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When shopping for a new computer, you are faced with a number of options, but none is more important than the form factor, or the type of computer. The choice of a laptop, desktop, or other styles is largely based on your specific needs. Here we will look at the most common types of computer, and the type of user that is most likely to prefer each type.

Desktops

The traditional desktop computer is declining in popularity as most users are gravitating toward the portability of laptop computers. The benefits of a desktop machine are still valid, however. Those who need the most powerful computer possible, or those who need to be able to easily add or remove hardware components, will generally prefer a desktop computer. Desktops are also preferred for users who wish to power multiple displays and those who are heavy gamers.

Laptops

The laptop computer has been growing in popularity in the past few years largely because it has nearly caught up in performance to desktop machines. Instead of having to choose between a powerful desktop machine or a slower laptop, users can now have both. Laptops will appeal most to users who desire portability but also solid performance.

Netbooks

As one of the most portable form factors available, small netbooks provide greater portability than laptops but at the cost of providing less performance. They are well-suited for users who value portability and don’t mind trading it for reduced speed, less multi-tasking ability, and less storage.

All-in-one machines

All-in-one computers are those that include the CPU and LCD display in one self-contained unit. They will appeal most to users who want a slim design that is easy to connect and to use. Many all-in-one machines are also very affordable, making them a good choice for smaller budgets.

 

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A computer that is having trouble booting will often emit a series of beeps through the internal speaker. These beeps are meant to relay information to the user about what type of problem is preventing the computer from booting. Here are a few of the most common beep codes and the type of problem they indicate.

1 Short Beep

A single beep is normal for most BIOS versions and means that the computer is booting properly. This beep is intended as an indication that everything is working correctly.

1 Long Beep, then 2 or 3 Short Beeps

These beep codes indicate a problem with the video card. Turn off the computer and check that the video card is seated properly in its slot, or replace the card if necessary.

1 High-Pitched Beep, then a Low-Pitched Beep

This error often repeats and indicates a problem with the CPU. Turn off the computer and make sure the CPU is properly installed and that the heat sink is working properly.

Repeating High-Pitched Beep

This beep code is usually a warning of a CPU that has overheated. Turn off the computer immediately and check that the heat sink is working properly. A CPU that continues to overheat could cause damage to itself and other components.

Other Beep Codes

Most other beep codes indicate some type of problem with the RAM. Turn off the computer and check that the RAM sticks are seated properly in their slots. Also make sure that the RAM sticks match, as some motherboards require matching sticks to work properly. Lastly, try replacing the RAM to see if it resolves the problem, as malfunctioning RAM sticks could be the culprit.

Once you have a better understanding of the beep codes your computer may emit, you will be better prepared to deal with any problems that arise. Bookmark this list for future reference so that you can refer to it when your computer is giving you a beep code.

 

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USB is a common type of connector and host controller for communicating between devices, mostly between computers or laptops and other devices, such as printers, mp3 players, thumb drives, keyboards, and mice. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and was designed as a replacement for earlier technologies such as serial and parallel ports. In recent years, there has been more of a distinction between USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and even USB 3.0, possibly causing confusion for those who don’t understand the difference.

USB 1.0 is the original iteration, which was frequently referred to as simply “USB”. The USB 1.0 technology was developed by seven companies: Nortel, DEC, Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and NEC. It was first introduced in 1996, and was devised as a way to standardize a protocol for connecting multiple devices, getting rid of the need for multiple types of connectors and also allowing more bandwidth for devices, as USB cables were able to transfer up to 12 Mbps, which was much faster than any previous protocols. This made it a feasible way to connect hard disk drives and other devices that required high data transfer speeds to operate correctly.

USB 2.0 was released in 2000 as an improvement to the USB specification. It boasted speeds of up to 480 Mbps, which was a huge improvement over the original speeds of USB 1.0. USB 2.0 became very popular and is still the most popular connection type for peripherals in use today as of this writing. Most computers and laptops include at least two USB 2.0 ports, and some include even more, owing to the increasing need for more ports to connect users’ devices.

USB 3.0 was announced in November of 2008, and is yet another improvement on the original protocol. USB 3.0 products are only recently coming to the market, but it looks to be a big improvement in speed, as it can theoretically reach speeds up to 4 Gbps, which is faster than the limitation of most hard drives.

While USB has been around for many years, its continued improvement and refinement means it will likely be around for many more. The promise of very fast transfer rates for USB 3.0 mean that it could replace virtually every connection on a computer or laptop.

 

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Hard drives and other devices are connected to a computer motherboard through some type of cable. These cables use multiple smaller wires in parallel to transmit the proper signals for reading and writing to and from the drive. There are multiple types of cables, which transmit at different speeds and use different types of connectors. Here we will look at some of the most common device cables and the differences between them.

SCSI

SCSI stands for Small Computer System Interface and used a parallel cable to attach both internal and external devices. One of the benefits of SCSI interfaces is that multiple devices could be chained together to a single port. Another benefit is that the interface includes features like error checking and hand shake signals between devices.

