Laptop was first introduced in 1983, and was used to refer to the Gavilan SC. The idea for the laptop existed prior to the invention of the personal computer, and was first conceived during the 1970s. The very first laptop was the Osborne 1, and it was released in 1981.
A laptop is a portable personal computer.It may also be known as a notebook. The typical laptop will range in weight from 1 to 3 kilograms, and will generally have an internal battery as well as a power adapter. While most laptops are portable, few can currently match the power of the most expensive desktops, though this will likely change as technology continues to advance. Most laptops should not be placed in your lap if it is not covered, because they can get hot, and can even burn skin that is held against it for extended periods of time. The typical laptop can be powered by one battery, and the power adapter can power the battery when it is plugged into a wall outlet.
A laptop can perform many of the same tasks as a PC, but they tend to be limited. They will have the same internal devices which are seen in desktops, but they will be much smaller in size. Most laptops will have a screen which uses a liquid crystal display.Most manufacturers have designed their laptops to work with a keyboard and mouse, and they will also have a touch pad that can be used to move around the cursor on the screen.
Laptops come in three varieties, and these are based on the size. An ultraportable laptop will generally weigh less than 1.7 kilograms, while a thin and light laptop will weigh up to 2.8 kilograms, and a medium sized laptop will weigh up to 3.5 kilograms.While the Osborne 1 was massive in comparison to contemporary laptops, it was revolutionary for its time, because it allowed people to carry their data with them, and the computer didn't have to be left in a single location. However, the Osborne 1 was so large that it was not possible to run it on a battery.
Most laptops today now use lithium ion batteries. While laptops have a few advantages over their desktop counterparts, they have some disadvantages as well. Unlike desktops, they are limited in their ability to be upgraded. As of this writing, their is no form factor for laptops, and the costs and technical issues involved with making them easy to upgrade aren't feasible.The only parts of most laptops that can easily be upgraded are the hard drive and RAM.
In addition to this, laptops are expensive to repair if they are damaged, and they are also easy to steal due to their small size. Stolen laptops are a common cause for identity theft. While the use of the USB port has allowed laptops to be upgraded to some degree, it will typically reduce their portability. Historically, the performance of laptops has always been low when they were compared to desktops in the same price range.
Data Recovery, Data Security and Data Backup.
Many of us store personal and business information on our computers. The thought of losing data due to a crashed or failed hard drive or perhaps a breach of data security sends chills down the spine of every grown man and woman. Once you except that you did not back up your data you need begin the data recovery process.
Data recovery options once your hard drive crashes.
First of all, stop using the computer immediately. It is not suggested that you run any data recovery software that came with your computer as this software can overwrite the original files. The next step is to allow a hard disk recovery company to restore your pertinent files. Contact a reputable company immediately. There are a few companies who come right to your home, but at-home data recovery computer services charge more. Certain computer files, such as DWG files (a complex graphics file format), require a specialist in order to be recovered. If there is damage to the hard drive you may not be able to recover your files. A hard drive crashing is an instance where data recovery is possible. If your data security is breached you may never recover what is stolen.
Avoid compromised data security.
The best way is to put safeguards in place. A few data security measures are encryption, antivirus and firewall protection. Data security such as encryption translates data into a secret code. To read an encrypted file you must have access to the key or password that enables you to decrypt it. There are many software programs and services that provide data encryption services depending on your data security needs. Additional data security measures such as antivirus and firewall protection provide further data protection. Some software programs have the ability to provide both antivirus and firewall protection for overall data security.
Avoid the mess of data recovery.
One way is to perform regular backups. Basic computer maintenance includes full and incremental backups. It is recommended that you perform a full backup once a week. An incremental backup is a backup that backs up only the files modified since the last backup and depending on your needs you can schedule this to run every day. It’s also beneficial if you have a copy of your data offsite. When you need to access this data you can either open the offsite data program and run it, or log on via the web to access your data. You will want to check with your service provider how to perform data recovery if needed.
Data recovery either from a crashed hard drive or lost through compromised data security can be a frustrating and devastating experience. The best situation is to avoid the loss of data all together. With regular computer backups and data security measures in place your computer data will remain where it needs to be, on your hard drive and easily accessible.
