|
 Technology
Questions
by Bob O'Hare |
Q: How hard is it (really) to convert my old VHS tapes to
DVD? I don't want to spend a lot of time and
money doing it, but I don't want to keep my VCR around forever either. -Judy
A: Judy, Judy, Judy... Good news—it's not hard at all.
You can use a video converter or editor. Converters are commonly used to
transfer digital video to a PC, but
many include inputs for VCRs and analog camcorders as well. These devices are
typically a box that installs
into your PC's USB or FireWire port, with connections for camcorders and VCRs.
Follow the included
instructions, and send video from your VCR to your PC easily. Most converters
come with editing software to
"clean up" footage (this is helpful if you're transferring home video) and
other options to arrange clips or add
sound, transitions and special effects. And don't worry—this software is user
friendly, with easy drag-and-drop
formats. Then burn movies to CDs or DVDs, publish online and even record back
to VHS. Just make sure to
choose the converter that's right for you. Some include extra features, such
as TV tuners, extensive editing
and remote controls. If you only want to convert old movies, then you may not
need these high-end options.
Recommendation: AVC-2010 Video! PCI
Video Converter Kit $99.00 at
CompUSA
PCI-Card Kit (VideOh!™ PCI) provides the easy
way to convert analog camcorder video digitally then burn to DVD or CD discs
with your PC.
VideOh! PCI includes a PCI MPEG-2 capture card with A/V cable for simple
connectivity to camcorders or other analog video device.
It also includes
Sonic™ MyDVD™ DVD-Video creation software for Windows®, which allows you to
edit, author and burn video clips.
Highlights PCI real-time MPEG-2 capture card - Easy-to-use DVD creation
software - Use your existing CD-Recorder to make Video CDs you can play on
your DVD player (Recordable media playback compatibility varies between DVD
player models. Consult your DVD player manual for more information).
Q: My Hard Drive is old and making noises plus almost full and I want to know how to to
install a new one. Wally
A: Good news—it's not hard to do, and I recommend that everyone
gets a spare.
I would recommend a 60GB MAXTOR Hard Drive from
TigerDirect.com
for $69.00 which comes with a complete
upgrade kit. It comes with software that makes this a breeze to install.
We have others below. But this should be plenty.
Follow the directions. After you install it. Windows XP and Windows 2000 computers
will show that you have new hardware. Insert the CD that comes with the
hard drive and copy your old drive, the instructions are easy. Mine took 20
minutes for 40GB of information on my old drive. I recommend after copying
your drive to remove your old one and place it in a draw, in case your system
gets a virus you can always re-install your old one. I have 2 copies of
mine, plus a 20GB external drive for back-up which I also purchase at tiger.
Note: If your computer is over three years old and before you
did this, I would also think about also ordering a
Asus A8V Deluxe Socket 939
Bare-bone Kit /
AMD Athlon 64 3400+ / CPU Fan / Mid-Tower Case / Keyboard /
Mouse / Speakers computer for only about $399.00 to add
your new hard-drive after coping. Now you have a super fastest computer to
boot. Give your old one to the kids.
Q: My Compaq Power Supply ( 319235.001 Mitac ) died and Compaq doesn't sell a
replacement - B.Glade
A: I searched the internet and you are right. The only place I found
these are on e-bay and run about $85 after shipping.
Other places charge as
high as $195.00 for a replacement for the AT 319235-001 MITAC mpu-110REFP 110W
power supply.
You came to the right place. I have a replacement for the 319235-001for
$24.99
Go to
Shop Today at CompUSA but there is a hitch, you must rebuilt the old
one.
Compusa sells a ATX 250 Watt power supply SKU 283770 (
click above and enter the SKU # ) that has the same size board.
This took me a little over an hour to do. The fan and the board
fit in the old unit. Now take apart the old one and cut the wires from the 3
motherboard plug-ins. See all the dirt inside, that's why I recommend clean
your computer 4 times a year.
Next, take apart the new one and remove all the components.
Install the fan first, Cut the plastic clips holding the wires together.
