Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tell Me About Computers
So you want to know about computers? The most important thing to remember, if you are new to computers, is not to be afraid of them. They are just another electrical appliance, and unless you do something drastic, I promise you they wont blow up in your face!
Trial and error is your best friend when learning about computers and a few tips on computer jargon will help a long way. I love jargon it is so creative- who on earth thought of "cookies"?
Lets begin with some basics, computers were first created in 1936, and Microsoft Windows was born in the 1980s. Since then computers, or should I say programmers, have become smarter and smarter, creating the wonderful array of program freedom that we now enjoy in our daily lifestyle of computing.
So lets get ourselves up to date with the meaning of some of the computer jargon, or what some of the bits are, and what they do in your computer.
The Computer Case
Computer cases are the outside casing of your tower, or box in your computer, these cases come in an array of different sizes and styles. Many people have their cases in fancy styles as a way of expressing themselves, or expressing individuality.
Depending on what you choose, will determine the price you will pay for a computer case. Before grabbing the fanciest thing you find, remember to take some note of what's 'inside' the box, make sure that you choose a tower or box that suits your requirements as well as your individuality!
CPU
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the component in a computer that sends instructions and processes information in programs. Since the 1970s single chip processors have been the main type of processor. Usually when people refer to CPUs they mean microprocessors.
The Mother Board
There are many different designs of mother boards available but generally they all look pretty much the same and do the same job. To look at, a Mother Board looks a lot like a green piece of plastic with a heap of wires and chips attached to it. Take care of your Mother Board as it is very sensitive. It is advisable to take precaution before touching it as you may damage the onboard components.
Power Supply
The power supply unit in a desk top computer is a component that converts AC voltage to DC. The ATX style is the most common nowadays, although there are several different styles of power supply units available on the market.
Hard Disks
I find hard disks funny, as they aren't really disks in the olden days sense, originally hard disks were disks made of hard plastic, and floppy disks were floppy if you shook them. Now a Hard drive refers to the storing capacity inside of your computer. All your files are written onto the hard disk and stored there for future retrival or modification.
Floppy Drive
Floppy discs aren't floppy at all! They are infant hard plastic square things that used to be a popular way of transferring data from one computer to another. The computer reads and copies the information to a small metal circular disk set in the plastic casing.
CD ROM
ROM means, Read only memory, ROM chips are used in many appliances not just computers, a CD ROM is a device that stores information or data permanently. Once it's on there you cant delete it like you can with your hard drive or floppy disk unless you are using a CD-RW.
CD's are a standard means for distributing large amounts of information easily, since CD's are so cheap. You can use a CD ROM on your computer to create your own music and photo CD's.
Now you know some 'inside info' you should be ready to go and explore the endless options of computers and devices that are open to you, just remember- To err is human, to mess things up requires a computer!
Happy Computing!
About The Author
Khal Nuwar is the owner of http://www.tellmeaboutcomputers.com. He's been working with computers since 19882, so hopefully he knows what he is talking about.
Trial and error is your best friend when learning about computers and a few tips on computer jargon will help a long way. I love jargon it is so creative- who on earth thought of "cookies"?
Lets begin with some basics, computers were first created in 1936, and Microsoft Windows was born in the 1980s. Since then computers, or should I say programmers, have become smarter and smarter, creating the wonderful array of program freedom that we now enjoy in our daily lifestyle of computing.
So lets get ourselves up to date with the meaning of some of the computer jargon, or what some of the bits are, and what they do in your computer.
The Computer Case
Computer cases are the outside casing of your tower, or box in your computer, these cases come in an array of different sizes and styles. Many people have their cases in fancy styles as a way of expressing themselves, or expressing individuality.
Depending on what you choose, will determine the price you will pay for a computer case. Before grabbing the fanciest thing you find, remember to take some note of what's 'inside' the box, make sure that you choose a tower or box that suits your requirements as well as your individuality!
