And General Terminology
Understanding yours or purchasing a new one.
Note these are only guide lines for today's modern computer user. You may of course choose to increase or decrease various options. Not long ago you would purchase a new computer, it's abilities based upon what you planned to use it for. Then in today's world, if you did not plan ahead according to modern and developing technology, you could easily make a disappointing purchase. Note that now due to technology and competitive pricing it is very easy not to make a disappointing purchase. Currently most computers that would be commonly known as "low end", in most cases will please the average computer user. They come with ample RAM, clock speed and harddrive size. Most even come with a C D burner. What cost 2/3 thousand dollars only a few years ago now costs 4/800 dollars. The main thing to watch for is a reputable company or small business computer builder. Make sure that all related software is included for future needs.
If you are starting new and have not yet purchased your computer you have an advantage, you have the beginning option of styles, computer cases and all internal and external components. Different styles and equipment for different people and optional uses, etc. Click on the "people" icon and learn more about computer cases and some information you should know about what is inside.
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Next a brief explanation of some basic terminology to help in understanding the various computer components and their relationship.
After you feel comfortable with your newly acquired computer knowledge, or if you are already sufficiently knowledgeable, check out practically all available computer options, made available by the Gateway 2000 Computer Company. The smallest desktop to the largest tower, lap tops, and most hardware. Without obligation, you may virtually build and price out your personal computer system, options as you select. This link is provided by Computer Ease not so much to promote Gateway as to make available to you
a current line of modern computers and associated hardware. As for prices, Gateway is aggressively competitive. Before you decide to buy, you still can shop others, such as Dell, (Gateway and Dell are probably the industry leaders) IBM, Compaq, and local computer retailers. You can click a button that will prompt Gateway to call you, but if you don't, no one will even know you are there.
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Thus the importance of the computer "path". Click Here for more path information.
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Bit, short for binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine. The
term was first used in 1946 by John Tukey. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. One byte consists of 8 bits
Byte, one character KiloByte, one thousand bytes MegaByte, one million bytes GigaByte, one billion bytes TeraByte, one trillion bytes, or 1000 gigabytes. KiloByte, MegaByte, GigaByte, and TeraByte being thousand, million, billion, and trillion, are rounded numbers used by most of the computer world. However, keep in mind that computers use the binary system (not the decimal system) to work with data. Therefore, a KiloByte really refers to 2 to the power of 10 bytes, which is 1,024 bytes. (Remember, 2 to the power of 10 is the same as 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 1024.) Thus if you care to be mathematically correct, binary speaking, a KiloByte (thousand ) is 1024 bytes - MegaByte (Million) is 1,048,576 bytes - GigaByte (Billion) is a 1,073,741,824 bytes - TeraByte (Trillion) is 1,099,511,627,776 bytes. Although the sizing system and terminology is the same for computer memory and storage space such as harddrives . . . the similarity ends there. Computer memory is just that, "memory" ,RAM (Random Access Memory. When the computer is turned off, the computer memory is nonexistent. Media storage such as harddrives, floppy diskettes, C D-ROM disks, zip disks etc., although also sized in bits and bytes is simply storage space such as square footage, acreage, any space etc. It is not "memory". Whether the computer is on or off has no effect on the storage space. When a hardrive is "filled up", it can have items deleted which regains the space formerly occupied by any deleted files (after they are deleted from the "Recycle Bin") Most storage media such as harddrives and floppy diskettes can be "Formatted" which clears all data to a "factory fresh" empty state.
