I have always been interested in computers, but in the beginning, I would not venture any further than to the software end of learning. However, learning only the software side, and knowing nothing about the hardware side, can open you up to some costly times at the shop.
When I was selling peripherals, I happen to ask my immediate supervisor how he would go about learning the hardware side of computers. He looked at me and flatly stated, "Like I did -- learn by doing ? build a computer from scratch". Well, that is exactly what I did. And I'll give you a tidbit of what I learned and the problems I encountered.
Lessons Learned
1. I tried to put a floppy drive from my old unit into my new unit. I blew up the floppy drive. Lesson learned ? do not put outdated computer components into a new system. Duh!
2. Some of the old programs are not compatible with the new operating system. Did cost me some extra money and time.
3. Don't build a new system from scratch ? it cost more than a manufactured unit, unless you have money to burn, want to learn more about computers, or you are going to repair computers for a living.
What do you need in a computer?
Since you are going to run your business from your computer ? you want to make sure you get the best you can get, at the price you can afford.
1. When money allows, piggyback an additional hard drive onto your primary hard drive for backup. Needless to say, your primary hard drive will not last forever.
2. CD-ROM ? (Self explanatory)
3. Hard drive ? Make sure your hard drive has enough memory -- I have several 40 GB hard drives.
4. Floppy drive ? good for quick copies of an Excel, Word, etc.
5. Printer ? A quality printer. When looking for a printer, make sure it is compatible with the operating system you have and the operating system that is currently out on the market. Why? It saves you time ? you may have to look for an upgrade for your printer online for the new operating system ? sometimes it's free, sometimes it's not, or sometimes the computer will not support the printer with the new operating systems. They want you to buy a new unit.
6. Power supply ? some suggest that the computer unit should have 300+ voltage to give your operating system a lot of snap.
7. Fans ? The new units usually have additional fans to cool the CPU ? which will help extend the life of your computer.
8. Networking capabilities ? you'll never know when you want to add an additional unit, it's always good to be prepared ? and trust me it will happen eventually.
9. If you have to buy a new operating system, I would suggest going with Microsoft XP Professional. I found it very stable, and less likely to crash.
Suggestions
If you start adding everything up, you will realize that I spent more on a "build it yourself unit" versus that of a complete unit. And the complete unit my friend, is definitely the way I will go from now on.
I have bought several units, and through hard knocks (rebates not received, wrong unit sent ? poor customer service) ? learned that the best deal that I have encountered was from Dell Computers. They offer different computer units, peripherals, printers, etc. with instant savings on select Dell PCs -- great weekly deals ? reasonable prices and honored rebates. Okay, as you can see I'm sold on Dell ? if you want to take a closer look you can go to my website at www.myaffiliateplace.biz to see for yourself what they have to offer.
To conclude, when you buy a computer unit online always be aware of what you're buying, what you will be using it for and with, and where you are buying it and from whom. Sometimes you have to take the hard knocks to learn, which is okay, however, when the hard knocks include an outlay of money ? it's always good to have some good advise before making a decision.
Vickie J Scanlon has a BBA degree in Administrative Management and Marketing. Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for free tools, articles, ebooks, how to info, and computer software/hardware.
Culver prom limo ..Time is money. And when you constantly have to divide... Read More
For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
World War II - Germany decided to attack Poland. Poland... Read More
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was... Read More
Upgrading your processor will always speed up your computer, but... Read More
One of the most common questions computer users ask is,... Read More
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night,... Read More
Up until the recent past, those who wanted to take... Read More
Maybe you always wanted a feature that hasn't been available... Read More
1. Before sitting down for coding, you must have formal... Read More
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by... Read More
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More
Getting started with video editing is very simple you only... Read More
Choose Not To ConformPalm pilots and pdas are constantly growing... Read More
Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More
Digital Video Disc or as it is sometimes referred to... Read More
"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More
Most people download and save so much information on their... Read More
As the owner of a Country Mall and Top Site... Read More
So you got yourself a digital camcorder. If you want... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More
Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More
After another security hole recently surfaced in Microsoft's Windows operating... Read More
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by... Read More
When browsing the internet you are likely to come across... Read More
Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of... Read More
I do a holiday letter every year and send them... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More
If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if... Read More
Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More
In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier... Read More
HTTP ProtocolThe web is run on port 80. You are... Read More
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not... Read More
If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More
As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More
Apache, MysQL and PHP for Windows could be a nice... Read More
CCNA FAQQ. What exams do I have to take to... Read More
Microsoft Certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued,... Read More
Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More
1. Let your PC boot up completely before opening any... Read More
Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
CCNAs and CCNA candidates hear it all the time: ???Get... Read More
Personal Technology |