CPU
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the component in a computer that sends instructions and processes information in programs. Since the 1970s single chip processors have been the main type of processor. Usually when people refer to CPUs they mean microprocessors.
The Mother Board
There are many different designs of mother boards available but generally they all look pretty much the same and do the same job. To look at, a Mother Board looks a lot like a green piece of plastic with a heap of wires and chips attached to it. Take care of your Mother Board as it is very sensitive. It is advisable to take precaution before touching it as you may damage the onboard components.
Power Supply
The power supply unit in a desk top computer is a component that converts AC voltage to DC. The ATX style is the most common nowadays, although there are several different styles of power supply units available on the market.
Hard Disks
I find hard disks funny, as they aren't really disks in the olden days sense, originally hard disks were disks made of hard plastic, and floppy disks were floppy if you shook them. Now a Hard drive refers to the storing capacity inside of your computer. All your files are written onto the hard disk and stored there for future retrival or modification.
Floppy Drive
Floppy discs aren't floppy at all! They are infant hard plastic square things that used to be a popular way of transferring data from one computer to another. The computer reads and copies the information to a small metal circular disk set in the plastic casing.
CD ROM
ROM means, Read only memory, ROM chips are used in many appliances not just computers, a CD ROM is a device that stores information or data permanently. Once it's on there you cant delete it like you can with your hard drive or floppy disk unless you are using a CD-RW.
CD's are a standard means for distributing large amounts of information easily, since CD's are so cheap. You can use a CD ROM on your computer to create your own music and photo CD's.
Now you know some 'inside info' you should be ready to go and explore the endless options of computers and devices that are open to you, just remember- To err is human, to mess things up requires a computer!
Happy Computing!
About The Author
Khal Nuwar is the owner of http://www.tellmeaboutcomputers.com. He's been working with computers since 19882, so hopefully he knows what he is talking about.
Why People Go Laptop Computers Shopping
Because it is so easy to purchase a personal computer on the Internet, people do not understand why people go laptop computers shopping in the normal laptop computer selling environment of a bricked-in storefront in the City. At least in that location, people know that they can see the item up front and personal and can see what they are purchasing.
The reason why people go laptop computers shopping at a retail website that is located at a web address on the Internet is because there are great discounts to be found there, that are not offered by laptop computer merchants in their own hometowns.
In fact, many merchants who operate online storefronts, also have stores that are made of brick, aluminum or any other building material, and they still do not offer the same discounts as they do at their online stores. That is one reason why people go laptop computers shopping by using the online merchant locations.
There are multiples reasons why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. One person might think it is because they can use discount coupons to receive further discounts than the listed sale price that is posted on the laptop computer on the website. This is possible because they may have earned that discount opportunity through previous purchases they have made online.
The rewards people receive when they make any purchase at an online retailer is another reason why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet. If the purchase meets a certain dollar amount, then the merchant will give them a dollar amount to take off their next order.
People can find discount codes to use online for purchasing laptop computers, and receive a 5% or 10% discount off the purchase price. These discount codes could give the laptop computer buyer the option to purchase a printer at a low price. Additional accessories and printer discounts are good reasons why people go laptop computers shopping at an online retail merchant location.
Computer enthusiasts know why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. They are routinely online, and make it a point to visit the various merchants to find out what the latest crazes are in computer gaming Industry.
Staying current with their computer technology minded buddies is why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet.
These laptop oriented computer gaming people also prefer to have more than one laptop computer in their home that they can use strictly for their accelerated speed demon games. The opportunity to purchase discounted computer laptops with free shipping, and fast processor speeds at a good price, is why computer oriented people go laptop computer shopping at an online gaming retailer.
About The Author
James Brown writes about http://www.simplybestcoupons.co
The reason why people go laptop computers shopping at a retail website that is located at a web address on the Internet is because there are great discounts to be found there, that are not offered by laptop computer merchants in their own hometowns.
