A Little Computer Know How

Oct 12
08:19

2011

Richard Nick

Richard Nick

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Choosing a computer can be a confusing task, there are so many options and then so many specifications to consider. You often look at the advertisement to become astounded by the numbers, letters and acronyms and feel you are blindly choosing a PC or Mac by looking for the largest numbers. We have compiled a list of the specs to look out for when purchasing a new laptop or PC.

mediaimage
OSMost computers use the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system .This operating system is created by Microsoft and offers the very well known Windows platform on personal computers. This operating system is an excellent one for multitasking and places all the programmes in Windows. Windows 7 is a return to strength for Microsoft operating systems after a lacklustre foray with the Windows Vista system,A Little Computer Know How Articles which many were disappointed with. When purchasing a new computer try and ensure the device is a Windows 7 OS.RAMRAM or Random Access Memory on a computer is very similar to the short term memory you have and allows your computer to quickly recall whatever you want. This RAM increases the processing speed and ensures you get what you want from the deep depths of your PC at a faster pace dependent on size. When purchasing a computer look for at least 4GB of DDR3 RAM anything less will not be fantastic for the most modern programmes and applications and it is certainly a necessity if you are looking to engage in photo and video editing, or gaming on your PC or laptop – anything less will see your computer slow to a stop within a few years. Hard driveThe hard drive is the place where the data is stored. The larger the hard drive the larger the amount of data and information such as video, picture, music files and MSOffice 2010 files on your PC. It is quite common to see a 1TB hard drive with a PC and around 500GB with a laptop – both of which sizes are suitable for the relevant platform. There is also the option to purchase an external hard drive for a low cost and Microsoft.ie and other suppliers sell these add on pieces of technology. These plug in through your USB and then you can store the information you require externally and save room on your PC. An external hard drive also allows you to easily connect and transfer information between your own and another computer. ProcessorThe processor is the brain of your computer. This is the part that organises where everything goes, how everything is done and so is the most important part of your computer. There are a number of processors out there, though the most modern are ‘i’ –series by Intel. This chips offer you the fastest and most up to date processors at the moment and themselves come in an array of options. There are three - i3, i5 and i7 and these moves up in power depending on the higher number, and obviously also price. When these are coupled with a Windows 7 OS you have a great computer. ChipsAMD make chips and Intel also make other older processors also. If you are purchasing a chip from one of these manufacturers ensure it is at the very least a dual core chip and preferably a quad core or x4 core chip. This will ensure that you have a computer that will be able to process reasonably quickly and prevent you having any problems. Microsoft.ie has a number of computers with these top and mid range chip options available. ScreenObviously you need a screen to see what is happening and as many modern PCs are multimedia devices you will want a good one. TFT screens are okay, they offer an average viewing angle and lower resolution than others. However, if you are looking for something to create a good quality picture then a LCD or LED screen is what you want. Screens come from a range of manufacturers as you will see for Microsoft.ie. Larger screens offer you a larger and clearer view of your MSOffice 2010 programmes and offer people who use a computer regularly a more comfortable screen to view. The choices are varied but a 22inch is usually very suitable for the aforementioned. Purchasing a PC should now be less of a task and more of a pleasure after reading our guide.