Tag Archives: computer
How the Mini-ITX Form Factor Is Changing How Your Computer Looks
How the Mini-ITX Form Factor Is Changing How Your Computer Looks
Until just recently, consumers have been forced into buying desktop computers that have very little variation from model to model. I’ll be the first to admit that some of the better manufacturers are doing a great job of making the boring old “box” look very nice, but there are not many of them. Typically these “out of the ordinary” computers systems are reserved for hi-end gaming machines that start around ,000.00. Why don’t we have computers that don’t look like computers? Wouldn’t it be great to have a computer that fit into your home without looking like a computer, or better yet one that you don’t have to hide under a desk or in cabinet? The answer to that question is simple. Size. The sizes of the components that are in a desktop computer are just too big to allow for any alternatives to the “box”. That is until now……
Over the past few years a new size mainboard has been on the rise in the computer industry. The Mini-ITX form factor motherboard is just 6 inches square. Just for reference, a dollar bill is about 6 inches long. That is amazing! The Mini-ITX mainboards began utilizing the VIA processors. For most home users, this processor just wouldn’t cut it against a Pentium-based system. The industry obviously became aware of this bottleneck and soon began producing the Mini-ITX mainboards that support the Intel Pentium 4 processors.
At 6 inches square, the possibilities for new and unusual spins on the old “box” are being realized worldwide. One of the main uses for these mainboards is in car computers. That’s right; computer systems that mount inside of automobiles are already being manufactured and sold. Most utilize touch screen technology for ease of use (because you would have a hard time with a mouse in your car!).
You can also find a desktop computer that will actually fit in the palm of your hand! This particular model can be found at www.cappucinopc.com. This site is what sparked my interest in this relatively new technology.
After pondering the possibilities, my two neighbors and I decided to create our own “out of the ordinary” desktop computer. After about a year and endless tests and designing, we now have the “Compucar”. The Compucar is a desktop computer that looks like a car. We utilize a Mini-ITX mainboard and a patented chassis design to create something you can only find in O’Fallon Missouri. We are currently found on the web at www.compucarllc.com. This started out as a challenge to create something different utilizing new and emerging technology and ended up becoming a very unique business venture.
I believe that over the next few years, you will begin to see very “different” looking desktop computers. I just wonder how long it will take the big companies to start becoming a bit more creative.
Computer Components for Idiots
Computer Components for Idiots
There are many fancy add-ons for computers, but the basic components of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these main components is missing, it’s not a computer.
The 4 essentials of every computer system are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and a hard drive. These components are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. That’s your basic computer.
Mother WHAT?
The motherboard (“mobo” for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mobo — the CPU, memory, hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, even additional peripherals like printers, scanners, and speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous system and skeleton of the human body — it provides support for the internal components and also passes information between the computer parts.
CPU
If the motherboard is the nervous system, then the CPU is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other components may also have their own processors, but their results still have to be passed through the CPU.
The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of the CPU. Even though other factors also affect overall speed, the CPU rating is generally seen as the single most important measure of performance.
Modern CPUs are usually rated between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz, although each passing month will see increasing performance. This measurement refer to the number of calculations the processor can make in 1 second. The higher the number, the faster (better) the computer.
CPUs generate a lot of heat doing this work, so they need a heat sink and fan to keep them from overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer and directly affects its life span.
Computer Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores information the computer needs while it is operating. It is Random Access because the computer can get the data in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. Generally speaking, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.
The most common type of RAM these days is DDR-SDRAM, which stands for double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. We already know what the RAM part means. DDR means that the data is accessed twice as fast as ordinary RAM.
The latest type of RAM is DDR2. It offers even faster access rates and is quickly becoming the standard for computer memory.
Hard Drive
All the data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently. This is what the hard disk is for.
It holds the computer’s operating system. An operating system like Windows uses around 4 gigabytes of hard drive space. The extra space is used to install computer programs and to store your personal data.
80 gigabyte hard drives are common, but 400 GB units are available. Furthermore, you can install more than 1 in a computer case for added security and convenience.
