Computer Appreciation For Beginners (Part 1)

To those who really want to be perfect in computer operation and understanding, this article which shall come in 'parts' will lead you gently from the basics of computer to the complex usage of the software in the system. Before one starts using the programs in the system, he or she wants understand the system components and their usage. And so I wish to let you know of the meaning of computer and probably the generations of computer.

Definition of a Computer System

Computer is defined in so many ways by so many people based on their field of specialization. A computer is a set of interrelated and interactive devices, which uses electronic components to perform a predefined operation with accuracy. But generally, a computer system may simply be defined as an electronic device, which is capable of accepting data as input, process the data, store the data and provide a result as output in human readable form. The four basic parts of a computer are Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse and System unit.

A Brief History of Computer

Computer history and development is always traced to Charles Babbage, the Father of computers and Lady Ada Lovelace, the Mother of Programming. The computer we have come to use today perfectly without any much stress and difficulty was not invented the way we have seen but passed through series of processes and stages. There exist five generations of computer as briefly discussed below:

First Generation Computer (The Vacuum Tube Technology)

This generation of computers consists of computers developed between 1944 and 1959. ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator), EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computers) and UNIVAC 1 and 11 are first generation computers. This generation of computers were very bulky, dissipates a lot of heat, some were very heavy, weighing up to 200 tons. Because of the heat, they needed special cooling system. The characteristic technology of this generation was the use of vacuum tubes as the basic building blocks for the logic parts of the computers. In terms of speed they were very slow compared with computers of later generations.

Second Generation Computer (The Transistor Technology)

The technology, which gave the distinguishing characteristics of the second -generation computers, was the transistor technology. Although this device was developed in 1948 in Bell Telephone Laboratories, and was used largely in the electronic world, it was not until 1959 that it was introduced in the manufacture of computers. These transistors replaced the bulky vacuum tubes. In addition to doing everything that the vacuum tube could do, the transistors would do so with greater reliability, with less power requirement, generate less heat, less costly to manufacture and much smaller in size. The computers developed between 1959 and 1964 are called the second-generation computers. Examples: IBM 7030, 7070, 7090, 7094, Boroughs 200 series, UNIVAC III, Honey-well 800 etc. The development of high level programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL was another innovation brought by the second-generation computers and were 10 times faster than the first.

Third Generation Computers (Integrated Circuit Technology)

Between 1964 and 1971, the third generation computers were developed. It was the technology of integrated circuits that opened the gates to the third generation computers. In fact we can say that the integrated circuit technology really revolutionized the computer technology itself. Integrated circuits are attached to a small piece of silicon chip. This technology cam progressively from Small Scale Integration (SSI), which contained about twenty interconnected transistors and diodes, through the Medium Scale Integration (MSI) which had over hundred interconnected transistors on a single chip, to Large Scale Integration (LSI) of over tens of thousand of transistors and diodes on a single chip. The achievements of the Integrated circuit technology led to even faster, more reliable, cheap and small-sized computers, whose powers were multiple of those of the earlier generations. In deed, this generation of computers gave birth to the mini computers, whose power of operation was more than the earlier generation, greater reliability and speed, yet was far less in size and in cost. They could do hundred times as many calculations per second and hundred times faster than their second-generation counterparts could. Examples: IBM 31360 - 31370 series, CDC 6600, 7600, Boroughs B5000 and PDP II series.

The Fourth Generation Computers (VLSIC Micro Technology

The very large-scale integrated circuit (VLSIC), made possible by the micro technology of the period 1971-1982 ushered in the fourth generation of computers. VLSIC has between 5,000 and 50,000 gates (transistors), upon which micro-processors were built. The effect of this technology was smaller and smaller but more and more powerful computers whose speed and reliability trivialized those of the earlier generations. This era also produced the micro-computers that could do the job of first generation large computers with thousand of times faster speed and affordable prices even by individual. This generation also produced a wide variety of software packages like word processing packages, graphics, games, spreadsheet packages and database management systems. Networking capabilities were also enhanced in this era. Examples of the fourth generation computers include the IBM 3033, HP 3000 mini computers, Apple II, Boroughs B7700.

