5 Tips to Consider Before Buying a Laptop Computer

There are many considerations to take into account before plopping down a large sum of money for a laptop computer. Consider first what you will be using your portable computer for, and then select the laptop that takes care of those needs. For example, if you just need a laptop to check your e-mail, light internet surfing, and word processing, you can probably get by with spending around $500 for a laptop. Here are some general guide lines to keep in mind, and make your decision a little easier.

1. Look for a laptop with alternate technology especially if youre on a budget. For example, a notebook utilizing an AMD processor is generally cheaper than one using an Intel processor.
2. Choose a laptop that has at least 512 MB of memory. If that isnt possible, make sure that the laptop is upgradeable to 512 MB or more of RAM memory.
3. It makes sense that the faster the processor clock speed is the faster your computer will run your programs. Choose a laptop with at least a 1.6 Ghz processor. This speed should put you in the Pentium 4 or higher class of CPUs.
4. Select a laptop from one of the top manufactures such as Dell, Gateway, or Toshiba. This will insure you can get parts and service if you ever need them.
5. Lastly, make sure your laptop has wireless capabilities. Many businesses and institutions across the US now offer free wireless web access. Most laptops manufactured in the last 3 years have this type of technology. If you are a road warrior this is a must have feature.

Please visit the Laptop Computers Guide for more articles and reviews on how to choose the right laptop for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Riddle

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Various Components of Your Computer

Various Components of Your Computer:
Note: This material is provided for educational purposes only. Consult with a computer expert at MyCuredComputer for professional assistance and the best intended outcome.

A computer is a machine that does myriads of tasks. The computer has quickly become an essential part of our daily life and routine activities. Computers come in different sizes and specifications depending on the user’s need. Two main types of computers are portable and desktop.
But how does a computer work? One way to better understand this is by knowing its different hardware and software components and their respective functions. Let us go ahead and take a look.
Hardware

1. Case. This is where all parts reside. A desktop PC it comes in different sizes like micro tower, mini tower, mid tower, and full tower.
2. Power Supply (PSU Power Supply Unit). This component supplies power to the rest of the computer parts. It comes with different wattage options to supply power to all devices in a computer.
3. Motherboard. It acts as the backbone of a computer unit. This is where all components of the computer are connected.
4. Processor (CPU or Central Processing Unit). It acts as the brain of a computer wherein it processes and performs commands and instructs the rest of the components to work their functions.
5. Memory (RAM or Random Access Memory). It stores recently opened data, so that the CPU can easily access it. There are different types of RAM such as: SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM), RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic RAM), DDR RAM (Double Data Rate RAM)
6. Video Card. This is what sends graphics to the monitor. Most video cards are built into the motherboard; however those that are into multimedia and games generally chose to upgrade their video cards to accommodate their graphic demands.
7. Sound Card. This is what sends sound to the speakers or accepts sound from the microphone.
8. Hard Disk Drive. This is where software programs, files, music, documents, pictures, and videos are stored.
9. Optical Drives. A device that uses a laser to read and/or write CDs and DVDs.
10. Monitor. The computer screen that displays information, images, and characters generated and processed by the computer.
11. Keyboard. Used to type commands into the computer.
12. Mouse. A pointing device which allows computer users to perform different commands and operations. It generally consists of a left and right button that is used in different functions. It also can come with a scroll that is used in moving the page inside a window up, down, left and right.
13. Speaker. Used to produce sounds from the computer.

Software

1. Operating System. This is the main software that manages both applications and hardware of a computer.
2. Word Processor. The application used in creating and typing documents
3. Spreadsheets. It is used in working with financial data or anything related to numbers and used in creating graphs, and tables.
4. Database. Used to store collection of data for organization purposes, easy access, and software programs.
5. Presentation. Used to create moving or still graphics slides, formatted in a way that it can create a comprehensive layout of information.
6. Communication Software. Generally tools that are used in receiving and sharing information from one computer to another. Some communication software uses the internet in communicating and sharing information with other computers.
7. Internet browsers. Software that allows you to access websites and search/browse the web.

A computer generally consists of both hardware and software for it to work properly.  This is only a basic overview of personal computer components.

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computer was turning off after a couple of hours of being turned on

Last night I picked up another computer (desktop) that was having some overheating issues. This computer was turning off after a couple of hours of being turned on. I didn't have time to dig into it to see what was the matter but I'm guessing that its probably attributed to dust or debris in the fans and proper heat dissipation is not occurring. I will be working on this one tonight and the other laptops that came into the office. Hopefully a quick repair and turnaround is a possibility tonight.

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