For many business owners, computer hardware is something shrouded in mystery. They know they need it, but they aren’t really sure what they’re getting when they buy it.
According to a recent article on alibaba.com, this lack of understanding causes many businesses – especially small to medium enterprises – to buy more than what they need. Overbuying causes more problems than you might think. Fortunately, it is easily avoided by gaining a basic understanding of your computer hardware needs and shopping more wisely.
Understanding How Much Computer Power You Need
One of the biggest dangers in overbuying is, obviously, that you are overspending. Do you need the Intel Core 2 Duo P9600 chip, or can you manage with the P8400? Is 2 GB of RAM enough or do you need 4GB? Can you buy a machine with less installed memory and an expansion slot for future upgrades? Are there other features you can live without for now and add on later?
These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you buy any equipment. Take a long hard look at the specs on a machine, and try to gauge whether you really need them. A huge hard drive on a desktop might seem like a good idea, but if you have a network, do you really need it?
If you are uncertain how to read specs, do some research. There are some excellent guides to buying computer hardware, and also some very good glossaries that explain what all those acronyms mean. Some glossaries can be very technical, but about.com has one that informs without confusing.
Why Buy Hardware That Will Be Obsolete in Two Years?
As the alibaba.com article notes, obsolescence is another pitfall of overbuying. The hardware life cycle is two years or less. In other words, the manufacturer you buy from today will have a fancy new machine available within two years, if not sooner. Some experts even peg the hardware turnover cycle at 9-12 months.
Buying the latest and greatest often means you will lay out a lot of cash for features you don’t really need that may be obsolete within months. Matt Siegel of Little Tree Networks was quoted in the alibaba article as saying that most new small and medium businesses spend two to three times what they need to on hardware and software. He suggests buying off-lease or refurbished PCs to save money.
Indeed, there are vendors out there who work directly with manufacturers and large companies to secure inventories of off-lease and refurbished computer hardware. IBM, Lenovo, and Toshiba are just a few of the companies that have such an arrangement. These “older” machines are a fraction of the price of new ones, and have specs that meet or often exceed the needs of most small businesses.
Resellers also offer components so businesses that buy older equipment can continue to upgrade it and service it, even when parts aren’t available on the “primary” computer market.
When it comes to computer hardware, overbuying is a costly mistake. To avoid falling into the trap of obtaining too much computing power, do your research, understand your needs and shop smartly on the used computer market
Watch the video related to computer hardware
To install a new hard drive on a PC, or personal computer, plug in the motherboard, take the same plug and put it into the hard drive, find the power cone and hook up a cable to it, and find a spot in the computer to place the hard drive. Screw in a new computer hard drive with help from a computer specialist in this free video on computer hardware.
Help answer the question about computer hardware
What's the difference from a Computer hardware engineer and a computer software engineer?What's the difference from a Computer hardware engineer and a computer software engineer?
or are they both the same careers? if not…then what's the diffference? and which would be the easier job and have better pay?
This computer will handle WOW without a problem. Games dont take that much space, unless its a newer one. WOW shouldnt take more than 3 GB as it is online based. Anyway, 320 GB can hold A LOT of music. well over 15000 songs. This computer is a good deal. As for the whole javascript thing, idk. I would think that most newer laptops, especially one with vista, would be able to take on javascript. Definitely a good deal, so go get it.
Wireless connection ( my setup at home)
1. Wii console
2. Wireless router
That's all! Just turn on your wii console and go to the settings menu, click on Internet and scan for your wireless network and put in the password if needed. No matter what connection type, you can do anything.
Wired Connection.
1. Wii console
2. USB to LAN converter (sold separately)
3. Ethernet Cables
4.Router
Plug the USB to LAN coverter into one of the Wii's USB ports. Plug the ethernet cable from the router, into the Lan converter. That's it.
I would personnally just use a wireless connection, makes it soo much easier.
Learning about PC is freaking cool! 100 times better than the f*cking school
If we get interested about something, we learn it fast!
well im 16 im currently in a local summer class about pc and stuff :> yay! me
now were all about reformatting
awsome man..cant wait to see the rest of the lessons!!
thank you
Looking for a desktop… I would recommend getting a PC, this may not be an answer to your exact question but I think it pertains to you.. You can get a lot more hardware for less with a PC.. http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/xpsdt_gaming?c=us&cs=19&l=en&ref=dthp&s=dhs
An answer to your question.. the more ram the better.. a film will eat through all the ram you have especially the higher quality you do, eventually hard drive will be used for ram when your ram runs out on any machine… Another thing you may be interested in is dual booting with Ubuntu Studio http://ubuntustudio.org/ which is free
PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support
Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..
Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn't as secure as you think..
Don't believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.
A number of PCs can also run OS X (Mac OS) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+on+pc&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&oq=os+x+on+ as well just that Apple makes it illegal in order to get Market share.. The reason why Mac can run native Windows is because it is using a subset of PC hardware,
If you decide to buy a Mac for running Windows, you will still have to get the same virus/spyware protection, and run into the same issues as a regular PC.
Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?
I say: NO… for the following reasons…
ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :
Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.
1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don't have a legitimate copy of Windows.
2) Supports devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).
3) More business software/games
4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.
5) Used by businesses.
ADVANTAGES LINUX :
1) FREE (most versions are)
2) Install software by eitjher 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)
2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)
3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE
4) It is FASTERr/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet
5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)
Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm
SECURITY
Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008 . Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux.
Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.
Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml
VIRUSES
Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".
http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/
QUALITY/PROBLEMS
Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.
Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/
http://www.appledefects.com/
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html
Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.
With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.
IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.
PRICE
A similar equipped PC is much cheaper to purchase than Mac. Lets use Dell (but you can compare with another PC Brand if you like)
**(LAPTOP)
Dell Inspiron Laptop $849 dropped to $799
15" Screen
CPU: (upgrade to) 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Memory: 3GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 320GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM) – WRITES DVDS,CDS, READS Blue-Ray Disks
Macbook $1349 just dropped to $1224
13" Screen (SMALLER)
CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (SAME)
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (SAME)
Memory: (upgrade to) 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (LESS RAM)
Hard Drive (upgrade to) 250GBSerial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm (SMALLER HARD DRIVE)
Optical Drive: (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) – (Writes CDs, DVDs, cannot read Blue-Ray) (WORSE AND 1/2 SPEED)
http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~857204&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Duo&a=55103~0~857204
http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB402LL/B?mco=MTkzOTI0Nw
**(DESKTOP)
PLEASE NOTE: I compare Apple Mac's vs Dells best deal. If you really want an all-in one the Dell all-in-one has more ram, wireless keyboard and mouse and equivalent to $400 for free making the Imac still more expensive when you matching specs. Personally I don't think the All-in-Ones are a good choice, and consider them overpriced, lack expandability and repairs both more expensive and require the entire computer.
PS: Apple knows that they need to make Macintosh look different than PC so all Macs except the Mac Pro will not have a tower option. Apple's low end lacks expandability but it makes the Mac "look different", if Mac had a tower for low-end, more people would realize the similarities between the two.
Dell: (At The Moment) Specs Below costs $809
CPU: 2.4 GHZ Dell Inspiron QUAD (4 Processor) CORE
SCREEN: 20inch Screen
MEMORY: 3GB Ram
HARD DRIVE: 500 GB hard Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE: 16x DVD/CD Read/Writer
GRAPHICS: (upgrade to ) ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB
The Mac Mini since it has no monitor, keyboard, mouse, very skimpy on options and setup and is not the best deal… The IMac is better price than the Mac Mini.
IMac ($1400)
CPU: 2.4 GHZ DUAL (2 Processor) CORE (SLOWER CPU)
SCREEN: 20inch Screen
MEMORY: (upgrade to) 2GB Ram (LESS RAM)
HARD DRIVE: (upgrade to ) 500 GB hard Drive
OPTICAL DRIVE: 8x DVD Reader/Writer (1/2 speed)
GRAPHICS: ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO 128MB
http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/desktops?c=us&cs=19&dt=SmallGrid&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=55103~0~861680&navidc=Processor&navValc=Intel%20Core%202%20Extreme&a=55103~0~861680,55103~0~861681,55103~0~857204&page=1
http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MB323LL/A?mco=NzMyNjMy
Equivalents to ILife
http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html
http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518
LINUX INFO:
http://distrowatch.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.desktoplinux.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
Nice Vid,
Thanks Man!