Some people balk at the cost of protecting their data, as well as the time involved in doing secure backups. But what they fail to consider is the cost of their lost personal and productivity time that is spent trying to recover data that could be recovered in literally MINUTES if they had properly safe-guarded the data in the first place! If your computer data files are the lifeblood of your business and/or personal life, the time and money involved in protecting that data adequately and properly cannot be determined by a dollar value.
Data recovery options once your hard drive crashes.
First of all, stop using the computer immediately. It is not suggested that you run any data recovery software that came with your computer as this software can overwrite the original files. The next step is to allow a hard disk recovery company to restore your pertinent files. Contact a reputable company immediately. There are a few companies who come right to your home, but at-home data recovery computer services charge more. Certain computer files, such as DWG files (a complex graphics file format), require a specialist in order to be recovered. If there is damage to the hard drive you may not be able to recover your files. A hard drive crashing is an instance where data recovery is possible. If your data security is breached you may never recover what is stolen.
Avoid compromised data security.
The best way is to put safeguards in place. A few data security measures are encryption, antivirus and firewall protection. Data security such as encryption translates data into a secret code. To read an encrypted file you must have access to the key or password that enables you to decrypt it. There are many software programs and services that provide data encryption services depending on your data security needs. Additional data security measures such as antivirus and firewall protection provide further data protection. Some software programs have the ability to provide both antivirus and firewall protection for overall data security.
Avoid the mess of data recovery.
One way is to perform regular backups. Basic computer maintenance includes full and incremental backups. It is recommended that you perform a full backup once a week. An incremental backup is a backup that backs up only the files modified since the last backup and depending on your needs you can schedule this to run every day. It’s also beneficial if you have a copy of your data offsite. When you need to access this data you can either open the offsite data program and run it, or log on via the web to access your data. You will want to check with your service provider how to perform data recovery if needed.
Data recovery either from a crashed hard drive or lost through compromised data security can be a frustrating and devastating experience. The best situation is to avoid the loss of data all together. With regular computer backups and data security measures in place your computer data will remain where it needs to be, on your hard drive and easily accessible.
Some people balk at the cost of protecting their data, as well as the time involved in doing secure backups. But what they fail to consider is the cost of their lost personal and productivity time that is spent trying to recover data that could be recovered in literally MINUTES if they had properly safe-guarded the data in the first place! If your computer data files are the lifeblood of your business and/or personal life, the time and money involved in protecting that data adequately and properly cannot be determined by a dollar value.
Speed-up your PC operations with registry cleaners.
Speed-up PC operations.
If you've had crashes on your personal computer, error messages or other set backs of your PC systems, you could need your personal computer registry cleaned. What happening is that the Windows registry in your PC acts as a central information base, with information classified according to many data and / or criteria in successive layers or levels. And Windows uses this stored info to set-up your system for not only users but software applications and hard ware devices.
If you've had crashes on your personal computer, error messages or other set backs of your PC systems, you could need your personal computer registry cleaned. What happening is that the Windows registry in your PC acts as a central information base, with information classified according to many data and / or criteria in successive layers or levels. And Windows uses this stored info to set-up your system for not only users but software applications and hard ware devices.
If you ever experience slow times on your computer, error messages or other malfunctioning of your systems, you could need your registry cleaned. What happens is that the Windows registry in your computer acts as a central database, with information classified according to various data and / or criteria in successive layers or levels. And Windows uses this stored data to configure your system for not only users but software applications and hardware devices.
In short, your registry maintains necessary information needed during operations; it accesses your user profiles, your software applications, your documents and folders, your shortcut icons, your hardware and ports, etc. If corrupted, this registry can slow down your system, disrupt certain applications, cause error messages and much more. So you need to take charge and clean it regularly.
Corruptions can be caused by incomplete removal of software or other applications that sometimes leave unwanted data around. Files can be corrupted due to technically glitches and any number of reasons.
How Cleaners Help.
What registry cleaners can do is scan your registry for blocked paths, paths that no longer exist (like with removed software that left traces on your system), and repairing erroneous information stored there. Results are that your system can operate and run much faster and smoother. Forget failed start ups, frozen screens, error messages, long time start up operations and incomplete hook ups with files and application processes.
Registry cleaners also offer additional applications for your computer systems. They feature tools that clean up your start up menu, pulling items you rarely use or even need from your start up menu. This in itself can aped up your start up and restart timing and make the processes much more efficient.
