If you think assembling your own PC is an impossible task, think again. With the way components are being designed today, anybody with hands can build their own desktop.
Of course, the easiest task would be to hunt for a monitor. That’s a peripheral that you won’t and shouldn’t be assembling. And don’t you even dare try to learn how to create a CRT or LCD panel. Even the machines at Samsung are having a hard time making one.
The next step, and probably the most exciting one, is picking the right case for your PC. The most popular ones are the tower casings. There are various designs for tower tops. It can even be customized according to your preferences. There are also mini or micro casings. However, if you’re new to assembling, then I suggest that you try the tower tops first. It’s easy to install components in them because there’s a lot of room for your hands to maneuver. It’s also easy to open, thereby making adding or removing components convenient.
And now on to the peripherals. I guess I’ve already told you before that the mother of all PC components is the motherboard. Your computer would run without sound cards or even hard drives, but it can never come to life without a motherboard. Almost every peripheral is dependent and connected to it. There’s no hard and fast rule in picking the right motherboard. It all depends upon the processor that you like. Every processor is supported by a different chipset or motherboard. An AMD Athlon chip won’t run on motherboards that support Intel Pentium processors. So make sure that you got the right motherboard for your processor or vice versa.
With regard to processors, the general rule is to pick the latest and fastest one. However, if you’re budget conscious, then you could buy one that would fit your needs. For example, if you won’t be using your unit to play games or perform various multimedia tasks, then an Intel Celeron or AMD Sempron would already do. They’re cheaper than the Athlon or Core 2 Duo. However, if you want a lean, mean, gaming machine, then you should seriously opt for the latter two.
While modems and LAN cards are not necessarily needed in order for a computer to run, they’re basically unavoidable necessities. Almost everything is connected to the Internet. You’ll be missing out on a lot of things if you don’t have access to cyberspace. Quite frankly, your computer might be virtually useless without an Internet connection. The famous biblical verse that “no man is an island” is almost squarely applicable to this case.
Sound and video cards are not basically indispensable, too. Most motherboards already have built-in graphics and sound engines. However, if your motherboard has none, then they’re definitely must-haves.
I know that I’ve said a while ago that your computer could still come to life without a hard drive. It would be virtually in a comatose state without this primary storage device. Windows won’t run on a VCD or DVD disk. While you could use DOS, you’re computer won’t be able to do much when running on it. Pick a hard drive that has a large capacity and a fast RPM as well. Seagate and Maxtor are among the famous and most trusted brands in the storage industry.
Optical drives are a must, too. You won’t be able to install applications without them. Gone are the days when installation media are in the form of floppy disks. VCDs and DVDs are the ones being used today.
The tools that you need to be able to assemble a PC are not that hard to use. If you’re familiar with a screwdriver, then you have nothing to worry about. Most of the components come with an installation manual, so it’s very unlikely that you’ll be clueless in your undertaking. Don’t lose the installation disks that come along with the package. They contain the device drivers which ensure that the peripheral would run or work with the OS. In case you lost them, don’t fret. Just look for a device driver finder on the Internet and install the applications that it recommends and offers.
I wouldn’t be surprised if many PC users are not aware what device drivers are for. It’s easy to miss them considering that they’re just tiny specks in the gamut of files that make up an application. One could easily make the conclusion that his program won’t even suffer a minor hiccup without it.
But for those who frequently connect various types of hardware to their laptops or desktops, they have an idea on how vital device drivers are in making sure that both computer and peripheral work harmoniously together.
I must admit though, that there are times when you don’t even need to rip the packaging off the installation CDs of your digital camera or sound box. These optical media contain applications which facilitate the connection or communication between the gadget and the PC. Of course, some of the programs or files included in the installation CDs are device drivers.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the term “Plug and Play”. These words were non-existent during the time of DOS. Although the previous version of Windows claimed a certain degree of ease as far as introducing peripherals is concerned, many users still found it difficult to make a new device work in their PC. That changed when Windows XP was released. I remember the time when I first installed it. I was so worried that some of my computer’s components won’t work since I already lost their installation discs. Surprisingly, XP recognized all of them, including my very ancient and problematic modem.
