by: Dr. Yuri Iserlis
Computer Families and Models
Many computer manufacturers, especially such computer giants as IBM, Dell, Gateway, Sony, Apple, etc. issue families (series) of computers. Models of computers in each series have either the same principle of design, or same processor, or have been given diapason of performances. The series can include a base model, and several derivative models. Usually for each type of computer, manufacturers issue series that generally can be divided into 3-4 categories: budget-friendly (at low price), mid-range (at middle price), cutting-edge and ultimate performance (at high, and very high prices). IBM, Gateway, Dell and Apple issue computer families not only for Home and Home office, but also for Small, Mid size or Large Businesses. These families can also include the network optimized series.
The needed features
First of all, you have to make a preliminary analysis of your needs to pick a type of computer, and a zone where you might search this computer, for example, for Home or for Small Business. But it is not sufficient.
(see: http://www.cleverace.com/Choosing_type_of_computer.htm)
To understand what kind of computer to buy, you additionally have to determine what computer performance you need: the type of processor, speed, size of memory, type of video and audio cards, type of case, and so on. You can select one from two ways: 1 - to formulate your needs in the process of searching, 2 - to compile a list a hardware requirement for the programs you might want to run
(see: http://www.cleverace.com/Choosing_best_computer_model2.htm.)
Preliminary selection:
To select a computer family, you have to choose one, which the features match your wishes. Such families can be several. Next procedures are to find the best computer family and best model of computer belonging to this family. If you know the features you need, you can identify the name of the computer family. For this goal you have to use for example, a Table of Features comparison for base models of computer families. For example, according to this Table, if you know that you need a computer only for simple text editing and emailing, your choice is Budget-Friendly Series. On the other hand, if you need for realization of your tasks a computer from Cutting-Edge series , but it is not affordable, your choice can be like a computer from Mid-range series plus a customization (perhaps, when you can better afford it).
To accelerate the search for the preliminary selection, you can find comparison information about the different types of computers with the help a comparison-shopping search engine. It allows you quickly to find the needed products sold by online stores, small businesses, and individuals in diapason of affordable prices. Search can be done by Brand, by Price, by Processor speed, etc. To find what you need, see: http://www.nextag.com/serv/cleverace/buyer/outpdir.jsp
Generally, a preliminary selection can be executed on the basis of not only cost and main functions, but also on an evaluation of convenience of use, warranties, and so on. This kind of selection you can make for computer families of different manufacturers for example, for 3 or 4 families of computer giants. Some companies, such as Gateway, gives to a buyer an opportunity to compare preliminary selected models of computers with "compare" option.
Final selection.
To find the optimal model for yourself, you may make the final selection from the preliminary chosen models. It is much easier to compare 3-4 models, than more than 5 million variants that are available on the Computer Market at the beginning of your search.
Custom built model
If you can't find a computer with the needed performances among the available computers, you need to select a vendor and to order a custom built computer.
See: http://www.cleverace.com/Ordering_custom_built_computers.htm.
Discount
Keep in mind, you can find a cheaper computer for the same model on the Discount Market, because some online stores, especially the computer giants, suggest coupons; or discounts, such as $20 off, when you spend $150 or more; free shipping; free printer; and so on.
by: Tom
When you're after superior information about computer components, it will be intricate unscrambling quality advice from misguided computer components submissions and help so it is important to know how to judge the information you are presented with.
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Here's a few guidelines which we really think you should use when you're seeking information about computer components. You need to realize the advice we tender is only pertinent to internet based information concerning computer components. We don't offer any guidance or advice if you are receiving information offline.
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A great hint to follow when you're presented with information and advice about a computer components article would be to determine who owns the site. This may show you the people behind the site computer components authority The easiest way to find out who is behind the computer components website is to look on the 'about' page or 'contact' page.
