Computer Hardware - Guide to the PC Hardware

You are probably tied to your computer with work and personal use. It is not surprising considering how much time is spent working on computers each day. The world would come to a grinding halt without them. But they cannot work if they do not have the right amount of computer memory installed.

Everything your pc performs, from software to hardware, involves the computer’s storage. It can also mean the difference between having a fast computer and having one that takes forever.

Your laptop or desktop memory is very important. It is how the pc runs and how the software runs. It is certainly more than just being able to save a document you are typing or being able to download a song. The memory computer systems need is centered around how fast it can run and how quickly data can be loaded.

A pc’s memory is the amount of storage on it. Taking for example generic memory, when a pc stores information in its temporary memory it is able to run much faster.

The process of accessing computer storage is very easy. The Central Processing Unit (or CPU) wants to use the closest information it can find first. So it stores vital information to keep the computer running efficiently in a temporary storage or cache first.

Only after looking in this file will the pc search through the long term permanent storage. Both desktop computers and notebooks use this same method for gathering its information.

There are a few terms you need to know when it comes to your computer’s memory. The first is RAM which stands for Random Access Memory. The second is ROM (Read-Only Memory).

The third is OS which stands for Operating System and finally BIOS which is Basic Input/Output System. Each of these terms is used to describe how the pc’s storage is used to access the information and load the systems.

Computer memory can seem a bit complicated. There are a lot of terms to know and it can be confusing. The best summary is that the faster the computer is, the more it needs to keep a temporary folder to access information.

Think of it like a Post-It note that you write down a phone number on when you are in a hurry. You will not leave the number on there if it is important, you will save it someplace else. But you have it there for quick reference.

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Let us have a look at some of the known and unknown facts related to the LCD monitors so as to extract the optimal benefits from them.

A LCD monitor is aesthetically pleasing offering a wide viewing angle with exceptional colour purity, contrast and image brightness. It is protected against any kind of magnetic interference and screen flickers. It usually makes use of just 25-50 watts as compared to 60-80 watts used by a CRT monitor. The LCD monitors can be easily mounted on the walls. The USB ports that come with these monitors allow you to easily connect several devices at the same time. They have an exceptional response time, varying usually between 2-16 ms.

LCD monitors make use of the liquid crystal display to deliver smart desktop and laptop solutions. In a LCD monitor, the polarised sheets that are lying between the sandwiched liquid crystals are used. This phenomenon helps it to get a sleek and less bulky look as compared to a CRT monitor. These monitors are also energy-efficient, consuming only 1/3rd of the power used by CRT monitors. With a usual aspect ratio of 4:3, these cheap LCD monitors offer unmatched viewing experience to the users.

They easily add visual elements to your desktop and offer unbeatable multimedia applications to cater to your needs. The OSD controlling adjustment keys are easy-to-use and are not flimsy. LCDs are known to effectively gel with the digital form of inputs and most of the modern day LCDs can be easily tilted by a specific angle, a feature conducive to the needs of an office executive.

Now that we have learnt enough about the cheap LCD monitors, let us now move to some of the biggest names in this world followed by some do’s and don’ts to get a good LCD deal.

Some of the most eminent names in the world of LCD monitors are ViewSonic and Samsung. The ViewSonic VX1945WM, ViewSonic VG2030WM and ViewSonic VX922 are some of the most highly acclaimed LCD monitors in the present day market

Things to remember:

The present day market is full of cheap LCD monitors but you need to be clear in your vision and priorities giving enough consideration to factors such as quality, price and customer service. Do not forget to check the dead pixel policy in the laptop warranty terms and conditions. This will come handy if your laptop gets affected by a large number of dead pixels. Check the image resolution, aspect ratio, image and sound quality, multimedia capabilities and screen size before making the payment. Get it installed through an expert and do not try your own hands, make sure to follow the instructions, if any, to ensure a consistent flow of the high-end solutions.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit:- Samsung LCD TV

Your home computer is prone to damage as any other machine in your house, more, if you are connected to the Internet. You must take measures and learn some basic home computer repair methods to safeguard your computer against any potential damage. Here are the top-most important tools that serve as home computer protection as well as home computer repair methods:

• Anti-virus: You should invest in good anti-virus software for continuous online protection. To help with home computer repair, anti-virus software provides fixes for latest viruses and guards against spamming and phishing. You should update the anti-virus package periodically. The most popular ones include BitDefender, McAfee, Kaspersky Lab, F-Secure, Symantec Norton, and Panda. A typical package will cost you $30 to S50. Some basic anti-virus packages are also available for free.

