Category Archives: Computer Parts
8 Things You Must Know Before Building A PC
8 Things You Must Know Before Building A PC
Perhaps you’re interested in learning how to build your own computer. That’s great, really!
I’ve put together a list of 8 things you MUST know before you ever start to build your own PC. You’ll be in a world of hurt if you don’t have these down.
Tip #1 – Safety First
I hope you didn’t think the last time you’d hear “safety first” was in your Drivers Education classes! Working on any electronics, including computers, has its risks and requires certain precautions. Having said that, what’s the first part you should purchase when building your own computer?
* Motherboard?
* Processor?
* Computer Case?
Nope, those are all wrong. And honestly, they aren’t even close!
A computer tool kit should be the first thing you purchase. Normal household tools aren’t suited to working on a computer because they’re often dirty, rusty, and magnetic. Here are some things you must have in your computer tool kit :
Antistatic wrist band – This is a must-have for any computer builder. Your computer’s components are very sensitive to static electricity. Make sure that you ALWAYS have your antistatic wrist band on when working on your computer. You must attach it to a ground source, usually a large piece of metal works well. This removes any free electrons, which cause static charge, from your body to the ground. Also, as an additional measure, before touching any hardware, touch your computers metal frame. This will also help put your body’s charge at equilibrium with your PC’s.
Needle-nose pliers and Tweezers – These tools are useful when handling small screws and bits of metal. Your computer’s circuitry is very precise and you’ll need some good tweezers and pliers to hold things into place.
Screwdrivers – This is an obvious requirement for computer tool kits. You should have at least one small Phillips and Flathead screwdriver in your kit.
Spare parts container – You’ll be surprised how handy one of these will be. They can be used to store small parts, screws, spacers, etc.
Nut drivers – Although these aren’t a requirement for your tool kit, most tool kits come with some nut drivers. I have yet to use mine, but someday I’ll probably need them.
Small flash light – Most computer tool kits don’t come with a small flashlight, but it is a good thing to have when you’re working in a dark computer case. A keychain type flashlight works great for this purpose!
Also, make sure all of your tools are NOT magnetic. Many screwdrivers for small screws are magnetic to help hold the screw in place. You don’t want this when dealing with your computer hardware because the magnetic field could damage your components.
I can’t stress this enough; having the correct tools is the easiest way to avoid damaging your components that could easily cost you hundreds of dollars. And please turn off and UNPLUG your computer before working on it, the last thing you need is a phobia of computers after you’ve been inadvertently shocked by one.
Tip #2 – Buy everything at once
This is was a major mistake that I made as a rookie computer builder. I know how anxious you may be to build your first computer; I can still remember how excited I was when UPS delivered my first part. But before you start buying parts left & right, you should set down and answer the following questions:
* What do I want to do with my computer?
Simple internet browsing? Word processing? Graphic design? Audio and video editing? Play video games?
* How long do I want this computer to last me?
Only for a couple years. Forever!
The idea here is to decide where your money will be best spent to maximize the use and/or life of your computer parts. For long term and/or intensive use, such as video/image editing, you’ll want something that you can easily upgrade over time. While for short term and/or simpler tasks, a cheaper, less upgradeable PC should work fine.
The easiest way to assure that all of your computer components will be compatible is to purchase them all at the same time. This way you can compare the features and requirements all at once.
I recommend that you start with your motherboard and processor. Many companies sell motherboard & processor bundles . A bundle is great way to start buying your computer parts because usually you’ll get a deal when you buy the processor and motherboard together. In addition, the processor will be compatible in that particular motherboard, which is one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
Next, select the type of RAM that is compatible with your motherboard and decide how many MB’s of power you want with it. Generally 512 MB of RAM will be sufficient. If you plan on doing image/video editing, or playing video games on your PC, 1 GB of RAM would be better suited for this job.
Now you can decide what types of extra components you want, such as a video card, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc.
Once you’ve picked those out, determine roughly how much wattage of power you’ll need from your power supply . I’ve attached a power usage chart below with how much each component uses, but these are only averages, so I can’t guarantee this is what you’ll observe.