Fifth Generation Computers (Era of Artificial Intelligence)

The technology of this generation of computers is characterized by Super Large Scale Integration (ULSI), Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI), parallel processing, Artificial Intelligence, Speech Processing, Pattern Recognition and Expert System. The distinguishing characteristics of this generation of computer are their tremendous speed and power. Continuous miniaturization of computers is the order of the day, newer, smaller, more powerful computers are seen day by day. Powerful microcomputers have today dwarfed the capability of the older days mainframe. Pentium II mother board with clock speed higher than 300 MHz and hard disk storage space over 20 Gigabytes with unbelievable capabilities, are now affordable by even low income earners. Networking, ranging from local, wide area to Internets are the common features of this generation of computers and has reduced the whole world into a global village.

By Emmanuel Effiong

Resource information about Traveling, Car, Shopping, Computer and Finance

[http://www.your-success-infotips.com]

The Secrets of Computer Repair

The secret to computer repair is simple: you have to know and understand how your computer system works before you try to repair a problem. Repairing a computer is like any other type of repair; you must know how each separate part works in order to make the machine run. Once you have that knowledge, many of the problems that can go wrong with computers can be solved by using your compute knowledge in order to isolate and resolve the situation.

If you want to keep your computer from having to be repaired all you have to do is be vigilant about what goes on your computer. Spyware is a big threat to many computers. It tracks your moves and can steal your information. It also reduces the overall operating efficiency of your computer. Make sure you have an anti-spyware program that will find and destroy all the spyware on your system.

Another way to prevent your computer from needing any type of repair is to reduce the number of programs in the startup menu. You do not want to try to repair a slow computer that just has too much stuff on it. Instead, you can find the programs that your never use (ones that are automatically installed by the manufacturer) and getting rid of them. This will make your computer run much faster.

The last secret to keeping your computer running smoothly and not in need of repair is to get an anti virus program and keep it updated. An anti virus program that is never updated is of little use to your computers safety. New viruses are being developed all the time and in order to keep your computer safe and secure you will have to update your anti virus software at least two or three times a week. Make sure that your settings are also correct. This will ensure that your computer is being protected from most of the common viruses.

These are probably the first three areas that a computer repair specialist will check before they begin looking for another type of problem. If you computer is slow or no running as well as it should, the most common problems have to do with the programs that you have on your startup menu, your antivirus software, and your spyware software. If none of these are lacking, and you are still having a problem with your computer, you will need to check other areas of your computer in order to isolate the problem. This is where your knowledge of all the components in your computer will help you out. Most of the time, a problem with you computer is with the software. Something doesn't work right because of a certain setting or lack of space to correct the problem and have the computer function properly. Other problems with your computer can be with the hardware.

If you want to repair the hardware inside of your computer, you will first need to use some basic safety. Do not open up your computer's unit until you have all of the power shut off. That means unplugging it from the wall. Then you can open up the case and look for your problem. There are many components inside the computer, so make sure that you know what you are looking for before you begin working to repair the problems.

Jordan McPelt is a professional writer specializing in computer repair and computer support [http://www.dialageek.com/business-services/]. To learn more about computer repair please visit [http://www.dialageek.com]

A Small Business Approach To Computer Downtime

The muscle of a modern small business
If it's true that the backbone of any small business is its employees, then I believe it's fair to say that the muscle of many small businesses would have to be their computers. Plain and simple, business today is performed electronically. Whether it's a day-trader trading stocks over the internet, a lawyer, physician or other professional looking up data, or a shopkeeper tracking prices and sales, computers are often an essential "tool of their trades".

In fact, in the majority of professions where a computer is used, it is often not possible to effectively perform the job role without it. Sure the day-trader could continuously call their broker every five minutes for stock quotes, but in practical terms their business is reduced to a standstill. An analogy would be a carpenter trying to work without his hammer.

However, when you consider complexity, comparing a PC to a hammer is kind of like comparing a space shuttle to a bicycle. The average computer is a marvel of complexity. In fact, when we break it down, we're not even talking about a single device. Computer systems are made up of a collection of hardware and software components, usually made by different manufacturers, working together for a common purpose. And it follows simple logic; the more complex the system, the more that can go wrong. All it often takes for a business to come grinding to a halt is for one of those components to malfunction.

Computer downtime can result from numerous circumstances. Viruses and spyware are waiting to infect your PC through the internet, email and even commonly used applications. Internet hacking, identity theft and other cyber crimes are all on the rise. Compatibility issues and missing or corrupt drivers plague both hardware and software alike. And problems with the installation and use of everyday programs can cause no end of headaches.