• Anti-spyware/Anti-adware: Spyware and adware prove a menace when it comes to the performance of your computer. As a home computer repair and protection method, scan your computer using an anti-spyware, anti-adware package like Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. These packages are available for free online.

• Operating System and Program Update/ Specific Computer Manufacture’s Update: Updating your computer periodically with critical and recommended updates goes a long way in protecting your home computer against damages and rectifying non-functional devices.

• Firewalls: Your operating system may provide you with a firewall by default. You should install a personal firewall if your computer does not have one. A firewall acts as a filter, protecting your computer from malicious content from the Internet. Some popular firewalls include McAfee, Norton, and Zone Alarm. Some firewalls like Kerio are also available for free.

• Disk Defragmentation and Disk Cleanup: These tools come built-in with your computer and serve as important home computer repair methods. These tools help free up space on your computer. You should run these tools periodically.

• Error-checking utility: The computer provides another built-in home computer repair utility called the Error-checking utility. It checks the hard disk for bad sectors and tries to recover them.

• Back up and Recovery: A very dependable method for home computer repair is system restore. You should create restore points on your computer so that in case of any damage, you can restore your computer to a previously secure checkpoint. Also, to avoid losing any important data in case of a system damage or failure, it is a good idea to back up your data periodically.

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Your monitor is an important accessory to your computer. Computer monitors are available in different sizes and styles and some offer various functions, such as a built-in speaker system. You will obviously consider what type of monitor you can afford but may also want to consider how often you will be using your computer and how you will be using it.

How Computer Monitor Sizes are Measured

Monitors are available in 15, 17, 19 and 21 inch sizes. The size of a monitor is the viewable area of the screen, which is measured diagonally (i.e., from the upper right corner of the screen to the lower left corner of the screen and vice versa). These diagonal measurements are of the screen only and not the computer monitor’s casing. Regardless of what type of monitor you decide to purchase, the larger the monitor, the more expensive the monitor will be. However, if you use your computer several hours a day, you will experience less eye strain with a larger monitor.

CRT Computer Monitors Deliver Usability and Bargain Prices

If you are looking for an extra monitor or just want something cheap for your home office or kids, the CRT monitor will probably be the most economical option.

Although they are big and bulky, CRT monitors will work just fine for basic home computing uses such as sending and receiving email, playing video games, or running a word processing program. These types of activities do not require an expensive or elaborate monitor.

A standard CRT (cathode ray tube) computer monitor works like a standard CRT television, accounting for its television-like appearance and bulk. Many people are switching to the less bulky flat screen monitors and as a result, the prices of CRT computer monitors are dropping. I have found refurbished CRT monitors at auction for just $12. Brand new CRTs might run anywhere from $40 to $100, which is just a fraction of the cost of the flashier LCD monitors.

LCD Monitors Are Less Expensive Than They Used to Be

They look sharp. They’re elegant. And they don’t take up a lot of space. For these and other reasons, many computer users these days are choosing the more advanced LCD (liquid crystal display) computer monitors for home and business use. Nowadays, the flat screen LCD monitors are often packaged with a new computer system. LCD monitors are lighter and flatter than CRT monitors, and can be more energy efficient and produce sharper pictures.

While the prices for LCD monitors are falling since their initial appearance in the market, they are still more expensive than CRT monitors. Generally speaking, an LCD monitor will cost around four times as much as a CRT monitor.