Plus an organizer tool within the registry cleaner allows you to go into Windows and Internet Explorer (IE) to control certain functions in those areas, too, just like with the start up menu cleaning process.
Key Features.
A registry cleaner usually features these basic utilities:
1. Registry scan and clean up with the click of a button.
2. Backup and restore abilities.
3. Defrag and Compact tools for the registry.
4. Erases tracking to protect your privacy.
5. Organizes startup.
6. Organizes Windows and IE.
7. Improves speed and efficiency of systems.
To find cleaners that help your computer systems, simply search “Registry Cleaner” in your favorite search engine. Over 5 million listings show up on Google™ alone.
To look for reg cleaners that enhance your PC system, just search “Registry Cleaner” in your search engine of choice. Way over five million listings show-up on Google™ alone.
Information about copy CD's.
Anyone who has burned CDs in the past has had to have encountered this problem, your CD doesn't want to play in certain CD players. You've probably tried switching to a different brand of disks, switching the writing speed of your CD burning software, and yet nothing seems to work.
Most professional CDs that are purchased from a retail outlet such as Circuit City or Best Buy works in any type of CD player, which probably makes you wonder what they are doing that your not. All of us wonder this, especially when out duplicated CDs don't want to play back like they should. Much to the contrary, it's because the music industry burns their CDs differently. Instead of simply duplicating CDs, the music industry chooses to replicate CDs. Even though the terminology may seem synonymous, the process is actually totally different.
CD replication is used for the mass production of CDs, which is normally more than 500. Insteadof writing the data to a CD using a laser as with duplication, CD replication uses a glass master to stamp (or press) the data onto the disc. This helps to eliminate almost all of the issues associated with play ability that are encountered when burning CDs at home. CD replication is a far superior process of burning CDs. Important to note, is the superior quality of CDs that are pressed using replication doesn't come cheap.
Even when using independent CD duplication companies such as Absolute Disc or Oasis, there is still going to be a very high cost associated with the replication of disks. For your next project, try having your CDs replicated rather than duplicated. This will ensure your project is very high quality, even though you'll need to order more than 500 CDs to receive this process.
Most professional CDs that are purchased from a retail outlet such as Circuit City or Best Buy works in any type of CD player, which probably makes you wonder what they are doing that your not. All of us wonder this, especially when out duplicated CDs don't want to play back like they should. Much to the contrary, it's because the music industry burns their CDs differently. Instead of simply duplicating CDs, the music industry chooses to replicate CDs. Even though the terminology may seem synonymous, the process is actually totally different.
CD replication is used for the mass production of CDs, which is normally more than 500. Insteadof writing the data to a CD using a laser as with duplication, CD replication uses a glass master to stamp (or press) the data onto the disc. This helps to eliminate almost all of the issues associated with play ability that are encountered when burning CDs at home. CD replication is a far superior process of burning CDs. Important to note, is the superior quality of CDs that are pressed using replication doesn't come cheap.
Even when using independent CD duplication companies such as Absolute Disc or Oasis, there is still going to be a very high cost associated with the replication of disks. For your next project, try having your CDs replicated rather than duplicated. This will ensure your project is very high quality, even though you'll need to order more than 500 CDs to receive this process.
Traveling with Laptop.
If you are traveling for business or for pleasure and you own a laptop, the chances are you are going to want to bring it along. One of the biggest obstacles to most people working effectively on long flights is limited battery power. After all, whether you are working on a spreadsheet, a document, a presentation or even if you want to let your kids watch their favorite DVD, you can't do much with a limiting two hours of battery life.
So how do you plan and what should you do?
First, figure out whether the plane on which you are flying has appropriate power ports. On most planes, if you are traveling in business or first class they will have power ports for you in every seat. The big question is coach/economy and whether or not the plane is newer. If you can, find out from the airline which type of aircraft on which you'll be flying. You can do this over the phone or online, for the most part. Then go to Seat Guru () plug in the information and you'll be able to see if you are going to have power from the aircraft. This is obviously especially useful on longer flights across the country or transatlantic.
If you have access to a power port then you should be all set for the duration of the flight. If you find out from taking the steps above that you don't, you need to plan. First, assess what you have. If your laptop is newer you probably have a three hour battery, which may be sufficient for your needs. If you have a refurbished laptop, or just an older machine you may only have two hours of battery for use. Once you assess your power, then you'll need to make a decision about buying a backup battery. This would obviously double your powerless access and it may offer you some additional security as having spares of just about everything, including batteries, on hand usually works out to your benefit.