Device [Power required (Watts)]
Video card [20 – 30]
PCI card [5]
Floppy Drive [5]
CD, DVD-ROM [10-25]
RAM per 128 MB [8]
Hard Drive [15-35]
Motherboard [20-30]
CPU [25-70]
Generally 400 watts should be plenty of power, even for the most power hungry systems you can build. Also consider purchasing a quiet power supply, because the power supply is generally your noisiest piece of hardware. I personally use a 400 Watt Zalman Quiet Power Supply (pictured at left) that I love. It provides tons of power with virtually no sound.
By purchasing everything at once you can ascertain that your computer parts will support all of your computing needs. Another benefit is that you’ll save money on shipping charges by purchasing everything at once rather than separately.
Hurricane Proof Computer
Hurricane Proof Computer
Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage each year, including damage to computers. Unfortunately, computers can be much harder to replace if lost than other electronics because of the data contained on their hard drives and time spent tweaking and overclocking them. Being a Katrina evacuee and survivor myself, I know how important a computer can be after a natural disaster. With hurricane season looming in the days ahead, I decided to write a guide to help people protect their computers and data during a natural disaster.
Part I: Backing Up Data And Things to Have
Hurricane season or not, you should always be backing up your data. Whether you plan on riding out the storm (a bad idea) or evacuating to another location, you should have a backup of your computer data either on an external hard drive or optical media such as CD-Rs or a DVD. Be sure to keep your data in a very safe place, such as a water proof safe. Never leave your backup by your computer.
Next, you should have the following things to make life after the storm easier:
1. Phone numbers for insurance, computer or computer parts companies, and phone numbers for all local ISPs (including dial-up and satellite). Having your insurance phone number and phone numbers for your computer company will help get your computer replaced faster if it is damaged. I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to have phone numbers and even access disks for all of your local ISPs! After Katrina, the Internet was the only way many people could contact the outside world. As fate would have it, my broadband was down for 3 weeks and none of the other broadband ISPs would except new orders due to the storm, leaving me with my old friend Dial Up, whom I thought I had buried 8 years ago. Your best bet is to use a satellite ISP as they have no equipment that can be destroyed by a hurricane and cause an outage.
2. Back ups of all your file, have all application and game discs, CD keys, drivers, and operating system discs on hand.
3. Photos of your computer as well as proof of what parts are inside.
In the event your quad SLI rig is destroyed, you don’t want your insurance company to replace it with something of a significantly lesser value, do you? It’s very easy for people to claim “I had this, this, and this and it all cost me 00 last month.” after their 3 year old Athlon XP rig is destroyed. As a result, your insurance company may be hesitant to replace your expensive computer parts unless you can prove you own them. Also know to what extent your insurance (including flood insurance) will replace damaged property. While some policies will cover the replacement cost of damaged property, some may only cover part of the damage cost. Also know what your deductible is.
4. Blog or Social Networking Profile
Social networking sites such as myspace were great after Katrina. Friends could find out where other friends had evacuated to simply by reading each others’ myspaces.
5. Generator and Gas
A generator can power many things, including home computers! Check with your local generator supplier about any local laws about generators, how to safely and properly set one up, and how well they will work with computers. Because generators provide unstable power, a battery backup UPS and a surge protector are a must. Do not count on gas to power your generator being available in the aftermath of the storm. It’s best to have a good supply of gas as well as a few empty gas containers on hand.
Part II: Evacuating with Your PC
Like any family members or pets you may have, your PC isn’t something to leave behind if you can avoid it. While your first priority should be getting out alive, you should consider bringing your PC with you if you can room in your car. You can’t count on your destination to have good computers, high speed Internet, or any entertaining activities for that matter. Being in another place during a hurricane is stressful. Between watching your home town being walloped on CNN and The Weather Channel, the people around you as well as yourself will be tense and worried. Having a nice computer to browse the web with and play Battlefield 2 is a sure entertainer. In fact, the Internet was the only place where I could get information about my very neighborhood after the storm! Local newspaper message boards were packed with evacuees from all over my area and had plenty of information about damage to share.