While the above points can raise a number of questions in the average small businesspersons mind around the costs associated with these downtimes and what can be done to minimize them, straight answers are often not easily found. In this article, we will attempt to analyze these questions and determine the best approach for professionals and small businesses to take in dealing with computer downtime.

Options for dealing with downtime
Questions surrounding downtime related costs have become such a hot topic on the Internet that an online calculator has been developed by NTA Monitor Ltd. to assist individuals and companies in determining the cost of computer downtime (You can try it out at http://www.nta-monitor.com/services/downtimecalc.htm). While this calculator can be quite handy, it is often not readily apparent what numbers to use for "total downtime" or "labor costs". So lets just do some calculations of our own to determine the total overall costs that a professional or small business faces due to downtime and see if we can determine the best approach to resolving downtime related incidents.

The first and hardest question to answer is "how long is an average downtime incident for a small business?" Well, I'm afraid that there is no easy answer to this. While the average time is completely dependent on the nature of the problem, for this example we can piece together a typical scenario of events to create our timeframe.

When a typical computer issue or problem arises, there are a number of avenues that a small business owner can take to see it resolved. As most small businesses can obviously not afford to pay for a full or even part-time IT staff, the "do it yourself" method is often first employed. Resources such as friends, family and the internet are consulted for answers and some trial and error approaches, such as using generic "fix all" programs, are tried. That failing, a local computer service shops can be called for on-site or drop-off support. Or as a new and increasingly popular alternative, a remote service provider can be used.

Depending on the user's knowledge of computers, the "do it yourself" approach can sometimes work and considering the time spent doing research, trial and error fixes, etc. the average issue can be resolved in as little a an hour or two. But sadly, more often than not, the time spent does not result in a solution and it is added to the overall incident time. So to make our calculations simpler, let's deduce that on average the amount of self help time spent saves as much time as it looses and instead we will focus on three remaining options; on-site, drop-off and remote support. We will base our calculations on an eight hour work day.

While being a more expensive option, on-site services can often result in a quicker resolution time than drop-off service. Usually a technician can be scheduled for "same day" or "next day" service. On average this results in a total downtime of around eight hours.

A small business can save some money on the hourly rate it is charged by choosing to drop off their PC for service instead of having a technician come to them. While some service depots have longer waiting lists that result in the business owner losing their PC for numerous days or even weeks, shopping around for service usually results in an average turn around time of two to three days. Factoring in the time spent disconnecting and reconnecting your system, as well as the time spent dropping it off and picking it up, it's reasonable to say that the average downtime for drop-off service is in the neighborhood of 24 business hours.

Finally, there is a lesser known option for small businesses that has grown out of advances in "desktop sharing" technologies. Professional remote computer service and support technicians can access computers directly through their internet connections to resolve computer issues.

Michael Hovila, the owner of AdvanceServe Remote PC Services ([http://www.remotepcservices.com]) informs us that "remote computer repair and support services are available to any computer that is connected to the Internet, anywhere in North America; It can be from home or business, a hotel suite or while telecommuting, or even through local wireless 'hotspots'. We can even connect though your home or corporate firewall... Then just sit back and watch as our remote technician controls your mouse and keyboard to diagnose and fix your computer problems or to demonstrate how to use or configure common applications."

The hourly rate for remote support usually falls somewhere between that of local drop off and onsite service rates, while the downtime is reduced to an average of two hours per incident as a result of not having to wait for service. However, not all issues can be resolved remotely. Physical problems such as hardware failures still need to be dealt with by a "hands on" technician.

Calculating the costs
So which option is best for the small business owner? Let's do some quick and simple math to find out. Based on average "resolution time" claims from numerous sources, I have decided to use two hours as the mean resolution time for these calculations.

For onsite service, rates are charged either on a "per hour" or "per incident" basis. Since we are calculating "per hour", I compared the rates of four leading national on-site service providers and worked out an average of $100 US/hour for onsite support. So the total cost for a two hour service call ends up being $200.

Next we examine the cost of the drop-off service option. Prices in this category vary a little more depending on the service provider but a comparison of two national providers and two "mom and pop" local service depots resulted in an average hourly rate of $60 US per hour. Based on our two hour resolution time the labor cost for this option is $120.

