Time for an Upgrade?

RAM

Random Access Memory or RAM is one of the first computer components you should look to upgrade when your computer is bogging down. A lack of RAM is often the diagnosis of many computers speed issues, and can also be the deciding factor in whether or not you can run certain software. Luckily for you, RAM is one of the most inexpensive pieces of hardware, only running about $30 per gigabyte. One gigabyte is more than enough for a Windows XP machine, and if you’re running Vista you will really only need two.

CPU

Your processor or CPU is one of the most important parts of your computers technical specifications. The CPU splits the workload of the applications you’re running up between cores so that your computer can run more efficiently. CPU’s come in single, duo and even quad cores now giving you a large array of possibilities for your upgrade. A duo core CPU is way more than enough for most users but it’s also important to note the speed of your CPU. CPU speed is measured in GHz, and obviously, the bigger the number the better. A duo core 2.4-3.0 speed is the ideal range if you’re looking to upgrade your old machine.

GPU

The GPU or graphics card is really only important to multimedia users such as video editors and video game players. Your video card as it is often called is usually the limiting factor for these two groups because of the ever advancing technology. Video games and editing often are using the most recent technology, and as such, require you to also be using top of the line technology causing you to upgrade your video card. When buying a video card aim to buy one with over 256MB of memory and read reviews to make sure that the particular model doesn’t overheat commonly.

Upgrading a computer can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite easy if you know what parts you need to look for. Do a little research and figure out the technical specs of your computer and it should be easy to figure out what part of your computer is bogging the rest down.

Photo Credits: maebmij

Originally posted 2009-11-02 03:02:33.

Computer Store

Getting a computer is easy but getting our first and best choice is tricky. The salesmen are ever ready to give any number of useful or useless pack deals in order to increase their commission. When buying we have to take into consideration our needs and requirements, not theirs. We first have to decide what we going the use the computer for, as that is going to be the basis to build the computer of our dreams.

Sometimes buying different parts of the computer rather than buying the entire package which includes parts that we do not need or use is better in the long run. What are you looking for in a CPU, RAM memory, software, DVD/CD drive, speakers, recorders, microphones, web cameras, USB ports, etc? After determining that look to see if a pre-built computer will meet your needs and if you can’t find one get the parts you’ll need to build one.

HP, Dell, IBM, Apple, Compaq, ATI, Vaio, Sony etc. are some of the best computer companies on the market. We have to pick out the one that will suit the best of our needs. If we need to store graphics, movies or songs, then we have to make sure to go for the one that has more RAM memory, as compared to the one with the best processor in it. If we are using the computer for our personal use, having official software in it will not help us at all, as that is not our requirement. Playing games and storing them will again require extra memory.

A computer is an investment rather than expense. If we are looking forward to use a computer for a long-term then we also need to consider the cost of future up-grading. So let’s be smart buyers and update ourselves with the latest in technology.

Photo Credits: Orin Zebest

Originally posted 2010-04-05 03:38:05.

Get your game on!

Video games are all about precision as well as reaction times or speed, so why not make sure that your mouse is up to snuff to deal with the competitive nature of new games? There is definitely a difference in using a plain USB mouse that costs $5 and using a quality gaming mouse with enhanced dpi that has extra buttons among other features. What’s dpi, and what extra features do some mice offer? This article will educate you on a few different mice that are considered great quality for gaming and the features that they provide.

1) Logitech G5- The Logitech G5 is an excellent choice for those looking to be competitive of those who’re simply looking for a higher quality in there mouse. The G5 offers a button in the middle that allows you to change your dpi (dots per inch) settings on the fly, which can make your mouse feel much more sensitive and responsive. It’s important to note, though, that the DPI can be turned down if you feel its set too high. The G5 also has 2 mouse buttons on its side as well as a middle scroll bar and middle mouse button. These extra keys that can be bound in games increase its functionality. This mouse even offers weighting that can change the overall weight of your mouse accordingly! The G5 can be yours for $50.