In fact, many merchants who operate online storefronts, also have stores that are made of brick, aluminum or any other building material, and they still do not offer the same discounts as they do at their online stores. That is one reason why people go laptop computers shopping by using the online merchant locations.
There are multiples reasons why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. One person might think it is because they can use discount coupons to receive further discounts than the listed sale price that is posted on the laptop computer on the website. This is possible because they may have earned that discount opportunity through previous purchases they have made online.
The rewards people receive when they make any purchase at an online retailer is another reason why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet. If the purchase meets a certain dollar amount, then the merchant will give them a dollar amount to take off their next order.
People can find discount codes to use online for purchasing laptop computers, and receive a 5% or 10% discount off the purchase price. These discount codes could give the laptop computer buyer the option to purchase a printer at a low price. Additional accessories and printer discounts are good reasons why people go laptop computers shopping at an online retail merchant location.
Computer enthusiasts know why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. They are routinely online, and make it a point to visit the various merchants to find out what the latest crazes are in computer gaming Industry.
Staying current with their computer technology minded buddies is why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet.
These laptop oriented computer gaming people also prefer to have more than one laptop computer in their home that they can use strictly for their accelerated speed demon games. The opportunity to purchase discounted computer laptops with free shipping, and fast processor speeds at a good price, is why computer oriented people go laptop computer shopping at an online gaming retailer.
About The Author
James Brown writes about http://www.simplybestcoupons.co
Finding The Best Computers For Sale
Have you bought your personal computer already? And just don’t tell me you have a Tandy 1000! I am sure you have hurled it in an empty room. I am talking about a real up-to-date computer. Is it a computer with all Internet access capabilities? Is it one, which is the latest array of technology! Maybe I’m going too far with this computer stuff. I just want you to be sure that you have the proper PC or Mac.
In order to witness the latest achievements of technology you’d better upgrade your computer. Otherwise, you should be acquainted with the wide variety of computers for sale. The computer is such a complicated machine that if fact there is no limit to what is available for sale. Computers can perform many complicated tasks nowadays. Do you want to burn a CD? Do not worry at all! Do you want to have high-speed cable Internet access at home? You will surely have it! Up-to-date machines can satisfy all your whims. You just need to search for computers for sale. If you don’t have a proper computer, computers for sale are your only chance.
Now, we must make sure that you are aware of where to look for computers for sale. PCs shopping are not a difficult challenge. Computers for sale are available almost everywhere. I guess that there is even a PC shop on your street. May be one of the best places for shopping for PCs is Circuit City.
Computers For Sale
Then, you should think twice of what you want your personal computer to be able to do. If you want your computer to perform simple tasks like Internet access, sending e-mails and typing documents, it will be easy to choose. Moreover, your computer won’t cost very much. For example, you can buy a Dell desktop package for around 300 dollars. This is a reasonable price. The package consists of monitor, tower, keyboard, mouse and often a printer. Another good shop for computers for sale is Best Buy. You can find there great alternatives of computers for sale ranging from Sony to IBM.
Do you prefer to buy a simple desktop PC or you dream of a mini notebook computer? I was very glad to see that nowadays they offer computers for sale as small as a half an inch thick. These computers even work as good as the desktop PCs! Using your computer, you are able to spend less to buy your favorite music. You can do this by simply downloading the tunes to the computer, and then burn them to a CD.
On the World-Wide-Web, a superfluity of computers for sale is available. The choice is so big that you may find yourself lost it the variety of computers for sale. Have you already searched for computers for sale? You can find online everything that is connected with computers in some way. Try to receive an advice that you are offered the best deals on hardware and software. Isn’t it time to take a look at the computers for sale online? When talking about computers, things are changing every day.
by: Morgan Hamilton
In order to witness the latest achievements of technology you’d better upgrade your computer. Otherwise, you should be acquainted with the wide variety of computers for sale. The computer is such a complicated machine that if fact there is no limit to what is available for sale. Computers can perform many complicated tasks nowadays. Do you want to burn a CD? Do not worry at all! Do you want to have high-speed cable Internet access at home? You will surely have it! Up-to-date machines can satisfy all your whims. You just need to search for computers for sale. If you don’t have a proper computer, computers for sale are your only chance.
