Showing posts with label Choosing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Choosing. Show all posts

Monday, October 17, 2011

Choosing, Setting Up and Troubleshooting Internet Connections

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AppId is over the quota
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You don't have to use the most obvious Internet connection type that is available; instead, look for one that offers great value for money, is easy to setup and simple to troubleshoot!

What Internet Connection Options Are Available?

Linksys router such as this offers cabled and wireless connections to the Internetclick to enlargeMost of us own computers that are connected to the Internet via a telephone line, either with a DSL connection or a fiber optic cable. However there are more and more ways to get online, such as satellite Internet, mobile phones and 3G modems and even wireless Internet in city centers and malls.

Making the right choice of Internet connection can benefit both your computer and your wallet, but your selection really needs to match your own expectations of the quality of your connection, the speed and the bandwidth.

Of course, you may have already chosen your Internet connection type, and be looking for a way of improving the speeds you are currently receiving. There are several ways of improving your broadband speed, from using an Ethernet cable instead of wireless networking to tweaking your router.

Internet Services Galore: What Differentiates One From Another? Getting the Most out of your Broadband Internet Service Comparing DSL to Other Broadband Services Improving Your Broadband Speed //This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});General Home Network Troubleshooting

Problems with home Internet connections can usually be resolved, but like many things the fix depends on the severity of the problem. For instance, troubleshooting a “network cable unplugged” error might sound simple enough (you might think that simply buying a new Ethernet cable would suffice) but you might not have thought the problem could be a hardware failure – faulty Ethernet cards can result in the same error message.

One thing that should always be encouraged is having a backup Internet connection. This might be using a 3G dongle, using a local unsecured wireless network or even just connecting a mobile phone to your computer to use it as a 3G modem.

How to Repair a Broken Internet Connection Troubleshooting the "Network Cable Unplugged" Error Message How to Connect Your Laptop and PC via USB Options for a Backup Internet Connection Go Online with Windows

While getting online should be easy, it rarely is for users of some platforms. Windows 7 users with particular hardware configurations might have issues configuring their systems, for instance, although troubleshooting these types of problem is usually a case of running some small repair tools from the Microsoft website.

Windows Vista and XP users might also encounter problems connecting their computers to the web, although Vista users can take advantage of a few useful tips for improving their Internet speeds.

Major connectivity issues might be related to hardware, and in Windows there are plenty of ways in which this can be diagnosed. Less obvious problems, meanwhile, could be caused by something else entirely; many problems that are experienced by users trying to connect to the web with Internet Explorer are in fact the result of malware such as worms or viruses.

Setting Up a Broadband Internet Connection in Windows 7 Windows 7 Cannot Connect to Internet - Possible Reasons and Fixes How to Tweak Windows Vista for Faster Internet Speeds How to Set Up Broadband Internet Connection in Windows XP Windows XP - Setting Your Internet Connection How to Troubleshoot Limited or No Connectivity Error Message in Windows Fixing Connectivity Issues on Internet Explorer Connecting Games Consoles

It isn’t just computers that can be connected to the Internet. Games consoles require Internet access to provide online gaming and opportunities to download additional in-game content and levels.

Whether you have a Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, there is a method for getting online that will benefit you. One word of note – while Wi-Fi might seem like a flexible advantage it isn’t really suitable for online gaming unless you’re in the same room as the router. As such, make it a wired connection for your games console, and enjoy the online services as they are meant to be experienced!

Step by Step Guide to Getting Online With the Nintendo Wii Connecting your PSP to the Internet at Home and On the Go PS3 Setup: D-Link Router Edition Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter Bypass Guide Get Your Mac or Linux Computer Online

Internet connections for all computers are largely managed in the same way, but if you don’t own a Windows computer or game console chances are that you are using a Mac or a Linux computer.

While Macs are geared towards using wireless networks they have Ethernet connectors and can even be used with external dial-up modems if necessary. A Mac can even be configured to share an Internet connection, something that could prove useful for anyone looking for a solution to the question of a backup connection!

Similarly, Linux users should find that they are able to connect to the web without much trouble; any issues doing so can be easily resolved.

How Do You Setup a Dial-up Connection on OS X? Sharing an Internet Connection Through Your Mac Linux Recovery: Internet Connection Troubleshooting ReferencesImage credit: Wikimedia Commons/Jackzor Next Article ?#sharevertical{background-color:#f5f5f5;border:1px solid #d4dadc;width:100px}#sharehorizontal{width:630px;margin-top:15px}#sharehorizontalbox{background-color:#f5f5f5;border:1px solid #d4dadc;height:50px;margin-top:10px}hr{border:0 none;border-bottom:1px dotted #b5b5b5;margin-bottom:10px;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px}.box,.box2{cursor:pointer;cursor:hand}.box2{float:left}div.box:hover,div.box2:hover{opacity:.75}.fleft{background-repeat:no-repeat;height:32px;width:100px;margin-bottom:10px}div.fbButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 0}div.twitterButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -32px}div.linkedinButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -64px}div.stumbleuponButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -96px}div.emailButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -128px}div.sharethisButton{background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/sharethis_32x32_sprite.png");background-position:0 -160px}.fleft .countbox{margin-left:40px;height:25px;background-image:url("http://s.brighthub.com/s/netstorage/countBubble.png");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0 4px;color:#727272}.fleft span{display:block;padding-left:18px;padding-top:6px;font-family:"lucida grande","trebuchet ms","myriad pro",arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px}#sharethiscount,#sharethiscount2{text-indent:-5px}#commentsFlag{float:right}.cfLink{color:#888;text-decoration:none}.cfLink:hover{color:#000;text-decoration:underline}.cfSpacer{color:#ccc;margin-left:5px;margin-right:5px}Comments|FlagcommentsURL="http://"+location.host+location.pathname+"#comments";flagURL="http://"+location.host+"/clienttools/problem/?postid="+articleInfo.postId;commentsFlagHTML=document.getElementById("commentsFlag").innerHTML;commentsFlagHTML=commentsFlagHTML.replace(/commentsURL/gi,commentsURL);commentsFlagHTML=commentsFlagHTML.replace(/flagURL/gi,flagURL);document.getElementById("commentsFlag").innerHTML=commentsFlagHTML;document.getElementById("horizontal2").innerHTML=commentsFlagHTML; We Also Recommend... The Best Parental Control Software What To Do if Internet Explorer Cannot Display Microsoft Web Pages The New Avast Security Suite Really Delivers Software Review: Dragon Voice Recognition Software Choosing a High-speed Broadband Internet Service Provider//Change the values below for each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "Laptop";var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx";var showLog = true; //Define adCreative Below, if adding new creative be sure to use a new name for reporting purposesvar productConfig = {"adCreative": [{"name": "Laptop1_slideUp","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider1"},{"name": "Laptop2_slideUp","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider2"},{"name": "Laptop2_BOA","displayType": "display","divContainer": "display2"}]}.slider1 {background-color: #4789b3;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 139px;z-index: 100001;}.slider1 .banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat-x scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 980px;margin:8px auto; position:relative;}.slider1 .click {float:left;width:650px;height:120px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.slider1 .click2 {font-family:arial;color:#fff;font-size:12px;float:right;width:200px;height:20px;bottom:0px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:100px;margin-right:120px;}Not interested? Hide this message.slider2 {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/mobile/v2_sliderbg.png") repeat-x;background-color: #5d889f;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 157px;z-index: 100001;}.slider2 .container {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/mobile/v2_container.png") no-repeat scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 840px;margin:0px auto; position:relative;}.slider2 .banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/v2_laptop.gif") no-repeat scroll left top;float:left;width:626px;height:147px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.slider2 .right{margin-top:10px;background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/mobile/v2_bhLogo.png") no-repeat scroll right bottom;float:right;width:200px;height: 145px;background-position:15px 80px;}.slider2 .btnStart{background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/mobile/v2_btnStart.png") no-repeat scroll left top;float:left;width:112px;height:31px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;text-indent: -9999px;margin:10px;}.slider2 .btnClose{background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/mobile/v2_btnClose.png") no-repeat scroll left top;float:left;width:112px;height:31px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;text-indent: -9999px;margin:10px;}Start NowNo Thanks.display2{width:641px;height:186px;background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative2_display.jpg");display: none;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;}TmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':14,'titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':2,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','linkFontSize':12,'adsbyColor':'333333','adsbyposition':'topleft','width':640,'ad_width':205,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':3,'col_margin':10,'channel_id':'0863484718'});#ArticleComments { display: none; }#ArticleCommentsAdd { display: none; }blog comments powered by Disqus
Hp-probook-4530s-notebook-pc

Monday, October 10, 2011

Choosing, Setting Up and Troubleshooting Internet Connections

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AppId is over the quota
class="articleContents">

You don't have to use the most obvious Internet connection type that is available; instead, look for one that offers great value for money, is easy to setup and simple to troubleshoot!

What Internet Connection Options Are Available?

Linksys router such as this offers cabled and wireless connections to the Internetclick to enlargeMost of us own computers that are connected to the Internet via a telephone line, either with a DSL connection or a fiber optic cable. However there are more and more ways to get online, such as satellite Internet, mobile phones and 3G modems and even wireless Internet in city centers and malls.

Making the right choice of Internet connection can benefit both your computer and your wallet, but your selection really needs to match your own expectations of the quality of your connection, the speed and the bandwidth.

Of course, you may have already chosen your Internet connection type, and be looking for a way of improving the speeds you are currently receiving. There are several ways of improving your broadband speed, from using an Ethernet cable instead of wireless networking to tweaking your router.

Internet Services Galore: What Differentiates One From Another? Getting the Most out of your Broadband Internet Service Comparing DSL to Other Broadband Services Improving Your Broadband Speed //This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});General Home Network Troubleshooting

Problems with home Internet connections can usually be resolved, but like many things the fix depends on the severity of the problem. For instance, troubleshooting a “network cable unplugged” error might sound simple enough (you might think that simply buying a new Ethernet cable would suffice) but you might not have thought the problem could be a hardware failure – faulty Ethernet cards can result in the same error message.

One thing that should always be encouraged is having a backup Internet connection. This might be using a 3G dongle, using a local unsecured wireless network or even just connecting a mobile phone to your computer to use it as a 3G modem.

How to Repair a Broken Internet Connection Troubleshooting the "Network Cable Unplugged" Error Message How to Connect Your Laptop and PC via USB Options for a Backup Internet Connection Go Online with Windows

While getting online should be easy, it rarely is for users of some platforms. Windows 7 users with particular hardware configurations might have issues configuring their systems, for instance, although troubleshooting these types of problem is usually a case of running some small repair tools from the Microsoft website.

Windows Vista and XP users might also encounter problems connecting their computers to the web, although Vista users can take advantage of a few useful tips for improving their Internet speeds.

Major connectivity issues might be related to hardware, and in Windows there are plenty of ways in which this can be diagnosed. Less obvious problems, meanwhile, could be caused by something else entirely; many problems that are experienced by users trying to connect to the web with Internet Explorer are in fact the result of malware such as worms or viruses.

Setting Up a Broadband Internet Connection in Windows 7 Windows 7 Cannot Connect to Internet - Possible Reasons and Fixes How to Tweak Windows Vista for Faster Internet Speeds How to Set Up Broadband Internet Connection in Windows XP Windows XP - Setting Your Internet Connection How to Troubleshoot Limited or No Connectivity Error Message in Windows Fixing Connectivity Issues on Internet Explorer Connecting Games Consoles

It isn’t just computers that can be connected to the Internet. Games consoles require Internet access to provide online gaming and opportunities to download additional in-game content and levels.

Whether you have a Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, there is a method for getting online that will benefit you. One word of note – while Wi-Fi might seem like a flexible advantage it isn’t really suitable for online gaming unless you’re in the same room as the router. As such, make it a wired connection for your games console, and enjoy the online services as they are meant to be experienced!