IDE

IDE stands for Integrated Drive Electronics and refers more to the standard than the cable type itself. The technology is also often referred to as ATA or PATA. ATA cables can only be up to 18 inches in length and are fairly large and flat, which makes them a poor choice for external devices, so the interface is mainly used for internal devices. The cable uses a combination of 40 or 80 wires in parallel.

SATA

SATA stands for Serial ATA and is an evolution of the original ATA (or IDE) interface. The SATA interface is faster in speed, at up to 3GB/s. Another major benefit of the interface is that the cables and connectors are much smaller, taking up less space inside a computer case and not restricting air flow. There is an external version of SATA known as eSATA for connecting external hard drives and other devices.

Interface cables have improved quite a bit over the years, but the basic concept of input and output has remained mainly the same. New interfaces such as Thunderbolt have added even faster transfer speeds and taken some of the benefits from multiple technologies to make an improved connection.

 

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Over the past few years, IBM has been working on a technology they are calling RaceTrack memory. This technology could potentially offer much larger capacity than current storage technologies, and also faster speeds, but most of the details of how the process works have been known only to IBM. Recently, IBM released more information about the process to share with the technology community.

RaceTrack memory stores digital data as a magnetic pattern on components known as “nanowires”. These nanowires are so small they are 1,000 times finer than a human hair, yet they are capable of storing large amounts of data. The combination of multiple nanowires in a single device would mean vast amounts of storage, and IBM claims it could be as much as 100 times greater than current technologies. In time, they claim it could allow a single portable device to store all the movies produced in a single year.

But large storage capacity isn’t the only benefit of RaceTrack memory. It is also more energy-efficient than existing technologies, making it particularly well-suited for portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops. It is also very fast, as the data stored in the nanowires can be moved and accessed very quickly.

The data is stored along the nanowires of the device, and when needed, electrical current applied to the nanowires causes the data bits to move to where they are needed at a very fast speed, up to hundreds of miles per hour. This is how the data is able to be accessed so quickly, as it doesn’t rely on the computer or the device to seek the data, but the RaceTrack technology moves the data to where it is needed much more quickly.

IBM has not given a timeline for when they expect RaceTrack memory to be available. It is certainly an exciting technology that could change the way we think of storage and the way we use our devices, so keep an eye on this emerging technology in the future.

Intel has recently announced their Intel Core i7 Mobile Processor, which takes their Core i-series technology and applies it to laptops. This is an exciting development that continues to bridge the gap between desktop and laptop performance, but what are the main benefits of a Core i7 processor? Let us take a look.

While processor speeds in the past were based mainly on MHz, this is becoming less of an issue with the introduction of multi-core processors. Now, multi-core processors provide the equivalent of 2 or more CPUs in a single chip, making the MHz rating less relevant and boosting performance at the same time. While the Core i7 Mobile processor is faster than previous chips, its speed is only one of its many improvements.

The Intel Turbo Boost Technology included in the chip essentially allows the cores to run faster than their base frequency, provided it can do so within power, current, and temperature limits. In many ways, this is equivalent to over clocking, but the chip will not do so in a situation that could potentially cause overheating or overvoltage, reducing the risk of damage.

The Core i7 also has video encoding speed boosts built in, and Intel claims it is up to 81% faster at encoding video. The chip can also improve artificial intelligence in games by up to 31%, according to Intel, for more realistic games.

The Core i7 can support up to four cores and also supports Intel’s Hyper-Threading Technology, allowing it to better utilize multiple cores and even process two threads per core. This simulates the equivalent of 8 cores of processing power in some situations. The chip can support up to 8 MB of cache for faster processing of data, and it supports two-channel DDR3 1333 MHz memory.

There is no doubt that laptops and notebooks are beginning to replace desktops as most user’s primary computer. The Intel Core i7 Mobile processor provides the power and benefits of Intel’s latest chip to these mobile platforms, making this an even easier transition for many users.

 

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One of the most common issues with laptop batteries is overheating. Not that the batteries are designed poorly or improperly but due to, in most cases, user wear and tear. While the laptop is using the AC adapter for power the battery acts as a backup in case of a loss of power or accidental unplugging. During this AC power use the battery becomes hotter than it would if being used independently. To lessen the chances of this overheating, which leads to a shorter life expectancy of the battery, keep the AC power adapter plugged in only if you need to charge the battery while using the device.

If the battery is consistently hot to the touch, remove it and allow it to cool down making sure it is close to room temperature before reinserting it. Should the battery continue to overheat or get too hot it will probably need to be replaced. Always replace a defective battery as soon as possible as it could cause irreparable damage to the laptop in question. In addition to overheating, failure to charge or hold a charge is another very common issue with laptop batteries.

First check to see if the AC adapter is securely plugged into the device; the tightness of the connection will vary from laptop to laptop but it should be held in place well. To check for a good connection look for the battery charging LED if one is present on your laptop.

