Discount Computers

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!

About the author:
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer.
Visit http://www.build-computer-now.com to learn more about this
fascinating subject.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the
resource box is left intact.

Question : Whenever I want to play a VCD, an error message will
appear: \”MCI ERROR. MMSYSTEM296. The file cannot be played on
the specified MCI device. The file may be corrupt or not in the
correct format.\” Please advise.

Answer : This error typically appears in Windows 98/ SE/ME.
There are several reasons for this error message to appear. One
reason (the most obvious one) is that the VCD is corrupted.

Most videos are compressed, that is they are not recorded on
disc in a raw form. They are encod- ed in a specific format
(usually MPEG-1 or MPEG- 2 in the case of VCD). Many formats
have stan- dard, predictable patterns that a decoder (such as a
VCD player or VCD play- back software) can \”translate\” (decode)
into a movie that can be watched and enjoyed by anyone. The data
on the VCD itself is not the actual movie – it\’s an encoded,
compressed heap of data that will make no sense to anyone until
after it\’s decoded.

In personal computers, this decoding is usually done with the
help of a compressor or decompressor component in the operating
system. This compressor or decompressor component is commonly
referred to as a \”codec\”. As anyone who\’s been in the PC
industry long enough knows, there\’s never ever one \”standard\”
for anything. This is perhaps unique to the industry. It\’s
probably what makes this industry more fun (and
headache-inducing) than many others.

Many other industries only ever have one specification or
standard for anything – after all, it\’s what a \”standard\” is
for: to \”standardise\”. In the computer world, however, there are
typically many \”standards\”, all of which perform the same
function, albeit in many different ways.

So, to make sense of any video file, the VCD play-back software
must load the right codec. How does it know which codec to load?
It looks at something called a \”fourcc\” (or 4CC) code.

The 4CC code is a sequence of four bytes (characters) embedded
in the video file that tells the player what format the file is
in. A list of the various codes can be found on the
www.fourcc.org Web site (under Video Codecs).

The code tells the VCD player which codec to use. After it loads
the video file, the player looks for this code. It then compares
the code against a list of codecs that are available on this
system. When it finds the correct code, it loads the
corresponding codec and passes the data through it, which
results in a displayable movie. At least that\’s what happens if
all goes well.

However, here in the real world, several things can go wrong,
and there are several reasons for why they can happen. The first
possibility is that the video file does not have a 4CC code or
does not have the correct one. In the former case, the video
player would not know which codec to load, and in the latter the
video player might load the wrong codec for the job. In either
case, this might result in the above-mentioned error message.

Another possibility, of course, is that the VCD player does not
have the proper codec needed to render the video file. In this
case, an external \”codec pack\” can be used to augment the
functionality of the VCD player. Examples of external codec
packs include the K-Lite Codec Pack (available from
home.hccnet.nl/h.edskes/ mirror.htm) and XP Codec Pack
(www.xpcodecpack.com). These codec packs include additional
codecs that the video player might need to decode the video
file.

Many codec packs also include 4CC identifiers which can read the
embedded 4CC code in the video file and provide a clue as to
which codecs a video file needs. The Web page support.
microsoft.com/kb/ q219047 documents this error and provides a
possible fix for it.

The last possibility is that the file is just corrupted. Some
codecs have \”error correction\” mechanisms which will take care
of many data faults, but if the file just doesn\’t make sense
then there\’s not a lot anyone can do.

About the author:
No technical
Problems

The notebook computer is coming of age. For the first time in
history, notebooks or laptops are out-selling their bigger
cousins, desktop computers.

The rise in popularity of the notebook computer can be
contributed to many factors: drop in prices, stiff competition,
aggressive marketing, but perhaps the biggest factor – increased
performance.

With each new generation of notebooks, we are seeing some novel
breakthroughs: dual core notebooks, PCI Express, Sonoma Chipset,
increased storage, increased RAM, faster CPUs, better battery
life and better wireless access including a Cellular Modem
Connection. All these new innovations are making for a more
powerful computer embodied in a sleeker smaller package that
consumers want.

However, as most notebook enthusiasts know, to get full
enjoyment from your laptop or notebook computer – you must have
certain essential accessories. These laptop accessories will
greatly enhance your notebook experience and make for a much
more satisfying all-around \’complete laptop\’.

Here\’s a wish list of laptop accessories you may want to
consider purchasing:

1. Carrying Bag or Backpack – This is essential if you
will be doing a lot of traveling. You might even want to
consider a wheeled bag for those heavier laptops. Try to
purchase a laptop carrying bag that has plenty of compartments
for all those notebook peripherals. Always check to see if your
laptop or notebook will fit!

2. Extra Battery – Since most batteries last less than 5
hours you will need an extra battery or two. You should also
check out bringing along an external battery for your laptop. 3.
Port Replicator – This is one essential you should
consider buying for your laptop or notebook computer. It\’s a
real hassle dealing with all those wires and connections on your
laptop – that\’s where your port replicator or docking station
solves your problem. Plug all your peripherals into the docking
station or port replicator – connect and disconnect your laptop
with ease without having to deal with all those wires and
connections. A must have!

4. Auto and Airplane ac adapter – Another essential
laptop accessory if you do a lot traveling, battery life on most
notebooks is not great so having a handy source of ac power from
your auto or from an airplane is a \’no-brainer\’!

5. USB Hub – Some older model notebooks come with only
one or two USB ports; if you need more – try a handy USB hub. It
will give you more options.

6. Wireless Card – Most laptops and notebooks now come
with a wireless card. Many top brands have 802.11a, 802.11b,
802.11g or all three! If your notebook doesn\’t have a wireless
card, you can get a rather inexpensive 802.11b Linksys PC Card
adapter for under $50.

You may also want to check out the new Sony VAIO VGN-T350P – it
has the world\’s first \’Cellular Modem Built In\’ – access the
Internet thru your cell phone. It has an Integrated EDGE, Wi-Fi,
and Bluetooth for the ultimate in wireless networking.

EDGE stands for \’Enhanced Data for Global Evolution\’ thru the
Cingular Wireless national network.

7. Optional External Hard Drive – Most notebooks or
laptops now come with a 40 to 100 gig hard drives, but still if
you download and save a lot of movies or songs you will take up
that storage space quicker than you ever thought possible. If
you need an extra hard drive for storage or back-up, try an
external hard drive.

8. Optional External DVD Burner – Many laptops now come
with a built in DVD drive but in case you need this extra for or
DVD burning (movies, songs, videos, etc.) try an external DVD
burner for your notebook. For maximum compatibility, try to get
one that supports both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.

9. Optional Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – Might sound
strange suggesting this option since most laptops already come
with a keyboard! But depending on your notebook make and model,
the keyboards on most notebooks are not the greatest to type
with. It all has to do with the wrong angles and the shape of
the laptop, so if you want a wireless desktop style keyboard and
mouse, it is relatively cheap to buy.

10. Insurance! If you do a lot of traveling, you may
want to invest in some laptop insurance. Laptop theft is still a
big problem and it\’s better to be safe than sorry.

Acquiring any of these laptop accessories will greatly improve
your notebook computer, making for a hassle-free computing
experience that you will appreciate and enjoy much more. So
don\’t skimp, instead, bring your laptop enjoyment up to its
highest level by purchasing some of these much needed laptop
accessories.

You will thank yourself later!

About the author:
—- For a list of the top rated Notebook and Laptop
Accessories Click Here: