There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it’s not a computer.

The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. That’s your basic computer.


Mother WHAT?

The motherboard ("mobo" for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mobo -- the CPU, memory, hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, even additional peripherals like printers, scanners, and speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous system and skeleton of the human body -- it provides support for the internal components and also passes information between the computer parts.


CPU

If the motherboard is the nervous system, then the CPU is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other components may also have their own processors, but their results still have to be passed through the CPU.

The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of the CPU. Even though other factors also affect overall speed, the CPU rating is generally seen as the single most important measure of performance.

Modern CPUs are usually rated between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz, although each passing month will see increasing performance. This measurement refer to the number of calculations the processor can make in 1 second. The higher the number, the faster (better) the computer.

CPUs generate a lot of heat doing this work, so they need a heat sink and fan to keep them from overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer and directly affects its life span.


Computer Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores information the computer needs while it is operating. It is Random Access because the computer can get the data in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. Generally speaking, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.

The most common type of RAM these days is DDR-SDRAM, which stands for double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. We already know what the RAM part means. DDR means that the data is accessed twice as fast as ordinary RAM.

The latest type of RAM is DDR2. It offers even faster access rates and is quickly becoming the standard for computer memory.


Hard Drive

All the data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently. This is what the hard disk is for.

It holds the computer’s operating system. An operating system like Windows uses around 4 gigabytes of hard drive space. The extra space is used to install computer programs and to store your personal data.

80 gigabyte hard drives are common, but 400 GB units are available. Furthermore, you can install more than 1 in a computer case for added security and convenience.


Peripherals

All you need to complete the basic computer system is a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Accessories like a printer or scanner are useful for office work, and gamers will probably want to add speakers and joystick controls.

So there you have it. The basic computer needs just 7 major components. For the best performance, these components must integrate well. The motherboard is the most important component for determining the type and specification of the other parts. Choosing an appropriate mobo for your computer needs is the first step and may require a quick call to your local geek.

Soon YOU will be considered the local geek!



About the author:
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.build-computer-now.comto learn more about this fascinating subject.

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So you're thinking of buying a new computer...

Where do you start? There are so many brands and models of computers available, and it can all be a little overwhelming when you start to look around.

How do you decide what type of computer you need? And perhaps more importantly, how do you decide what the best value is?

I have sold computers professionally for almost 20 years, and there are certain "tricks of the trade" that most computer stores and salespeople use. Knowing these secrets can make your decision easier and will help you buy the right computer for your needs.

1. Buy What You Need, Maybe a Little More

One of the most important things you can do when buying a new computer is make a list of the things that you will be using it for. There are so many different models - with different capabilities - that you can easily buy more, or less, than you really need if you don't.

If this is your first computer, this can be a little tougher. Until you've used a computer, it's hard to know exactly what you might want to do with it beyond the obvious, like connecting to the internet.

Regardless, you should think about some of the things you might want to do. Some possibilities include:

- Connect to the internet
- Play games
- Digital photography
- Digital video
- Type documents
- Accounting
- Design websites
- Programming
- Digital scrapbooking
- Geneology

Some of these things need more power than others. For example, connecting to the internet really doesn't need a lot of power. Even the most basic computer available will probably work just fine.

Digital video and many games need a lot more power. If you don't get a fast enough computer with enough memory, you'll be disappointed with the performance.

Knowing what you're going to be using your computer for will help your salesperson, whether they're on the phone, the internet or standing in front of you, recommend the best system for your needs.

As a general rule you're always better off buying more power than you need rather than less, but buying too much can be a waste of money.

2. Warranty Considerations

Computer warranties are one of the most confusing and obscure parts of your purchase. Most manufacturers have cut back on their customer service to the point where poor service has become a given.

The three most common options are onsite, carry-in or manufacturer's depot service.

Onsite service can be helpful, but think about whether you want to have to be available for a technician to come and diagnose your computer, and possibly have to come back with parts at another time.