Finally there is the remote support option. An average comparison of four trusted national providers resulted in a rate of $80 per hour. For a two hour resolution time the total cost is $160.

But we're not done yet. Now we have to factor in the loss of wages that has resulted from the down time. 2003 Bureau of Labor statistics suggest that individuals who use computers for a living make an average of $36.20 an hour in wages and benefits. So using that figure as the "per hour" loss due to downtime for a single computer, we can calculate and compare the total cost of downtime for each of our three timelines.

Option One - Onsite Service

Total Downtime: 8 hours

Lost wages: $36.20x8=$289.60

Cost of Service: $200

Total Cost of Downtime: $489.60 per PC

Option Two - Drop Off Service

Total Downtime: 20 hours

Lost Wages: $36.20x20=$724

Cost of Service: $120

Total Cost of Downtime: $844 per PC

Option Three - Remote Service

Total Downtime: 2 hours

Lost Wages: $36.20x2=$72.40

Cost of Service: $160

Total Cost of Downtime: $232.40 per PC

Well, based on total costs the hands down choice appears to be "Remote Computer Support". However, there are a couple additional factors that should be examined a little closer before making a final decision. As mentioned earlier, remote support has its limitations. The primary two being, the issue cannot be fixed remotely if it is a result of a physical problem with a component, and the computer being serviced must have working internet access.

To determine how the first limitation factors in, we need to determine what percentage of computer problems are hardware vs. software related. Vendor data shows that software issues are actually 40 times more common than hardware issues. Therefore, in theory, when the computer can still boot up and access the internet, around 97% of problems can be solved remotely.

The best approach

I now believe we have enough data to make a well rounded decision regarding the best approach for professionals and small businesses when dealing with computer downtime.

Step Zero: The reason I've added a "step zero" is that an age old saying still applies to modern problems; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take the time to have routine computer maintenance performed on your PC. There are a number of great "self help" guides to keeping your PC running smoothly. Or consider signing up for a routine maintenance plan by a professional remote provider if you are either not comfortable with, or do not have the time to maintain your own computers. But no amount of maintenance can prevent the inevitable, so when downtime does occure...

Step one: If you are reasonably knowledgeable in computers and you can still access the internet, it can't hurt to take a few minutes to search online or with your peers for answers. If the answer is not apparent within fifteen minutes of searching, there is a good chance the solution is not simple enough for the average computer user to solve and professional assistance should be considered.

Step two: To save time and money, your next best step is to try a remote service provider. They can often resolve your issue quickly and get you back to making money instead of spending it. Even though they cannot resolve physical problems, you will still come out much farther ahead on average by trying a remote technician first.

Step three: In the few cases where the issue ends up being hardware related, your next best choice would be the onsite provider. Many remote providers have local affiliates who they can recommend you to and can provide you with diagnostic information to pass on to the local technician, which may reduce the required support time.

Addendum: Since this article was first published, I have received a number of emails asking for my recommendations on the best choice for computer support providers in each of the areas I covered. So as requested, here are my choices for the top national providers. Please note that the following choices are simply based on my own research and experience:

Recommended Remote Provider:

AdvanceServe Remote PC Services

[http://www.remotepcservices.com]

1-877-87SERVE

Recommended On-Site Provider:

CompUSA Technical Services

http://www.compusa.com/tech_services/techknowledgist_mobile.asp

1-800-COMPUSA

Recommended Drop-Off Provider:

CompUSA Technical Services

http://www.compusa.com/tech_services/instore_services.asp

1-800-COMPUSA

From downtime to uptime

Computers are an essential part of most modern small businesses but when problems occur, the costs associated with them can quickly spiral out of control. However, a quick and well thought out response to computer downtime can save a small business hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I hope this guide will help you to be better prepared when your downtime comes because it's not a matter of if; it's a matter of when.

Aidan McDermott has a Degree in Information Systems and runs a small computer consulting firm. He enjoys writing technology based freelance articles in his spare time.

Computer Engineering Education

Computer Engineering includes design, construction, execution, and maintenance of computers and computer controlled equipment. It is an interdisciplinary course, which incorporates both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering study. Computer Engineering education programs include topics on computer software and hardware.