The ATX 250 Watt power supply SKU 283770 has a 20 pin
motherboard socket that's compatible to your 3 pin socket.
Match all the wires, Blue to Blue, Green to Green, etc. The
only one that's missing is one orange, put the 2 together. I soldered mine but
you
don't have to do this, instead go to Radio Shack for 8G wire connectors.
You will be left with one white and red wire (Do nothing with
these) . Only 2 screws will fit out of the 4, only use the 2,
but I doctored the old case to make all 4 screws to fit. Power up.
P.S. I personally would throw this computer in the garbage and
buy a new one. But that's me.
Q: I was told to clean the insides of my computer but I'm
scared. Christine
A: Don't be. All you might need is a small screwdriver, a vacuum or can of
compressed air.
Don't fear opening your case. 99% of computer users never open their computers
and this is really good news for the computer repairman's business. I cleans
mine at least 4 times a
year. If you have pet's I would do it more. I clean mine by taking the vacuum and computer outside and placing
the nozzle in the exhaust side and blowing out all the dirt/dust out of the
unit, which is the
safest way. Make sure you get all the dust out of all the fans. Wipe the
blades with a damp cloth. If you do this in the house make sure you unplug
your unit first. You can buy a can of compressed air for about $6.00 in
your local computer store, or have someone borrow/steal a can from their
office.
Note: I bought a piece of widow screen from the hardware store
(they gave me there scraps for free) and re-installed the fans with the screen
in front of the fan to eliminate more dust getting into the unit. Most
computers slow down when the fans in the power pack make the unit over-heat.
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products and services you're looking for.
Browse through our merchants by clicking the links below or use one
of our featured merchants.
Don't forget to include coupon codes if available or comparing prices
between merchants before committing to your purchase.
We also get credit for window shopping so give
it a try.
How to use this page for your advantage.
Updated April 09, 2005
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When your out
shopping write down the product number then come back to this page go
to these merchants and compare the prices.
That alone will save you big bucks no mark-up
here.
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I've saved over $50 to $100.00 on most
Computer related items.
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We will Post deals here when they come along.
Return here when you compare.
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Remember no impulse buying as a rule of
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Resources for your computing and
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Norwood Micro 19-inch LCD Monitor - $350 AR |
| Posted April 09, 2005 9:10 AM EST |
Tell a friend |
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CompUSA has the Norwood Micro 19-inch LCD Monitor for
$499.99 - $150 Mail in rebate + $.01 shipping = $349.00.
- Integrated Speakers
- 600:1 Contrast Ratio
- VGA and DVI Connectors
They have new deals as low as $299.00 on other 19"
monotors |
See more
Shop Today at CompUSA |
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Ink & Toner
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DVD Tapes
Memory
Monitors
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Motherboards
CPUs
MP3
Audio
Networking
PDAs
Plasma/LCD TV
Power Protection
Power Supplies
Printers
Processors (CPUs)
Projectors
Removable storage
Scanners Servers
Software Sound Cards
Speakers
USB Flash Memory
Video Capture
Video Cards
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Computers
Computer Accessories
Barebone Kits
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CD / CD-RW / DVD
Communications Components
Cooling Products for:
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Laptop PCs
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DVD Tapes
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Networking
PDAs
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Speakers
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Video Cards
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|
Directory of Computer Terminology.... What
did that mean.... |
Disk Drive and Memory Basics
Hard
Drives
The hard drive provides storage for your computer's programs
and frequently used data. Most hard drives today are rated in Gigabytes
(GB). The hard drive is typically installed inside the computer's case.
Not to be confused with RAM, your hard drive is permanent storage for
your data even when the PC is turned off. RAM is memory; your hard drive
is storage. However, hard drives do serve a function of memory: When Microsoft
Windows runs out of RAM to use for programs, it taps into the hard drive
to sustain programs. The hard drive then becomes "virtual memory," and
while your system will slow considerably when this back-up occurs, it
prevents your PC from crashing.