Step by Step Guide to Getting Online With the Nintendo Wii Connecting your PSP to the Internet at Home and On the Go PS3 Setup: D-Link Router Edition Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter Bypass Guide Get Your Mac or Linux Computer Online

Internet connections for all computers are largely managed in the same way, but if you don’t own a Windows computer or game console chances are that you are using a Mac or a Linux computer.

While Macs are geared towards using wireless networks they have Ethernet connectors and can even be used with external dial-up modems if necessary. A Mac can even be configured to share an Internet connection, something that could prove useful for anyone looking for a solution to the question of a backup connection!

Similarly, Linux users should find that they are able to connect to the web without much trouble; any issues doing so can be easily resolved.

How Do You Setup a Dial-up Connection on OS X? Sharing an Internet Connection Through Your Mac Linux Recovery: Internet Connection Troubleshooting ReferencesImage credit: Wikimedia Commons/Jackzor Next Article ? We Also Recommend... The Best Parental Control Software What To Do if Internet Explorer Cannot Display Microsoft Web Pages The New Avast Security Suite Really Delivers Software Review: Dragon Voice Recognition Software Choosing a High-speed Broadband Internet Service Provider//Change the values below for each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "Laptop";var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx";var showLog = true; //Define adCreative Below, if adding new creative be sure to use a new name for reporting purposesvar productConfig = {"adCreative": [{"name": "A","displayType": "slideDown","divContainer": "slider"},{"name": "B","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider"}]}.slider {background-color: #4789b3;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 139px;z-index: 100001;}.banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat-x scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 980px;margin:8px auto; position:relative;}.click {float:left;width:650px;height:120px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.click2 {font-family:arial;color:#fff;font-size:12px;float:right;width:200px;height:20px;bottom:0px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:100px;margin-right:120px;}Not interested? Hide this message

Best Laptops

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Mix & Match: Choosing Parts for Your Next PC Build

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A comprehensive guide to PC parts and components to help both the budding PC builder and soon-to-be enthusiast.

Buying a pre-assembled PC can seem complicated enough nowadays, with technology advancing faster than one can cope. Hence, building a PC can feel even more confusing, particularly for the average user whose knowledge of components is superficial at best. Gone are the days where simple functionality was sufficient – such as browsing, word processing and data processing. The average modern computer needs to provide more flexibility by working across the media spectrum. Browsing, music, Skype, videos and games are all a must.

Computer Part Selection Guideclick to enlargeIn truth, building a computer is no more difficult than a form-fitter or shape-puzzle game for toddlers, and once familiarity with acronyms, parts and brands is acquired, it can ultimately result in a fun and rewarding experience.

PC builds are essentially divided into two types: the flexible build and the specific one. A flexible PC will ideally provide stable all-round performance, without emphasis on one aspect. It may have on-board graphics, a mainstream sound-card, standard I/O functions (keyboard, printer) and internet browsing. A good example is a family PC. A specific build will perhaps be focused for video/audio editing, web development or gaming - essential components will be carefully picked, while others omitted.

//This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});

This computer parts selection guide should provide all the information needed for those who are less experienced, thus instilling confidence when attempting that elusive first-time build. It is helpful to have at least some knowledge of how components work and integrate in the standard ATX configuration. The following articles should provide insight on component function without being too overwhelming.

Understanding the Role of the Central Processing Unit Inside Your Computer's Power Supply Understanding Your Graphics Processing Unit: A Bite-sized Article The Motherboard's Function Understanding Random Access Memory The Nervous System: Choosing Your Motherboard

Circuit Boardclick to enlargeIf an analogy between a PC and the human body is drawn, the motherboard can be compared to one’s nervous system. It provides slots for all other components and ensures communication between each one and the CPU.

The commonly used ATX form factor makes it easy to fit or replace components. When choosing a motherboard it is particularly important to pay attention to the socket type, which indicates what CPU models will fit and will allow for future upgrades. Popular modern sockets include the LGA775, AM2, AM3, LGA1156 and LGA1366, the last two supporting the i5/i7 series of chips.