Even if you can’t bring your PC, at the very least bring your hard drive with you! If your home is looted in the aftermath of the storm, the last thing you want is your personal data in someone else’s hands. Be sure your hard drive is in an anti-static bag to avoid needless damage to it.
If taking a long road trip, you should probably place some sort of padding or foaming (even a blanket will work) around your computer or hard drive to protect it from the vibrations of the car. Don’t bring your monitor unless you have an LCD and there’s room for it.
Part III: Leaving Your PC at Home
If you don’t have room for your PC in your car, don’t plan on staying with it during the storm. There are several safeguards you can take to prevent unnecessary damage to your computer:
1. Cover any open parts of your computer case (such as fans and vents) with tape. Don’t use duct tape unless you want to risk taking paint off your case or a sticky mess.
2. Cover your computer with as many trash bags as you need. At least 2 trash bags per computer are recommended.
3. Consider how high your home is above sea level, the risk of flooding, and other factors. If you know your home could flood, you should put your computer on the second floor. But if you know your roof is weak and could easily blow off, don’t put it on the second floor! Find an enclosed space with no windows (such as a closet) as close to the center of your home as possible. If your computer case has a side window, make sure it’s facing towards the ground or against a wall. If you can, place other objects around your computer to offer it additonal protection from blowing rain and flying debris.
Part IV: When the Worst Happens
In the event your PC becomes damaged during the storm, don’t fret. If the damage is from a fallen tree or a piece of flying debri, there is nothing you can do. If your computer becomes flooded, however, there are steps you can take to recover it. Below is a basic guide on how to recover a flooded computer.
1. Do not turn on the computer! Make sure it is unplugged! While you may be anxious to see if your computer can run, don’t do it if you know it’s been exposed to water. You’ll just end up causing more damage if you do. Remember to keep your computer unplugged.
2. Remove components that work. If you can see a water line in your computer, take out all the components above it and put them in a safe place.
3. Let your computer dry. Let your computer dry for a week or so. One drop of water in a running computer could mean disaster.
4. Remove the CMOS battery and other parts.
5. Use a solution of 90% alcohol or more to wash the various components of your computer, including connectors. If necessary, use a paint brush to remove stubbon crud.
6. Let your computer dry completely.
If the above doesn’t work or you have data you can’t risk losing on your hard drive, consider professional computer recovery. Do not plan on salvaging the power supply, CMOS battery, the hard drive, optical drives, or any fans if they have been flooded. Also remember to take pictures of any damage to your computer before you attempt to fix it for insurance purposes.
Hopefully this guide will help people save their computers from hurricane related damage. A computer is a very useful tool that should be part of any good disaster supply kit. Trust me when I say it’s an important thing to have around. However, remember a computer is only a material possession. Like all material objects, they can be replaced. Human and animal life, however, cannot. Use good judgement when deciding whether or not to take your computer with you and while repairing it if it damaged.
Disclaimer: In no way is the author responsible for any actions you may take to save your computer from a hurricane or fix it after flooding. Any actions you choose regarding hurricanes and computers are taken at your own risk. For the sake of all, please use common sense during any natural disaster.
Know Your Anatomy
Know Your Anatomy
If you talk to any computer lover the chances are high that he or she will be able to explain to you all of the parts of their computer and the way each thing works. You can easily find yourself in a long conversation about details of computer programs and issues that you never wanted to know. Or sit down with a man who loves his vintage car and you will learn things about the function and care of each part of his prized possession. If you think about it, the parts of a computer or of a vintage car are sort of like anatomy. I’m always a little surprised when someone knows exactly where the spark plugs on his car are but cannot name me the location or use of his gull bladder.
You see, humans have an anatomy too. Perhaps you haven’t thought about your anatomy since high school science class. I think the norm for most people is to go about living every day using our bodies without every really knowing much about them. Doesn’t that seem strange to you? We do not bake a cake without taking note of each ingredient that we’re adding yet we do not have any clue about the ‘ingredients’ that make up our anatomy.