One advance in hard drive technology has been the increase in rotational
speed. Hard drive performance can be be measured by two criteria: access
time and throughput. Access time refers to how fast data is located and
begins to be processed after you execute a command on your PC, while throughput
refers to how much data is pushed from one place to another, or processed
in a given timeframe. Rotational speed is one component of throughput,
and as manufacturers increases it, so will the speed at which data can
be retrieved from, and saved to your system's hard drive.
How much Hard Drive
space do I need?
You need space for each program that you add to your PC, as well as
any data you create. As you add new programs and create new data, it can
quickly fill up. Extra hard drive space means more room to grow in the
future. Hard drive capacity is like closet space-you can never have too
much! While the hard drive capacity included in PCs has rapidly expanded
through the years, so has the size of the files that will consume this
space. High resolution graphics, audio, and video files take up large
amounts of storage space. For example, as camcorders' ability to easily
interface with PCs continues to grow, you may find yourself editing -
and storing - videos on your computer. Likewise, if you often find yourself
downloading and using multimedia applications, as well as the latest,
3D-capable gaming software, you'll see your hard drive start to fill up
too. You can easily prepare for this scenario and others by securing a
large hard drive from the onset, and keeping open the options for your PC's
future.
Removable Media and Drives
Removable media refers to any type of data storage that you
can easily and quickly take out of your computer and use on another computer.
Examples include floppy disks and Zip Disks. CD-RW would also be in this
class. Removable media is a great way to easily transfer files between
computers as well as make backup copies of important data.
Floppy Diskette
Drives
A floppy disk drive allows you to use 3.5" inch 1.44MB diskettes in your
computer. Each floppy disk stores the equivalent of roughly 20 medium-sized
word processing files or one high resolution graphic image. While floppy
disks have considerably less capacity than newer storage technologies,
they are still widely used. Almost every desktop computer currently sold
at Circuit City and most laptops have floppy drives. These disks are also
used to create "emergency boot-up" disks to start your system in the event
of a problem with the hard drive.
Zip Disks
Zip, made by Iomega, can store up to 250MB of data on a single disk. However,
Zip drives can only read Zip disks not your "floppies." Zip drives
can either be installed internally or connected through a USB port.
RAM
RAM is an abbreviation for Random
Access Memory, the working memory in your PC. As your computer runs programs
and works with data, it uses RAM to store the program information. RAM
is usually measured in megabytes (MB). More RAM allows your computer to
run more complex programs and to run them faster. RAM also allows you
to "multitask," or work among several open programs. For example, working
on a Word document as you surf the Internet, listen to MP3 music files,
and all-the-while anti-virus software runs silently in the background
can be very draining on your computer's RAM. After the processor, RAM
is the second biggest factor in overall system speed. If you work with
large spreadsheets or digital images, having more RAM is a big help.
RAM
and Microsoft Windows
When Microsoft Windows runs
out of RAM to use for programs, it uses the hard drive as temporary storage
for program information. Because this temporary storage is not "real"
memory, it is referred to as virtual memory. While virtual memory keeps
the system from crashing, using virtual memory slows the system down,
even if you have a fast processor and fast hard drive.
Types of RAM
Just as computer processors have evolved and improved over the years,
so has RAM technology. There are many different kinds of RAM, and your
motherboard and processor determine the type you need. Most computers
now come with DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-SDRAM), which is an upgrade
of the standard SDRAM format. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory) can perform at different clock speeds, and perform much faster
than older memory types. DDR-SDRAM truly does double the efficiency of
standard SDRAM; data is transferred on both the rising and falling edge
of each clock cycle with DDR-SDRAM, whereas SDRAM solely operated on the
rising edge. With such high performance capabilities, DDR-SDRAM effectively
complements the faster and more versatile processors, however, It's important
to remember that SDRAM and DDR-SDRAM won't perform faster than your system's
bus, and in fact they synchronize with the bus to match its rate.
How Much
RAM do I need?
Choosing RAM is similar to choosing a processor; you should
keep in mind your future computing needs and desires when making a selection.