Other important aspects are the types of RAM supported and the type of slots it features. It is preferable to buy motherboards which support DD3 even at slower data rates (800, 1066 MT/s). In the case of a gaming/media system or a more powerful computer, it is advised to buy a motherboard which supports higher DD3 rates (1866, 2200 MT/s) and at least PCI-E 2.0.

Best Motherboard Brands Top 10 Motherboard Rankings Best Mobo Supporting the i7 Architecture Best P67 Mobos The Heart: Choosing Your PSU

Though one can save up on components like the CPU or Graphics Card, perhaps by way of a second-hand purchase, compromising on the power supply unit (PSU) means sure disaster. A generic PSU may seem acceptable for a low-consumption PC, but it is safer to buy a PSU which is energy efficient and has a double 12v rail. Any power supply unit will eventually age and wear down, and with capacitor-aging a generic PSU can actually be hazardous and literally explode. The latter will also happen with an overloaded 12v rail.

Brands for PSU’s are varied, and the articles below should help in making that choice. Popular brands are Antec, Earthwatts or Corsair, but there are others which are equally respected. Two important factors when choosing your PSU are your processor and your GPU’s power consumption. While considering those two you may always want to use a power supply calculator.

Choosing the Right Power Supply From Antec to Corsair: Top 5 ATX PSU’s Five Great PSU’s By Various Manufacturers Best PSU’s for Gaming Rigs Energy Efficient PSU Models The Brain: Choosing Your CPU

Choosing Your CPUclick to enlargeThe CPU (central processing unit) is the most important component once the system is up and running, and choosing one nowadays is not simply a matter of “higher clock-speed means better.” Older processors were single-core only, and the higher the clock speed the better the CPU. With the release of dual-core and quad-core processors, complex features are added to the processor architecture that outline the importance of what is achieved per clock-cycle rather than just clock speeds themselves.

Similarly to graphic cards, there are only two brand names which matter: Intel and AMD. With the release of the 980X hexacore processor and new Sandy Bridge architecture, Intel has the edge once again. If a high-end system is preferred, strongly consider an Intel i7 2600K processor or i7 9xx line. There are all varieties of CPU’s, from low-range budget processors to the top of the line.

Top Five Budget Processors Top Five Mid-Range Processors Top Three High-End Processors Choosing a CPU for Image Processing Tasks Choosing the Best Processor for Video Editing Add-Ons: Choosing Your GPU and Soundcard

These two components are not necessarily required. With Motherboards that have on-board graphics, all the computer needs to function is the components listed above. Moreover, modern processors like the i7 2600K come with some graphic capabilities. Some motherboards do not come with on-board graphics and adding a video/sound card is necessary.

The Video Card market is dominated by two brands: ATI and NVIDIA. Your choice is entirely dependent on preference, as both offer budget to high-performance units. The latest Nvidia models are the GTX 5xx series while ATI offers the HD 6xxx series of cards.

Sound card brands are a little more varied. Creative, Asus, Audiotrack and M-Audio all offer good quality units. When choosing an audio card it is important to bear in mind whether it will be solely for gaming/music listening or audio production. For the latter, the M-Audio brands are entirely recommended, while the Creative X-Fi Titanium series ensures a great audio experience.

Video Cards

How to Choose a Graphics Card Three of the Best AGP Performers Top Five Budget GPU’s Top 5 Mid-Range Video Cards Best GPU’s for the i7 Architecture