Any reputable site providing information concerning computer components, will almost certainly provide an 'about' webpage which will list the site owner's details. The info should make known some specifications regarding the owner's proficency and credentials. You can then arrive at a decision about the webmaster's familiarity and qualifications, to advise you on the topic of computer components.
by: Bonnie Archer
Printers
A computer accessory we all need. From inexpensive ink jets to monochrome and color lasers, different printers are designed to do different jobs with your computer. You will have a few choices to make when getting your new printer: price, speed, and print quality are the main ones. Ink jet printers and digital cameras are changing how we print photographs. Load your printer up with special photo inks and paper and ink jet/bubble jet printers have become one of the best options for transforming a digital image into a photograph! For speed and razor sharp text the monochrome laser printers are fantastic.
Scanner
This computer accessory is for input into your computer. Graphic designers will use a scanner often to input pictures etc. If you don't have a digital camera a scanner is the only other way to get pictures into your computer to email, manipulate, add to cards, etc.
Speakers
These are computer accessories that most computers come equipped with. But some people like 'game players' want to upgrade for surround sound. You will find many different versions and brands.
Keyboard and Mouse
These are also computer accessories that usually come with a computer system. Although most people will have to purchase new ones during the life of their computer. This is because they do not last as long as the computer system itself. Of course, it is dependent on how much you use them, how rough you are on them, and how clean you keep them.
by: Jim Edwards
When surfing the Internet you probably take your anonymity
for granted, most of us do.
Tapping phones, listening to confidential conversations,
reading others' e-mail messages seems like something that
only happens in spy movies to "other" people.
However, you probably don't realize just how much
information about yourself has the potential to get
transmitted across the Internet every time you go online.
Every computer connected to the Internet has "ports" that
allow it to connect. A "port" doesn't mean you have a
physical hole or opening in your computer's case or
hardware, but it does mean you have openings through which
information passes back and forth between your computer and
the Internet.
Depending on the type of connection (dial up, LAN, cable,
DSL), you may have several openings for potential mischief
by hackers, malicious code or viruses.
Computers with dedicated connections rate the most at risk.
If someone or something gets into one of these ports and
into your computer, they can potentially watch everything
you do and see all the data you enter, including social
security numbers and credit card information.
The easiest way to defeat this problem involves using a
firewall. Firewalls, simple and inexpensive software
available at virtually any office supply or computer store,
block the most common ports hackers use to enter your
computer.
Firewalls also help you detect and block unauthorized
transmission of information from your computer to the
Internet. This adds a significant measure of protection if
you get infected with a Trojan Horse virus that tries to
"phone home" to the hacker with your sensitive information.
If you'd like to test your connection for vulnerability to
attack, log on to http://security1.norton.com and run the
various diagnostics. I would strongly advise anyone
connected to the Internet through DSL or cable to get and
use a firewall to protect against unauthorized access.
Infected with "Spyware?"
Previously we talked about unauthorized access to your
computer. But a growing problem online with people watching
you and your activities involves using programs you
willingly place on your computer.
Commonly called "Spyware," this refers to any program that
transmits information about you to someone else without you
knowing exactly what gets sent. The main purpose of Spyware
involves tracking your surfing habits so advertisers know
which targeted ads to send you.
Most Spyware basically comes onto your computer bundled
with other software applications, as a standalone program,
or as modification to the HTML on a web page.
Regardless of how you get it, you need to understand
exactly what information gets transmitted about you so you
can decide whether to keep or uninstall the software. Plain
and simple, these Spyware programs can potentially reveal
extremely sensitive information about you and your online
habits.
If you have concerns about Spyware and whether or not your
computer currently carries any, log on to www.lavasoft.de
and check out the free PC software that will scan your
system for known Spyware.
by: Jennifer Bailey
Computers often break down at the worst of all times. These problems can be averted, or at least minimized with preventive maintenance. Several methods of keeping computer hardware in good working order deal with the external components of the computer, such as the keyboard and monitor. For example, it is important to keep the processor away from excess heat and moisture. There are also computer hardware preventive maintenance software programs that can help with the upkeep of other internal aspects of a computer.
While it is rare to find a CMMS that works on all of a computer’s hardware, many different programs can be utilized simultaneously. Some computers have periodic automatic updates available that can be downloaded and used to improve the computer’s performance. Other software programs, known as disk defragmenters, manage hard drive space so that software programs take less time to access. Programs known as hardware diagnostic utilities can check the computer’s hardware components and alert the user about any potential failures. Since some new hardware will not always work on all computers and could cause existing hardware to malfunction, it is important to have a CMMS program to ensure that the new hardware is compatible with existing hardware.