Considerations for Choosing Your Monitor

Whether you choose to buy a CRT or LCD computer monitor, you will want to choose the size that you will be most comfortable with. As mentioned above, the more time you sit in front of the computer, the more you will benefit from a larger view screen. Although larger monitor screens can be beneficial, you want to make sure that the monitor will fit in the area where you will be using it, and will fit your budget as well.

There are some fantastic deals for any type of computer monitor online. If you are looking for something reliable but have a tight budget, you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing a refurbished model. Before buying a new or refurbished computer monitor online, however, review the warranty. Check out the shipping costs, too. Because of their size and weight, shipping costs for CRT monitors can get pricey. Some online vendors offer free shipping.

Estate sales, garage sales and yard sales are excellent resources for used CRT or LCD monitors … and of course, you avoid shipping fees if you shop locally. When buying from individuals, see if the seller can plug the monitor in and demonstrate that it is in good working order. You can find any type of monitor at your local computer shop.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing a new monitor online or offline, make sure that it is compatible with your computer.

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You can probably immediately guess the differences between desktop computers and laptops. After all, the size is a very obvious difference. That size correlates with everything that makes a laptop. The circuitry is smaller and so are the vital components. A desktop computer is not as mobile as a laptop.

It does not come with its own battery to fuel its processes and you have to have a separate screen for the monitor. The laptop is essentially a smaller version of your desktop computer that is used for its mobility.

Once you are familiar with the differences between desktop computers and laptops, you will need to turn inside to see the minute differences. The desktop will utilize a different memory module than the laptop. The difference is in the Random Access Memory and the type of modules that are used. The desktop uses a DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module and the laptop uses a SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module).

The SO-DIMM is more or less equal to the DIMM in power and speed, but since laptops are space constricted, they are smaller and must utilize less space for the same comparable speeds. There is also a different procedure for upgrading notebooks in comparison to the desktop computer.

You will also need to know that there is a distinct difference between an Apple memory and that of a Compaq memory. It is important to only buy products that work with your particular model and series if you want the upgrade to work well for your particular laptop.

The basics of laptops are pretty easy to master once you have the right information. When you do get all the information you need, do yourself a favor and store it in a safe spot for future reference.

Also keep any accompanying literature or information that may come with the computer memory upgrade module. By keeping the information handy you can always have it on hand when you need to buy more parts and pieces to help your laptop run even better.

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The saving on space is the major benefit one derives with Touch Screen Flat Panel Monitor. They lack the size of a normal monitor because the screen and the body of the monitor are flat. It can be adjusted in smaller space and you will have more room on your desk for other essential things.

The Touch Screen Flat Panel Monitor is quiet useful and is available with an integral USB port. If the touch screen monitor possess all four USB ports in the back of the machine it facilitates you to simply download pictures from your digital camera without pulling out the computer from behind the desk. All you need to do is to plug the camera into one of the Touch Screen Flat Panel Monitor’s USB ports.

Another notable feature about Touch Screen Flat Panel Monitor is its remarkable level of brightness. Moreover, display is generally crisper; graphics and text have sharper edges. CRT Monitors use an analog signal, i.e., it is carried on a wave. Flat Panel Monitors can be either analog, or digital. Most of the flat Monitor Screen Touch Panels possess both the connections.

The usage of a digital Touch Screen Flat Panel Monitor depends on the video card. A circuit board is present within your computer. The output points of the circuit board stick out of the back of your Flat Panel Monitor Screen Touch and in case if your monitor panel is comparatively new you will have both digital and analog outputs on your video card.

Furthermore you will get prettier image while watching the programs you love.

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Do you own a Windows-based computer? If so, have you realized that there has been a decline in the performance of your computer ever since the first day you purchased it? There are times it may just hang on you or at other times, it may seem as if it is processing extremely slowly. However, instead of buying a new computer you should first try to figure out if you can preserve your current one. Below are some quick fixes to help you diagnose the problem with your computer.