Sound Cards

Top Five Budget Sound Cards Five Mid-Range Sound Cards

ReferencesImage - MaximumPC.comStock Images - 123rf.com Next Article ? We Also Recommend... Top 10 Motherboards for Core i7 Gaming Build a Budget PC to Beat the Recession for $250 Reviewing vReveal Video Enhancement Software - Turn Your PC Into a Crime Lab Computer? Monster Rigs: Guide To Building a High-End PC High End Gaming PC Guide: $5000 Dollars Of Gaming Glory//Change the values below for each configuratorvar page_pc_configName = "Laptop";var clickURL = "http://www.brighthub.com/content/laptopconfig.aspx";var showLog = true; //Define adCreative Below, if adding new creative be sure to use a new name for reporting purposesvar productConfig = {"adCreative": [{"name": "A","displayType": "slideDown","divContainer": "slider"},{"name": "B","displayType": "slideUp","divContainer": "slider"}]}.slider {background-color: #4789b3;border-bottom:2px solid #004337;display: none;position:fixed;left: 0;width: 100%;height: 139px;z-index: 100001;}.banner {background: url("http://www2.brighthub.com/configurators/laptop/laptop_adcreative_banner.jpg") repeat-x scroll left top;display: block;height: 100%;overflow: hidden;width: 980px;margin:8px auto; position:relative;}.click {float:left;width:650px;height:120px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;}.click2 {font-family:arial;color:#fff;font-size:12px;float:right;width:200px;height:20px;bottom:0px;cursor: pointer; cursor: hand;margin-top:100px;margin-right:120px;}Not interested? Hide this message

Best Laptops

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Mix & Match: Choosing Parts for Your Next PC Build

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
class="articleContents">

A comprehensive guide to PC parts and components to help both the budding PC builder and soon-to-be enthusiast.

Buying a pre-assembled PC can seem complicated enough nowadays, with technology advancing faster than one can cope. Hence, building a PC can feel even more confusing, particularly for the average user whose knowledge of components is superficial at best. Gone are the days where simple functionality was sufficient – such as browsing, word processing and data processing. The average modern computer needs to provide more flexibility by working across the media spectrum. Browsing, music, Skype, videos and games are all a must.

Computer Part Selection Guideclick to enlargeIn truth, building a computer is no more difficult than a form-fitter or shape-puzzle game for toddlers, and once familiarity with acronyms, parts and brands is acquired, it can ultimately result in a fun and rewarding experience.

PC builds are essentially divided into two types: the flexible build and the specific one. A flexible PC will ideally provide stable all-round performance, without emphasis on one aspect. It may have on-board graphics, a mainstream sound-card, standard I/O functions (keyboard, printer) and internet browsing. A good example is a family PC. A specific build will perhaps be focused for video/audio editing, web development or gaming - essential components will be carefully picked, while others omitted.

//This is for the ATF unitTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':15,'titleDecoration':'Underline','titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':5,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','adsbyColor':'333333','adstyle':'twolineurltop','adsbyposition':'bottomright','width':640,'ad_width':500,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':1,'row_margin':16,'channel_id':'0736364053'});

This computer parts selection guide should provide all the information needed for those who are less experienced, thus instilling confidence when attempting that elusive first-time build. It is helpful to have at least some knowledge of how components work and integrate in the standard ATX configuration. The following articles should provide insight on component function without being too overwhelming.

Understanding the Role of the Central Processing Unit Inside Your Computer's Power Supply Understanding Your Graphics Processing Unit: A Bite-sized Article The Motherboard's Function Understanding Random Access Memory The Nervous System: Choosing Your Motherboard

Circuit Boardclick to enlargeIf an analogy between a PC and the human body is drawn, the motherboard can be compared to one’s nervous system. It provides slots for all other components and ensures communication between each one and the CPU.

The commonly used ATX form factor makes it easy to fit or replace components. When choosing a motherboard it is particularly important to pay attention to the socket type, which indicates what CPU models will fit and will allow for future upgrades. Popular modern sockets include the LGA775, AM2, AM3, LGA1156 and LGA1366, the last two supporting the i5/i7 series of chips.

Other important aspects are the types of RAM supported and the type of slots it features. It is preferable to buy motherboards which support DD3 even at slower data rates (800, 1066 MT/s). In the case of a gaming/media system or a more powerful computer, it is advised to buy a motherboard which supports higher DD3 rates (1866, 2200 MT/s) and at least PCI-E 2.0.

