| Have you ever been in a conversation that involved | | | | computer's "physical address". This hardware is |
| terms like CPU, motherboard, or PC component? We | | | | where most of the components are. Another |
| would like to hazard a guess the conversation was | | | | important part of your computer is the memory, or |
| probably about building your own computer. You | | | | RAM (Random Access Memory). This part |
| may have felt a bit overwhelmed with the terminology, | | | | determines the speed of your computer, and how fast |
| especially for those of you who simply want to turn | | | | you can run multiple applications at the same time. |
| the computer on and just have it work- knowing how | | | | Depending on what you are going to be using your |
| and why it works may mean very little to you. Lack | | | | computer for, Geeks On Site recommends you have |
| of knowledge in some areas, especially technical | | | | 4GB of memory in your computer. Finally, two of the |
| areas, does not mean you should feel dumb. We | | | | most well known components are the keyboard and |
| have all been there at some point. Nevertheless, | | | | mouse. You can find these components in different |
| some fundamental knowledge is useful. | | | | variations, wireless or classic, and you won't pay a |
| When looking to purchase a computer you would | | | | fortune for it. |
| benefit by asking what is it that you need? Are you | | | | Now, let's visit components that are not so visible, and |
| going to use your computer mainly for graphic design? | | | | therefore perhaps not as well-known to the novice |
| Or the maintenance of a customer database for the | | | | computer user. One of the most essential |
| small business you have always wanted to own? | | | | components is the motherboard, which lives inside the |
| Maybe you are interested in gaming. Most likely, | | | | computer case. It is also one of the biggest |
| you will be using it for all these things and more- or | | | | components; and has the function of tying all the |
| perhaps you will not be the only user. So, we have | | | | separate components together. We will talk more |
| created a quick guide (remember Cliff Notes?) for the | | | | about the motherboard later, in part two of this |
| basic computer user, or for those of you looking into | | | | series. That being said, for now we will simply |
| getting one. | | | | mention what you need to look for when buying this |
| Let us begin with the computer components, which, | | | | component. Since it is an integral part of your |
| we are pretty sure, you all more or less know: the | | | | computer, you need to look at some factors such as |
| monitor, hard drives and CD-ROM drives, the computer | | | | the supported CPU and RAM, bus speed, and built-in |
| case, RAM (memory), USB reader, keyboard and | | | | sound/video/LAN. We have broken down each |
| mouse. Some of the components less known are: the | | | | item and will explain what it is and how it works. |
| motherboard, the CPU, and the video card. We will go | | | | - The CPU (or more commonly known as the |
| over some optional computer components, such as | | | | processor) is one part of your computer's brain, and as |
| the sound card, the LAN card, and the CD and DVD | | | | such, you really need to know which one to choose. |
| writer later. | | | | Most people end up with an Intel (Pentium), or AMD |
| The monitor is probably the most expensive | | | | (Athlon); there is a lot more we can say about |
| component. These days you can get a 17 or 19-inch | | | | processors, and we will go into more detail in the next |
| LCD monitor, although you can still find the old CRT | | | | installment of this series, but in a nutshell your CPU |
| (the TV screen-like) monitors, which are much cheaper | | | | allows you to operate software. |
| than the LCDs, but can take up a lot more desk space. | | | | - Sound, video and LAN cards are usually included in |
| The hard drive is very important, so you might want | | | | your computer's motherboard. The sound card's |
| to buy one of the better known brands such as | | | | importance depends on whether or not you will be |
| Western Digital, Seagate, or Maxtor. Based on our | | | | running multimedia applications. However, if you use |
| experience, the companies that produce more popular | | | | your computer mostly to work, you may not care as |
| brands sometimes have better customer service | | | | much as say a gamer might. The video card IS |
| procedures in place, should you find yourself having | | | | important to everyone, so, if it is not already in the |
| problems with the product. Since software packages | | | | motherboard, Geeks On Site suggests you add it since |
| usually come in CD format, it is desirable for you to | | | | the video card displays images on your monitor, and |
| have a CD reader since floppy disks are long gone. | | | | who knows, and you may want to take a little break |
| Furthermore, your CD drive needs to be at least 24X | | | | from work and add 3D graphics to your family photos |
| speed, otherwise it might get very slow. Anything less | | | | or play some cool online games. |
| is not recommendable, as this will probably result in | | | | We hope this article has enlightened you. Our goal |
| hitting your computer and honoring it with different | | | | was to give our readers a quick lesson in computer |
| insults while you wait, which is what some Geeks On | | | | parts and jargon, so when you are in the store, trying |
| Site customers claim to have done. You probably will | | | | to buy one, or in the repair shop, trying to get the |
| want to get a CD or DVD writer also, as it has | | | | computer you have fixed, you will feel more |
| become practically a must have feature nowadays! | | | | comfortable. |
| The computer case is, in simple words, your | | | | |