Not too well versed with the hardware jargon but need a
computer? For starters, read Ask these 3 questions before you
buy a computer.
Once you are sure what you need one for, get cracking. Here is a
basic guide to get you started.
Do note: while all potential buyers will benefit from this
piece, it is mainly targeted at individuals opting for an
assembled PC. Embedded:
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An indicative price list at the end will help you budget
accordingly.
Motherboard
The large circuit board into which the Central Processing Unit,
memory boards and peripheral cards are plugged is referred to as
the motherboard.
It is the most vital part of any computer as it holds and
connects all your peripherals and add-ons to give you upgrade
options and support for future technologies.
What you must know:
Check whether it comes with all the necessary options, support
for upgradeability and extra slots for memory and other add-on
cards. Processor
Processor chips are primarily available in two brands — INTEL
and AMD.
The Intel chips range from the very basic Celeron chip to the
Pentium series to the advanced Centrino processor. Print and
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AMD has a chip called Athlon, which is slightly cheaper than the
higher end Intel chips.
Most users prefer Intel Pentium chips to Athlon as the latter
heats up soon and isn\’t as efficient as a Pentium 4 chip. Also,
the Athlon chip based systems need extra fans to cool the
system.
The most preferred chip is the Pentium 4 2.4 GHz.
You might want to consider the Athlon chip with the motherboard
would cost you about Rs 3,000 less than its INTEL counterpart.
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What you must know:
Though the processor speed plays a crucial role, you need not
have the latest and fastest one available. If a processor with a
slightly lesser core speed can do just as well for your demands,
go for it. Make sure the chips are box packed with a serial
number to ensure they are original. Random Access Memory
RAM is the amount of memory available for use by programmes on a
computer.
The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 MB, even 1 GB.
Most computers function efficiently with 256 MB RAM, though a
512 MB RAM does offer you an edge.
As a thumb rule, always go in for a minimum of 256 MB RAM.
The latest memory technologies in use are DDR RAM, RD RAM and
the latest release of the DDR2 RAM.
What you must know:
Since it ensures the smooth running of your system, the more the
better. Make sure the memory capacity is upgradeable. Games:
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l Make sure the RAM is original and opt for the DDR range of
RAMs. Duplicate RAMs will not function on Windows XP operating
systems. The RAM comes with a year\’s warranty. Hard Disk Drive
HDD capacity counts for a great deal.
A 40 GB hard disk is sufficient disk space but you may choose an
80 GB variant.
The brand SEAGATE is a very reliable brand for hard disks and is
preferred by most computer manufacturers and assemblers.
What you must know:
The hard disk comes with a three-year warranty. Monitor
Monitors are computer screens available in varied sizes, the
most popular being the 15\” and 17\”. Windows Update:
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You can choose between a flat panel plasma screen and a regular
desktop monitor.
The Dynaflat type monitor is preferred to the conventional CRT
type, which is technically referred to as the Cathode Ray Tube.
The various brands for monitors are Samsung, Mercury and LG, to
name a few. Samsung is the preferred alternative for monitors
and is also the leading peripheral components dealer.
What you must know:
Monitors usually come with a three-year warranty.
Peripherals
These include the keyboard, mouse, web cam, printer, scanner,
joystick, etc.
Samsung and Microsoft are the preferred brands.
Choose an optical mouse over the usual one. The price difference
is marginal. The same applies for the Internet keyboard.
Don\’t opt for a wireless mouse or a keyboard as the sensors get
spoilt with time. Besides, you have to charge the batteries
every week.
For printers and scanners, Hewlett Packard is the market leader.
What you must know:
Don\’t choose the cheapest printer in sight. You will spend the
money you save in less than a year on cartridges. Don\’t go for
the ones cheap ones as they have poor resolution. Voltage
stabilisers and Spike guards Photos:
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If your locality has frequent power failures or severe voltage
fluctuations, opt for a voltage stabiliser. This will prevent
any damage that could reduce the life of your machine.
Regardless of the locality and the power supply, opt for a spike
guard. It will provide four power plug points for your computer
and peripherals.
About the author:
Adam Fletcher is the webmaster of Hardware Software Articles
http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com .