Return Floppies can also be formatted from the prompt line, even in Windows XP, just type and enter "format a:" without the quotes and follow the on screen directions. Your main storage media, the harddrive can also be formatted. Use any Windows "boot disk" and when booted to the A: prompt, type in format c: . . . and follow directions on the screen. Note this will also destroy all data on C drive including Windows. Formatting the harddrive should only be used for a planned re-installation of Windows and all desired programs. Installing Windows and/or Windows Multi Version Operating Systems Installing Modern Windows and MS-DOS Multi Boot Systems Another useful command for managing your computer, FDISK, it works on all computer operating systems including MS-DOS and all Windows except for Windows XP. It is for "partitioning" harddrives, which also destroys all data on the harddrive and requires formatting each new partition. But especially considering todays large harddrives it offers the ultimate in computer management. Partitioned drives are virtually the same as separate physical harddrives. Even the cheapest good computer will probably come with a minimum 20Gb harddrive. Partition this into 2 partitions, C and D drive ( the C D-ROM will become E drive) each 10Gb. Now you can install Windows on C drive and store all your valuable data on D drive. Backing up is now simple, just back up D drive, you can always simply reinstall Windows and all programs that should also be on C drive in the event of a crash on C drive that will likely not effect D drive. Although in the unlikely case of losing the entire drive from an electrical or mechanical failure you will have your data backup from D drive. Partitions also offer other benefits. A large harddrive, devided into partitions makes any individual partition operation much faster. The time required for all operations such as "Scandisk", Defrag, Backup etc. is determined by drive size and the amount of data contained. Example, if a single 60Gb partition requires 3 hours for an operation, devided into 3 partitions will reduce the time required for each drive to approximately 1 hour. You will find in this case only the boot drive, probably C drive often is the only drive requiring frequent Scandisk and Defrag operations. A harddrive with at least two partitions is also the way to have a multi operating system computer. First install Windows 95 or 98 or Me on C drive. Then install Windows NT or XP on D drive. You will automatically have a boot menu offering to boot to either Windows system. You can make either one the default, and set the timer for the time the menu appears on your screen. There are software programs available that will partition harddrives with out losing data. The most popular is "Partition Magic", available from PowerQuest. But keep in mind that Partition Magic has a learning curve like all software, and more importantly once your harddrive is successfully partitioned the way you want it you have no further need for such software. FDISK has been around since the earliest days of the IBM compatible computer, it is an MS-DOS command available free on a properly setup boot disk, which is easily made on any Windows 98 or Me computer. Windows 95 will also create a simple boot disk. But the boot disk created with Windows 98 or Me will also give you access to your C D-ROM, automatically from the boot mode (MS-DOS) Simply boot with the boot disk in drive A following the menu offered and when booted to the A prompt, type and enter "fdisk" with out the quotes and follow the Fdisk Menu. When finished reboot again using the same boot disk. Be sure and choose "Boot with C D-ROM Support" from the on screen menu.This time type and enter "format c:" without the quotes. Repeat for drive D and any additional partitions. The Format command will also provide on screen directions. All formats finish with a prompt to write a label. The lable performs no function, it is only a title. The idea is to identify for the user with a label naming possible drive or partition use such as "Data", "Pictures", or any name you prefer. You then can read the label in Windows Explorer. The only practical reason to have labels is if you have enough drives or partitions to make it difficult to remember what you use each drive for. To have no label simply press the enter key. When finished formatting you are ready to Install Windows, place the appropriate disk in your C D-ROM. Type and enter the appropriate letter for the C D-ROM (the on screen information from the boot disk will show you the C D-ROM drive letter). If you created two partitions they will be C and D drive, the boot disk will have created a virtual ramdrive in memory and it will be E drive. Thus your C D-ROM drive will temporarily be F drive. If this is the case type and enter "F:", F colon without the quotes. You are now ready to type and enter "setup" without the quotes. If all is done correctly, the Windows installation will begin. Just follow the prompts. If you are installing only one Windows operating system place it on C drive. If you are installing two operating systems, the second system preferably will be Windows NT/2000 or Windows XP and must be installed LAST on any partition except C drive. Thus first you would install Windows 95/98 or Me on C drive. Note that if you had need for genuine MS-DOS version 6.22), to efficiently run older games and software, it could be installed first on C drive. You then could install any Windows system on any additional partition. In this case you must personally design a multi choice MS-DOS boot menu if the second system is Windows 95, 98 or Me. But if Windows NT/2000 or Windows XP is your second system a multi boot system menu will be automatically created by Windows NT/2000/XP. A special note for Windows NT/2000 or Windows XP. The FDISK command is not included with these Windows Systems and must be accessed from an appropriate Windows 98 or Me boot disk. After partitioning you would format all partitions as earlier explained except any you on which you will install Windows NT/2000 or Windows XP. These Windows systems will offer formatting in the installation process. And the Windows XP installation should be booted directly from the C D-ROM drive containing the Windows XP disk. The formatting for these Windows systems will offer a file system choice, FAT 32 or NTFS (NT Filing System). The NTFS system will work only for these Windows System, preventing access to Windows 95/98/Me. Thus if you are preparing a multi operating system computer it is usually better to choose the FAT 32 system and allow access from all Windows systems.
Standard computer hardware and relative information Listed in priority of importance
In 1990 a 16 MHz 80386 computer was in common use.
Not long ago this was the memory recommendation . . . Random Access Memory, several types, such as Syncronous DRAM, or faster EDO DRAM, no computer can excel with less than 32 Megabytes. Many top line computers come with 128 Mb standard.
Technically inclined . . .