2) Razer Series- I’m posting this set of mice as a series, simply because it’s hard to narrow down to one specific mouse as many people like the different weights and feels of each specific mouse. Razer mice always offer a high dpi, and are almost always more visually appealing from a ‘cool’ point of view. If you’re a simplistic person though, the G5 will be more up your alley in regards to aesthetics. Razer mice are commended for being comfortable for use, and they come in large and small models offering you a wide array to choose from. The common complaint against Razer is their expensive price, they’re almost exclusively $50+.

3) Microsoft Sidewinder- A new series by Microsoft, the sidewinder has made a decent entrance into the world of gaming mice by offering a high 2000dpi coupled with 9 buttons, of which 5 are programmable. The mouse includes adjustable weights and even different feet for the mouse that gives a different gliding feeling. The sidewinder is listed at all different price ranges depending on the model ranging from $30 to $50.

Most gaming mice boil down to what feel you like on your mouse, and for this reason it’s very important that you try to find them in a retail store and feel them before ordering. These mice are sure to boost your performance in any online game and will be leaving you most satisfied.

Photo Credits: William Hook

Originally posted 2009-11-12 03:30:50.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Comfort

The most important thing to note when buying a new keyboard is if it’s comfortable or not. Comfort options on a keyboard include whether the keyboard has larger keys if needed, and if the keys it does have are easy to press. Keyboards also come in all different shapes and sizes, to accommodate the different sized hands of different people. Another common feature that comes with certain keyboards is a front hand rest that can help reduce strain during long term use. When considering all of these options, it’s most important to follow the simple advice that you must consider exactly what you’re looking for and try to match that with a desired product.

Extras and Features

“What extras and features can a keyboard have?” you might ask. Well, keyboards can feature a myriad of extra options such as volume control and even a stop and start button for your favorite MP3 program. For example, the Logitech G15 features a screen that displays the name of the song you’re currently listening to, while offering sound controls, next song, previous song, and pause options all on the keyboard! It’s also important to note if the keyboard has extra bind ready buttons. By bind ready I mean that these keys can be bound to whatever you want for use in multimedia programs and online video games. If you’re using Photoshop this bind ready button may be able to save your program with the press of a single key.

Connection

Another important factor to consider when you’re buying a new keyboard is whether or not it can fit into your desired connection. Most keyboards now come standard as USB, while some computers or old keyboards utilize ADP connections. Also always remember to question whether or not you want to deal with the hassles that come with a wireless keyboard, or if you’d rather just get a standard wired cord.

The most important thing to do when purchasing your keyboard is making sure you buy one that’s comfortable and that has any special features you may want. If you review the advice given in this article, you will make the correct choice when buying your new keyboard.

Photo Credits: splorp

Originally posted 2009-12-04 03:25:41.

Why buy a Mac?

Virus Resistant

Mac computers run on Apple’s OSX OS which is a UNIX system. This makes Apple machines practically immune to all viruses and trojans that the internet can throw at you. This means that Mac’s aren’t only nearly immune to the threat of viruses, but it also means that they don’t have to deal with the hassle of anti-virus software. Not having to deal with anti-virus software means you’re saving your money and your time by not having to worry about the potential threat of viruses.

Dual-Boot Windows

Mac computers are able to run Windows because of the fact that Microsoft has allowed Apple to install it on their systems. This means that if you still need Windows for your work or for any sort of program that will not run on OSX, you still have Windows right there available for you to use. If your computer is strong enough to run OSX, chances are it’s strong enough to at least run Vista also; meaning that you need no hardware upgrades to have both OS’s.

Visually Pleasing

Not only are Mac computers technically sound, they’re also a pleasure to look at. Macs often are very customizable in appearance in respect to color and screen size. You can also count on your MacBook laptop weighing significantly less than its Windows counterpart while also supporting a much better battery life. If you’ve ever seen a MacBook Air commercial you’ve probably seen that the laptops are so thin that they can even fit into a small envelope!

Easy to Use

One problem that Windows users often have that is never an issue with OSX is how many odd issues that they experience with software installations and driver compatibility. OSX doesn’t suffer from nearly as many issues and is much easier to use because of how intuitively the OS is laid out for you. Everything makes sense and just feels like it’s where it should be.

Macs are becoming increasingly more common among workplaces and schools. They’re easy to use, visually appealing, and virus resistant. It’s hard to find a fault other than price, but is that really a problem when they’re so effective and reliable?