Now, we must make sure that you are aware of where to look for computers for sale. PCs shopping are not a difficult challenge. Computers for sale are available almost everywhere. I guess that there is even a PC shop on your street. May be one of the best places for shopping for PCs is Circuit City.
Computers For Sale
Then, you should think twice of what you want your personal computer to be able to do. If you want your computer to perform simple tasks like Internet access, sending e-mails and typing documents, it will be easy to choose. Moreover, your computer won’t cost very much. For example, you can buy a Dell desktop package for around 300 dollars. This is a reasonable price. The package consists of monitor, tower, keyboard, mouse and often a printer. Another good shop for computers for sale is Best Buy. You can find there great alternatives of computers for sale ranging from Sony to IBM.
Do you prefer to buy a simple desktop PC or you dream of a mini notebook computer? I was very glad to see that nowadays they offer computers for sale as small as a half an inch thick. These computers even work as good as the desktop PCs! Using your computer, you are able to spend less to buy your favorite music. You can do this by simply downloading the tunes to the computer, and then burn them to a CD.
On the World-Wide-Web, a superfluity of computers for sale is available. The choice is so big that you may find yourself lost it the variety of computers for sale. Have you already searched for computers for sale? You can find online everything that is connected with computers in some way. Try to receive an advice that you are offered the best deals on hardware and software. Isn’t it time to take a look at the computers for sale online? When talking about computers, things are changing every day.
by: Morgan Hamilton
Thinking about Discount Notebook Computers
While notebook computer prices have come down quite a lot, laptops still range from inexpensive notebook models to high end luxury jobs. Naturally, the notebook you eventually choose to buy will depend on your resources and requirements, but if you are on a budget like so many of us are, you should give some thought to picking up a discount notebook computer.
There are a variety of reasons that a particular model may be discounted and it's smart to try to find out why. A legitimate retailer should be able to offer a reasonable explanation. Any discount notebook computer should be new and carry a full manufacturer's warranty. Some specific notebooks may be discounted because they've been factory refurbished.
Generally this means they were bought and returned for some reason. Then the factory rebuilt them to original specifications, replacing any damaged or defective parts. Refurbished laptops may be available for even less than discount notebooks. Not everyone is willing to take a chance on a rebuilt notebook, but you might want to consider the fact that these machines have been burned in and the weak parts failed and have been replaced. And they still come with a full warranty.
Manufacturers will often discount models based on closeout of a particular notebook computer. It may not have the latest technology and is being replaced by an upgraded model. Some discounts may be for loss leaders. Often a person will upgrade later to a more expensive model based on brand loyalty or just the comfortable knowledge that the first notebook from XYZ Corp worked well so why not stick with them. A lifetime customer is worth a small loss. Retailers will often discount in order to get rid of excess inventory or prepare for new models.
You do want to make sure you aren't being given a used notebook disguised as a discounted model. Check the warranty. A used notebook will normally not carry a manufacturer's warranty and any warranty period may be shorter then the standard new model warranty. Never, ever be afraid to ask hard questions. It's your money and it's going to be your data going into the notebook you buy. If you get weak or unsatisfactory answers, evasions or hostility, walk. There's lots of places to buy notebook computers.
One thing you must do is to analyze your own computer needs before you go looking for a notebook. Exactly what will you be using the machine for most of the time. How important is it to have a really fast machine? Do you need high end graphics? How much disk space do you require? Do you need to read both CDs and DVDs? Do you want to be able to write CDs, DVDs? What kind of sound do you need? How much memory? What other specific features do you want - wireless, networking, floppy disk? Do you plan to carry it around a lot? Then weight may be important. Do you need a long battery life? How about the size of the screen? What will you be comfortable with?