Also like processors, graphics and digital imaging, as well as gaming
and multimedia software tend to require the most RAM to run smoothly and
effectively. You may be able to run the hottest new games with out-of-date
RAM, but game play might be slowed, or some game features may be disabled
in order to free up memory. Likewise, graphics files are comparatively
much larger than text files, and can slow your system down if you have
insufficient RAM. Another factor to keep in mind is whether you'll be
multitasking - a memory robbing practice that can often go unnoticed by
the user, especially when programs such as virus protection don't make
their presence known. The Internet is another drain to RAM, especially
when you open multiple browser windows, some of which may be featuring sites
packed with animation and graphics.
Here’s a buying tip: Most computer
software comes with a minimum required listing for RAM and a recommended
amount. If you know of a program that you plan to use on your new PC,
look on the software box for the recommended RAM. The required amount
is typically the lowest amount of RAM to even run a given program. While
you may be able to use the program, you will probably not be satisfied
with the program’s performance unless you have the recommended amount.
Ultimately, you'll want to have more memory than the largest recommended
amount from all the software that you are planning to use at one time.
Modems & Networking
Basics
Home networking
is for real people too
OK, admit it. You've been thinking: What on earth do I need
a home network for? Well, if you give it some serious thought, you'll
find that you can save some time and some money with a home network. Once
upon a time, it was considered a luxury to have just one color TV at home.
Now, over 76% of all homes have two or more TV's. PCs are now headed down
the same path. Some of the key benefits of networking a home or small
business include:
- Sharing the color printer in Dad's home office--without interrupting
Dad.
- Sharing the high-speed Internet connection on mom's PC--without mom
having to sign off, and without having to have another phone line installed.
- Playing games head-to-head- on different computers from different rooms.
- Everyone in the family can share files from each PC.
Ethernet networks
It wasn't too long ago that Ethernet networks were found almost
exclusively in offices, but they have spread quickly to the home, classroom,
and dorms. The reason for this growth is that Ethernet networks offer
the fastest data transfer rate available, operating in a range from 10Mbps
to 100Mbps. While the primary advantage is speed, the main disadvantage
is the cost of and effort required for wiring a home. However, today many
newer homes are being constructed with Ethernet installed throughout the
house. Each networked PC requires a 10/100 Networking (PCI) card and each
notebook will need a 10/100 PC card. A USB Ethernet adapter also can be
used in place of either card. Because each PC and notebook on the network
requires a connection through an Ethernet cable, Ethernet networks don't
provide much mobility.
When more than two PCs are being networked a hub, switch, and/or router
is required. When a network shares an Internet connection that originates
from a cable/DSL modem, a router is required to share this high-speed
connection. Many routers often come with a built-in switch so that you
can link multiple PCs in your network without having to hook up additional
hardware.
Wireless networks
Wireless networks are the ultimate in convenience, allowing
you to roam and network from all corners of your home without cables.
Setting up wireless networks is easy, but the further the network travels
from the "access point," the weaker the signal gets. However, this effect
can be lessened by using a signal-boosting antenna.
You can choose from two main types of wireless networking.
The most common is 802.11b (WiFi), which operates on a frequency of 2.4GHz,
much like a cordless phone. The data transfer rate is up to 11Mbps. Depending
on the thickness of walls and the distance from the access point, signal
strength can be weak at times. A second type of wireless networking is
802.11a, which operates at the 5GHz frequency and has a data transfer
rate up to 54Mbps. The advantage of 802.11a is that it allows for streaming
video, and causes less interference with cordless phones. However, 802.11
equipment also costs much more. There is a new wireless networking option
that's starting to gain popularity: Wireless-G. Like 802.11a, it features
data transfer rates up to 54Mbps. Wireless-G operates at 2.4GHz and the
hardware is backward compatiblewith 802.11b components at 11Mbps. Plus,
Wireless-G equipment costs less than 802.11a hardware, and features an
indoor range of up to 150 feet.
To network your computers without wires using any of these standards
you'll need an access point. Also, each notebook needs a wireless PC card
or wireless USB adapter, and each PC will need a wireless USB adapter
or a wireless PCI adapter.