This is a very good example of what to watch for when making any comparable analysis of computer equipment. The Macintosh IEEE-1394 Firewire ad is comparing it'self to the older USB with out stating the USB version, making the comparison of it's speed of 400 Mbps to the USB speed of only 12 Mbps, so slow there is no comparison. When in reality an equal comparison with USB version 2.0 at 480Mbps and the IEEE-1394 at 400 Mbps shows the Macintosh model is actually slower. This is further identified with the USB version 2.0 description below, also excerpted from the Buslink.com web site. USB 2.0 offers 480Mbps of bandwidth, which are 40 times more bandwidth over USB 1.1 of 12Mbps for Full Speed devices or 1.5Mbps for Low Speed devices. Unlike in USB 1.1 and other buses, low and full speed devices will run at high speed rate of USB 2.0. This allows other devices on the bus to share the bus. And very interestingly, the Firewire 1394 is now also commonly available on the typical PC. The point . . . it pays to read the smallest details, brand names, models and versions really do make a difference.
Gary Field makes this comparison: SCSI is like a palace, with an architecture that was well thought out from the beginning and built upon over a period of time to make it even greater than originally envisioned. IDE/ATA is like a log cabin, with a dirt floor, built from whatever was found lying around in late fall just before the snow came. It can't be expanded because it has no foundation and would collapse under its own weight. Gary Field, a SCSI expert and the lead author of the second edition of The Book of SCSI and has been a software engineer for over 25 years. He has extensive experience with SCSI, storage, and Unix. He has worked for a number of technology companies including Wang and now Compaq (formerly Digital Equipment Corp). He also maintains the SCSI FAQ, posted on the Internet, and read by countless thousands of people. Field is a Massachusetts native, a photographer and ham radio enthusiast. Gary has published this thoroughly updated second edition of The Book of SCSI providing down-to-earth instructions for installing, implementing, utilizing, and maintaining SCSI on a PC. Accessible to readers at all levels, this is the standard reference for anyone working with or maintaining a SCSI system. Along with complete coverage of SCSI-3 and all the latest features, The Book of SCSI: I/O for the New Millennium contains many new and updated features. Check out the Gary Field web site You can purchase his book for $49.95 including shipping and handling. For all there is to know about the SCSI interface there is no better source. Why such elaboration on the USB port and the SCSI Interface? Because they are each prime examples of former and current technology that relates directly to computer storage media and other computer hardware. They each represent quality and efficiency first and price second. Modern technology has given the edge to the USB port, both in quality and price. However the SCSI Interface will probably be around for a long time to come.
Currently the 3 1/2 floppy is also becoming obsolete. Many computer manufacturers have dropped them as standard equipment, and charge extra if you request one.
Most new C D-ROM DVD drives will read all standard computer compact discs (CDs), and play music CDs.
The standard type monitor as most have known is the CRT (cathode ray tube) with a large protruding picture tube similar to the standard tv set.
The newer type, LCD (liquid crystal display) has a flat screen and occupies much less space. An LCD is made with either a passive matrix or an active matrix display grid. The active matrix LCD is also known as a thin film transistor (TFT) display. The passive matrix LCD has a grid of conductors with pixels located at each intersection in the grid. A current is sent across two conductors on the grid to control the light for any pixel. An active matrix has a transistor located at each pixel intersection, requiring less current to control the luminance of a pixel. For this reason, the current in an active matrix display can be switched on and off more frequently, improving the screen refresh time (your mouse will appear to move more smoothly across the screen, for example). A typical liquid crystal display will incorporate the LCD fluid (either TN, STN, HTN or F-STN) in a glass envelope with ITO coatings to the internal glass surfaces. The basic liquid crystal display, either statically driven or multiplexed, is frequently incorporated onto a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with the LCD display driver hardware and often backlighting, LED EL, or CCFL. Temperature does affect liquid crystal displays, however with extreme low temperature causing the LCD to respond very slowly. The required bias voltage across the liquid crystal display also alters with ambient temperature. Like all modern technology, LCD prices are coming down and currently in an affordable range. When you realize the only end result of your computer purchase is what you see on the screen, the monitor size and video adapter qualities are worthy of serious consideration. The new type flat screen monitors are fast coming down in price. The flat screen is the first ever step towards making a computer setup appear neater and require less space. A totally wireless system will soon follow.