Carry in service is a good option, but find out whether the service center is factory authorized for warranty repairs, as well as whether the technicians are all certified.

Shipping your computer to a factory service center can take a long time - sometimes a number of weeks. It also creates risk that your computer will be damaged or even lost in shipping. In some cases, the manufacturer will even replace your computer with another unit and ship it back to you, rather than repairing it. This can result in your losing any information that was on your system and having to reload all your software.

Another aspect of the warranty to find out about is technical support. Find out if the computer manufacturer offers a toll-free phone number and what the quality of service is like.

The better computer salespeople will be honest about this and tell you if a company's service leaves something to be desired. You can also do some research on the internet - most of the computer magazines like PC Magazine and PC World have annual customer service comparisons that rate the larger computer companies.

Always find out how the warranty is handled before making your decision. Even if it doesn't influence your choice, knowing what to expect if something does go wrong will save some nasty surprises down the road.

3. Can You Negotiate the Price Down?

A computer is a relatively large investment - anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Many computer buyers expect that there is a significant amount of "wiggle room" on the price.

The reality is that most computer hardware - the physical pieces like the computer, monitor and printer - is sold at very low profit margins. Often, computer systems are even sold at or below the dealer cost. When you're buying a computer, it never hurts to ask for a better deal, but don't be surprised if you only get a few dollars off, if anything.

Over the close to 20 years I've sold computers, I watched the profit margins go from over 40% to less than 5%. It's almost embarassing to offer a $20 discount on a $2500 computer system, but that could mean the difference between making and losing money on the sale.

What you can do to get the best price is to do some comparison shopping. Most computer stores offer price-matching guarantees, so if you find your computer for less at another store, most dealers will match or beat that price, even if it means they lose money.

4. How Do Computer Stores Make Any Money?

You might be wondering how these computer stores make any money if they're selling computer for so little profit.

Their money is made on add-on items. The highest profit areas in most computer stores are cables and "consumable" products such as printer ink and paper.

Printer ink is a huge money-maker for most computer stores (even more so for the printer manufacturers). Why is this? Once you've bought a printer, you're going to have to replace your ink at some point, and continue to replace it as it runs out.

Most chain computer stores and office supply stores that carry a large selection of ink cartridges make more from ink than they do from the computers themselves.

Cables also have huge markups. A cable that costs the store $2-3 will often sell for $20-30. That's ten times their cost!

If you're buying a new computer, you will likely need to buy some cables. Some items - printers, for example - don't often include the cables needed to hook them up.

Many printers also come with "starter" ink cartridges that are only half-full. You might also want to pick up some extra ink cartridges.

This is where you should be able to negotiate a better price. Don't expect the salesperson to throw them in for nothing, but they should be willing to offer you a better price. After all, if you're happy with their service, you'll probably continue to buy your ink, paper and other products from that store in the future.

5. What Software is Included?

The last secret of buying a new computer has to do with the software that is included. Most new computer systems include quite a few programs and sometimes the value of the software can be quite high.

Something to watch out for when looking at the included software is "trial versions" or "limited editions".

Many programs that are preloaded are either crippled versions that don't have all the features of the full program, or trial versions that will only run for a certain amount of time before they expire.

Computer are often sold with trial versions of the following types of software:

- antivirus
- firewall
- MS Office or other office suites
- Accounting - both business and personal

The computer manufacturers generally don't make it easy to tell whether the software on their systems are trial versions or limited versions. This is a question that you should specifically ask if you can't find the answer in their promotional information.

If you're buying a new computer with trial versions of the software, keep in mind that you will need to pay to continue using it after the trial period is over. This is an added cost that you need to consider as part of your overall budget.

These five "secrets" of buying a new computer are fairly common sense, but they are not always made clear up front. Knowing what to ask will help you in two ways. First, you can be sure you are getting the right computer for your needs.

Second, if the salesperson or company that you're dealing with explains these things to you without being asked, you'll know you're dealing with someone who is honest and upfront.

Knowing you can trust the people you're dealing with is an invaluable feature of your new computer system.

