Computer Hardware Review

An Introduction To The MacBook, iMac

There is no doubt that Macintosh intimidates many PC users. It is unfamiliar territory, and anyone who is used to a Microsoft platform will find that Apple uses a rather different system. Apple Inc. produces Macintosh computers, and though you might be more familiar with an iPod or the iPhone, the iMac, MacBook, and Mac Mini might seem foreign territory.

All Apple products operate on a Mac created system, so you might be using more Apple products than you realize. The infamous iTunes is created by Apple, and is used on a multitude of operating systems.

Apple Computers began in 1976 and continues to remain a strong, viable force in technological industries. PC users shouldn’t feel intimidated by Apple computers and software, once you understand the differences and capabilities of Apple products, you’ll quickly realize that they provide many benefits.

When a PC user purchases a computer, it typically comes with a Microsoft operating system; an Apple computer will not have a Microsoft system, but one that has been designed by Apple. This system is referred to as MAC OS and like Microsoft has a variety of operating systems (Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, etc.), Macintosh operating systems also range in variety.

The iMac computers include the iMac G3, the iMac G4, the iMac G5, and the Intel based iMac. At first glance, the iMac computer is sleek and stylish. The original shape of the iMac G3 was contemporary and in demand.

The MacBook is an Apple designed notebook or laptop computer. The first MacBook, laptop computer was released on May 16, 2006. Some MacBook computers include the MacBook Air, MacBook Core Duo, MacBook Core 2 Duo, MacBook Core 2 Duo Aluminum, MacBook Pro Core Duo, MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo and the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Unibody. When choosing a MacBook, each computer has different technological specifications allowing the user to choose the memory, processor, graphics, and display that they need.

Apple is always revealing new computer gear and technological products through their Macworld Conference and Exposition and in January 2005, they unveiled the Mac Mini. At 6 1/2 inches and standing a height of only 2 inches tall, the Mac Mini introduces computer users to a small, compact model. The Mac Mini is a full desktop computer that comes minus a keyboard, monitor, or mouse. Those who will easily connect it to other computer peripherals use it. The MacMini is available in hard drive capabilities ranging from 40 to 120 Gigabytes and can be upgraded. With the wide variety of products available from Apple, PC users should not feel intimidated by the world of Macintosh, but rather embrace this ever-growing line of computer technology.Choose the imac that meets your needs at http://www.electroland.gr/apple-mac.htm

Author:
Casey Adams

Terms: Articles may be reprinted provided content is not edited and links are kept live

Source: www.articledepot.co.uk

Does the technical name of different component of a computer, such as RAM, processor, scares you off?

In this article, we will be covering most of the hardware in regardless of the form size (physical size of the computer casing)

Essential Computer Hardware consists of

Mainboard

CPU

RAM

Hard Disk Drive

Graphic Card

Power Supply / Casing

Keyboard / Mouse

Monitor

DVD Writer

Mainboard (Motherboard)

This is the biggest piece of hardware in the system. This is where various other essential components connect onto it, such as CPU, Ram, Hard Disk drive, etc, to it. Modern mid-range mainboard usually comes with add-on component such LAN port, sound card and graphics card.

As other hardware connects to the mainboard, it is important to ensure that the mainboard purchased is of high caliber and has at least the add-on component as stated in the paragraph above.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This is one of the computer hardware that determines the speed of the whole system. The other determining hardware are the RAM and Hard Disk Drive. Single Core CPUs are almost obsolete and are much slower compared to their Dual Core / Quad Core counterparts.

Usually a numeric figure is stated and that is the clock frequency, commonly known as the speed of the CPU. Usually the higher the clock frequency, the faster your data can be processed.

Ram

Known as Random Access Memory, are memory chips where data are temporary stored. By storing the data on RAMs, the CPU is able to process the data in a shorter period which leads faster execution of the instructions and tasks assigned to the computer.

Usually a numeric figure (in Gb) is stated and that is the physical size of data the RAM is able to store.

Hard Disk Drive

This computer hardware keeps all data permanently, unlike the RAM which will erase data if the computer is shut down. Comes in sizes of 2.5″ (for laptop) and 3.5″ (for Desktop)

Usually a numeric figure (in Gb) is stated and comes in various capacity.

A rough calculation

Assuming a 4 min long music song is stored in mp3 format and takes up 4mb worth of space in the hard disk. 160Gb will be able to store around 40,000 songs!

Graphic Card

As stated, this card is initially responsible for displaying images onto the monitor. However, due to the high rendering first-person-shooter games being produced, gamers will demand their graphics card to be better than the CPU. This is due to the fact that the graphic card will handle all taxing gaming images which the CPU was unable to process. To meet up the demands, even graphics cards are going dual core!

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The life of the computer! This computer hardware sends power to various devices, such as the mainboard, hard disk drives, etc.

This is often the most overlooked hardware and is frequently compromised due to budget constraints. However, by cutting down on getting a good PSU, risks such as electric shock and under-current may occurs which could instantly destroy the mainboard and other hardware by providing the wrong current or voltage!!

Computer Casing / Chasis

Computer case is the tough armor to protect the dedicated various computer hardware.

Casing are important as they ventilate and regulate air flow to prevent overheating of the essential computer hardware.

Optical Drives

Commonly known as CD-ROM / DVD-ROM or DVD Writers, this allows reading of various CDs/DVDs. ROM hardware are only able to read from CD / DVD, while DVD Writers enables writing (copying of data) to the discs.

The latest technology for Optical Drive is currently Blu-Ray ROM will allows reading of Blu-ray disc. Due to the high cost, it is not widely included in systems.

Monitor

Is a visual display unit that shows images generated by the graphic card. CRT monitors that are working today are using older technology which consumes more power. Mainstream monitor manufactured are now mostly LCD due to their compact size and cheaper cost to manufacture.

LCD monitors come in various sizes, ranging from a minimum of 15″ to up to 70″!

Keyboard and Mouse

Is the hardware to input data and commands into the computer.

I hope that the above computer guide will assist you in having a further understanding of computer hardware.

For more information about computer, do visit S-Mall Computer Article Section.

If you are purchasing computers in Singapore, do drop by our website http://www.s-mall.com.sg

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… Rank: wait… C: wait…