There are many universities that offer Computer Engineering either as a degree program or as a sub-discipline of Electrical Engineering. A few of the prominent Computer Engineering courses impart knowledge on the power systems, digital systems and electronics. They cover subjects that include digital logic circuits, computer systems, communication systems and electro-optics microprocessors. Others include logic circuits, micro-coding, digital image processing, lasers and machine vision.

Courses in computer engineering are designed to build and operate software and hardware for computers used in everyday life as well as the supercomputers, used by scientists. The scientists use them to resolve sophisticated and complex problems related to their studies. Computer engineering education also provides information on computer network, Internet, distributed and web computing.

There are graduate and postgraduate programs such as Master of Science or MSC and PHD computer engineering programs. Students learn programming, digital designing, computer architecture and embedded systems courses, in the bachelor program. In the postgraduate programs students learn advanced courses in computer architecture, logic designing, computer arithmetic and hardware design languages. They also learn testing, multiprocessor systems, media processing, and advanced system designing and programming techniques.

Computer engineering education prepares the students to start their own companies. Besides learning how the software and hardware works, students also learn to actually program and design computers. Internet has provided an option to pursue the course of Computer Engineering online.

Due to the widespread use and integration of computers into everyday life, it is hard to separate the fields of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.

They are connected and complement each other as fields of study.

Computer Education provides detailed information on Computer Education, Computer Education Online, Computer Science Education, Computer Education Institute and more. Computer Education is affiliated with Computer Graphic Training.

Disposing of Old Computer Equipment - Donate, Recycle Or Do Nothing?

For the last couple of decades, the rapid advances in computing technology have given rise to a corresponding problem of computers becoming quickly obsolete. These days, any computer that is more than 3 years old will be noticeably slower in its performance than a computer that has been manufactured in the last few months. It has therefore become a fact of life in the information age that computers need to be updated on a regular basis in order to utilize the latest software and communications applications. This in turn has led to the problem of what one should do with the rapidly growing stockpile of old computers and other electronic equipment. A company or individual really has one of 3 choices: 1. Do nothing; 2 Donate or; 3. Recycle. This article will discuss each of the options in turn.

Before looking closely at the issue of computer equipment recycling, it is worthwhile noting why it so important to do something rather than nothing. Latest studies on the subject have concluded that only around 10-15% of old computer equipment is being recycled. The equipment that isn't being recycled is either being stored, gathering dust on the tops of cupboards or in garages, or even more perniciously is being disposed of in landfills.

Companies that are storing old computing equipment are entertaining a false economy. It is actually more expensive to continue to store old computers than it is to properly dispose of them - when you take into account the cost of storage space, the cost of securing old systems to comply with federal privacy laws and other associated administration costs. There are the also environmental concerns attached to the stockpiling of large quantities of obsolete computers. The systems can break down and leak hazardous materials into the air, soil and groundwater should they catch on fire or be subject to other natural disasters such as a floods.

The larger problem however, lies in disposing of this old computer equipment in a heedless fashion. Computer equipment that isn't taken care of by an authorized computer recycler is most likely to end up in landfills and become toxic computer waste. A computer is made up of plastic, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals (lead, cadmium, antimony, beryllium, chromium and mercury), electronic boards (gold, palladium, silver and platinum) and glass - in short, materials (many of which are toxic) which don't break down naturally. A standard sized cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor contains more than two kilos of lead - the toxicity of which has been well known for centuries.

The best option when dealing with old computer equipment is to either donate it (computer hardware less than 5 years old can generally be donated) or to recycle it.

Individuals who are looking to recycle one or a few items of computer hardware will find that nearly all of the major computer manufacturers - Apple, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Lexmark, Hewlett Packard, Epson, NEC - are running some type of computer recycling program. These programs tend to involve the company taking back your old computer and disposing of it responsibly, at no extra cost to yourself, whenever you purchase a new computer from them.

For companies who are looking to dispose of large volumes of computer hardware (and other types of e-waste) they should really get in contact with an authorized computer recycler. The hallmark of the computer recycler's business model is that of responsible destruction. They will salvage all useful computer parts before breaking down what's left, safely removing all hazardous materials in the process. There will usually be a fee charged by these recyclers to accept old computer equipment (particularly when it comes to computer monitors) but the cost of disposal will be significantly less than the cost of not disposing of the computer hardware - both in terms of direct business costs and potential costs to the environment.