Hey tamethebea Win 7 is just like vista. It is vista but better faster and looks a little bit different not much but little.. You mean 8 gb to install?
it requires 16 GB on 32 bit computers and 20 GB on 64 bit computers.
Thank you
4gb will do just fine
ddr3 is recomended…
It’s now how it works, it doesn’t just double everytime..
Hello,
Building a computer from scratch does cost more money but you know what your putting into it and you can therefore purchase better components. It would be fair to say that buying a cheap and nasty main board would be a bad idea. Trough the years dealing with the public in reltion to computer sales yes the following could be taken into consideration. On the motherboard side of things I suppose an PCI express capable version of a mother board would be a good option. with Processors from AMD beign cheaper and better for games than intel I would lean towards AMD. However if its raw power number crunching then Intel. But when it comes to overall cpuVpriceVpreformance then AMD. (More Bang For Your Euro!!<Everyone else used a similar line!!) As for motherboard manfactures try ECS Elitegroup/PC-Chips there the same company or Foxconn/ASUS again the same company, One of the most popular motherboard I have ever sold and there still as fast as hell are the A-Bit Range. Graphics cards come in many shapes and forms. I would reccomend at least 512MB On board as for what chipset?? well I am a fan of the ATI/AMD Range of graphics cards however the Nvidia range are good to, I would rate this a personal preference but again I personaly only use and bought when they where new to market the Radeon 8500/9700pro/9800pro and X1600Pro. However these would be slow for a new build So try an X1800 at the least in PCI express Format. As for the operating system and DX10 Compatibility well how much money do you want to spend? Just make sure the computer can be upgraded to a better video card later when Windows Vista Selttles and DX10 is standard rather than new (for example when the 8500 was released it was DX8.1/Then the 9700 series top of the range it was DX9a and so on, you pay for the latest tech.) as you allways pay more for something new to market. As for Dual core single core yea make sure its 64-Bit and Dual would be nice to have but only operating systems such as Windows XP Professional 64-Bit currently fully support them with Windows Vista Also supporting them on release later this month. Power supplys with 3 Fans are great try Q-tec very good value and very low noise, only choose a 500W or more withe the newer 28 power pin connector!. I hope this is of use to you, I am baised here in Ireland Near the HQ of Microsoft Europe and of course the Huge Intel CPU Factory.
im new to computer’s, it’s so complicated.
thank you petarr
If you're looking to upgrade the system for serious gaming, you need to think about upgrading your memory to the highest possible (I think XP can handle up to 4GB of RAM) and switching to a multi-core CPU, as well as possibly upgrading your video card. Generally if you upgrade to a more powerful CPU, that means it will generate more heat and thus impel the necessity of better cooling. And after you upgrade the video card to the most stable and affordable (not latest–you don't want to be the guinea pig who finds all the bugs in the latest) that means your stock case fan is out the window. Good luck!
If you bought a laptop, then there isn't much you can do. If you bought a desktop get a Nividia Gforce with 256 dedicated memory. I play Age Of Empires 3 and it works great!!
Penitum-IIs use old SDRAM memory, and the CPUs are SECC cartridges (requires a motherboard with a Slot-1 connector for CPUs). Their power supplies are also the old ATX 1.0 standard (no P4 CPU power connector). The graphics cards for P2s are usually AGP 1x or 2x.
Pentium-4s use DDR memory, and the CPU uses a Socket 423, 478 or LGA775 (requires a motherboard with the appropriate socket). It requires a power supply with the P4 ATX12V 4-pin CPU power connector. The LGA775 boards usually have a PCIExpress 16x slot for graphics cards.
So you are looking to replace the CPU, the motherboard, the memory, and the power supply, and most likely the video card too. Essentially, you will be building a whole new machine.
I wouldn't bother tearing apart that old P-II. Just build the new machine separately in a new case.
Get a computer with a dual or quad core processor. It needs to be at least 2 GHz, but if it is in your budget, go up to 2.4 or 2.6. Choose Intel, but AMD is fine if you want to save some money. Get a DVD burner and a good graphics card. Go for ATI or NVIDIA, either are good. Go for at least 512 MB onboard memory. Your ram should be 3-4 GB. You can make a video with movie maker, so you don't need to buy any software. If you want a more professional editing environment, I use Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, and it works pretty well (~$120). You could buy Dell, HP or other major brands. Enjoy your new machine.