Software and hardware got complicated since then. Today, it’s not enough that you have the right device driver in order to ensure that it would work with your OS smoothly. You also have to have the latest version thereof.
I’m sure you’re aware that almost all programs get updated even long after their release. It’s not that the applications of old are more stable and well-written than those of today. I’m sure the software that we’ve used more than a decade ago were far from being perfect as far as compatibility or security is concerned. However, we don’t get prompted by the manufacturer of the program back then to update or upgrade to the latest version because it was difficult and impractical. Remember that nobody had Internet access more than a decade ago. Updating or distributing patches then would’ve been a logistical nightmare for software makers. Everything changed since the Internet came along, especially during the last 5 years when bandwidths increased exponentially.
Almost all programs need updating at one time or another. These updates usually come in the form of a device driver. Remember that drivers facilitate the connection or communication of a software or hardware with the OS. As all operating systems continuously evolve, so should the programs or peripherals that run on it. It’s the cheapest and most practical way of changing or upgrading your component. Without these drivers, you might need to constantly change your hardware and software in order to ensure that it would work seamlessly with your OS. Needless to say, that would just be a complete waste of time, money, and effort.
Are the owners of the world’s latest and most famous OS enjoying the vista on their screens, or are they saying hasta la vista to it?
It’s been almost a month now since Microsoft released Windows Vista to consumers. While many were awed by the visual aspects of the program, some were not a bit impressed by it. In fact, they claim that it’s just XP wrapped in new clothing. Extreme skeptics even detested the new OS, saying that it’s not even worth leaving XP (and even 98) for.
I think the last one was totally uncalled for. I’m not a big Microsoft fan. I think I already aired my sentiments against the monopoly that Bill Gate’s company has over the OS industry. Nearly 90% of all computers around the world are running on XP, and I guess it’s safe to say that Vista would be getting a similar percentage by the time the Democrats take over the White House.
However, I disagree that Vista’s all hype. I think I’m objective and credible enough to say that the new OS has lived up to most of the experts’ expectations. If you think that its new skin is mediocre, then you might seriously consider visiting an ophthalmologist. The graphics are great. It does demand much from my graphics card, but the visuals are pretty and stunning enough to merit a few extra bytes off my RAM and video memory.
With regard to compatibility, I have yet to see an old application crash on it. I must admit that I was quite apprehensive at first on the issue. I mean, many of programs that I used in Windows 95 and 98 had cramps and refused to run in XP. I was expecting the same dilemma when I installed Vista. Surprisingly though, I hadn’t encounter any of such. Maybe it’s because hardware and software makers were given sufficient time to come up with the necessary drivers to make their products work on the new OS. Third-party device driver providers, such as RadarSync, also helped in preventing old programs from going on strike when made to run on Vista.
So what’s the early verdict on Microsoft’s latest offering? Well, if you ask me, I think it isn’t guilty as far as visuals and compatibility are concerned. However, I’m not sure if I could say the same with regard to security. Symantec, the maker of most popular anti-virus program, has recently released a study which exposed some flaws of the OS that could render it susceptible to attacks.
Now you might think that the producer of the Norton Anti-Virus might have purposely released a damaging report in order to ensure that its security products and services would continuously be patronized. That was my initial reaction, actually. However, Symantec was candid enough to admit that many might harbor this suspicion. They clarified and emphasized the impartiality of their study. In fact, they would be presenting their findings to Microsoft in order for the latter to take the appropriate actions.
Of course, Microsoft was quite defensive on this. However, it was also a good sport since the Redmond, Washington company said that it will study the Symantec report and adopt its recommendations if it finds out that the latter’s claims are indeed true.
So should XP users take the plunge already and shift to the new OS? My answer is a resounding “yes!” However, make sure that you’re PC is ready for the change. Increase your RAM and change your processor if it’s a Celeron or lower. Be ready with the appropriate Vista driver for your old peripherals. If your PC is fit enough to handle the demands of Microsoft’s new creation, then I can assure you that you’ll be saying hasta la vista, baby to your current non-Vista OS.
My Acer Aspire notebook is testing my patience, and possibly its warranty card, again. The peripherals attached to it are not working properly. One didn’t even work at all.