Photo Credits: Djenan

Originally posted 2009-10-26 03:25:47.

MacBooks

Technical Specs

While this may not be the first thing that jumps out at you when looking for a new computer it’s the most important. Making sure that your computer is technically up to date and can run all the software you want takes precedence over aesthetics and extras. Make sure that your laptop has at least 2 gigabytes of RAM preferably and a duo core processor. Processor speed is measured in GHz and the higher the number the better; ideal range is 2.3-3.0. Another specification that you need to worry about when purchasing a MacBook is the battery life. MacBooks tend to have a great battery life but it’s important to upgrade your battery if you feel the default is not high enough. Other technically specifications that are notable are hard drive space and wireless access. Make sure that the wireless is compatible with your home, work and school addresses.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics should be something you look for after verifying the technical specs of the machine. Make sure that the color and size of the MacBook are what you’re expecting, as well as things such as the quality of screen when it’s turned on. It’s important to note that when you increase screen size on a laptop that the price will start to increase dramatically. Again, don’t buy your computer because it’s visually appealing; make sure that you judge the visuals after you have judged the computer technically.

Warranty

Having a warranty on your MacBook isn’t a necessity, but many people often feel much safer when they get a warranty. The limited warranty most likely will not cover spills or other accident related causes of fault, and MacBooks aren’t the cheapest computers out there. While there price denotes their quality, it’s still important to buy a warranty.

When buying a MacBook, consider all of the following and you will make a purchase that you will not regret in the future. Always remember to judge the computer technically before you judge it visually and you are sure to make the correct buy.

Photo Credits: strollers

Originally posted 2009-11-24 03:01:47.

Hot pink Dell.

HP

Hewlett-Packard is one of the oldest technology companies dating all the way back to 1935 at Stanford University. This makes HP one of the oldest and most trusted computer making companies in the world today. HP computers are sold at fair prices which is why schools usually mass buy them for their computer labs. In 2008, Hewlett-Packard overtook Dell to become number one in computer sales in the industry. In addition, HP is widely known as a printer company, which furthers the business they receive from offices and firms. HP holds an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Dell

In 1984 Dell was founded making it a much younger company than HP. This has not stopped Dell’s rapid growth, however, as it became the number one seller of computers within the first 10 years of its creation. Dell’s standards for cheaper computers made it a clear choice for many businesses and schools looking to buy new computers. Dell is probably HP’s biggest rival currently as the two have eaten up many smaller companies trying to beat the other out. This was displayed when Dell bought a gaming PC company named Alienware and HP responded by buying VoodooPC.

Apple

While Mac computers aren’t the same as the computers manufactured by Dell and HP, it’s undeniable that Apple has had huge leaps in their technology over the past few years. Apple is known for its hardware’s reliability and its focus on being cool has kept them very successful over the past couple of years. Apple doesn’t have any real rival in the computer manufacturing industry other than Microsoft as an OS competitor, but it has seen a huge increase in units sold as Apple is right under Dell as the third place leader in hard ware sales.

Whether you decide to buy from HP, from Dell, or from Apple you can be sure that you will be being from a quality company. All of them have something unique to offer so it’s imperative that you at least browse all three of their catalogues before making a final decision.

Photo Credits: Pink Sherbet Photography

Originally posted 2009-11-25 03:05:01.

Things to Remember When Buying a Gaming Computer

* RAM-Ram or Random Access Memory is one of the biggest problems that many people face when trying to create a PC that can run high end video games. The good news is that RAM is probably the least expensive hardware cost that you will spend, being about $150 at most. Make sure if possible that the RAM you buy is DDRM3 and not 2 because DDRM3 will be faster. It’s important to have at least two gigabytes of ram if you’re running Vista, but you should shoot for four.

* Graphics Card-Your GPU or graphics card is probably the most important part of your purchase when buying a gaming computer. It’s important to note what memory associates your GPU. You should ideally shoot for about 512 MB along side of your card, but it’s completely acceptable to buy a 256 card. It’s extremely important to realize that you should never buy any computer utilizing an integrated graphics card if your purpose is playing high-end 3D games.

