HDTV

The first step is to determine the type of connector your system has. Check the back of the computer to determine whether your system has a HDMI or a VGA connector pin. HDMI outlet looks very similar to USB connector. However, it is not exactly rectangular in shape, unlike the USB connector. A VGA outlet is a fifteen pin connector. It is easy to recognize this outlet, since it has a monitor symbol next to it. VGA cables are cheaper when compared to HDMI cables. Once you know what type of connector pin you have you can purchase the connector cable, assuming you do not already have one.

Connect one end of the cable to your computer and take the other end of the cable to the back of your HDTV. Connect the cable, either HDMI or VGA to the back of your HDTV. If you have a long cable, then it will be easy to tuck the cable when you are not using your computer. This helps you maintain an organized and a tidy look.

On your HDTV, choose the input number of the HDMI or the VGA connector. Most of the latest HDTVs provide you the option of customizing the names of the input connectors. You can easily configure the input connectors and name them, so that, the next time you use your computer with your HDTV, you can set up quicker.

Switch on your computer and then press the F5 button to enable the viewing of output video from your computer on the HDTV through an external video connector. In case this step does not work and you cannot view the computer output on your HDTV, then choose your video card and open its settings and then manually choose the output of the video of the computer through the external HDMI or VGA connector.

2 Advantages of Connecting Your Computer to Your HDTV:

1. If your HDTV has a tuner in it, you just need to have an ordinary antenna, which costs around thirty bucks to tune into free locally broadcast high definition channels.
2. You can view high definition programs available online. There is a lot of high definition entertainment media available online, absolutely free of cost, which you can easily enjoy on your big screen.

Photo Credits: blakespot

Originally posted 2010-04-17 03:53:08.

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.

TV as a computer monitor.

For connecting your TV to the computer the first thing to be considered is whether your PC configuration is compatible to your television video format or not. If your PC configuration is not compatible with your television video format, you will need to find out ways to make your system compatible with the TV video format and that your system has to meet certain requirements.

• Requirements needed for Computer:

Your computer must have an installed video card with a TV-Out connector. This card will be located at the backside of your system. This card will also be available at the back of a laptop. This TV-Out connector is a cable that will connect both the systems together and link them to each other. This cable can indicate both the lines which come-in and go-out so mind well that you plug in the TV set out from your PC. Apart from this you will also require a Line-In for the sound card from your TV to PC.

• Requirements for your TV set:

The same kind of connector stated above will be stored inside your TV set, TV-IN or Video-In connector. Here, you will have to buy a Line-Out connector of the soundcard. If you fail to get the correct connector for your TV, you can use a VCR or a round connector that resembles an antenna. With the help of the VCR-Out can easily hook your TV to the VCR channels. The next step is to change the configuration of your computer so that it runs all the TV channels and Videos without any obstructions. Windows users will have to change their Windows settings so that the process of connecting the TV and computer can be completed without any mishaps.  To do this you need to go on the desktop, right click, go to Properties, Menu-Select TV output. Change the resolution from 800*600.

Let’s know some more ways to link up your TV to Computer:

• VGA – For HDTV, the better option to connect the TV to computer is the VGA cable. It can give you a hone and better quality video on your computer. It is extremely simple and easy to use on top of being cheap and economical. If you have a regular TV this port can be found in your TV, but if you have a HDTV, you need to purchase this cable to connect your TV to computer easily.
• DVI - Digital Visual Interface, this cable once attached will give a top-notch picture with encouraged digital quality. Your computer should have a DVI connection and your TV has to be an HDTV for this connection.

Photo Credits: tomeppy

Originally posted 2010-04-09 03:32:17.

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.

From scratch...

1. Compatibility- Compatibility is one of the biggest things to keep in mind when ordering computer parts. You want to make sure that all of your parts can work in harmony so that your computer actually works. This can be a hassle if you happen to order from a site or store where the parts can’t be returned for full price. Most often you should look at your motherboard when determining compatibility, but it will take some research.

2. Be patient, don’t force- A common problem many people face when building their new computer is that parts aren’t fitting very well. This is extremely common if you buy a small case and get a top of line video card. It’s important never to try to jam the thing inside of your case with all of your might, but it’s also important to at least put a respectable amount of pressure on it to make it fit.

3. Connections- So you have put together your computer, but a USB drive isn’t working or the video card isn’t outputting to the monitor. What happened? It’s very likely you misguided your power supply cable to wherever it was suppose to go. Make sure to check and to double check where each connection is supposed to go.

4. OS- This could go under compatibility, but it’s a little different. It’s important to keep in mind when building your computer that certain parts are not compatible with a specific OS. This is a big problem if you’re buying new parts and are trying to run an older Windows OS. If you’re trying to install a brand new Windows 7 OS onto an old windows 98 computer this is also likely to thwart you

Building a computer is a fun and a rewarding experience. I most usually comparing to finishing a Lego set. Like Legos, however, computers can be very frustrating if all the pieces are not fitting together properly. It’s very important to have patience and to not make any mistakes out of frustration.

Photo Credits: moriza

Originally posted 2009-11-16 03:36:41.

What is important for you in a computer?

Why is it used, really?

This question may seem silly, as it appears to be one of those implied obvious questions, but the seller may not tell you if you don’t ask. It’s not even ludicrous to ask them to boot the computer up right in front of you. It’s important to ask details such as this because many used computers don’t come with warranties, and if the seller can get the computer out of his hands, than he’s not responsible, nor will he care if it’s broken or if it’s not. Perhaps the CPU was overheating, this problem wouldn’t be displayed until after you had already purchased the computer and used it for a while. This is why it’s always important for the buyer to check and to double check with the company that the computer is ready for use again.

Computer Specs

This is really important no matter what, whether the computer is used or new. Always make sure you check the essentially specs and make sure that they’re up to snuff with your standards. Most casual users need only to have a good processor speed and preferably over 2 gigabytes of ram. If you’re a power or multimedia user you may also want to check the video card and make sure that extra USB plugs and other features are readily available. It’s always important, though, to keep your range of specs in perspective. If you’re a casual user, don’t pay for a more expensive computer with features that you will not need.

Is This Computer Stolen?

Quality and your needs aren’t the only things to check when purchasing a used computer. It’s also important that you question if this computer is genuine, or that all of the parts inside of it were obtained by legal means. It’s very easy for companies and people to steal parts and plant them into a computer to make a cheap profit. This could unintentionally get you into legal trouble, which is the last thing that you want to happen.

Remember when buying a new computer that it’s most important that you verify the authenticity of the computer and that it meets the needs that you require. Don’t be afraid to ask the essential questions, or to demand proof that it’s fully functioning or genuine.

Photo Credits: Pacfolly

Originally posted 2009-12-02 03:18:08.