Antivirus programs are another important component of computer hardware preventive maintenance software. Computer viruses have become increasingly common in recent years and can render a good computer useless. While computer viruses mainly attack software programs, they can ruin hardware as well. Several manufacturers make reliable antivirus software. A couple of well-known companies are Norton and McAfee. As with much preventive maintenance software, these programs are usually available for a free trial period before the user must pay a subscription fee.
Computer hardware preventive maintenance software is necessary to keep computers in good working order. This software manages aspects of computer hardware that would be difficult and time-consuming for even the most computer savvy users.
by: John Lenaghan |
| 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? |
by: Saad Shamim
5 years ago we gathered around and marveled at the little specs moving at our commands, doing not much – except moving off course, we called these things games. Today the hardware in computers and other devices has changed significantly; we went from having a “spacious” 1mb hard drive to 250 GB of space. The graphics have also taken a giant leap for our computers, no longer are we confined to little dots but our 256mb graphic cards allow us to explore a virtual world in 3d. The sound has also changed from 4bit to 32 and pretty soon 64bit; we went from beeps to actually words. Finally the speed of our beloved computers has also increased from mere kilobytes to gigabytes of rams. In such a short period of time we went from what we used to call “advanced” technology to today’s much superior devices. So if you guys are like I am, there is one question that strikes our mind, what’s next? Well I would love to say that we will be able to put on our virtual glasses that will allow us to explore the virtual world as if we were in it, but this is not likely, sorry guys; however, these sorts of glasses are being constructed but its unlikely they will come out any time soon. What we can expect to see is an improvement in our Text-to-speech and vise versa programs after the 64bit sound card is released allowing the computer to understand our voices much clearly, also we should soon be seeing more “dept” in our computer as you may know that the most our computers can run on 32bit resolution, it is expected that Microsoft is like to bring out a 64bit resolution with there next version of windows. Also the speed and graphics are to increase a lot more, already some games look as they are almost real, and soon they will look real. I am not certain exactly what marvel the computer hardware’s will hold in the future, but one thing is certain it will be something to forward too, and once again the next generation will be mocking the so called advanced technology we have today.
by: Phil Wiley
In today’s world of technology buying a computer can be difficult and confusing. Because of this we’ve decided to write this article to guide you next time you buy a computer.
Before you buy a computer it’s important to decide what you want. Consider what your needs are. This will affect the decision you make in which kind of computer to buy. How much memory will you need? What kind of video card will suit you best? Should you buy a desktop or laptop? What sort of processor will suit you best?
When you want to buy a computer it is important that you buy when you need to buy. After all, no matter how long you wait, what you want will always be cheaper in six months time.
Choose the computer you want to buy based on its functions, quality and ongoing technical support. The salesperson at your local computer should be able to help you with this when you tell them you want to buy a computer.
You will also need to decide which additional drives you will need when you buy a computer. These can include CD and DVD burners, CD drives and Zip drives.
There are also extra accessories to consider when you buy a computer. Will you want to connect to the internet? You will need a modem, whether it be built into the computer or external. Sound cards, video cards and speakers also need to be considered when you buy a computer as well as what pre-installed software – such as an operating system (eg. Windows) you will need.
by: Sharron Senter |
| #1 – Summer Computer Travel Holiday travelers should be on alert when arriving home from long weekends, such as the Fourth of July, a popular time for computer viruses to spread. Most computer users have a tendency to turn off their computers when away on trips, which means you’re not getting newly-released anti-virus patches or anti-spyware updates; the two most common areas that cause computers problems. We recommend you update anti-virus and anti-spyware scans before opening e-mail or going online after an extended absence. |
by: Kris Bickell |
| Looking to buy a new computer? Overwhelmed by all of the options available to you? Stressed by the high cost of computers today? For most people, buying a new computer does not have to be as stressful as buying a new car. Nor does it have to be as expensive. If you’re like most people, and you have a limited budget for buying a computer, then you need to try to get as much computer for your money as possible. |