If you need to buy an additional battery, or a newer battery with longer life, one of the best places to hit is Power Plant (). They have batteries and power supplies that work with a variety of laptops for very reasonable prices. This means you can have power from coast to coast which will offer plenty of time to map out all of those ideas or to run through as many Pixar movies as you need to stay sane while traveling.
Finally, if you are traveling and you need internet access, check out your airport's website and figure out whether or not they have WiFi. Some places will charge while others offer free wireless internet access. If you're older or doesn't yet have a wireless card, they are really inexpensive for the benefits you will gain. Some airlines are also introducing wireless internet on flights. Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines are all taking advantage of the new Connexion by Boeing program. This program will be coming on more airlines soon so be sure to ask your carrier when they will be bringing it on board.
No matter your situation, there are ways to plan for laptop use and access on board your flight. You may as well make your flight as productive as possible.
So how do you plan and what should you do?
First, figure out whether the plane on which you are flying has appropriate power ports. On most planes, if you are traveling in business or first class they will have power ports for you in every seat. The big question is coach/economy and whether or not the plane is newer. If you can, find out from the airline which type of aircraft on which you'll be flying. You can do this over the phone or online, for the most part. Then go to Seat Guru (
If you have access to a power port then you should be all set for the duration of the flight. If you find out from taking the steps above that you don't, you need to plan. First, assess what you have. If your laptop is newer you probably have a three hour battery, which may be sufficient for your needs. If you have a refurbished laptop, or just an older machine you may only have two hours of battery for use. Once you assess your power, then you'll need to make a decision about buying a backup battery. This would obviously double your powerless access and it may offer you some additional security as having spares of just about everything, including batteries, on hand usually works out to your benefit.
If you need to buy an additional battery, or a newer battery with longer life, one of the best places to hit is Power Plant (
Finally, if you are traveling and you need internet access, check out your airport's website and figure out whether or not they have WiFi. Some places will charge while others offer free wireless internet access. If you're older or doesn't yet have a wireless card, they are really inexpensive for the benefits you will gain. Some airlines are also introducing wireless internet on flights. Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines are all taking advantage of the new Connexion by Boeing program. This program will be coming on more airlines soon so be sure to ask your carrier when they will be bringing it on board.
No matter your situation, there are ways to plan for laptop use and access on board your flight. You may as well make your flight as productive as possible.
Laptop in Style and On a Budget.
If you are buying your first laptop you may not have gotten to the point where you are thinking of how you are going to cart it around. The nice part is in today's market you have tons of options, but that is also a double edged sword. As many options as you have, you have to choose one and hope its going to be the right fit. Among your options you can choose a standard shoulder bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. You can choose any color and material you want and you have optional features like air flow padding, cell phone pockets, iPod stash pockets and space for everything else you might need on the road. You have price options that range from the bargain to the outrageous and everything in between.
Of course, the easiest way to begin your search is to go to Google and type in “Laptop Bags” and see all the options that pop up on screen. BUT, here are a few suggestions on how to prepare before you buy.
First, make sure you know the size of your new laptop. Don't assume anything, take out your trust measuring tape and make sure you have the size down. Some laptop bags are made for smaller screens and some are made for larger ones and you want to make sure the laptop bag fits the laptop bag and that your machine won't moving around within the bag a lot. There are laptop bags with adjustable padding, but make sure you look for that feature if you think you'll need it.
Also, be aware of how heavy the laptop is and think about your personal preference for carrying. For instance if you know the laptop weighs several pounds and you are small of stature, a messenger bag or backpack will be easier for you to control. If your laptop is larger and you have any back issues, again, consider the type of bag you need to maintain your physical health and well being. Shoulder bags can look more professional, but if you are traveling with a garment bag and a suitcase as well as with your laptop in a shoulder bag you don't need it falling forwards or backwards as the weight redistributes itself. Weighing down one shoulder all the time can also be bad for your back, hips and neck. A great way to figure this out is to go to your local office supply store with your machine and try some bags on for size. Then take your newfound knowledge online and get the best price.