Best Motherboard Brands Top 10 Motherboard Rankings Best Mobo Supporting the i7 Architecture Best P67 Mobos The Heart: Choosing Your PSU

Though one can save up on components like the CPU or Graphics Card, perhaps by way of a second-hand purchase, compromising on the power supply unit (PSU) means sure disaster. A generic PSU may seem acceptable for a low-consumption PC, but it is safer to buy a PSU which is energy efficient and has a double 12v rail. Any power supply unit will eventually age and wear down, and with capacitor-aging a generic PSU can actually be hazardous and literally explode. The latter will also happen with an overloaded 12v rail.

Brands for PSU’s are varied, and the articles below should help in making that choice. Popular brands are Antec, Earthwatts or Corsair, but there are others which are equally respected. Two important factors when choosing your PSU are your processor and your GPU’s power consumption. While considering those two you may always want to use a power supply calculator.

Choosing the Right Power Supply From Antec to Corsair: Top 5 ATX PSU’s Five Great PSU’s By Various Manufacturers Best PSU’s for Gaming Rigs Energy Efficient PSU Models The Brain: Choosing Your CPU

Choosing Your CPUclick to enlargeThe CPU (central processing unit) is the most important component once the system is up and running, and choosing one nowadays is not simply a matter of “higher clock-speed means better.” Older processors were single-core only, and the higher the clock speed the better the CPU. With the release of dual-core and quad-core processors, complex features are added to the processor architecture that outline the importance of what is achieved per clock-cycle rather than just clock speeds themselves.

Similarly to graphic cards, there are only two brand names which matter: Intel and AMD. With the release of the 980X hexacore processor and new Sandy Bridge architecture, Intel has the edge once again. If a high-end system is preferred, strongly consider an Intel i7 2600K processor or i7 9xx line. There are all varieties of CPU’s, from low-range budget processors to the top of the line.

Top Five Budget Processors Top Five Mid-Range Processors Top Three High-End Processors Choosing a CPU for Image Processing Tasks Choosing the Best Processor for Video Editing Add-Ons: Choosing Your GPU and Soundcard

These two components are not necessarily required. With Motherboards that have on-board graphics, all the computer needs to function is the components listed above. Moreover, modern processors like the i7 2600K come with some graphic capabilities. Some motherboards do not come with on-board graphics and adding a video/sound card is necessary.

The Video Card market is dominated by two brands: ATI and NVIDIA. Your choice is entirely dependent on preference, as both offer budget to high-performance units. The latest Nvidia models are the GTX 5xx series while ATI offers the HD 6xxx series of cards.

Sound card brands are a little more varied. Creative, Asus, Audiotrack and M-Audio all offer good quality units. When choosing an audio card it is important to bear in mind whether it will be solely for gaming/music listening or audio production. For the latter, the M-Audio brands are entirely recommended, while the Creative X-Fi Titanium series ensures a great audio experience.

Video Cards

How to Choose a Graphics Card Three of the Best AGP Performers Top Five Budget GPU’s Top 5 Mid-Range Video Cards Best GPU’s for the i7 Architecture

Sound Cards

Top Five Budget Sound Cards Five Mid-Range Sound Cards

ReferencesImage - MaximumPC.comStock Images - 123rf.com Next Article ? We Also Recommend... Build a Budget PC to Beat the Recession for $250 Reviewing vReveal Video Enhancement Software - Turn Your PC Into a Crime Lab Computer? High End Gaming PC Guide: $5000 Dollars Of Gaming Glory How to Adjust the Speed of a PC Fan? Motherboard North BridgeTmnAdsense.display(options = {'adFontFamily':'Arial','titleFontSize':14,'titleFontColor':'0153a5','titlePaddingTop':2,'titleMarginBottom':1,'descFontSize':12,'linkPaddingTop':8,'linkFontColor':'666666','linkFontSize':12,'adsbyColor':'333333','adsbyposition':'topleft','width':640,'ad_width':205,'max_ads':3,'adsOnRow':3,'col_margin':10,'channel_id':'0863484718'});

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