I was given a long data entry task by my boss that involves numbers. As we all know, notebook keyboards do not have the number pad that their desktop counterparts usually have. As a solution, I bought a larger keyboard that can be used or attached to any computer via USB.
My head nearly reached its boiling point when the component refused to function after I connected it to my laptop. Initially, I thought that the keyboard was just playing hard-to-get. I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the USB plug from the port. That didn’t solve it. It only worked when I restarted the computer without removing the extra component.
This is frustrating. Peripherals should work right away once it is plugged to the computer. My laptop doesn’t seem to agree with me on this, though. If I want a peripheral to work on my notebook, I have to plug it first then restart my unit in order for the former to be recognized. What a waste of time.
A friend of mine told me that my problem might be driver-related after he learned that I didn’t install any. I told him that I didn’t bother to look for the appropriate driver because the add-ons to my desktop got recognized instantly, and that my mouse is working perfectly fine without a driver. Maybe she’s right, though. My USB keyboard hasn’t been playing hide and seek after I installed its driver. I guess computers can’t see or feel without the aid of device drivers.
I was looking for an add-on to Microsoft’s Flight Simulator the other day when I chanced upon my all-time favorite game – Sid Meir’s Civilization.
If you’re a frustrated dictator or democratic leader, then this is the game for you. Your primary task here is to build a nation from scratch. You can build temples, bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructures in the cities that you’ll be creating.
Of course, no game is complete without armed conflict. You can wage war with other civilizations, or create an alliance with them. It’s like Sim City combined with your favorite war game.
The first Civilization that I was able to play was the DOS version (yeah, I’m that old). A friend of mine gave me a copy made for Windows back in 1994. Unfortunately, that version of the game runs only on Windows 3.0. My OS at that time was Windows 3.1. I found that weird since everybody (I think) was already using version 3.1 at that time. I don’t know if it was just a driver problem or if my copy of the game was just corrupt.
I’m glad that compatibility issues nowadays are not that big an issue anymore. Searching for a driver during the 80s and early 90s usually means writing the manufacturer to send you a copy of the same. Today, all you need to do is look for a device driver finder and everything’s fixed in a jiffy.
Isn’t it irritating to see a subject being repeatedly discussed in almost every forum imaginable? If you’re an IT enthusiast but is not that enthusiastic about Vista, then this article might be another bead of salt to your wound.
But you have to admit that it is only appropriate, if not extremely necessary, that every PC user should be talking about Microsoft’s new Operating System. We know how influential Bill Gate’s company is. I don’t know the exact estimate, but I guess it’s safe to say that nearly 90% of all PCs around the globe run on Windows.
But this article is not all about Bill Gate’s latest software. Every operating system that is released to the market influences the IT industry. And as not everybody likes the way Microsoft is muscling its way around the business, you can be sure that there will be PCs which would not bear the famous seal from Redmond, Washington.
It’s ironic that driver or compatibility issues usually plague the release of new operating systems. It just doesn’t make sense at first glance. I mean it’s a new software. Hence, its developers should have been able to review and consider the existing and necessary drivers that are needed for their product to work on all computers and its peripherals. But surprisingly, the OS manufacturers have ignored this dilemma and have instead passed it on to the maker of the hardware.
So why are consumers given the burden of looking for the necessary drivers when the OS maker could’ve just included all available or fathomable drivers? I’m not sure. Maybe because it’s a logistical nightmare for the manufacturer. Consumers won’t be too happy either if they’ll be informed that their hard drives would be fed with files that theywon’t probably ever need.
Software and hardware makers have been apprised by Vista’s arrival long enough to come up with a driver that would make their product work seamlessly in the new OS. In fact, many hardware manufacturers have already released Vista drivers even before the XP successor went out in the market. There’s no dearth of Vista drivers. Every existing and soon-to-be-released PC component can run in Microsoft’s latest offering.
There’s just one catch, though. The drivers are usually scattered around the Web. You have to find it first. The problem or the challenge is not just simply confined to the act of searching alone. Not only should you be able to find the location of the drivers, but you should also determine the appropriate one for your PC or its components.
Don’t be too complacent even if your OS claims to have the driver for a specific peripheral that you have. It is possible that new updates have been released since the time the driver has been included by the OS maker in its installation CD. Hence, you might still end up using the wrong kind or version of the driver.