About the author:
John Lenaghan offers easy-to-understand advice at the Computer Help Squad website. Sign up for our newsletter and receive your free report "5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet" at http://www.computer-help-squad.com/5steps

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Before you buy your new computer equipment you will want to decide on a PC monitor. After all you will be staring at it for the next few years! You will need to decide on the image quality, resolution, size, and type Your new should have enough screen space for what you will be doing. The viewable size is about an inch smaller that the advertised tube size on CRTs. The best size for most people is 17-19 inch. Either of these sizes should be plenty for most computer equipment needs. An LCD screen is the full size it says so it really takes up a lot less space than the CRT, inch for inch.

Would A LCD or CRT PC Monitor Fit Your Style of Computer Equipment?

Is an LCD PC monitor for you?
For most computer users a 17 inch LCD is the optimal desktop pc monitor. A 15 inch is cheaper but will seem quite small if your current computer equipment as a 17 inch CRT. 17 inch will be most comfortable in size and price. The price is much higher when you get to an 18 to 19 inch PC monitor.

Maybe a CRT PC monitor is for you?
The 19 inch flat screen is great, the price is about the same as a conventional but the picture quality is much greater. Also, it will take up much less desk space then the conventional PC monitor.

Important Note From PCworld Magazine:
When you are finished using your current computer equipment never, ever send your old PC monitor to the dump. Recycle it instead. It's not only good for the environment, but it's also a legal requirement in some states that will not accept PC monitors in regular municipal landfills. CRTs contain four to six pounds of lead plus other toxic materials that leach into the soil and water if not properly disposed. Check with the vendor or your local government to find recyclers in your area that can handle CRTs.


Bonnie Archer
A1-computers.net

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When you're seeking better-quality information about computer programming, it will be easier said than done sorting out the best information from ill-advised computer programming submissions and proposals so it is imperative to know how to judge the information you are offered.

Here's a few tips that we think you should use when you are searching for information concerning computer programming. Understand that the advice we tender is only pertinent to web based information about computer programming. We don't really offer any tips or guidance for researching in 'real world' situations.

Elementool: Programming Defect Tracking
Web-based software bug tracking tool. Enables programmers to track application defects without downloading software. Offers a free basic option.



A good pointer to follow when you are presented with information or advice on a computer programming web is to research who is behind the website. This could reveal the people behind the website computer programming integrity The fastest way to determine who owns the computer programming site is to look for the 'about' page.

All highly regarded sites providing information about computer programming, will nearly always have an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the people behind the site. The details should tell you a number of key indications about the site owner's capability. This enables you to make an assessment about the vendor's qualifications and experience to provide advice to you regarding computer programming

About the author:
Tom Brown is the webmaster for http://www.factspecialnews.info

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Liquid Crystal Display Touch Screen Computer Monitor is a widely used monitor as compared to its counterpart Cathode Ray Tube Computer Monitor. LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor offers exceptional performance at a fairly reasonable price. This high contrast LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor is brighter than a normal desktop. LCD Monitors feature a standard interface with a power switch to extend the life of the monitor and a reliable internal power supply for easy hook-up via a standard power cord.

LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors have a sturdy aluminum case and sealed glass construction. It gives LCD Computer Monitors protection against dirt and moisture. All this makes LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor the ideal choice for a wide variety of applications. If you just plug the LCD into your Touch Screen Computer in place of a CRT, you’d end up running in minutes. The LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor is the easiest monitor you can use.

LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors are very popular for eye pleasing clarity and stunning image quality. Many manufacturers produce lots of designs for a wide array of customer monitor solutions, including desktop, touch screen, and open frame units. LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors are compact, visually impressive, and offer many different touch screen models to fit your needs. Moreover you can get most of these designs at affordable prices.

LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor was designed to address the key needs of touch applications, resulting in a product that can truly be called "designed for touch." LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitor has a unique combination of flexibility, reliability, performance, easy installation and a distinctive visual appeal. Most of the LCD Touch Screen Monitors have high quality panel with 140°x140° viewing angle, analog and digital (DVI-D) video inputs.


