……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
COMPUTER ADVICE
Here we will try
to explain in simple terms how a computer works
and what does what.
Computer Basics
A Computer is made up of several components which
put together make it function.These consist of Case, Power supply, motherboard, CPU
(Processor), Hard Disk,RAM
Memory, Video/Graphic Card, Sound
Card & Optical Drive (DVD/CD). Then there are the add-ons like Monitor,
Keyboard & Mouse, Printer, Scanner and a host of others that can be
attached to computer mainly via USB Ports nowadays.
Case
These vary in shapes, sizes and form. The most
popular type though is an ATX Case.
Power Supply
This is incorporated in the case. The higher the
wattage of Power Supply the better. This because the computer will support
more add-ons, be
more reliable and
can stay switched on for longer hours.
Motherboard
This is like the skeleton frame of
computer. All add-ons fit
onto this. Nowadays lots of motherboards are coming pre-fitted with sound card and graphic card plus network card and a host
of USB Connections front & rear. This is all ok but
for greater performance sound card & mainly video card its best to
have them separate.
CPU Processor
This is the brain of the computer. Depending on
its power computer will be
able to perform more tasks
at one time. Together with RAM memory this is what determines mainly the
computers speed.
Hard Disk
This is the computers storage room. Here all
programs are installed and all files
are saved. The larger it is the more files you can save. Regarding hard disks rpm, this determines how fast data is read
from on the disk and transferred on to
the screen. Nowadays SATA Hard Disks are the most popular transferring
data as much as
two times faster than IDE drives.
RAM Memory
This memory is very important to the computer as
when files or programs are called upon to function it is here that they are
stored. So depending on
how much RAM is available determines how many
programs can be run at the
same time and
how smoothly they will run.
Video/Graphic Card
Graphic Card is used to run all you see on the
screen. For normal use graphic card on board motherboard is sufficient for
everyday. On the other hand if computer is going to be used for games or video
editing then graphic card has to be of
at least 256MB.
Sound Card
Same as with Graphic card the one installed on
the motherboard might well be enough for everyday use but if you intend to watch movies or
listen to music a
dedicated separate sound card is the better option. These vary from 2
channel to full blown 7.1 channel surround sound with digital output to connect
to Power Amp.
Optical Drive
This is the CD or DVD installed on computer. The
most popular is the DVD. This many times is going to be a writer to.
That is you can copy music and
files onto DVDs. The best one to have is one capable to
write on to a Dual Layer disc. This meaning that a normal DVD takes 4.7Gb (4,700,00Mb)
and a Dual Layer one takes 8.7 Gb (8,700,00Mb) This is most of the time useful
when copying films in to their original size. Other options are available like CD
Writer. This can copy CDs but not DVDs. There are combo drives too like DVD/CD
Writer. This can play DVDs and CDs but
can copy only to
CD. At the moment the best to have is the DVD Writer because it can do
everything of the above. Hopefully you got an idea as to what does what. Now we
move on to Add-ons.
Monitor
Used to translate all computer is doing into
images that is what you see on the screen. These used to be CRT models that is
quite bulky. Nowadays TFT Screens are the most popular. There are different
sizes available from 15” way up to the large LCD Screens which can be
used as computer monitors too. Monitors are
connected via a
VGA connection but now there is a better quality connection being DVI.
Given Graphic card and monitor have these connections this brings quality up to
HD Resolution.
Keyboard & Mouse
Used to control all the actions and to imput any
needed info into computer. There are a variety of different options available. No
particular option offers quite any
drastic improvement to computer performance so choice of these two items
is up to taste and maybe comfort as wireless versions are available.
Printer & Scanner
Printer is used to print any documents or
pictures from on computer. Scanner
on the other hand is used to
copy any documents or photos and transfer onto the
computer. This way it can be used as a photocopier too. There are a host
of models available on the market
icluding all in
one models that can
do all of
the above. Prices vary depending on the dots per inch
factor, that is resolution printed. The higher it is
the clearer the printed result is gonna be. This is particularly useful
when printing photos Then by how many pages per minute printer can
process. Having said that though even the cheaper models manage to
produce acceptable results even with photos.
USB Ports
These are used to connect add-ons like
Printer/Scanner, digital cameras, MP3 players and many others. This has taken
place of the serial port previously
used and is
still used in some cases, due to the higher speed it can
transmit data. The
more ports available the
better. Particularly useful to have ports at the front of the computer.
Final Comments
We hope we have helped the not
so technically inclined understand somethings about computers. So when
choosing a computer it is mainly down to budget and for what computer is to be
used. Our opinion is that when you buy it is best to
go for the faster processor
possible. Other factors are easily upgradeable but by the time you arrive to
upgrade computer it would not be possible to upgrade processor because
they would have changed technology hence moterboard where processor fits.
Therefore you would be better off changing whole computer.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Although we
do our utmost to keep website up to date we reserve the right to change prices
& specifications without notice.
