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   PC Basics found in Computers & Technology  :  Hardware A   A   A
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PC Basics
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It’s hard to sail by in today’s high-tech world without at least a basic knowledge of personal computers—how to buy them, how to set them up, and how to put them to effective and productive use. But PCs are a snap once you understand:
  • What features to look for when shopping for a personal computer
  • How to get your PC and your internet connection up and running
  • How to use Microsoft Windows® to manage files, surf the web, and more
 
 
 
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How to Choose a PC

Personal computers, or PCs, come in many brands and configurations. Microsoft Windows® is the operating system that runs most PCs. To determine which PC suits you best, it’s helpful to know the main components of a typical PC and how they impact the PC’s performance. You also should consider how you plan to use your computer.

The Main PC Components

Before you buy a PC, consider your options regarding each of the components explained below. The options you choose can impact how fast your PC runs, how well it produces graphics and sound, and more.

Processor

The processor determines how quickly and smoothly your computer operates. Processor speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A processor speed of 2 GHz or higher will suffice to run most basic PC applications, such as word processing software. If you’ll be running high-end games and graphics programs often, buy a PC with a processor speed of at least 3 GHz.

Memory (RAM)

Memory, referred to as RAM (random access memory), determines the speed at which you can access and alternate between software applications running on your PC. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), with 1 GB being equal to 1,000 MB. Most PCs have 512 MB– 5 GB of RAM. The more RAM a PC has, the more quickly it can run programs and the more programs it can run simultaneously. A PC with at least 512 MB of RAM is desirable; 1 GB or more is ideal.

Hard Drive

The hard drive stores all of a PC’s software and files. Files are collections of data (information), such as a letter or photo, stored under a single filename. A typical hard drive holds dozens of software programs and hundreds of thousands of files. Hard drive capacity is usually measured in gigabytes, but sometimes in terabytes (TB). One TB equals 1,000 GB. Buy a PC with a hard drive capacity of 80 GB or more.

Disk Drives

Disk drives are devices that read data stored on CDs (compact discs) and DVDs (digital video discs), both of which can hold everything from documents to music and video. Most computers have at least one disk drive, and many now have combo drives that read and write data on CDs or DVDs. The four most common types of disk drives are: RW stands for rewritable. These drives allow you to read data from, and write data to, CDs.
  • DVD-ROM: ROM stands for read-only memory. These drives allow you only to play DVDs.
  • CD-RW/DVD-ROM: These are combo drives that allow you to read from DVDs and CDs but write to CDs only.
  • DVD+/–RW: These combo drives allow you to read from, and write to, both CDs and DVDs. Writable DVDs, on which your own data can be written, or stored, come in two formats: DVD+RW and DVD-RW. DVD+RW drives write data faster than DVD-RW drives do. DVD+RW and DVD-RW drives can read and write data to both DVDs and CDs. These two formats are sometimes incompatible with each other, so make sure you purchase the right kind of disks for your drive.

Disk Drive Speed

Disk drives differ according to the speed at which they read or write data, a feature expressed using a number followed by the letter “x.” For example, a 48x drive is faster than a 32x drive. If you plan to create music CDs, get a CD-RW drive that’s 48x or faster. If you’d like to create digital movies, get a DVD+/–RW drive that’s 8x or higher.

Computer Monitor

Monitors come in two basic types:
  • CRT (cathode ray tube): Though CRTs are bulky and heavy, they have better color clarity and accuracy than LCDs. Plus, they’re typically cheaper than LCDs. Get a CRT monitor if you plan to use your PC for high-end video games or extensive graphics and design work.
  • LCD (liquid crystal display): Much thinner, lighter, and more energy efficient than CRT monitors, LCDs are often more costly than CRTs. In addition, low-quality LCDs can produce blurry images and washed-out color. They’re ideal space savers for consumers who don’t require high-end graphics capabilities.

Flat-Screen vs. Flat-Panel Monitors

The term flat-screen monitor can refer to an LCD or CRT, whereas the term flat-panel monitor refers to an LCD only. CRTs can have flat or curved screens, but all LCDs are flat.

Video Card (Graphics Card)

The internal device that determines the speed with which graphics display on your monitor is called a video card, or graphics card. Unless you plan to run high-end multimedia games and software applications, the video card that comes with your PC is most likely adequate. If you think you’ll run demanding graphical applications, though, buy a PC with a video card that has at least 256 MB of RAM.

Sound Card

The sound card is the internal device that controls your PC’s audio output. If you plan to use your PC to replace your stereo system or play high-end games, consider adding a sound card with six- or eight- channel audio, known as 5.1 and 7.1, respectively.

Keyboard and Mouse

The keyboard that comes with your PC will be adequate for most applications. A mouse allows you to control your cursor on the monitor. An optical mouse, which has no moving parts, will last longer than a mechanical mouse, which houses a rubber ball on its underside, allowing the mouse to roll across a flat surface.

Desktop vs. Laptop

Desktop PCs are heavy, immobile machines that typically sit on or next to a desk in your home. Laptops, also known as notebooks, are compact, portable PCs that weigh just a few pounds. Desktops have a few major advantages over laptops:
  • Price: Desktops are much less expensive than laptops.
  • New technology: Cutting-edge features, such as top-notch processors, always appear first in desktops.
  • Stability: Laptops are portable, so they endure more wear and tear, and thus may break more frequently than desktops.
  • Upgradeability: Laptops can be more difficult and expensive to upgrade than desktops.
 
 
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