You should also think about how you are going to use the bag. Are you taking it into business situations or is it for your college student to lug their used laptop around campus? Are you going on an excursion in the wilderness where it needs to be protected from water? Will you use it rarely? Choose appropriately so that you feel comfortable and confident that the laptop will be safe and that you will present yourself well. Make sure that is has adequate protection if you are clumsy or tend to be hard on things and make sure the bag is sufficiently durable for your lifestyle. Choose a material that will be appropriate for your application, whether fun and colorful or staid and understated.
Finally, what else do you need to carry? Some people need to combine their laptop bag with their diaper bag while others need to transport files and still more want to bring their digital camera or iPod along for the ride, not to mention the cell phone.
Once you know what you need, think about your budget. If you are a bargain hunter, you probably already got a great price on a refurbished laptop or used laptop. You can get straightforward laptop bags for great prices on EBay and other sites. You can also spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect bag that converts from backpack to briefcase to get the best of both worlds.
Don't spend your money before you know what you really need and before you find the best deal. You can get everything you need and want in a versatile and durable laptop bag, you just need to be a smart consumer and do your homework.
Of course, the easiest way to begin your search is to go to Google and type in “Laptop Bags” and see all the options that pop up on screen. BUT, here are a few suggestions on how to prepare before you buy.
First, make sure you know the size of your new laptop. Don't assume anything, take out your trust measuring tape and make sure you have the size down. Some laptop bags are made for smaller screens and some are made for larger ones and you want to make sure the laptop bag fits the laptop bag and that your machine won't moving around within the bag a lot. There are laptop bags with adjustable padding, but make sure you look for that feature if you think you'll need it.
Also, be aware of how heavy the laptop is and think about your personal preference for carrying. For instance if you know the laptop weighs several pounds and you are small of stature, a messenger bag or backpack will be easier for you to control. If your laptop is larger and you have any back issues, again, consider the type of bag you need to maintain your physical health and well being. Shoulder bags can look more professional, but if you are traveling with a garment bag and a suitcase as well as with your laptop in a shoulder bag you don't need it falling forwards or backwards as the weight redistributes itself. Weighing down one shoulder all the time can also be bad for your back, hips and neck. A great way to figure this out is to go to your local office supply store with your machine and try some bags on for size. Then take your newfound knowledge online and get the best price.
You should also think about how you are going to use the bag. Are you taking it into business situations or is it for your college student to lug their used laptop around campus? Are you going on an excursion in the wilderness where it needs to be protected from water? Will you use it rarely? Choose appropriately so that you feel comfortable and confident that the laptop will be safe and that you will present yourself well. Make sure that is has adequate protection if you are clumsy or tend to be hard on things and make sure the bag is sufficiently durable for your lifestyle. Choose a material that will be appropriate for your application, whether fun and colorful or staid and understated.
Finally, what else do you need to carry? Some people need to combine their laptop bag with their diaper bag while others need to transport files and still more want to bring their digital camera or iPod along for the ride, not to mention the cell phone.
Once you know what you need, think about your budget. If you are a bargain hunter, you probably already got a great price on a refurbished laptop or used laptop. You can get straightforward laptop bags for great prices on EBay and other sites. You can also spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect bag that converts from backpack to briefcase to get the best of both worlds.
Don't spend your money before you know what you really need and before you find the best deal. You can get everything you need and want in a versatile and durable laptop bag, you just need to be a smart consumer and do your homework.
Rent a PC.
There are lots of ways to buy anything you want, but if you need a computer, and can’t cough up enough money to get one, try a computer rental. Getting a computer this way has a lot of benefits, that you might be unaware of, so check out why it is a good idea to use a computer rental, even if it’s not your first time owing one.
Almost all stores have incentives to use their electronics rental service. One of the best is that if you’ve got a few credit problems, or if you’re trying to establish credit, then this is ideal. There are no credit checks, and you don’t have to put up collateral to get it. You’ll need to supply a few personal references, and be employed at a job to qualify for a computer rental. 90 days same as cash is an option. Interest is not added because payments are not required; all you’ll pay is the tax on your purchase.
The payment schedule is usually quite flexible. Stores will work with you to set a payment plan that’s right for you. Monthly, weekly, or even every other week is a viable payback schedule. Hidden fees are not included because they’re figured into the plan options for payment. It’s nice to know too that you can get with a computer rental a service computer if the one you’re renting goes down.
