Buying a Computer For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
Dan Gookin
Language: English
Pages: 332
ISBN: 076459818X
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Realizing that purchasing a computer is a significant investment, beloved author Dan Gookin assists readers in finding a tailor-made computer that suits specific needs, while also offering longevity. This book delivers all the know-how in an understandable, enjoyable, friendly style, so readers don't feel overwhelmed by all the choices they'll face when buying a computer. It walks readers step by step through all the new developments: CD burner/DVD combo drives, processor upgrades, flat panel displays, new modem and networking options, new peripherals, and more. It is an essential reference for first-time computer buyers looking to make a wise purchase, and for anyone looking to get an additional computer.
Cypherpunks: Freedom and the Future of the Internet
Introduction to Information Retrieval
Flex & Bison: Text Processing Tools
BSD Hacks: 100 Industrial-strength Tips & Tools
Mainframes The final computer category I describe is the most ancient, but not gone or forgotten: the mainframe, or “big iron,” that used to do all the computing work before personal computers became popular in the late 1970s — and again at the turn of the 21st century. Though mainframe computers were once thought to be doomed relics of the past, they’re now in high demand and selling better than some home-model computers. Of course, as with high-end workstations and file servers, you probably.
Inside the console is a host of electronics, wires, diodes, and doodads. These devices all live on a single piece of circuitry called the motherboard, and worship the microprocessor like suppliants to their pagan god. Here’s the short list: ߜ Chipset: The collective circuitry inside the computer comprises the computer’s personality. This includes chips referred to as the BIOS (“BYE-oss”), which provide the Basic Input and Output System (BIOS) for the computer and all its devices. But now, because.
Home over Professional is if you plan to play computer games, especially older Windows games. Otherwise, Windows XP Professional is the way to go. Figure 15-1: Windows XP looks like this. 163 164 Part II: Hardware and Software Overview ߜ If you want to play games or you consider yourself more of a “consumer” than a business user, get Windows XP Home Edition. ߜ Note that Windows XP Professional costs more than the Home version. ߜ Yes, Windows XP Professional can also play computer games, but.
Services. Productivity Software After the Internet, the next-most-popular form of software is generally called productivity software. These programs are the ones that get things done — the workhorses. Even if your main purpose for having a computer is playing games or creating graphics or just surfing the Web, you still find yourself needing at least a few productivity applications to keep yourself occupied. Word processing The most popular type of application on any computer is the word.
Is also popular and reliable. Anti-spyware: This relatively new class of utility is designed to fight nasty programs on the Internet. The spyware category of software snoops on you as you use the Internet, by observing your patterns for marketing purposes. The problem with spyware is that it’s often not wanted and quite hard to remove. Anti-spyware software solves that problem. A firewall: A firewall utility is used to prevent unwanted access to your computer over the Internet. The Internet was.