Powerline networks
Create a new network or add onto an existing one by simply plugging into
an electrical outlet. With Powerline networking, also called HomePlug,
you can connect PCs to a regular electrical outlet after a simple setup,
and you're ready to go at a transfer rate of up to 14Mbps. All this network
requires is that you connect a Powerline USB or Ethernet adapter to each
computer you wish to network, and then plug each adapter into an electrical
outlet. Or, if you already have an Ethernet network and you want to expand
upon this network with ease, you can use the Ethernet bridge to bridge
your Ethernet network to Powerline and share one broadband connection
throughout the house. The Ethernet adapter can also be used with video
game consoles offering an Ethernet port, and you can play games online
with people around the world.
Home installation
While home networking has gotten easier to install, Circuit City does
offer complete installation packages that include the necessary equipment
or installation-only options. These packages include running cable for
Ethernet or setting up a wireless home network. Check with a Circuit City
Associate at a store location near you for a complete list of installation
packages.
Modems
A modem is a device that allows your computer to transmit data
over phone lines. In most cases, a modem is essential to accessing the
Internet and the online services. You probably are accessing this site
using a modem right now. Modems and other communications devices are rated
in Kbps or thousands of bits per second and in a few cases Mbps or millions
of bits per second. The higher the number, the faster the modem can transmit
and receive information.
If you are at all interested in the Internet or other online services,
buy the fastest modem you can afford. However, in order to use your modem’s
full capabilities, you’ll need a service provider you can connect with
at that speed. Currently, nearly all Internet service providers support
speeds up to 56Kb. Contact your local Internet service providers as well
as your telephone provider and cable company to see if faster services
are available in your area.
Analog modems
All analog modems sold at Circuit City are 56Kb modems, the fastest possible
for conventional phone lines. Analog modems are still the most common
means of connecting to the Internet for home users, although some new
technologies are now available that are much faster.
Most current 56K modems support a worldwide standard called V.90. V.90
ensures that your modem can talk to another V.90 modem, even if another
manufacturer makes that modem. Since most Internet service providers support
V.90, having a V.90 modem means you can connect at your modem’s top speed
all the time, at least theoretically. However, the FCC currently limits
connection speeds to 53K, and other conditions such as line noise, Internet
traffic, and web site popularity affect actual connection speed.
Almost all modems send faxes as well as receive faxes directly to your
computer’s hard drive. This is a great feature if you run a small business
or occasionally need to fax from home. One of the great benefits of this
is that computer-generated faxes are much easier to read than faxes coming
from a regular fax machine. If you can get an image or document on your
screen, you can fax it to someone too. Remember – if you want to fax something,
the computer must be turned on and not using the modem for something else,
such as an Internet connection.
Digital modems
xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an exciting new technology that
uses regular telephone lines to deliver high-speed Internet access. A
special modem in your computer, coupled with equipment at the phone company's
central office, processes the data signal to squeeze large amounts of
information through the lines. Some types of DSL can receive information
at speeds of up to 1.5 to 6 MBPS, over 30 times the speed of an analog
modem.
Many different groups have been developing DSL technologies, and each
works in a different way. The x in xDSL, therefore, represents the various
types of DSL technologies: full-rate DSL, HDSL, RADSL, and VDSL are only
a few. Unfortunately, many of these types of DSL are incompatible with
one another; you must use the same type of DSL as your telephone company.
The good news is that Compaq and other companies developed a new standard
type of DSL called G.Lite DSL.
DSL’s use of existing telephone wires means big gains for consumers, but
it can be complicated in some neighborhoods. First, DSL is not available
in all areas, and, even in those areas where DSL is available, it is available
only to homes with less than 18,000 feet of wire between them and the
telephone company central office. Second, noisy telephone lines may reduce
the speed at which information is transmitted. Finally, some types of
DSL require that additional equipment, such as splitters or special wiring,
be installed in your home.