Finally, the best thing about getting a home or office computer this way is that you can give a go at the policy of try it before you buy it. With a computer rental you can choose a certain type of computer, use it and if you fall in love with it, you can always purchase it. It’s certainly a better option than buying one outright, and then finding out that it’s not what you really need or want. A computer rental is a good option, no matter which way you go.
Almost all stores have incentives to use their electronics rental service. One of the best is that if you’ve got a few credit problems, or if you’re trying to establish credit, then this is ideal. There are no credit checks, and you don’t have to put up collateral to get it. You’ll need to supply a few personal references, and be employed at a job to qualify for a computer rental. 90 days same as cash is an option. Interest is not added because payments are not required; all you’ll pay is the tax on your purchase.
The payment schedule is usually quite flexible. Stores will work with you to set a payment plan that’s right for you. Monthly, weekly, or even every other week is a viable payback schedule. Hidden fees are not included because they’re figured into the plan options for payment. It’s nice to know too that you can get with a computer rental a service computer if the one you’re renting goes down.
Finally, the best thing about getting a home or office computer this way is that you can give a go at the policy of try it before you buy it. With a computer rental you can choose a certain type of computer, use it and if you fall in love with it, you can always purchase it. It’s certainly a better option than buying one outright, and then finding out that it’s not what you really need or want. A computer rental is a good option, no matter which way you go.
Build your own computer.
The parameters used to be a little clearer. You could easily save money by building your own computer. All you needed was the basic know-how, the time and initiative. You had a good computer at a better price than you could buy new. But things have changed over time. As technology improved and prices dropped, suddenly the savings benefit seemingly dwindled away. However, that is not always the case and there are still many excellent reasons for building your own computer.
Easier Upgrades.
By using non-proprietary, quality parts, your new home-built computer will be much more easy to upgrade than its store-bought counterpart. Many retail computers have proprietary components that are tied together in such a way as to make part replacement or upgrade difficult. Your customized computer should be easy to work on, repair, and upgrade for a good while.
Learning Experience.
Building a computer is a great learning experience. You get to see firsthand just what all the parts do and how they work together. Not only is it educational, but it's great fun too! And you get the satisfaction and pride of having a tangible result of your labor at the end of your project.
Customize to Your Needs.
By building your own computer, you can customize it exactly to your needs. Whether you're into gaming, video production, audio recording, AutoCAD, or just general word processing and internet surfing, you can build a computer specifically suited to your task.
Drawbacks of a Retail Computer.
There are a number of reasons why most store-purchased computers today are inferior to a custom-built machine. Retail computers often come with bundled software packages that are average at best. The quality level of much of the software is quite low, and most of it is probably unnecessary. It's often poorly-written proprietary software (specifically written for that computer manufacturer) and is usually infesting every nook and cranny of the computer, slowing down performance and taking up storage space.
Much of the brand-name software included in these bundles are basic versions and even trial versions. If you need quality software (and who doesn't), you're most likely going to have to buy it separately anyway.Many of the computer components are also proprietary, making repairs and upgrades difficult. Sometimes off-the-shelf components just won't work well or at all with a retail computer. And they are often not designed for much room to expand or upgrade.
Partial Upgrade vs. Replacement.
An alternative to building a computer from scratch is to perform a major upgrade. This should be cheaper compared to total replacement, and can still give you an excellent machine well-suited to your needs. You must already have an upgradeable computer though, and it needs to have a few key components which you can build around. Perform a cost/benefit analysis and determine which method would best serve you.
Warranties.
One argument for purchasing a computer from a retailer is to obtain a good warranty. This has some merit, but keep in mind that redeeming warranties is usually not a walk in the park! You may also be without your machine for a while during the time it is being repaired or replaced. Individually-purchased components most likely also come with a warranty, so if one fails there may be recourse for replacement. The warranty issue probably is about equal with either method you choose.
What's Right for You?
That's something only you can decide. But if you have the interest, a willingness to learn, a need for customization, and the desire for a solid, quality system, I believe you're a perfect candidate to build your own computer.
Easier Upgrades.
By using non-proprietary, quality parts, your new home-built computer will be much more easy to upgrade than its store-bought counterpart. Many retail computers have proprietary components that are tied together in such a way as to make part replacement or upgrade difficult. Your customized computer should be easy to work on, repair, and upgrade for a good while.