* Processor-Processing data and multitasking is very important for gaming computers because it plays a part in determining the speed of your computer. If you get a duo or quad core processor you’re splitting up the work done by your computer making it much more efficient. Processor speed is measured in Ghz and a 3.0Ghz duo core processor is probably the most value you can get for your money. While quad core processors are new and flashy, they aren’t fully utilized in gaming yet, though you may want to purchase one for the future.

* Hard Drive- Making sure that your computer has enough hard drive space is very important when you’re playing video games since many games now can cost you up to 10 gigabytes in hard drive space. This isn’t as important for in-game performance, but hard drives are still a important part of your computer that is required.

When buying your new gaming computer be sure to question your needs while trying to minimize your cost. If you consider the above parts carefully you can construct a very powerful computer that can last you for the years to come.

Photo Credits: Steve Crane

Originally posted 2009-12-03 03:23:07.

Mac vs PC

1. Expense-You can argue against this point all you want, but the truth is, Apple’s computers are expensive. When you have the option to easily build your own computer for buy a laptop from a provider such as Dell or HP for half the price of a similarly specified Mac, is it really worth it? A Mac with a 13’ screen on Apple’s website is running at $1200, compared to the $500 it’s running on Dell’s website. This should give you an indicator as to what you’re paying for, overpriced hardware.

2. Video Gaming-If you’re a computer gamer that’s constantly buying new releases the day they’re released then a Mac is definitely not for you. Not only are many PC games not supported by Mac OSX but having to dual boot up Windows every time you play a game can be a chore. The hardware upgrades you have to make to a make to it comparable to PC gaming is ludicrous in price as well.

3. You still need Windows-While it is possible to dual-boot Windows with a Mac machine why would you really go through the extra hassle to purchase another OS. Windows isn’t cheap, it can cost over $200 depending on the version you’re getting and if your business is still using a Windows only application this may be a cost that you’re not willing to afford.

4. Aesthetics Are Not Important-No matter how hard Apple markets their computers are the cool or the pretty thing to have, that isn’t going to make them any better than a Windows machine. Your first goal when looking for a new computer should be that it run all the applications you want it to efficiently, and how it looks externally is not going to be the judge of that.

Apple’s MacBooks may be the cool thing to have, but that doesn’t means that they’re any better than just buying a PC. The only real advantages you get by buying a Mac are those presented with the OSX operating system, and that has nothing to do with the external computer.

Photo Credits: Ed Yourdon

Originally posted 2009-11-09 03:38:40.

Build your own computer.

Cost

Building your own computer from parts is much cheaper than building your computer from a company store or buying it from retail. It’s very easy to go to a website like Newegg and build a computer with similar specifications as a retail computer for half the price. It also requires almost no special equipment either. All you will really need are a few screwdrivers and you should be able to assemble the pieces no problem.

It’s Easy

The first thing that pops into your mind when someone suggests that you should build your own computer is “that’s hard isn’t it?” Well it’s actually very easy to put together your own computer. The parts that you can buy from online component sellers are preassembled; all you need to do is assemble them like Lego pieces. You may argue that Lego pieces come with instructions. Instructions are easy to find, the internet is loaded with resources that have detailed instructions and even YouTube videos of how to assemble a PC.

You Get What You Want

A common problem with buying a PC from a retailer is that they often mix and match odd pieces to create a computer with weird specifications. If you’re one assembling the PC, you can control exactly what specs you want to focus on and spend your money accordingly. Another problem with store built computers is that they come preloaded with loads of ad like software that you would have to spend your time locating and uninstalling.

It’s Fun

Though it may not be apparent at first, building a PC is fun. It can be very frustrating during the building process, but the second you actually get it to work and you hear it roar as it starts up you feel an incredible sense of accomplishment. There are many PC building enthusiasts who don’t have any interest in doing it as a profession but love to build PC’s.

Hopefully this article has convinced you to consider building your PC instead of buying it prebuilt at the store. There are nearly no cons to building a PC yourself and reward far outweighs the risk. So what are you waiting for, get out there and start building!

Photo Credits: lazzarello

Originally posted 2009-10-23 03:22:00.