In spite of these limitations, DSL has many advantages. First, most homes
require no rewiring, as DSL signals can be transmitted over many existing
telephone lines. Second, because DSL splits the cable into several channels,
you can use your telephone while you're using the Internet. Some DSL technologies
even allow you to be constantly connected to the Internet (this is sometimes
referred to as "always on") without having to dial in to your Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Full-rate DSL is one popular broadband service available to customers
in some areas. Like other xDSL technologies, DSL uses special equipment
both at the subscriber's home and at the telephone company to increase
the bandwidth available on normal telephone lines. DSL uses filters to
divide the existing phone line into three channels. One channel carries
your telephone signal; another carries upstream (from your computer to
the Internet) traffic; the rest of the line is devoted to downstream (from
the Internet to your PC) traffic. With one channel always dedicated to
telephone traffic, your phone keeps working. You use the phone, even when
you're accessing the Internet.
DSL is an asymmetric technology: The upstream capacity ranges from 640Kbps
to 1.5Mbps, while downstream speeds approach 8Mbps. DSL takes advantage
of the fact that most people download more information than they upload
and dedicates more bandwidth to where it is needed. Unlike G.Lite DSL,
DSL requires that special equipment be installed at your home and may
require your house to be rewired. Call your telephone company or ISP to
find out what may be required in your area.
G.Lite DSL is a technology developed by Compaq, Microsoft, Intel,
and other companies as an open standard. This standardized technology
should simplify using DSL in the home. G.Lite DSL is an asymmetric technology.
This means that you can download information more quickly than you can
upload it. G.Lite DSL can deliver speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps downstream
and 384 kbps upstream, lower than those achieved with DSL. The designers
of G.Lite traded higher speeds for easier connection, lower cost, and
lower power requirements. Unlike DSL, G.Lite may not require that a splitter
or new wiring be installed in your home. In the future, G.Lite DSL may
be capable of an "always on" mode so that you don't have to dial in to
your Internet Service Provider.
Installing G.Lite DSL is simple. First, call your local Internet Service
Provider (ISP) or telephone company. Those sources can verify that G.Lite
DSL service is available at your home. Then call your telephone company
so that the equipment can be configured at the central office. Finally,
if your computer is not already G.Lite DSL-enabled, purchase, and set
up your G.Lite DSL modem. That's it!
Cable modems
Cable modem service brings the Internet to you through the cable television
wiring in your home. Since many American homes subscribe to cable television,
or are at least wired for it, cable modem use is fairly simple. If you
have a choice, this is fastest of the technologies that most people can
get at home or in a small business.
To set up service, a network interface card (NIC) is installed in your
PC; some PCs from Circuit City have NIC cards preinstalled. A cable modem
connects to the NIC. The cable modem is then connected to the cable connector
in your home via a cable splitter. Most cable companies prefer that their
representatives perform the installation and setup procedure. Note that
not all cable operators provide Internet service because it requires a
cable system upgrade and the installation of new equipment at their offices.
Be sure to ask your cable provider whether or not they provide Internet
service.
Once installed, your cable Internet connection is on all the time. There
is no need to dial up your ISP; surfing the Web is as easy as clicking
on an icon on the Windows desktop. Cable modem speeds are advertised at
up to 10 Mbps but generally are experienced at 500kbps to 1.5 Mbps (megabits
per second; a megabit is 1000 kilobits). Since this technology uses cable
rather than your telephone line, you don't tie up your telephone while
you're surfing and can continue to make telephone calls as usual. And,
as long as your cable splitter is properly installed, using your cable
modem doesn't interfere with your cable television reception. The same
circuit card for a cable modem can also be used to network several computers
together. If you have a small network at home or at work, you can connect
you computer to others and share files and printers between them.
Video & Sound
Basics
Video cards translate your computer's output
into a video signal your monitor can read. You may also hear these cards
referred to as video boards, video display boards, graphics boards, graphics
adapter cards, and video adapter cards, but for the sake of consistency
we'll call them video cards. Like your computer, a video card has a processor
of its own, called a graphics accelerator, as well as memory, although
different cards access memory in different ways. The processor translates
the digital information from your computer into a video signal. What your
monitor can display is mostly determined by your video card and its graphics
controller chips.
Video cards can be further broken down into two classes: integrated (onboard)
and dedicated.