For more information on Computer Equipment Recycling go to http://www.computer-equipment-recycling.com

Notebook Laptops Provide the Ultimate Portability and Functionality

Computers have always played a great role in improving our working style. For many decades, computers have been enhanced to provide greater performance. They are now much faster and still improving. With the work environment evolving towards greater flexibility and mobility, notebook and laptop computers have gained popularity due to their overall portability.

Laptops and notebooks were originally introduced as separate types of portable computers. Notebooks were built smaller and thinner for extra portability. They were made to be light weight because they were not full of the extras that laptops had. A computer like this was not made for complex graphics or gaming. The notebook had a built-in modem and a very small keyboard.

Notebooks were built smaller and thinner for extra portability. They were made to be light weight because they were not full of the extras that laptops had. Notebooks generally did not have graphics cards, CD Burners or a DVD/CD drive. A computer like this was not made for graphics or heavy gaming. The notebook had a very small keyboard and the modem was built in.

Notebooks were first configured to be thinner and smaller; enabling maximum portability. They were set up to be minimal function machines that would operate over the growing wireless telephone network. However, as the years passed and the people became more comfortable with the mobility required in today's workplace, notebook devices added more and more capability. This got us to the point where notebooks and laptops became indistinguishable. The terms came to be used interchangeably and notebook laptops were created.

Notebook laptops are composed of all the basic component of a desktop computer including a keyboard, a display, a pointing device and a battery. All these components are integrated into a single portable unit. Initially when these mobile computers were launched they were pretty heavy but now manufacturers are concentrating on reducing the weight along with improving their technical features. All of the modern notebook laptops are designed in the flip form so as to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed.

When notebook laptops were launched, they were comparatively heavy. Now all computer manufacturers concentrate on reducing the machine's weight while improving its functional and technical features. Modern notebook laptops are designed to protect their keyboard and screen when closed with the flip flop design.

There are several categories of notebook laptops. Netbooks, sub-notebooks, and rugged laptops are all produced to serve specific mobility purposes. Netbooks are economical and light weight notebook laptops that are especially suited for Internet access and wireless communication. The sub-notebook is also known as an optimal portable notebook because of its low weight, small size and long term battery. Its design emphasizes portability. Rugged laptops have been designed to operate reliably in difficult conditions such as extreme temperature, strong vibrations and dusty or wet environments.

Desktop computers have passed the torch to sophisticated group of high powered notebook laptops that feature high degrees of accessibility and high processing speeds providing high quality net performance. The baton has been passed to the next generation of personal computers. They do a fantastic job supporting today's mobile society. Take into account your personal desires, your wants and your needs when migrating to the notebook laptop generation. You are sure to benefit from the end destination as well as the journey itself.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic products. If you would like more information about notebook laptops or are looking for a reputable notebook laptops company please visit http://www.ebuyer.com

Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It?

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!

Granted, the notebook computer may just be the

sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra!

But are they worth the extra money? Should your

next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?

What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook

computer? More importantly, which notebook is

best for you?

There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy!

Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as

looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.

Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we

are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal.

But you have to admit; they do look good on just about

anybody!

However; don't let the good looks fool you! And don't

get blinded by all that sleek metal and flashy designs.

The notebook is one little workhorse whose time

may just have come. Growing in popularity as prices

decline, it's definitely worth considering

when you make your next PC purchase.

All kidding aside, finding the right notebook that has

your name on it can be a daunting task!

Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple

steps. Then consider all your options before you make

your decision.

First, ask yourself -- what types of tasks, jobs, do

you want the computer to perform? Do you want it

for traveling, business, or for use in the home?

Do you want it for simple tasks like email, web

browsing or to use as a word processor? Do you want it

for gaming, web authoring, heavy graphic work, dvd

or MP3 downloading?

Next, consider all these options and find the notebook

that best suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs

that have to be fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson

talk you into buying something you will never need

or use.

At the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that

has all the features that will complete all the tasks

you throw at it. In other words, make sure it

can do the job!

Keep that question in the back of your head as you

read the rest of this article. Especially, keep it

in mind, as you browse through all these sleek models and

makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all that

sexiness!

Keep your eyes on the cursor!

Keep asking yourself -- what does my new notebook

computer need in order for it to get the job done?

Lets take a closer look at all the options.