#1 Run anti-virus software

Viruses are extremely irritating as they are often created by people with nothing better to do other than to try to hurt other people’s computers. Viruses can be rather deadly as it name sounds, it can cause your computer to slow down and even erase off precious data! It is therefore essential to have a good anti-virus software to prevent such a fate from happening to you. You can easily find one through a web search and compare the different kinds of software available.

#2 Run a defragment routine

This sounds very technical to the average Joe who does not know much about computers but it actually is very simple to carry out. All it means is to properly arrange the data in your computer more efficiently. You can use the search function on your computer to find the program used for de-fragmentation and follow the cues to start de-fragmenting your computer. The process is free however it may take quite some time, so do plan ahead of what else you want to do.

#3 Clean your hard drive

Another method is to clean up your hard drive. A hard drive with too much unnecessary stuff can eventually slow down your computer. Do a search for disk cleanup and start getting rid or those files that you do not need and clear up your hard drive today. Chances are that you will have a much better performance from your computer after that.

#4: Clean your registry

Every computer has a registry that keeps the crucial information about who uses the computer and the applications that can access your computer. However, with time, the registry becomes rife with errors and plagued with false entries. Search the web for a good registry cleaner, moreover it is rather cheap and work great and can help boost the performance of your computer.

These solutions will most probably just take less than an hour for you to complete but the results are phenomenal if the crux of the problem lies with what is mentioned above. Furthermore, the ‘quick fixes’ mentioned above are free of charge or at the most cost less than 50 dollars. As such, don’t be too hasty in wanting to purchase a brand new computer when your old one starts to act a tad funny. Give these tips a try first before spending big bucks on getting a new computer or you may just regret the hole that you have burnt in your own pocket.

Logan Albright is an authority on troubleshooting computer problems at http://www.pcaholic.com where he helps thousands how to optimize their computers through a proper computer check up.
Click Here to speed up your pc for free.

Do you ever face the problem where you computer starts to become sluggish or slow in its processing? Computers are supposed to be machines and should be able to do what man cannot possible do, maintaining a peak performance everyday. If not, what is the point of having one then? What we need is a machine, a computer that can help us store our data, our plans and work and can churn out whatever we need at the snap of a finger. But as the years go by, it seems as though the snap of the finger now has changed to become two snaps, and with time, more snaps are needed.

What do we do then, when we can no longer have our information that we need instantly? There are a couple of methods or ways that one can implement to improve the speed of their computers.

Upgrading your RAM

Our computer’s RAM determines the amount of memory that it has and ultimately the speed it can process at. Upgrading your RAM is as good as saying you want to improve the speed of your computer. However, it is not free of charge and comes with a cost. Given that upgrading your RAM is becoming more and more affordable these days, you may feel that it is a good idea to upgrade yours right now; however remember that it would be useless if you upgraded your RAM only to find that your computer is still slow due to other reasons. Thus think twice and be sure before you purchase a new RAM.

Clear the Registry

Each computer comes with something called the registry that not many people know of. The registry is an important part of your computer as it stores crucial information that has to do with the login users and also which applications are allowed to access the computer. With time, the registry gets clogged with unnecessary garbage and loaded with numerous false entries that only serve to slow the speed of the computer. As such, it is a good practice to regularly clean out your registry. How to get one is simple! Go to the Web and search for one, each will cost about 30 dollars, cheap and effective. A good buy indeed!

De-Fragmentation

Search for de-fragmentation in your computer system through the search function and carry out de-fragmentizing. This may sound too technical for some of us, but it simply means to arrange the data in your computer in a much more organized and efficient fashion as to speed up it’s processing. Think of it as messy room compared to a tidy room. It would definitely be easier to walk through the room that is neater than the other. With the same analogy, a neater computer would process better than one that has yet to be sorted out.

There are many other ways to help solve the problem of slow computers, but those mentioned above are cheap and hassle-free. Also, they only take a short amount of time to be completed. But do take note that if all else fails; it is wiser to seek council from a technician who will certainly be able to help you out even more.

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Flat panel monitor commonly known as either a computer or television monitor that utilizes LCD or Plasma technology which in turn permits the monitor to have a thin profile. Due to its high end features such as, light weight, small footprint, precision and digital technology it has emerged as the monitor of choice.

