Computer Hardware - Guide to the PC Hardware

The LCD technology is basically based on the unique properties of advanced polarised light. In the LCD monitors two liquid crystals are sandwiched in between the polarised sheets. These features permit the monitors to be very sleek and lighter. As these systems are available in affordable prices, their demand in the market is also continuing to rise steadily. They do not occupy much space and can be fitted anywhere with ease. various designs are available to cater the needs of every segment of people. Latest research shows that these type of widgets also consume less energy as compared to the CRT monitors.

The size of the LCD monitors may usually vary from 15 to 28 inches. The users can prioritise their requirements and then opt for the required scree size. With these monitors the users can have wonderful experience while viewing their favorite slide shows and video clips. The aspect ratio is around 4:3 in these systems. As such, the images displayed are in the high resolution of 1280 X 1024 pixels. Moreover, these screens can be viewed both horizontally and vertically. The users can easily tilt and rotate their systems to a certain angle to facilitate their working process.

The brightness, colour and contrast of these LCD Monitors can be adjusted very easily by the users. They come with various user friendly adjustment keys and also offer OSD controls. Various advanced monitors are adorned with OSD lock control feature which implies that no other person can alter the setting of your monitor. These monitors are also endowed with various multimedia features. Some of the high tech monitors are endowed with onboard speakers which can be prefect for casual enjoyment. One can have great time with his or her friends as the speakers would assist the system to offer high quality sound.

The response time is usually referred to the span of time which is required for the crystals to turn off and on in the LCD monitors. The response time determines the efficiency of these gadgets. This time may vary between 2 to 16 micro seconds. For playing high definition games the normal response time should be 5 micro second while for browsing the internet and usual word processing the response time should be 8 to 16 micro second. The response time should be clearly checked to avoid the irritation and blurring of the screen. Moreover, various monitors come with an embedded USB port to permit you to connect with other compatible devices without any concern.

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We all use internet to communicate with our loved ones. It has now become one of the most integral source for getting in touch with the people around the world. There were times when we were amused to hear the voices of our friends and relatives who stayed at distant places. However the internet has created an immensely efficient platform for us where we cannot only talk or message our loved ones but can also see them while talking or chatting. Web cameras are an extremely appealing devices which help us broadcast our videos through the internet.

These devices are also called webcams and are largely used by the internet surfers who extensively use the instant messengers and video conferencing applications. It is a small camera which is used to capture images. These images can be accessed through the web based applications and instant messengers. The main purpose of these cameras is to capture the images of the person sitting in front of the PC or laptop and transmit it over the internet on the screen of the other person with whom the user is chatting. These devices are generally low resolution digital cameras which capture the images. These images are then uploaded on the web server at regular intervals and sometimes also continuously. These are small in size and generally very compact and stylish. The webcams are fixed either on the PC or laptop or are attached to a dedicated hardware.

These Web cameras are really exciting and beneficial. With them one can have an incredible experience while chatting with friends and family members. It gives a feeling of having a face to face communication with one’s acquaintances. These are also very useful for educators in case they want to give lessons to their students by taking them on virtual education trips. They are being used widely by the people across the world.

These web cameras are connected to the personal computers and they act like web- enabled camera only with the help of the certain specific software. An enhanced application program is required to transfer the video or image files over the web in continuous streams. The instant messengers support video conferencing and live video chatting which can only be done with the help of a web cam.

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Wireless networks have become incredibly popular - so much so that virtually all new laptop computers have wireless network cards included as part of a set of standard features. As a matter of fact, customers will offer salespeople a strange, blank look if wireless networking is not included as one of the standard features. People love the convenience of being able to boot up the laptop and surf the net wherever they may be.

Wireless networks have become so popular and affordable that many people are now opting to include this convenience in their homes also. If you happen to be one of the thousands of people who choose to install wireless networking in your home, then there are a few things that you will need to understand about how wireless networks work.

One of the best and most appealing features of wireless networks is the fact that they are wireless. This makes installation incredibly simple and affords you the freedom to roam about in your home with your laptop untethered. Wireless networks eliminate the need for the wires associated with traditional Ethernet networks.

Installing wireless networking in your home is a rather painless process. Plus, in comparison to traditional wired, or Ethernet, networking, it is relatively cost effective. Many times, you can set up a wireless network in your home for less than a hundred dollars. The only disadvantage to wireless networks is that they are slightly slower than Ethernet networks. However, the average consumer will never even notice the difference.

Most wireless networking technology available for home use operates on what is called 802.11g technology. What this means is that the data sent over the network is transmitted at 2.4 GHz at a speed of 54 megabits. For non-technical folks, that means the data is moving pretty fast. Newer technology is currently in the works for wireless networks (802.11n), but it is still in the beta, or testing, phase.

Wireless networks operate by using either modulating radio waves or pulsing infrared light. They include a router that is hardwired to your Internet connection and transmits data via these radio or light waves. Your computer receives the information via either an internal or external wireless adapter, which acts as a receiver.

