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Benefits of a Personal Computer (back to top)

 

In today's world, it is nearly impossible not to be exposed to computer technology. From the most basic task of typing a letter to accessing the wonders of the Internet, computers have pervaded almost all aspects of our lives.

 

Common software applications built into a computer include: a word processor to type and save text documents, a spreadsheet application such as MS Excel to tabulate columnar data and perform calculations, and a presentation application allowing users to create and save presentations which can then be used for business or personal purposes. Image editors like Adobe Photoshop will allow you to edit and alter images to your liking. Movie buffs can even watch movies and videos on the integrated movie player software.

 

And when discussing the advent of the Internet, no doubt personal computers have become the most popular tool for accessing the myriad of information the Internet has to offer. A number of different web browsers can be installed on a personal computer that will enable users at home or in the office to visit most any website. You can also keep in touch with loved ones and friends from anywhere in the world through email and chat applications which provide the cheapest and fastest mode of communication today. Webcams connected to desktop computers even allow one to see the other person while chatting when both are utilizing web-enabled cameras.

 

From the large, complex machines they once were, computers are now compact and easy to use. All the controls of a personal computer are generally very straightforward and user friendly. Optical drives provided in computers enable any data stored on a computer, be it a bunch of documents or a movie, to be stored locally on the computer itself, or even transferred via other media like a CD of DVD.

 

1. How Personal Computers Function (back to top)

 

A personal computer is an ingenious device and works through the systematic and smooth intermeshing of the functionalities of many, many interlinked components. Each part of a computer has a specific role to perform and the failure of even one device can adversely affect the working of the computer and even lead to a 'crashing' of the entire machine. Below, we will familiarize ourselves with these components and each of their contributions in getting this incredible machine to run:

 

• Primary Output Device (back to top)

 

• Monitor: The monitor acts as the primary interface between the user and the machine. The screen of the monitor offers a visible representation of all that is happening 'under the hood' of the computer. Monitors use different display technologies such as: Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), and Plasma. CRT monitors are cheaper than LCD monitors, but are bulkier and heavier. Monitors come in various sizes ranging from 15" upwards. The monitor is called the primary output device as it displays all the data it receives from the CPU and renders it visually.

 

• Primary Input Devices (back to top)

 

• Keyboard: This is the main input device through which the user can feed data into the computer and also type in commands for tasks the computer needs to perform. The most common keyboard is the 104-key keyboard with the normal alphabetic keys arranged like a typewriter (commonly referred to as a 'QWERTY' keyboard) along with additional function keys.

 

• Mouse: The mouse is the other primary input device which has greatly eased the usage of the computer with the advent of the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Mice are of three types: mechanical, optical, and optomechanical. Mechanical mice have a rubber ball whose rolling directions are detected by electronic sensors when the mouse is moved by the user, resulting in the onscreen pointer also moving proportionately. In the case of an optical mouse, the ball is replaced by a laser that detects the movement. The optomechanical mouse uses the principles of both types of mice. A mouse has clickable buttons for onscreen interaction.

 

• Three Types of Cabinets (back to top)

The cabinet is the box in which all the most important parts of the computer reside. Depending on the size and shape of the cabinet, this component is classified into three types:

• MicroTower: This is the most widely used cabinet. It is portable and compact, but at the same time is designed for maximum utilization of space.

 

• Mid Tower: This cabinet offers more space if the user wishes to add more hard drives or media drives.

 

• FullTower: This is the largest cabinet and offers more than enough space for any number of components. However, it can be cumbersome to lug around and is a more expensive option.

 

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): (back to top)

  This is the heart and brain of the computer, also called the processor, which is responsible for the innate functioning of the system. The type and speed of the processor controls the performance of the computer. Processor speed is measured in the Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz). Processors using Integrated Circuit (IC) technology, incorporating miniaturization of transistors and capacitors are called microprocessors.

 

AMD and Intel are the two most popular processor manufacturers, with Intel's processors falling under two categories; Celeron and Pentium. Pentium processors, though more expensive, are faster than Celeron processors. Pentium processors are of the types: Pentium I, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV, Pentium V, and Pentium D. Celeron processors are either Celeron or Celeron D. AMD processors come in three variations: AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, and AMD Sempron. Some computers are imbibed with dual processors that share in the processing power and effectively double the processing speed of a particular computer.