If it is not on wiggle the cord to see if the connection makes and breaks contact. If you notice a flickering LED light then the solution is a new adapter which is far better than needed to purchase a new battery or a new DC power jack which can be repaired by a common user with a little instruction and help.

A laptop is made up of a large number of components that all must function well in order for your computer experience to be complete. Unfortunately, this often means that a single failure in any one component can cause your entire laptop to be out of commission until it is repaired. Here are the top 5 parts that are most likely to fail in a laptop, and why.

Optical Drive

CD and DVD drives, and even newer Blu-ray drives, contain more moving parts than most other laptop components, which makes them more likely to fail. In addition, the reading lens is often susceptible to scratches and other damage. If your optical drive fails, it can often be replaced at an affordable price.

Battery

Laptop batteries are fairly destined to fail, as they lose capacity over time until their maximum capacity is no longer useful and battery life is extremely short. Luckily, replacing the battery is one of the most simple and painless items on the list.

Hard Drives

Companies that sell backup products often tell you it is not a matter of “if” your hard drive will fail, but “when.” This may be a bit dramatic, but the fact is that hard drives and their moving parts are a common point of failure for laptops. Replacing the drive is fairly simple, but getting your data back is more difficult. Always use a good backup plan that will allow you to recover your important files in case of a hard drive failure.

LCD Screen

The LCD screen of your laptop draws more power than any other component, making it susceptible to power problems. Diagnosing the issue is often challenging, as it could be a problem with the screen itself, the inverter, or other problems. See a repair shop for a good diagnosis.

AC Adapter

The AC adapter is an overlooked component of a laptop, but is essential for keeping it up and running. It is also the most likely part to fail on any laptop, printer or desktop (power supply). AC adapters tend to get knocked around and shoved in and out of bags, making them susceptible to physical damage to the cords and the transformer unit. Like batteries, AC adapters are very easy to replace.

If you find that a component of your laptop has failed, see if the repair is covered under warranty. If not, and the repair is simple, consider performing the repair yourself, or consult a repair shop for help.

Upgrading the RAM on a laptop computer is one of the cheapest, quickest, and easiest upgrades to dramatically improve its performance and boot time. Here we will look at the main benefits of upgrading RAM on a laptop computer.

1. Open more programs at once

Each program that a user opens resides in RAM. The more programs that are open at once, the more RAM that is required. When the system runs out of available RAM it begins using the hard drive for storing open programs. This can seriously degrade performance of the laptop, as reading and writing from the hard drive is much slower than reading and writing from RAM. Adding more RAM allows users to run more programs at once without slowing down performance.

2. Faster processing

Many high-end software programs, such as Photoshop and video-editing software, have to process large amounts of data while editing. This data is stored in RAM during processing. If the RAM is already full or nearly full, it will require more reading and writing, which results in slower processing. Adding more RAM to your laptop allows more of this data to be stored for processing, making the programs run faster.

3. Faster gaming

Most modern computer games process a lot of information. This makes them similar to the high-end software mentioned above. Many computer games require a minimum amount of RAM for good performance, but to get the best performance from any game, it is recommended that users exceed the minimum requirements.

RAM upgrades are some of the least expensive upgrades a user can make, and it is a very quick and simple upgrade. With the low cost of most RAM upgrades, it is often a good idea to install the maximum amount of RAM that a laptop can handle to ensure the most performance boost possible from the upgrade. Consult your favorite online parts retail store for the correct amount is possible to upgrade for your laptop.

 

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There are a number of reasons why your notebook computer may stop powering on, the most obvious among these being a power issue. However, even that can be somewhat complicated to diagnose, as power issues can come as a result of a bad outlet, bad charger, bad battery, or a damaged DC jack. If you think your problem may originate from the DC jack, there are a few tests you can run to see if it does in fact need to be replaced or repaired.

First off, you’ll want to remove your battery. If your laptop is only receiving intermittent power, your battery will kick in and mask this problem, causing you to miss some important symptoms. Power on your laptop and basically start wiggling everything. It sounds silly, but it really is an easy and effective objective test. Start from your charger’s cord where it connects to the wall, all the way to wiggling the adapter in your DC jack. If your laptop shuts down, you have found a bad connection. If it occurred when moving your adapter’s cord, you have a bad adapter. If you see the charging/power light flickering or flashing, you may have a DC jack issue.

To verify further, try a different AC adapter, or try that adapter in a different compatible machine. If you don’t have a spare adapter or machine around, you will have to use a multimeter. Check the connection inside the jack to see if you get a reading. Attach the multimeter to your adapter’s jack, and then wiggle the cord behind it. If the meter jumps or fluctuates, your adapter is likely bad. You can also attach an Ohm meter to your laptop’s DC jack. If it is seated properly, you should see some brief continuity readings. If you don’t, your DC jack may have come unseated from your motherboard.

 

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