If you are thinking of installing a wireless network in your home, you will need a high speed Internet connection, a router, and wireless adapters for each computer you wish to access the network. Most basic wireless routers only have a range of about 100 feet, so if you live in a larger home, you may need to also purchase a range extender or repeater for your network. And that is pretty much it.

Wireless networks are easy to install and convenient. If you have not already decided to bite the bullet and install one in your home, you are missing out. The installation process only requires reading and following a few simple instructions. Do this and you will have a wireless network that the entire family can enjoy.

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Spend any time around computer geeks and you will certainly hear the term ‘CPU’ at one time or another. For most people, a CPU is just something that every computer needs to work. However, if you are inclined to learn a bit more about how your computer works, you may actually want to know what a ‘CPU’ is.

The term ‘CPU’ stands for central processing unit and it is the brain of your computer. Just like your brain, the CPU works in conjunction with a computer’s memory to carry out specific commands and tasks. CPUs are also simply known as processors.

If you have ever read any other articles on CPUs, it can sometimes be difficult to decipher exactly what the central processing unit of your computer actually does. However, you do not really need to be a technically inclined person to understand how the brain of your computer works.

The first step of operation for the CPU is to store instructions in the memory of the computer. Whenever you run a program on your system, specific instructions from the program are sent to the memory and stored. The central processing unit then accesses the memory, retrieves the instructions, and then prepares to execute them.

Before the CPU can execute the instructions it has received from the memory, it must first decode them. After the instructions have been de-encrypted, your CPU will execute them and then returns some sort of result. This result may include storing information in the memory or on the hard drive or displaying something to your screen. Whatever the instruction directs the CPU to do, it does. The speed and performance of your CPU/processor determines how quickly the task is completed.

Your CPU may also have what is known as a CPU cache which also helps to speed up its performance. The cache memory is smaller and faster than the main memory of the computer and stores copies of frequently used information so that it does not have to access the main memory every time it performs a process.

Whenever your computer’s processor wants to access the main memory for instructions, it will first check to see if that information is already in its cache. If it is already stored there, then CPU reads it from the cache location, which is quicker than accessing the main memory since cache memory is local.

CPUs have come a long way since the early day of central processing units. What used to occupy an entire room will now fit easily in the palm of your hand with tons of room to spare. The CPU of your computer is usually a small square with many metallic connectors on the underside that attach to the motherboard via the CPU socket, or slot. These small processors can become very hot after operating for a while and normally have a small fan and heat sink attached on top to help dissipate the heat generated.

If you are purchasing a new computer, you should check the type of processor included in the unit since the CPU is essential to your computer’s function. To get an idea of what type of processor you need for your work, be sure to do some research online and ask around computer forums before making your purchase.

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Not everybody is fortunate to work in an air-conditioned office, many of us have to endure warehouses and factory floors which can be dusty and grimy; often baking in the summer and freezing during the winter and full of potential hazards.

Of course our employers are at liberty to keep us protected. Overalls are provided to keep our clothes clean, jackets to keep us warm while hard hats and toe protection is now a legal requirement in many workplaces.

Obviously employees are a company’s greatest asset and only a fool or bad businessman would neglect the welfare of their staff. Yet with many more tasks and processes being automated, more and more computers are being utilized in these sorts of environments.

Of course IT and technological systems can be a great asset, reducing production times and increasing productivity, but computer hardware can also be a substantial investment - especially if they have to keep being repaired or replaced due to the nature of the environment they are situated

Computers are fragile pieces of technology, designed to work at optimum conditions and temperatures the opposite of the conditions in most warehouse, factories and production plants.

Dust can clog the keyboard and mouse making them unusable, whilst also blocking filters and clogging up the PC and causing it to overheat and often short circuit. Whilst the cold can freeze circuits destroying processors and data stored on drives while the heat can be even worse as it can actually melt the processors and sensitive hard drive.

Even if your warehouse has adequate heating and air-conditioning, knocks and bangs from fork lifts and pallet trucks could easily wreck a machine whilst spilt fluids can cause instant short circuits and even fires!

Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions available. Specialist industrial PCs are available but can be very expensive, particularly if you regularly upgrade your IT and have to replace them but cheaper alternatives in the form of dust covers and water and dustproof keyboards.

However, by far the best way of ensuring trouble free computing even in extreme conditions such as freezers and even ovens, are to use specially designed industrial pc enclosures. These are often air sealed and completely water and dust proof and can often contain heaters or air conditioners to assist in temperature control. They also have the benefit of being able to house conventional PCs so there is need to keep buying specialist equipment.

Made from durable metals including food grade stainless steel, a decent enclosure should be able to withstand even the most ineffectual forklift driver, some are even bombproof! Many companies opt to store their IT in these enclosures even when the working environments are not particularly hostile.

Copyright 2008 © Richard N Williams
Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computer enclosures and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about industrial pc solutions.