 

• Memory: (back to top)

  The memory, also called Random Access Memory (RAM) is second only to the CPU in determining the performance of the computer. The smooth operation of the operating system as well as all open applications depends on the amount RAM a computer carries. Since every application as well as background processes utilize memory resources, less RAM may result in the computer lagging. Data in the RAM is lost when the power is switched off. RAM classified as one of the following types:

 

• SRAM (Static RAM): This memory facilitates the quick access of data and commands from the CPU. It has six transistors and generally the most expensive.

 

• DRAM (Dynamic RAM): This memory uses a single transistor and offers moderate speed.

 

• RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic RAM): Using a bus speed between 600 MHz and 800 MHz, it offers a single-channel bandwidth of 1. 6 GB/s.

 

• SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): Most commonly used on a majority of computers today, this memory can churn out greater clock speeds.

 

• DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM): Even though the front-side bus frequency is constant, the data transfer rates are doubled.

 

• Graphics Card: (back to top)

  This card controls the display on the monitor. Graphics cards can either be 'onboard', fused into the motherboard or can be installed later into the extra slot provided on the motherboard. The main manufacturers of these cards are ATI and NVIDIA.

 

• Hard Drive: (back to top)

  This forms the main storage for all files saved in the computer from operating system files to created text, image, and movie files. Depending on their interface with the system, hard drives are classified into three categories:

 

• ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment): ATA is also known as an Integrated Device Electronics (IDE) interface. The ATA-3 standard enables 133 Mbps data transfer speeds.

 

• SATA (Serial ATA): While ATA connectivity is parallel, SATA has serial connectivity. SATA drives are smaller an offer data transfer speeds of 150 Mbps.

 

• SCSI (Small Computer System Interface): This is a parallel interface following the Macintosh standard.

 

• Optical Drives: (back to top)

  Optical drives enable copying of data from the hard drive onto CDs or DVDs. Also data from CDs can be read by the drive and displayed on the monitor. If the data in the CD happens to be audio or video data, then the CD drive can double as a CD player. CD drives allow only reading of data from the CD, whereas CD Writer drives allow reading as well as writing of data into the CD.

 

2. Purchasing Criteria (back to top)

 

With the number of computers proliferating the market, buying a computer can be a tedious task, especially for a nascent buyer. In addition to the above information, we have listed a few points we suggest you read before actually going out there and making the purchase:

 

• Processor and RAM: If you intend to use the computer only for basic operations, then a Pentium 4 processor having 2. 4 GHz of speed would be sufficient along with a minimum of 256 to 512 MB of RAM. However, if you are going to use advanced, memory intensive applications, then a faster processor or more RAM would serve you better.
• Graphics Card: If you are a computer gamer or an aficionado of other applications such as 3D animation, then a 3D graphics card with higher memory would be ideal.
• Sound Card: This is the card that is inserted into the slot provided on the motherboard to enable the computer to output digital audio data to speakers. In addition to normal songs saved on your computer, most multimedia applications require a sound card. This is an accessory worth having along with external speakers.
• LAN Card: This card, mostly applicable in an office scenario, enables your desktop computer to be connected to other computers in a Local Area Network (LAN). Data can be shared between any of the computers connected to the network. This card has a port for the LAN cable.
• Ports: Ports, including the Universal Serial Bus (USB), Parallel, SCSI, and FireWire, are useful to connect peripherals, such as printers, scanners, webcams, digital cameras, camcorders, and external hard drives to the computer. If you wish to connect your computer to the television, an S-Video port would be necessary.

 

3. Making the Decision (back to top)

 

Depending on your requirements and preferences with regards to the various features mentioned above, you should compare various personal computers that match those requirements offered by leading brands at a comparison shopping site such as www.smarter.com. When buying a computer, it would be a good idea to firstly decide as to what you wish to use your computer for. This will ensure that you do not overspend on a high end machine when your requirements include basic operations and Internet surfing. Also, if you do not happen to be familiar with computer, it is recommended that you consult with a techno-savvy friend before making a purchase.

 

Another point to keep in mind is the after sales service offered by the company you are purchasing the computer from. A computer, being built up of complicated and delicate electronic parts, servicing by a knowledgeable technician is of paramount importance. Also, there are rare chances of the hard disk of a computer crashing or certain other parts getting burnt out. Therefore, a comprehensive warranty should provide good peace of mind for a new owner.

 

Buying a solid PC requires investment of a reasonable amount of time in researching and evaluating the various contenders. The trick is to strike the perfect balance between price and functionality; and the best way to begin is to find out exactly what your needs are. Hopefully, you now have more information to help make your purchasing decision more informed, now go find a great computer!