Let me share something you here. I use a refurbished Compaq for nearly everything these days. It's been incredibly reliable for well over 2 and a half years. I rarely take it anywhere. I have an external keyboard plugged into it and I use an external monitor too. But I use the LCD at the same time. The graphics allow me to spread my desktop over the external monitor and the LCD screen. My visible desktop is over 25 inches. Depending on your graphics, you can do the same thing with a desktop computer, but it takes up a lot more room. Now I feel horribly limited when I have a little 17, 19 or 21 inch desktop. This is, hands down, the absolute best deal I've ever made in a computer buy - including all the computers I've built myself from scratch.
That was a little off subject, but I've found that very few people realize just how useful spreading your desktop over more than one monitor can be in terms of both comfort and productivity. OK, back to the pre-shopping analysis. This kind of analysis sounds tedious because it is. It's much more fun to just go out and buy on impulse. Unfortunately that's not a smart thing to do. It sets you up to be seduced by a hot sales pitch for a really neat bleeding edge high end notebook. There are very very few people who actually need that kind of technology.
The reality is that 97 to 99% of the notebook computer buyers could do at least 95% of their typical tasks with the cheapest, slowest notebook on the market. You need to be certain about how much you're willing to pay to do that remaining 5% a little faster. And if your needs aren't typical, you probably already have a good idea of just what's required. The advantage of a discount computer is that you can put some of the money you've just saved into more memory, an external hard drive for backup, an additional (big) external monitor, an extra battery, a new printer or whatever additional accessory will make your work easier. And you'll probably still come out ahead.
We all have a tendency to overestimate our needs - and to want the biggest, fastest, best, coolest whatever. Salesmen know this. After all a discount notebook computer just isn't as sexy somehow, is it? But let's be real here, a notebook is to work. It will not get you that really hot lady or that primo guy. In any case, the truly cool people have minions to carry around their stuff and wouldn't be caught dead lugging around a computer or using one in public.
A little thought, a little rationality, and you can end up with a high quality discount notebook that's more than sufficient for your needs without even spending your whole budget. Now that is cool.
Copyright 2006 Richard Keir
There are a variety of reasons that a particular model may be discounted and it's smart to try to find out why. A legitimate retailer should be able to offer a reasonable explanation. Any discount notebook computer should be new and carry a full manufacturer's warranty. Some specific notebooks may be discounted because they've been factory refurbished.
Generally this means they were bought and returned for some reason. Then the factory rebuilt them to original specifications, replacing any damaged or defective parts. Refurbished laptops may be available for even less than discount notebooks. Not everyone is willing to take a chance on a rebuilt notebook, but you might want to consider the fact that these machines have been burned in and the weak parts failed and have been replaced. And they still come with a full warranty.
Manufacturers will often discount models based on closeout of a particular notebook computer. It may not have the latest technology and is being replaced by an upgraded model. Some discounts may be for loss leaders. Often a person will upgrade later to a more expensive model based on brand loyalty or just the comfortable knowledge that the first notebook from XYZ Corp worked well so why not stick with them. A lifetime customer is worth a small loss. Retailers will often discount in order to get rid of excess inventory or prepare for new models.
You do want to make sure you aren't being given a used notebook disguised as a discounted model. Check the warranty. A used notebook will normally not carry a manufacturer's warranty and any warranty period may be shorter then the standard new model warranty. Never, ever be afraid to ask hard questions. It's your money and it's going to be your data going into the notebook you buy. If you get weak or unsatisfactory answers, evasions or hostility, walk. There's lots of places to buy notebook computers.