Peripherals
All you need to complete the basic computer system is a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Accessories like a printer or scanner are useful for office work, and gamers will probably want to add speakers and joystick controls.
So there you have it. The basic computer needs just 7 major components. For the best performance, these components must integrate well. The motherboard is the most important component for determining the type and specification of the other parts. Choosing an appropriate mobo for your computer needs is the first step and may require a quick call to your local geek.
Soon YOU will be considered the local geek!
Computer Gaming Appropriateness
Computer Gaming Appropriateness
The onus of minimizing the effects and ensuring that children receive a rounded upbringing falls on parents. It is important to introduce character building activities and to censor games, ensuring suitability.
• Study guidelines established by the Entertainment Software Board. They indicate suitability for different age groups. Read the content label which will summarize the game, this will serve as an appropriateness guideline.
• Know your child. If you find any signs of being unsettled withdraw games that cause this change in behavior. Introduce games that titillate the imagination and make use of the mind. Avoid violence and aggression.
• Visit www.1888freeonlinegames.com, www.ESRB.com this provides game ratings as well as reviews.
• Rent a game and play it yourself. First hand knowledge will serve you well.
• Communicate with other parents. You will glean the trends, know the popularity.
• Play the games with your child. Know their reactions and learn their responses.
• Establish an open relationship where your child becomes comfortable even talking about what is inappropriate or disturbing. Establish gently what is right and wrong. Bullying does not help.
• Set up the computer and gaming console in a family room. All games will then be out in the open. You will be in a position to judge and monitor.
• Feel free to contact the manufacturer and voice your opinion.
• Study in detail the plus and minus points of computer usage.
• Interact with your child at all levels.
• Be a cautious buyer –question claims of advancing brain development.
• Introduce a variable routine for your child. Outdoor activities interwoven with computer related activities.
• Focus on social and emotional development. The child must be confident, curious, and forthright; display self control; be able to relate linearly, be caring and cooperative, and be communicative.
• Choose games that are fun and have a degree of effective learning.
• Introduce games that require two or more players—this fosters social interaction.
• Playing games should be a privilege not a right. Emphasize that parental approval is a must.
• Use games to maximize your child’s interests. If the child is mechanical minded purchase games that encourage this talent.
• Choose games that require decisions and strategies. Games should be more than shoot, blow up, destroy, and kill. Avoid killer machine games.
• Explain why a game is not to be played. Never just take away a game. A child needs to understand why you are against playing certain games.
Gaming is a part of life. It introduces computer technology, problem solving, and logic. It improves motor as well as spatial skills. Games are not just entertaining, they can be therapeutic too. Choose wisely and guide your child.
More Gaming Computer Articles
5 Steps to Securing Your Windows XP Home Computer
5 Steps to Securing Your Windows XP Home Computer
Most people are aware that there are continuous security issues with Microsoft’s Windows operating system and other programs. However, what most people do not realize is how easy it is to significantly improve your computer’s security and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim to ever increasingly sophisticated threats that lurk on the internet. These steps should take less than a couple of hours to complete and should not clean out your wallet.
1) Windows Update – the first crucial step you need to take to make sure that all your Microsoft applications have all the latest product updates installed. These updates or “patches” address security vulnerabilities and other issues. Microsoft usually issues these updates on a monthly cycle. Visit the Microsoft website or switch on automatic updates from the Windows Control panel. Even if your “new” computer is second hand this is still a critical first step. If you buy a used computer with Windows XP make sure Service Pack 2 or SP2 is installed.
2) Strong Passwords – people often overlook this but having well thought through passwords is an important element of your computer security. A strong password should include at least 8 characters with a mixture of text, symbols and numbers. As a minimum you need to make sure the services most at risk have a strong log-in password. These services include your bank, credit card, other financial services like PayPal, your email address and any other services like Ebay which hackers can use to generate profit.
3) Anti Virus Protection – while it is fair to say the threat of the computer virus has receded during the last couple of years they can still inflict serious damage on your computer. Part of the reason why the threat has reduced is because PC manufactures are now more frequently bundling anti virus packages with their new computers. For example last year my new Dell shipped with a 90-day trial of McAfee’s Internet Security Suite. The best bet here is to purchase a security package which includes firewall and anti virus software as a minimum. Top brands include McAfee and Symantec Norton products. However, Microsoft has recently entered the market with their “OneCare” offering which is very aggressively priced.