Integrated
Many PCs come with video cards built right onto their motherboard. These
cards are also known as onboard video cards, as they tap the PC's system
memory rather than providing their own separate video memory source. Memory
is measured by RAM, and the more RAM that a video card can use, the faster
it can process and display information. Also, more RAM allows the card
to display higher resolution images with sharper details and richer colors.
Because sapping the system memory can slow your PC's video performance,
integrated video chipsets have long been considered inferior to dedicated
video cards. However, onboard cards have begun to bridge this discrepancy
in performance, as respected integrated chipset makers begin to supply
superior technology into their onboard cards. Also, integrated video cards
are convenient and less expensive than dedicated video cards because they
come already built-in to PCs. There's no additional connection to fuss
with.
Dedicated
Dedicated video cards are separate peripherals that need to be connected
to your PC. Since they come with their own video memory, they are widely
considered superior to integrated chipsets and are often the choice of
users who need to support graphics intensive programs, such as video games
and multimedia software. Because of their higher performance and separate
video memory, these video cards also cost more.
Dedicated video cards
connect to your PC through either a Peripheral Component Connection (PCI)
or Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP). PCI is a plug-and-play enabled bus
system that allows you to connect up to five peripherals through the port.
AGP is an upgrade of this interface, and was designed to display streaming
video and 3D graphics on your monitor.
3D
Acceleration
Many video card processors are designed with special processors for displaying
3D graphics. These 3D graphics are more complex, but also provide more
realistic animation and lighting. Most current games use some degree of
3D animation. 3D acceleration allows for sharper graphics and smoother
animation in games and multimedia software.
Video Playback
MPEG video playback capability is possible with most graphics cards. With
this technology, PCs running the Windows® XP operating system will
be able to enjoy video playback quality far beyond what is possible on
many high-end televisions today. Many video cards also support DVD video
playback, allowing you to watch entire DVD movies on your PC. However,
be sure to check that your PC - especially your processor - fulfills the
minimum system requirements for DVD playback before purchasing such a
card.
Sound Cards
There is little variation in the
standard sound equipment that comes included in today's computer systems.
PCs come with sound built-in to their motherboards or system chips, and
many include adequate speakers. Such standard equipment may prove to be
enough for your everyday computing needs. However, if you're a serious
gamer, plan on rocking to MP3 music files over your PC, or want to tackle
other multimedia applications that require premium sound, you may want
to supplement your system's sound with a more powerful set of speakers
or a juiced up surround-sound card.
Speakers
As the popularity
of MP3 and WMA music files continues to increase, many are using their PCs
as stereos, and are seeking out ways to improve their computer's sound.
No matter how good your sound card is, the quality of your PC sound will
be determined by the quality of your PC speakers. When looking at speakers,
the best strategy is to make sure you have a good match of sound card to
speaker. You'll see many of the same names on PC speakers that you see on
home audio speakers, however, PC speakers differ from home audio speakers
in three main ways - size, amplification, and shielding. PC speakers are
designed to be used around your computer. Customers now have many options
available to them, from basic stereo speakers to a 6.1 surround-sound system.
These higher quality speakers use the latest technology to get big sounds
from small packages. Because of the small size of the main speakers, a subwoofer
can greatly enhance bass sounds. For amplification, PC speakers use their
own power, so look for speakers with higher wattage. Also, PC speakers are
usually "shielded" from electromagnetic interference, whereas home speakers
are not.
Sound Card
In order to upgrade sound quality generated from inside your PC, you
must install an expansion card. Such sound cards are designed to increase
the clarity of your computer's sound whether you need 3D sound for gaming,
exploring the Internet, or using multimedia applications. Some sound cards
are now specifically designed to expand the options you have when playing
and editing music files, such as MP3s and WMAs downloaded from the Net.
Consumers also have several options with regard to audio channels. Sound
cards are available in standard stereo format, as well as 5.1 and 6.1
surround sound.
Microphones
From Internet conferencing to chatting with friends and online gaming,
the potential uses for microphones has rapidly increased through the years.
Even record sound and music clips, and then edit and mix them with software.
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