
Laptop computers, made of a case with a fold-out screen, a keyboard, and many onboard devices.
Tablet PCs, made of a case which integrates a touch-screen and a certain number of onboard devices.
Media centres, which represent a hardware platform, intended to be used in living rooms for running hifi elements (such as a hifi sound system, television set, DVD player, etc.)
Personal digital assistants (called PDAs, or handhelds), sometimes known as organisers or electronic datebooks, are pocket computers with features for personal organisation.
There are several families of computers, depending on their format:
Mainframes, computers which a great deal of computing power, enormous input-output capabilities and high level of reliability. Mainframes are used by large companies to carry out heavy computing operations are large volumes of data processing. Mainframes are normally used in centralised architectures, in which they are the heart.
Personal computers, including, Desktop computers, made up of a case which houses a motherboard and allows users to connect multiple peripheral devices such as the screen.
Laptop computers, made of a case with a fold-out screen, a keyboard, and many onboard devices.
Tablet PCs, made of a case which integrates a touch-screen and a certain number of onboard devices.
Media centres, which represent a hardware platform, intended to be used in living rooms for running hifi elements (such as a hifi sound system, television set, DVD player, etc.)
Personal digital assistants (called PDAs, or handhelds), sometimes known as organisers or electronic datebooks, are pocket computers with features for personal organisation.
Computer - Components
Introduction to the Concept of the Computer
Understanding computer vocabulary is the main difficulty that potential personal computer buyers face. Unlike buying a TV, a task for which the decision-making criteria are limited, choosing a computer requires choosing each of its components and knowing their characteristics. The purpose of this document is not to make sense of all the computer abbreviations (because each manufacturer has their own technologies) but rather to profile the main components of a computer, explain how they work and outline their main characteristics.
Presentation of the Computer
A computer is a set of electronic circuits that allow for data to be manipulated in binary form, i.e. in bits. The French word for computer, "ordinateur", was invented by the company IBM France. François Girard, who in 1955 was in charge of IBM France's advertising department, had the idea to seek advice from his former arts professor in Paris in order to ask him to suggest a word that described as best as possible the device that was commonly being called a "calculateur" (the literal translation of the English word "computer").
Thus, Jaques Perret, said arts professor who was at that time teaching Latin philology at the Sorbonne, suggested on 1 April 1955 the word "ordinateur", specifying that the word "ordinateur" was an adjective from the word littré meaning "God making order in the world". He explained that the concept of "making order" was perfectly adapted to the object at hand.
Types of Computers
Any machine capable of manipulating binary information can be considered a computer. However, the term "computer" is sometimes confused with the term personal computer (PC), which is the type of computer that is most commonly found on the market. And yet there are many other types of computers (the following is not an exhaustive list):
Amiga
Atari
Apple Macintosh
Alpha stations
SUN stations
Silicon Graphics stations
The rest of this document, as generic as it might be, applies particularly to PC type computers. They are also called IBM-compatible computers because IBM is the company that created the first of these computers models and was for a long time (until 1987) the leader in this area, so much so that they controlled the standards, which were copied by other manufacturers.
Make-up of a Computer
A computer is a collection of modular electronic components, i.e. components that can be replaced by other components that may have different characteristics that are capable of running computer programs. Thus, the term "hardware" refers to all the material elements of a computer and "software" refers to the program parts.
The material components of the computer are structured around a main board that is made up of a few integrated circuits and many electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, etc. All these components are fused to the board and are linked by circuit board connections and by a large number of connectors. This board is called the motherboard.
The motherboard is housed in a casing (or frame) that comprises slots for memory peripherals on the front, buttons that allow you to switch the computer on and off, as well as a certain number of indicator lights that allow you to verify the computer's operating state and the activity of the hard drives. On the back, the casing has openings facing the expansion boards and the I/O interfaces, which are connected to the motherboard.
Finally, the casing houses an electrical power supply (commonly called the power), which is in charge of providing a stable and continuous electrical current to all of the elements that make up the computer. The power supply converts alternating current from the power grid (220 or 110 volts) into a direct voltage of 5 volts for the computer components and 12 volts for some internal peripherals (drives, CD-ROM drives, etc.). How powerful the electrical supply is determines how many peripherals the computer is capable of supplying. The power supply is generally between 200 and 450 Watts.