First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all

shapes and sizes.

SMALL: How small can they be?

They can be as tiny as well -- the small traditional

paper notebooks -- with 10-inch displays. There is

even a sub category known as Tablet PCs; these are

very small tablets where you enter the data using

a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health

care or real estate.

Up a step from there -- are the 'Ultraportables'.

You can easily take these anywhere as they fit nicely in

a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers

and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch

screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They

don't match the performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE: How large can they be?

They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an

inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays

these are often referred to as 'Desktop Replacements'

And just as their name states -- these can replace

your old desktop computer. For most purposes, these

notebooks can perform all the tasks of a regular pc,

have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very

large hard drives. But you have the handy option of

moving these from room to room for wireless networking,

or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE

In between these two groups; we have the business

class notebooks. These are often referred to as

'Thin-and-lights' -- they offer the best all around

convenience of performance, portability and the

different features.

Mostly preferred by the business travelers. They

have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless

networking, because they are so versatile, these

'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming

really popular.

Basic Rundown

That's a basic overview or rundown on the different

types of notebooks. But you have to compare and

contrast the different features in a little more

detail if you want to figure out the best notebook

that's suited for your needs.

Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks;

not to mention so many technical requirements... buying

a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some

people downright worrisome!

Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it

be able to do the applications, or tasks you want

it to perform?

Ease your Burden -- Make a Checklist!

If you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick

'CheckList' of the features you want to check before

you buy your notebook computer.

* Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It

does the processing and applications. Most people prefer

Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster

it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel

Celeron is another choice.

* Speed: This is how fast your computer can process data and

perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get

up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.

Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed

of your notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance

a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm

model. How fast the disk spins, will also determine the

performance level of your notebook.

* Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units

have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most

notebook drives. You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most

tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or

large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more --

50 to 60GB or higher.

Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external

drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.

* Memory: How much do you need?

RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer

uses to run applications and data on your operating

system. It's generally agreed that you need at least

256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need

128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing.

And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that's

one of the tasks you want your notebook to do.

Keep in mind another option -- many notebooks can access

or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.

* LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different

from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most

people are famaliar with this type of displays -- it's

commonly found in digital camera and video recorders.

* Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display

you want. If you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures

or movies on your notebook -- a large 15 or 17 inch would

be better suited for your needs.

Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17

inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768

resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these

notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture

quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note-- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the

smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has

one of the largest at 17-inches.

* Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems

and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports)

for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should

be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3's

and digital cameras.

* Antennas: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for

wireless networking and portability. But check before

you buy!

* Portability: Might sound like a strange question

to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are

very portable, easy to carry -- what they were designed for.

However; larger notebooks like the 'desktop replacemets'

with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might

not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For example

the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some

accessories that you might need with your notebook

computer. Many come with a Docking station or port

replicator -- somewhere to store and access your

computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially

if you're buying your laptop mainly for traveling and

in the field work.

Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely

consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight

and small but if you have lug it around all day and you're

going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Now Assess Your Computer Needs?

Finally, we come to the main question that determines which

notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO

YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO PERFORM?

If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you

travel a lot, then go with an utralight -- often called

ultraportables -- these are the lightest and smallest

notebooks, about the size of spiral-bound notebook and

weighing less than four pounds.

If you're a student and need something light weight but

also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s)

you might want to check out the 'thin and light' notebooks.

If you want to replace your main desktop with something

more portable -- go with a 'mainstream' or

'desktop replacements'.

If you want something you can use at home, work and

traveling around then you need 'thin and light.' If you

want an 'all-around' 'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ...

then buy a notebook of this type.

Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing

needs; this is the one that's becoming the most popular.

That's it - JUDGMENT TIME!

You have considered most of the facts about buying a

notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about

the tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at

the checklist and check out the specs. Is everything covered.

Will the one you choose -- have the features to do the job?

Keep that question in your mind. It's the most important.

If you're considered all these points; buying the notebook

with your name on it will be just a little bit easier.

In no time at all, you may be walking around with

one of those sleek, svelte -- dare we say sexy --

accessories tucked under your arm.

Titus Hoskins

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For An Illustrated Version of This Article Click Here: Buying Notebooks Online Guide.

Copyright ? 2005 Titus Hoskins of bizwaremagic.com.
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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