A flat panel monitor is the best option when space is a premium! A sleek, thin, flat panel monitor will offer greater space than conventional, CRT monitors. They can be used as both computer monitor and television.

Several models possess USB ports that are integral and easily available, different from the USB ports on various computers. You can easily plug in and display off your latest digital photos as they were meant to be viewed; in crisp, sharp, digital quality color.

The high price tag associated with the flat panel monitor may deter you from making a move ahead. They may cost a bit more than their CRT counterparts but in turn they consume less power and emit less heat.

Ensure that you buy a flat panel monitor that has low response time; the lesser the response time the sooner the liquid crystal cell can transit from one color to another.

The power consumption of a flat panel monitor is much lower in comparison to any normal monitor. Moreover, you will not have to suffer from the subtle distortions which are common in conventional curve screen monitors. Furthermore, a curve screen can even cause eyestrain.

Try a flat panel monitor and feel the difference! Your eyes will definitely thank you. Moreover, a flat panel monitor provide clearer image in comparison to other monitors. The colors are highly vibrant and lack the unsteady shine of a normal monitor.

If you love to watch movies on your computer then it makes sense to buy a flat panel monitor. The images will be quite impressive as there will be no distortion that can cause unsteadiness and you will not feel uncomfortable anymore. And the best of all the saving on space…you can fit it in a smaller space which will allow you to have more space on your desk.

Alan Chung, CEO of Rackmount LCD Pro Company says “We want to be the Global leading company in Industrial Rackmount LCD, Sunlight Readable, Flat panel rugged displays, Rack Cabinet and KVM Switches industry by creating lasting value for its customers, employees, and other stakeholders.”

STEP 6: VIDEO CARD

If your motherboard has a built-in video adapter you want to use, skip this section. A video card is not mandatory when you motherboard has an adapter, but it will greatly increase your gaming experience with a additional card.

If you have an AGP video card: Install the video card into the AGP socket. This is always the top expansion slot near the back of the computer. AGP slots are often brown, but can also be strange colors such as fluorescent green. Check the motherboard for levers (or similar devices) that are part of the AGP slot to help hold the card in place. These must be retracted before insertion of the card. Check the motherboard’s manual for information on how to use these devices (if your motherboard has one.) Push the card into the socket (AGP slots are often pretty tight, don’t be afraid to push it until it’s well inserted), then screw it in at the top of the metal bracket. If it has a power connector, connect it to a 4-pin molex connector. If it has a pass through, do not connect it to a hard drive.

If you have a PCI Express video card, install it the same way as an AGP video card, however the slot where it goes looks a little different having an extra spot on the slot as opposed to the 2 slot parts on an AGP slot. PCI Express slots used for video cards are commonly 16x as opposed to AGP 8x.

When your card is properly installed the line formed by the top of the card will be exactly parallel to the motherboard, if one side seems to be higher than the other, chances are that it’s not fully inserted, press a little harder on the high side or pull it out and try again.

Video cards can also be dual installed if they are SLI capable.

STEP 7: HARD DRIVES / OPTICAL DRIVES (CD OR DVD DRIVES) / FLOPPY

Next install the hard drive and optical drives.

How a drive is physically installed will depend on the case.

When using an IDE cable, plug the two connectors that are closer together into the 2 drives, and the third to the controller or motherboard. The connector furthest from the board should be attached to the drive set as Master. Make sure the drive that you will install your OS on is the primary master. This is the master drive on the Primary IDE bus which is usually the IDE 40 pin port on the motherboard labeled “Primary” or “IDE 1″..

IDE connectors are keyed, so it should be impossible to insert them backwards. However, it doesn’t require very much force to do this and it can destroy your motherboard . Look carefully at the drive and the cable connection before you try to connect them. You should see a “missing” pin on the drive, and a corresponding blocked socket on the connector. If you break a pin on the drive, you will probably have a worthless drive.