I’m not discouraging you to shift from your current OS. I’m sure that the one you’re using right now is still constantly being updated. What I am suggesting is that you should invest in a reliable device driver finder whenever you’re discarding your old OS for a new one. Let such service or application take care of the driver dilemmas that you’ll certainly be having.
In not so suprising news, it’s just been confirmed that the launch of Vista has also propelled PC sales. According to research firm Current Analysis, sales of PCs with Windows Vista already installed helped propel overall PC sales to 67% compared to the same week a year earlier. If you want more info on this news item, click here).
This announcement to me means to two things really.
One, despite all the negative talk about Vista, Microsoft is STILL the No. 1 thought on the general public’s mind when it comes to their PC needs. It seems that there is a generation reared on Microsoft and even if there is NO need really to buy a new PC to experience Vista, most people (at least the ones I talk to) prefer to get a new system to start “fresh”.
Two, despite what others say, this news is GOOD for the industry in general. According to the same research firm cited above, PC sales have just been so-so (in fact, it has been showing a slow but steady decline!) until the Vista launch came along. I have not bought a new PC but I did upgrade last weekend. So what do I think? WOW! (More next week…)
I read from the PC Advisor (full article here) that Microsoft’s launch of Vista has jacked up demand for laptops. Taiwan’s Quanta computer, whose roster of clients include Apple, HP, and Dell, states that it shipped more than two million laptops in January.
This news confirms further to me that people are opting to install Vista on a ‘fresh’ system rather than upgrade their current ones. Indeed, a quick preview of tech blogs reveals that many do advise this as simply upgrading can result in not just a few headaches (so better start fresh they say).
So should you or shouldn’t you? I say, if you’ve had your PC or laptop for quite some time already and was thinking of buying a new one anyway, well, now’s the perfect time for you to do so! If not, then I suggest you don’t. As for those ‘headaches’… I’ll let you know if I encountered any next week as I’m upgraidng this weekend! 😉
One of the most ‘cute’ news items to come out lately is when Microsoft admitted that even their own LifeCam product does not have Vista-compatible drivers yet. Well I think most people really don’t realize it yet but, indeed, if you upgrade your self-made PC from XP to Vista, you are bound to go through some tough times trying to find compatible drivers. So imagine my surprise when I came across a post at Lifehacker talking about a device driver finder company called Radarsync that is offering a repository of Vista drivers… for free! You can find their collection of Vista drivers on this page – www.radarsync.com/vista – and you can download to your heart’s content.
Check it out and let us know what you think! Did you find the Vista driver you were looking for? I must say that even if you have not found the driver you are looking for particularly, this page would be a very good resource to have (Bookmark it! Bookmark it! :)) especially since we all know how manufacturers can be a tad tardy when it comes to releasing new drivers for their products.
So why is Radarsync offering this free Vista drivers page? The company’s main product is – ta-dah! – a device driver finder tool! Vested interest? Sure! But they sure have given themselves the edge by being the first to cater to what I humbly predict as a soon-to-be growing problem for those who will be upgrading to Vista.
Want to find out if Radarsync is for you? Get this the free download from their software.
If you try it, be sure to post your feedback about this device driver finder here! Yeah, I REALLY want to know.
Have you noticed that almost all electronic devices can already be connected to a PC?
There was a time when the only PC peripherals that anyone could think of were the printer, mouse, and the keyboard. Today, almost every electronic gadget can already be considered a PC component or accessory. If you own a digital camera, then you know what I’m talking about. Sure, it can function independently from a computer. However, you can’t easily or effectively share and edit the photos taken from it without a PC. How else would you show that picture of yours to a loved one who lives thousands of miles away.
It’s quite unfortunate though, that there are still some people who do not or cannot grasp this realization. They’re the ones who often keep the device’s manuals, but throw away the CDs included in the package that contain the device drivers that are needed in order to facilitate the connection of their electronic device to the PC. The consequence of such careless acts is not dire, though.
There are many device driver finders on the Internet which could easily look for and install lost or discarded drivers. So in case you inadvertently threw the installation CD of your digital camera or MP3 player, don’t dive through the pile of garbage in your backyard and try to retrieve it. There’s a cleaner solution on the Internet!