The "central processing unit" includes the casing and all the elements it contains. The external elements of the central processing unit are called peripherals.
The central processing unit must be connected to a whole set of external peripherals. A computer generally comprises at least the central processing unit, a screen (monitor), a keyboard and a mouse, but it is possible to connect a wide range of peripherals on the I/O interfaces (serial ports, parallel ports, USB ports, FireWire ports, etc.):
a printer
a scanner
an external sound card
an external hard drive
an external storage peripheral
a digital camera or video camera
a PDA
etc.
Understanding computer vocabulary is the main difficulty that potential personal computer buyers face. Unlike buying a TV, a task for which the decision-making criteria are limited, choosing a computer requires choosing each of its components and knowing their characteristics. The purpose of this document is not to make sense of all the computer abbreviations (because each manufacturer has their own technologies) but rather to profile the main components of a computer, explain how they work and outline their main characteristics.
Presentation of the Computer
A computer is a set of electronic circuits that allow for data to be manipulated in binary form, i.e. in bits. The French word for computer, "ordinateur", was invented by the company IBM France. François Girard, who in 1955 was in charge of IBM France's advertising department, had the idea to seek advice from his former arts professor in Paris in order to ask him to suggest a word that described as best as possible the device that was commonly being called a "calculateur" (the literal translation of the English word "computer").
Thus, Jaques Perret, said arts professor who was at that time teaching Latin philology at the Sorbonne, suggested on 1 April 1955 the word "ordinateur", specifying that the word "ordinateur" was an adjective from the word littré meaning "God making order in the world". He explained that the concept of "making order" was perfectly adapted to the object at hand.
Types of Computers
Any machine capable of manipulating binary information can be considered a computer. However, the term "computer" is sometimes confused with the term personal computer (PC), which is the type of computer that is most commonly found on the market. And yet there are many other types of computers (the following is not an exhaustive list):
Amiga
Atari
Apple Macintosh
Alpha stations
SUN stations
Silicon Graphics stations
The rest of this document, as generic as it might be, applies particularly to PC type computers. They are also called IBM-compatible computers because IBM is the company that created the first of these computers models and was for a long time (until 1987) the leader in this area, so much so that they controlled the standards, which were copied by other manufacturers.
Make-up of a Computer
A computer is a collection of modular electronic components, i.e. components that can be replaced by other components that may have different characteristics that are capable of running computer programs. Thus, the term "hardware" refers to all the material elements of a computer and "software" refers to the program parts.
The material components of the computer are structured around a main board that is made up of a few integrated circuits and many electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, etc. All these components are fused to the board and are linked by circuit board connections and by a large number of connectors. This board is called the motherboard.
The motherboard is housed in a casing (or frame) that comprises slots for memory peripherals on the front, buttons that allow you to switch the computer on and off, as well as a certain number of indicator lights that allow you to verify the computer's operating state and the activity of the hard drives. On the back, the casing has openings facing the expansion boards and the I/O interfaces, which are connected to the motherboard.
Finally, the casing houses an electrical power supply (commonly called the power), which is in charge of providing a stable and continuous electrical current to all of the elements that make up the computer. The power supply converts alternating current from the power grid (220 or 110 volts) into a direct voltage of 5 volts for the computer components and 12 volts for some internal peripherals (drives, CD-ROM drives, etc.). How powerful the electrical supply is determines how many peripherals the computer is capable of supplying. The power supply is generally between 200 and 450 Watts.
The "central processing unit" includes the casing and all the elements it contains. The external elements of the central processing unit are called peripherals.
The central processing unit must be connected to a whole set of external peripherals. A computer generally comprises at least the central processing unit, a screen (monitor), a keyboard and a mouse, but it is possible to connect a wide range of peripherals on the I/O interfaces (serial ports, parallel ports, USB ports, FireWire ports, etc.):
a printer
a scanner
an external sound card
an external hard drive
an external storage peripheral
a digital camera or video camera
a PDA
etc.
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