Learning Experience.
Building a computer is a great learning experience. You get to see firsthand just what all the parts do and how they work together. Not only is it educational, but it's great fun too! And you get the satisfaction and pride of having a tangible result of your labor at the end of your project.
Customize to Your Needs.
By building your own computer, you can customize it exactly to your needs. Whether you're into gaming, video production, audio recording, AutoCAD, or just general word processing and internet surfing, you can build a computer specifically suited to your task.
Drawbacks of a Retail Computer.
There are a number of reasons why most store-purchased computers today are inferior to a custom-built machine. Retail computers often come with bundled software packages that are average at best. The quality level of much of the software is quite low, and most of it is probably unnecessary. It's often poorly-written proprietary software (specifically written for that computer manufacturer) and is usually infesting every nook and cranny of the computer, slowing down performance and taking up storage space.
Much of the brand-name software included in these bundles are basic versions and even trial versions. If you need quality software (and who doesn't), you're most likely going to have to buy it separately anyway.Many of the computer components are also proprietary, making repairs and upgrades difficult. Sometimes off-the-shelf components just won't work well or at all with a retail computer. And they are often not designed for much room to expand or upgrade.
Partial Upgrade vs. Replacement.
An alternative to building a computer from scratch is to perform a major upgrade. This should be cheaper compared to total replacement, and can still give you an excellent machine well-suited to your needs. You must already have an upgradeable computer though, and it needs to have a few key components which you can build around. Perform a cost/benefit analysis and determine which method would best serve you.
Warranties.
One argument for purchasing a computer from a retailer is to obtain a good warranty. This has some merit, but keep in mind that redeeming warranties is usually not a walk in the park! You may also be without your machine for a while during the time it is being repaired or replaced. Individually-purchased components most likely also come with a warranty, so if one fails there may be recourse for replacement. The warranty issue probably is about equal with either method you choose.
What's Right for You?
That's something only you can decide. But if you have the interest, a willingness to learn, a need for customization, and the desire for a solid, quality system, I believe you're a perfect candidate to build your own computer.
Computers have impacted our society in an enormous way. Computers are used in thousands of applications worldwide and are moving into new field’s everyday.
Laptops.
Laptops are portable computers weighing between 3 to 4 kg. Laptops have spread across the globe due to falling price levels. Today’s laptops are lighter, have exceptional computing power, are affordable, and have sleek aesthetic appeal, yum!, not good for eating mind you. Panasonic has launched a waterproof laptop model. Though not completely waterproof it is resistant to coffee or water spills. There are commercial laptop variants available like the Dell latitude which is very popular. The model features the Intel core dual processors, weighs only 4.7 pounds, 2MB L2 cache, has wide aspect screens of 12, 14 and 15 inches and larger, 512 MB RAM and 4 USB ports.Always get more ram.
Tablet PCs.
Tablet PCs are light weight slate shaped hand-held computers. A tablet PC consists of a hand held touch screen with a light pen or stylus. Tablet PCs usually have inbuilt handwriting recognition software to recognize whatever is written on the screen with the stylus. In tablet PCs a keyboard is not required as data input can be done by touch or writing with the stylus. These are quite pricy but good for face to face business presentations.
Laptops.
Laptops are portable computers weighing between 3 to 4 kg. Laptops have spread across the globe due to falling price levels. Today’s laptops are lighter, have exceptional computing power, are affordable, and have sleek aesthetic appeal, yum!, not good for eating mind you. Panasonic has launched a waterproof laptop model. Though not completely waterproof it is resistant to coffee or water spills. There are commercial laptop variants available like the Dell latitude which is very popular. The model features the Intel core dual processors, weighs only 4.7 pounds, 2MB L2 cache, has wide aspect screens of 12, 14 and 15 inches and larger, 512 MB RAM and 4 USB ports.Always get more ram.
Tablet PCs.
Tablet PCs are light weight slate shaped hand-held computers. A tablet PC consists of a hand held touch screen with a light pen or stylus. Tablet PCs usually have inbuilt handwriting recognition software to recognize whatever is written on the screen with the stylus. In tablet PCs a keyboard is not required as data input can be done by touch or writing with the stylus. These are quite pricy but good for face to face business presentations.
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