Most parallel IDE cables have a colored stripe down one side. That colored stripe signifies “pin 1″ - and usually will line up next to the molex power connection on your drive. Use this rule of thumb if your connectors aren’t keyed.

Next, plug a 4 pin molex power connector into each hard drive and optical drive. If you are installing the power connector to a SATA drive, some drives have the option of using either the SATA power connector (a flat about 1″ wide connector) or the standard molex connector; use one or the other, not both. Connecting both can break your hard drive. For better data transfer, you can purchase heat-protected high-end data cables at your nearest electronics store.

If you install a floppy disk drive, the cable is very similar to the IDE cable, but with fewer wires, and a strange little twist in the middle. Floppy drives do not have master/slave configurations. The floppy disk connector is not usually keyed, making it all too easy to plug it in the wrong way! One wire in the IDE cable will be colored differently: this is pin 1. There is usually some indication on the floppy drive as to which side this is. The power plug for a floppy is 4 pins in a line, but rather smaller than the standard hard drive power connector. Plug the end of the cable with the twist into the floppy drive (”drive A:”). Plug the other end of the floppy ribbon cable into the motherboard. If you install a second floppy drives, plug the middle connector into “drive B:”. The twist between drive A: (on the end) and drive B (in the middle) helps the computer distinguish between them.

STEP 8: CASE CONNECTORS ( FRONT USB / POWER AND RESET BUTTON / HARD DRIVE STATUS LIGHT )

In order to turn the computer on, you’ll need to connect the power button and while you’re at it, you might as well do the reset buttons and front panel lights as well. There will be a set of pins, usually near the front of the motherboard to which you will attach the cables that should have been supplied with the motherboard. (Sometimes there are cables already connected to the case, use them if they are there). These will plug into the front of the case. The plugs in the front of the case will be labeled. The pins on the motherboard may be labeled as well, but they can be difficult to read because the print is very small. The documentation that came with your case and motherboard should tell where these connectors are. The front panel LEDs are polarized: usually the positive wire is white.

In addition, you can connect any case-specific ports if they are supported by the motherboard. Many cases have front mounted USB, firewire and/or sound ports.

ALMOST DONE — NOW FOR THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Now it is time to plug all components into the tower. These components should include a monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers and power cord. These parts are easy to plug in.

First start with the monitor. This adpater is blue or white (depending on whether your monitor is VGA or DVI). Take into consideration whether you bought a additional video card…if you did then you need to plug the monitor into the VGA / DVI port on the card, not the motherboard.

Next come the mouse / keyboard and speakers. Most new combos come with USB connections. These connections can be plugged into the front or back of the tower. Make sure the USB is plugged in correctly or it will not fit. The speakers plug into the green outlet on the back of the tower.

Now, lastly is the power cord. Plug it into the back of the power supply and into the wall outlet. If you have a switch on your PS make sure it is is the - position and not the O positon. This will be the final step before you can plug up your new computer, but there are a few things to check before putting the case door back on:

Did you remember to tighten everything?

Did you remember to grab all tools and extra pieces? Are all the wires safely away from any fans?

If you can answer yes to all those questions then you can cross your fingers and push the power button on the front of the case.

Watch the system closely for a while. If smoke or popping comes from the computer, unplug it immediately and go through the steps again to make sure you did not miss anything. If it comes on but nothing happen check your motherboard manual to make sure all steps were done correctly. Do not be discouraged if your computer does not work the first time…the problem is usually a simple fix and you may have just missed something. Look at the computer again and we are sure you will figure it out.

Now……if the computer works you will need to install a operating system. Please refer to our DiY pages for Windows XP installation or Windows Vista installation.

For more information about SLI please refer to our SLI Information DiY page.

Eric Oliver
Learn how to build a computer, buy a computer, or fix a computer. Zero 3 Computers sell custom PCs, but also offer knowledge to keep you from having to buy another one. Don’t let the overpriced rule your pocket…we give you the tools, its up to you to make or save money.

Eric Oliver,
Zero 3 Computers Technician and system builder