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Computer
Basics
Personal computers have several main
components. These must operate well together if you are to
have a reliable system. You will also need to know where to
get service if the system does fail. Computers consist of several
major components.
The Motherboard
The motherboard is the large circuit
board inside your computer with all sorts of components on it. It
has sockets for the processor, memory, disk drives, accessory cards,
and other devices. It is the most complex piece of your
computer to upgrade or replace.
A high quality motherboard from a reputable manufacturer will generally
last for years and the latest drivers will be available from the
company's Website so your system can be upgraded. Low grade motherboards
are often not upgradable and the manufacturer may cease to exist.
The Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU),
also called the processor, is the heart of your computer. If you
look at your motherboard this will be the large chip covered with
a heat sink and one or more fans. The more popular CPUs are made
by Intel and AMD.
Memory
Your system memory, or RAM, stores
information while the system is running. Memory is easily upgraded,
as long as there are spare sockets for it. There
is a bewildering array of memory types such as DRAM, DDR, Rambus,
PC-100, PC-133, so make certain you know what type your system uses
in case you need to upgrade it later on.
Hard Drive
Hard drives store data permanently.
Modern disks turn at 7200 RPM or faster. A hard disk upgrade requires
some computer skills but it it is not difficult. Given today's bargain
basement prices, buy at least 30 gigabytes and preferably more.
"Bargain" hard drives may turn at 5400 RPM, they may be
refurbished, or they may have a limited warranty. We don't recommend
them.
Input and Output Devices
Input and Output (I/O) devices include
printers, modems, keyboards, and scanners. Most I/O devices are
separate from the computer and thus easily replaced or upgraded.
Many newer computers are "legacy free" so if you have
older serial and parallel devices such as a printer you will need
to choose a computer that has the older style ports.
The Computer Case
The computer case holds everything
together and supplies the power to run it. A good case will be thick
and heavy and it will have a 250 watt or larger UL listed power
supply. If your computer has an AMD processor the power supply should
be certified for AMD. A good
case will have several fans to cool the system.
Bargain cases may flex, allowing
the circuit cards to come out of their sockets. Bargain power supplies
may cause erratic problems that are difficult to isolate. Bargain
fans may cease to turn, allowing the system components to overheat
and fail prematurely.
Buyer Beware!
Some computer builders cut corners
to remain competitive and ultimately the buyer pays in the long
run through lost productivity or added expenses for upgrading or
repairs. We will cover the "Gotchas" later but here is
a typical one:
- Many computers are sold with 64 meg of memory and 16 or 32 meg
of "shared" video memory.
- Some of the video memory is borrowed
from the system memory, leaving only 32 or 48 meg for Windows.
- Your new, high performance system may not run terribly well.
Gotcha!
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