About the author:
Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free tips everyday. To learn more about her free tips program, and to sign up for her FREE how-to articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit www.TipsEveryDay.com

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by: Bonnie Archer
Aesthetics and display size may be important when buying a new computer monitor, but here are several more very important questions to ask.

What do you think you will you use your new computer monitor for?

You should think about what type of work you will be doing on your new computer monitor. While one monitor may be great for graphics, you may not need so much for things like spreadsheets.

Where do you think will you use your new computer monitor?

This can be a critical question. Is your space limited? If so you obviously won't want a big bulky computer monitor hogging the space you do have. If this is the case you should consider an LCD instead of a CRT because they are more compact and would definitely leave you more free space.

Here are more things to consider when deciding between a CRT and a LCD computer monitor. Display size; with an LCD monitor the size it says will be the actual display size. On the other hand, a CRT says 19" but it will only have 18" of actual viewable screen. Resolution on a typical 19" CRT monitor can have a resolution between 800x600 to 1600x1200. But with LCD monitors the resolution is usually set and cannot be changed. If you do lower or raise the resolution it may distort the image.

LCD computer monitors use less than half of the power a CRT computer monitor uses. But CRT monitors responded more quickly than LCDs. It will only be a problem when you use programs that frequently change images like some graphic software and games.

As far as the price CRT computer monitors are two to three times cheaper than LCDs of the same size. But if you buy an LCD that is 15" you have a viewing space of 15 inches. Where as the 15" CRT you have 14 inches of viewable screen.

Now, what size monitor do you need? Generally a 17" LCD or 19" CRT will give you the most favorable and comfortable viewing area for most purposes. If you are an avid gamer or into commercial drafting or animation you may need a larger screen. Your best choice may be a CRT computer monitor when comparing the costs of the 21" models due to high costs of similar LCDS.

You've learned much about computer monitors and you should have a good idea what your needs are. You are ready to start comparison-shopping. Another good idea would be to ask your friends what they use and what they like and dislike about their computer monitor.

Good luck! --

Bonnie Archer
Word Count 444


About the author:
About The Author

B. Archer is a successful author and publisher of http://www.A1-computers.net.A great source of information about computers and computer accessories.

http://www.a1-computers.net/computermonitor.html

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by: Max Bellamy
Rack mount computers are essentially computer servers. Computer servers are not the ones you play games on or send emails to your friends with.

Servers perform a small number of specialized operations, some as little as a single operation, but they have the ability to perform it millions of times over and over again, quickly and flawlessly. And when one server is no longer adequate to handle the volume of transactions that a business may require, other, bigger, more powerful servers are needed. When the new servers arrive, they are networked into the system and to save space, are mounted on racks.

When the business with the servers is a steel company, or an automobile manufacturer, industrial rack mount computers are the standard. Stored in rugged steel frames, stackable in standard 19-inch racks, industrial rack mount computers are used for database servers, web servers and networks. Furthermore they are also quite commonly used in laboratory and workshop environments.

Linux is a special operating system that is basically a version of Unix, which has become the foundation of the Internet. When ISP’s like AOL and others came into existence, the amount of servers they needed to accommodate millions of customers eager to surf the web was staggering. In order to make space for that amount of computers, a special rack mounted unit was created to hold the Linux servers. Dubbed the Linux Rack mount Computer system, it became the choice for all of the new Internet businesses all over the world. Soon after, manufacturers of the Linux Rack mount Computer racks where inundated with orders and quickly fell behind schedule.

It took a while for Intel to catch up with it’s rivals, but once they did, the Xeon Rack mount Computers quickly overtook everyone else in the field and became the gold standard among all of the rack mounted computers being installed.

About the author:
Rack Mount Computers provides detailed information about rack mount computers, cases, monitors, and keyboards. Rack Mount Computers is the sister site of Refurbished Laptops Web.

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