4) Firewall – if you are using a broadband connection then a firewall is definite requirement to manage the traffic flowing between your computer and the internet. A firewall monitors the inbound internet traffic passing through the ports of your computer. Better products also monitor outbound traffic from your computer to the internet. As per above the best bet here is buy a firewall application as part of a security package which most vendors offer as standard. If a hardware firewall is included as part of your router package then you do not need anything else. A company called Zone Labs offer a great free firewall product called Zone Alarm which should be used as a minimum. Windows XP does now ship with a free firewall but the product does not monitor outbound communication and therefore I believe does not offer adequate protection.
5) Anti Spyware Tool – this software is the last piece in your basic internet security set up. This tool helps combat spyware and adware. There is a good mixture of free and paid versions on offer. Good free software include Microsoft’s Windows Defender, Spybot S&D or Ewido Anti-Malware. Ewido Anti-Malware is frequently recommended in computer help forums. Be careful if you decide to purchase a solution. There are a number of rogue vendors out there which aggressively push products which offer you little value. Stick to trusted names like Webroot’s Spy Sweeper or PC Tool’s Spyware Doctor. These products always come out well on independent tests.
What Computer Hardware Magazines Are Out There
What Computer Hardware Magazines Are Out There
Because there are many different kinds of computer hardware and products in the industry it makes sense that there are various different computer hardware magazines to choose from also. These computer hardware magazines can be used by computer users to get good ideas of what computers are going to be better for one to use. These magazines include ones that can be used for information on hardware that can be used for business or for fun. Apple computer hardware is also covered in magazines tailored for Apple users too. Here is a look at some of the many computer hardware magazines that are on the market right now.
For those who are new to the world of computers First Glimpse is one of the best computer hardware magazines to use. This features information on not only the best types of computers to use but also other forms of electronics that are used in society today. This is great for those who are looking to learn more about computer hardware and how it works for a particular computer.
People who are interested in computer hardware for business purposes should know that there are also computer hardware magazines that cater to their needs. InfoWorld, for instance, is a magazine that works with information technology hardware. This includes data and news on products in the IT industry.
EWeek is another of the computer hardware magazines for those who are looking for computer hardware for business. This magazine is famous for its lab tests of software and hardware that is used for enterprise purposes. It also covers products in the IT industry.
There are also computer hardware magazines that work with computers for entertainment purposes. Maximum PC is one of the country’s top computer hardware magazines. Known for its interest in entertainment services from computers and its sense of humor, this works especially with hardware that can be used for entertainment programs on the computer. This includes information on how to make top performing computers and how to make computers that perform very well without having to spend lots of money. Inspections of various different types of computer hardware are also featured.
PC Gamer is another big name product in the world of computer hardware magazines. While this magazine does more to cover computer games as a whole computer gaming hardware and other pieces of hardware for entertainment purposes can be found in this magazine too. This includes video cards, monitors and audio systems that will work great for computers. These technology products can be used not only for games but also for entertainment products and for home theater systems based out of a computer.
There are also computer hardware magazines that are for Apple users. Macworld is the most widely produced and famous of these magazines. This includes information on hardware that can be used with Apple computers and comparisons of various different Apple products and hardware that can be used in the line of computers. Information on tuning up an Apple computer for maximum hardware performance is also included.
MacAddict is also for those who use Apple computers. This features information on hardware that is included in new Apple products and on upgrades that can be used with Apple computers. Details of other products in the Apple universe and even software demos of new programs that can be used on Apple computers are also featured here. Full video previews of the hardware featured here is included in video discs that come with issues of MacAddict.
Those are some of the many computer hardware magazines on the market. Whether it be for a first time user, one who is interested in information technology hardware, a person who wants to improve the entertainment quality of the computer or even an Apple user there’s a magazine for everyone. These magazines can be found at a typical bookstore that sells magazines or at a computer product store.