It is important for every person to take the time to learn a little bit more about their anatomy. Go to the library and check out a book or get online and find a good source. Make flash cards or a chart that helps you to learn all of the different parts and functions of your anatomy. Get intrigued about the intricacies of the human anatomy and commit to learning about them. If you see a beautiful sunset or watch a great movie, learn to appreciate the gift of your eyes even more by learning each part of your eye anatomy and the special functions that each part has. You will grow in appreciation for the smallest and largest parts that make up your anatomy.
Learning your anatomy can also help you to keep track of your health. You will be much more apt to know when there is a real problem with an area of your body when you know what each part is supposed to do for you. By learning your anatomy you may be able to distinguish between a normal pain in your stomach and a pain that is cause for a response.
Take the anatomy of your body as seriously as you take learning the parts of your car or computer. You’re worth it.
Computer Desks Chairs and Work Stations
Computer Desks Chairs and Work Stations
Using a computer has become an integral part of many people’s lives, and the time we spend on a computer is increasing with each passing year. This trend is fuelled in part by pleasure, the computer has become a Media Centre, and is a focal point for home entertainment, and secondly we are increasingly using our home computers for business.
The Home Office, whether for self employed activities or Tele-working for your employer has become common-place, hence the increasing need and importance of having a comfortable and well designed Computer Desk and Chair.
Important design issues that incorporate correct support, and encourage good posture, have become critical factors during the design process, and this is often integrated with modern and elegant styling. Fortunately, Home Computer Desks and Chairs have evolved along with the technology and are now available to suit every situation, comfortably fitting into even the smallest of corners in your property.
Home Computer Desks and Chairs come in many formats from functional to funky, or they can even be casual or quirky, or just plain friendly in their look and feel. Though there is no set requirement to look as classical or stylish as office Computer Desks and Chairs, they nevertheless have to blend in with the décor or theme of the chosen room. Prime examples and advice can be found at www.computer-desks-online.com.
For these reasons Home Computer Desks and Chairs come in many shapes and sizes and may be corner, u-shaped, curved or just straight. Similarly, they can be roll-top, modular, or just practical. They can be made of wood, oak, glass, metal or fibre. They can be fitted with a myriad of shelving options or storage racks, or they can be plain and functional with minimal drawers and shelves. The appearance can be selected from a wide range of finishes and can be sealed with a durable and stain-resistant finish to withstand daily wear and tear avoiding unsightly scratches.
The modern day Computer Desk and Chair has evolved to cater for many tastes and situations and is now an ergonomic extension of the computer and its user; they are critical elements in the quest for a satisfactory and safe computing experience, choose wisely.
How To Download MP3 to PSP
How To Download MP3 to PSP
Learning how to download MP3 to PSP is not difficult. Once you know how, you will see this! Your PSP is a wonderful piece of electronic technology, it lets you watch movies and play games, even surf the web, but it loses part of its usefulness if you don’t know how to use it. In this short guide I will show you exactly what to do to download MP3 to PSP.
How to download MP3 to PSP Part 1
How you should start depends on whether you already have MP3 songs saved to your computer. If you don’t have this already, you will need to use software to “rip” the music from your CDs and save it onto your computer. Most modern computers will already have this software, but if yours doesn’t, just do a simple search engine search, there is a lot of MP3 software available these days.
How to download MP3 to PSP Part 1
If the songs you want are already stored as MP3s on your computer, you can leave this step out. If not, you will need to convert them to MP3 using your software, if you have not already done so. Put your CD into the computer and use the ripping software to extract however many songs you need. This will be a very quick step.
How to download MP3 to PSP Part 3
In order to download the MP3 to the PSP, you must make sure your computer is connected to the PSP with a USB cable. Leave the PSP switched off as you connect it up, and switch it on once the connection is made. What you now need to do is create a separate folder for the music memory stick of the PSP. It doesn’t matter what name you give to this file just as long as it is inside the PSP folder called Music. You can download the MP3 to PSP from there simply by using copy and paste to paste the files into your newly created folder.
Yes, it really is that easy to learn to download MP3 to PSP. Now go and enjoy your music!