Today, screensavers go far beyond black on black displays. The whole idea of a screensaver is to prevent burning a single image into the screen. The likelihood of such an event is remote, but possible, with today's monitors. The typical user doesn't need to worry about damage from not having a screensaver. It's cheaper just to shut your monitor off, if you are the type who never shuts off the computer. Screensavers do move the images around on the screen, and are like a form of insurance against an exceptionally rare event. You might be more likely to twist your ankle falling off a ladder on the moon than damaging your screen because of no screensaver (providing you have a VGA monitor or better). Screensavers today are almost purely entertainment except for one important use, security. Screen savers can be password enabled, protecting any unattended computer. And screensavers are automatic--they initiate on their own, and call subroutines on their own. Screensavers today do everything from scroll some text across your screen to play full-blown movies, complete with sound! How screensavers affect your system. Plain and simple, they hog resources. The DOS variants (Windows 95/98) suffer much more from screensavers than does an operating system like Windows NT. Prior to Windows 95/98, the situation was especially bad, because of the poor memory management inherent in Windows 3.x. If your machine never runs slowly, never crashes, and never sees an hour glass, don't worry about your screensaver. However, if you are going to do a resource-intensive operation, you'd probably better disable it. You can try a screensaver and see how it affects your system. You may have resources to spare, and not even notice the drag of the screensaver. Today's screensavers don't reside in memory. However, the older ones--many of which are still around--do. Those older ones are Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) applications. This means they always reside in memory, taking up space other applications might want to use. This can cause resource shortages (including CPU resource shortages) that will crash your machine. You'd lose anything not saved to your hard drive. Make sure you don't get a TSR screensaver. If you are buying a new one, it's highly unlikely to be a TSR. Another way a screensaver can affect your system: it may execute during a critical cycle, knocking out a program that is trying to run, say, overnight. Typical applications include programming compilers, relational databases, and website spidering programs. If you are doing any CAD work or graphics work, don't even think of running a screensaver. You may have gotten away with it in the past, but most likely you only think you did. Remember any unexplained crashes? Well, now you have your explanation. An upgrade to the screensaver information . . . on today's powerful computers a screensaver will not cause any adverse effects on your computer. In fact there is a very new use for the all but obsolete screensaver. It is a free membership website promotional service. The screensaver actually brings up and displays websites, frequency based upon the amount of time your personal screensaver is used. As it's use becomes worldwide, there may not be a better website promotion system. Check it out at http://www.websitepromotionmagic.com
The modem is commonly referred to as a "fax modem". Not long ago modems that would only handle faxes were common. But the modern modem handles faxes or data. However faxes are still limited to 14,400 bps. Your 56K modem will adjust to fax speed, and also adjust automatically when connecting to a slower speed data modem. Quality range is very important in modem selection. Price out top names such as US Robotics (now owned by 3-Com), Hayes and a few other leading names. Any modem with a price much lower than the average top name should be avoided. You will find some leading computer names, such as Gateway 2000 that have their own brand name modems. Check out the actual modem manufacturer. The Gateway modem is actually a US Robotics 3-Com modem. Do you understand the word MODEM (MO-DEM), Modulate - Demodulate, modulating from a computer digital signal into a phone line analog signal, and the modem on the other end demodulating the analog signal back into a digital signal.
MS-DOS boot disk: Prompt line command . . . format a: /s Windows 95 Boot Disk . . . created from "Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "Install New Programs" and clicking the "Start up Disk" tab. This type will do little more good than the MS-DOS type. The MS-DOS or Windows 95 boot disk will let you run FDISK for partitioning, Format and selected other commands if you are aware of them. And you can type and enter "win", Windows 95 will load, and if so you didn't really need the boot disk. Windows 98 and Me Boot Disk . . . created just like the Windows 95 model, except it is really useful. They also boot you to the A: prompt, but with an "on screen" menu allowing you to choose "C D-ROM Support". With these boot disks you can use FDISK, Format and the install Windows 95 through Me from your C D-ROM, or even install MS-DOS from diskette. Windows XP Boot Disk . . . does not exist. But Windows XP has a much simpler procedure, simply place your Windows XP disk into your C D-ROM and when prompted, press "enter" to boot from the C D-ROM. Note . . . the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) settings determine the boot device sequence such as:
First choice: boot from C D-ROM Refer to your computer users manual or on screen directions for command to open the BIOS for editing . . . typically you might press the F2 or Del key during the boot process. You will then be presented with a menu (after a few minutes of file loading) with option for "Repair" or "Install" Windows XP. You will be also allowed to choose which drive to install to and format if needed, choosing from the FAT32 or NTFS file systems. If you are running a multi operating system with Windows 95/98/Me choose FAT32 (after installing one of these systems first on C: drive). If you are running Windows XP alone choose the NTFS file system for optimal performance. For Windows XP only, install it on C: drive. If one of the other Windows systems is installed first, install Windows XP on any other harddrive or partition.
Any quality purchase will include all software on disk, usually a number of C D-ROM disks, including your version of Windows. Store them carefully so they can be quickly accessed. and Professional?
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The UPS (uninterrupted power supply/surge protector) device will maintain safe computer operation for half hour or so from the battery backup, allowing ample time for you to shut down your system. Short of this a simple surge protector is a must. The UPS is available from most computer sellers and the simple surge protector is available from most electrical/hardware stores. Most peripherals (optional hardware items) are now available with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) hookup, which makes installation very simple. In most cases, just install some software and plug it in, you don't even need to turn off the computer. Printers are easy to choose, good quality for 100/200 dollars. Scanners and digital cameras deserve more research. There are many makers with many models, and they are not all good. But technology is closing the quality/price gap, similar to what it has already done with computer systems, monitors, and printers.
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