Tag Archives: Basics
How to Buy a Computer: The Basics
How to Buy a Computer: The Basics
RAM (Random Access Memory):
Memory is one of the key components of a computer which is measured in megabytes. Note that 1000 MB is equal to 1 gigabyte (GB). So the more megabytes you have the better your computer works. Most computers today come with a minimum of 512 MB (about half a gigabyte) of RAM. You should try for 1 GB and more because your computer will run that much faster. Not that Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard operating systems require 1 GB for good performance and 2 GB to run at top speed.
Recommendation: I suggest buying at least 1 GB (1,000 MB). Remember that Windows Vista and Mac Leopard are memory hungry so I advise buying as much RAM as you can afford. Memory is the crutch of making a computer run like it should.
Insider’s tip: Buy the minimum amount of memory and then purchase extra memory components called “sticks” from a site such as www.datamemorysystems.com/. This can save you up to a couple hundred dollars.
Buyer Beware: It is not uncommon for low end computers (0 to 0) to come with low amounts of RAM. Make sure to check on the ability of your computer as it should be able to handle 4 GB.
Central Processing Unit (the brains):
The CPU handles all the calculations of the computer. For the average user, CPU speed is not as important of a gauge as it used to be. The common computer user will not need to worry about cpu speed as much as a gamer or multimedia user.
CPUs are made by either Intel or AMD and both companies have great product options. Intel controls most of the market share and costs more than AMD.
Recommendation: CPUs come in two forms: 32 bit and 64 bit. I suggest the 32-bit processors because the 64-bit processors have a lot of problems working with software programs.
Dual Core processors are all the rage right now. What’s Dual core? This means that your computer has two CPUs which give the user twice the computing power. Dual core is a must for high end computer users.
Hard Drive: the storage unit
All of your personal data such as your documents, digital photos, music, and software programs are stored on the hard drive which are available in many sizes and speeds. Hard drive Storage is measured in gigabytes and computers usually come with at least 80 GB of storage.
Insider’s tip: Computers can be configured with two hard drives.
Option 1: Two drives giving which can double your storage.
Option 2: One hard drive keeps an exact copy of the other drive. So if you have a hard drive fail it is not a big deal because you can run off the other drive
Recommendation: You are best getting a 120 GB drive with a speed of 5400 rpm.
Video Chipsets: graphics eye candy1
Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard are the new operating systems that require a lot of fancy 3-D animation that requires better graphics hardware.
You have two choices when choosing video chipsets:
1.An integrated or built in Video card right into the motherboard of the computer. If you are an average computer user than this option should work just fine.
2.ATI and NVIDIA offer video cards that produce much better graphics and can handle Windows Vista and Mac Leopard with ease. Cards by these two companies are your only option if you on gaming.
Recommendation: Check out these websites www.nvidia.com and ati.amd.com. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the model number-the better the video card.
Recommendation: Look for an Intel GMA3100 (model #) or better with the higher numbers being more advanced.
Now that you have mastered the basics of how to buy a computer, it’s time for you to make some decisions. Don’t worry, we are here to help!
Home Theater Setup Basics
Home Theater Setup Basics
Time to turn an area of your home into an entertainment area? Tune up your house with a home theater by following these basic steps.
1. Determine where you would like your system set up: in a family room, an entire basement level or only one section, etc. Grab a pencil and some graph (or other) paper and get to work with a blueprint. Don’t leave this to “notions” or things get messed up – and quickly. Pencil in (a) your focal point – usually a television or other huge screen or home theater personal computer (HTPC) (b) seating (c) other main screens – projector and table / speakers and amps / computer / gaming consoles / DVD player, cable box and VCR (d) storage – shelves / remote and guide organizer (e) misc. – do leave some empty space. Cramped quarters are no fun!
2. Next, research your family needs. A home theater can incorporate: video game playing with any of the popular console systems like from Xbox, Nintendo or Playstation; it can feature a computer, DVD player and other recording and playing devices. Plus it can feature fancy audio equipment with multiple speakers. Add seating, lighting and screens into the mix. And plan ahead, too, looking to the future a little to prepare for the unexpected and for growth. For example, add extra outlets (for phone hook ups / computers / power supplies / cell phone, battery and other chargers, etc and leave extra space for the unexpected – extra shelves, equipment add-ons, storage for DVDs, CDs and remotes, etc. Grab your blueprint from above and pencil in your ideas.
3. Then comes set up time! Begin with your focal point and consider that your projector can reach to adjust distance from the screen for maximum effect. Test equipment at this stage before adding everything else into the area to make sure you get the results you like. After visuals, add audio into the mix. Set up your surround sound amp with plenty of video and audio inputs for all your fun systems. Then add the speakers and test again.
4. Then arrange other items (if you have a media center computer, many of these may already be part of the system): VCR, DVD player, gaming console and other equipment. Then round out everything with seating, lighting, shelves, storage organizers, etc.
Party time! Invite your family, friends and neighbors over to enjoy and celebration. Have fun!
Bluetooth Headset Basics Revealed
Bluetooth Headset Basics Revealed
What is a Bluetooth headset? You’ve certainly seen them, those things connected to people’s ears that make them look like they just walked out of a Star Trek convention. At first glance, it almost looks like a giant bug has attached itself to the side of the person’s face, causing a moment of alarm as one prepares either to help the poor victim or run for cover. Other times, people walk down the street, apparently talking to themselves in either calm or vigorous tones. It isn’t until a quick turn of the head reveals a Bluetooth headset.
A Bluetooth headset is an odd name for what this little gizmo is and does. First of all, it’s usually not blue, it doesn’t have anything to do with teeth, and it isn’t really a headset: it fits around the outside of your ear like sleek CD player headphone earpieces. With a Bluetooth headset, nothing gets draped around the neck or over the head.
A Bluetooth headset, in English, is a wireless device that connects one to mobile phones, PCs, laptops, digital cameras, printers and even video game consoles. It has global range capabilities and a short-range radio frequency. The distance a Bluetooth headset can pick up frequencies is determined by the power of the transceiver microchip inside, and most headsets can pick up anything as long as the other party or object is in range. The Bluetooth headset device also uses a radio communications system, and as long as the signal can be picked up, so can you. Be advised however, that in order to make a Bluetooth headset work, you need to meet certain specifications, and your Bluetooth headset must be compatible with that of the person or device with which you wish to communicate. Make sense?
One of the most positive aspects of Bluetooth headset capability is that it allows hands-free use. Especially with new laws on the books regarding people driving with cell phones, a Bluetooth headset offers a safe alternative, and yet allows necessary communication between parties or hardware. Believe it or not, a Bluetooth headset can also communicate with a PC mouse, printers and keyboards. A Bluetooth headset also allows users to transfer data from the headset to a destination such as a palm pilot as well. The younger groups will appreciate the fact that a Bluetooth headset can control gaming consoles such as Playstation 3, Nintendo, and new Wii technologies.
Bluetooth technology isn’t limited to the Bluetooth headset. It’s also found in just about any newer types of electronic and computer equipment being manufactured today. Even Wi-Fi uses the same frequency as a Bluetooth headset, while Bluetooth technology is more user friendly. First designed in 1994 by two Swedes, the original company now has thousands of companies worldwide. Major global companies such as Intel, Nokia, Sony and IBM have all taken advantage of boom in Bluetooth technology and developed products and services to support it. So, a Bluetooth headset is much more than a cute little mobile phone that fits over your ear. A Bluetooth headset is riding the crest of the wave into the future.