One thing you must do is to analyze your own computer needs before you go looking for a notebook. Exactly what will you be using the machine for most of the time. How important is it to have a really fast machine? Do you need high end graphics? How much disk space do you require? Do you need to read both CDs and DVDs? Do you want to be able to write CDs, DVDs? What kind of sound do you need? How much memory? What other specific features do you want - wireless, networking, floppy disk? Do you plan to carry it around a lot? Then weight may be important. Do you need a long battery life? How about the size of the screen? What will you be comfortable with?
Let me share something you here. I use a refurbished Compaq for nearly everything these days. It's been incredibly reliable for well over 2 and a half years. I rarely take it anywhere. I have an external keyboard plugged into it and I use an external monitor too. But I use the LCD at the same time. The graphics allow me to spread my desktop over the external monitor and the LCD screen. My visible desktop is over 25 inches. Depending on your graphics, you can do the same thing with a desktop computer, but it takes up a lot more room. Now I feel horribly limited when I have a little 17, 19 or 21 inch desktop. This is, hands down, the absolute best deal I've ever made in a computer buy - including all the computers I've built myself from scratch.
That was a little off subject, but I've found that very few people realize just how useful spreading your desktop over more than one monitor can be in terms of both comfort and productivity. OK, back to the pre-shopping analysis. This kind of analysis sounds tedious because it is. It's much more fun to just go out and buy on impulse. Unfortunately that's not a smart thing to do. It sets you up to be seduced by a hot sales pitch for a really neat bleeding edge high end notebook. There are very very few people who actually need that kind of technology.
The reality is that 97 to 99% of the notebook computer buyers could do at least 95% of their typical tasks with the cheapest, slowest notebook on the market. You need to be certain about how much you're willing to pay to do that remaining 5% a little faster. And if your needs aren't typical, you probably already have a good idea of just what's required. The advantage of a discount computer is that you can put some of the money you've just saved into more memory, an external hard drive for backup, an additional (big) external monitor, an extra battery, a new printer or whatever additional accessory will make your work easier. And you'll probably still come out ahead.
We all have a tendency to overestimate our needs - and to want the biggest, fastest, best, coolest whatever. Salesmen know this. After all a discount notebook computer just isn't as sexy somehow, is it? But let's be real here, a notebook is to work. It will not get you that really hot lady or that primo guy. In any case, the truly cool people have minions to carry around their stuff and wouldn't be caught dead lugging around a computer or using one in public.
A little thought, a little rationality, and you can end up with a high quality discount notebook that's more than sufficient for your needs without even spending your whole budget. Now that is cool.
Copyright 2006 Richard Keir
Surplus and Discount Computers
Surplus computer means that manufacturer excess, overstock, and slightly obsolete inventories in huge quantities were purchased. What that means for you, our customer, is truly remarkable discount computer prices! These benefits and values of surplus computers were traditionally available to only large volume commercial buyers, dealers, and corporate level buyers. Also, discount computers are also sold retail so you can get all the benefits too.
The sellers of surplus computers and discount computers are committed to offering tremendous savings to you, the retail customer. Desktop PCs, laptops, notebooks, barebones, whole computer systems, computer accessories, everything in computers you can find in surplus and discount computers.
Sometimes repackaged products are sold as surplus computers or discount computers but they are always evaluated, tested and quality assured, fully functional and repackaged for shipment.
Sometimes sold as surplus computers or discount computers are open Box products which are retested, quality assured, fully functional and complete. The customer can expect original manufacturer packaging.
by: Bonnie Archer
The sellers of surplus computers and discount computers are committed to offering tremendous savings to you, the retail customer. Desktop PCs, laptops, notebooks, barebones, whole computer systems, computer accessories, everything in computers you can find in surplus and discount computers.
Sometimes repackaged products are sold as surplus computers or discount computers but they are always evaluated, tested and quality assured, fully functional and repackaged for shipment.
Sometimes sold as surplus computers or discount computers are open Box products which are retested, quality assured, fully functional and complete. The customer can expect original manufacturer packaging.
by: Bonnie Archer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)