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The physical components of a personal computer are known as computer hardware. Some of these are the monitor, the motherboard, the disc drives, the keyboard and the mouse. There is also a case, or chassis that contains the internal components. All of these, plus an operating system and many software applications are what make up your friend the computer.
Most people would recognize the monitor, or the screen which displays the information output; the keyboard, upon which you type your input; and the mouse, that cute little pointing device that sits by the keyboard with the long wire tail. But not everyone is as familiar with the internal components.
The main one of these is the motherboard. With a name straight out of science fiction, the motherboard is a large rectangle with integrated circuitry that, like Hal, from 2001 Space Odyssey, is the hub of all activity in your personal computer. It is the Great Connector. Hmmmm…because this is the motherboard, let’s call her Henrietta.
One of the components that Henrietta connects is the CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, which you could say is the ‘brains’ of the operation. The CPU does the calculations that allow the computer to function. Maybe this is the part that we should name Hal. And maybe, just like Hal, when your computer seems to have a mind of its own, this is the part you should try to reason with. But good luck with that. They didn’t have much luck with Hal in the movie either.
Perhaps this would be a job for Chip, the Chip Set, that does all the talking between Hal (the CPU) and the other components of the system. There is RAM, the Random Access Memory that stores all the applications and the current Operating System. There are also disk drives, expansion cards, power suppliers and so much more. Like all the passengers on Hal’s space ship, each piece of computer hardware has a specific job to do to keep your computer running so you can continue on your own Cyberspace Odyssey here in 2010.
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Some say the very first piece of computer hardware was the abacus, a counting device used by the Babylonians in 500 BC. A few thousand years later, Johannes Gutenberg came up with the printing press in the year 1400. In 1502, we get the world’s first watch, and the 1600’s brought many inventions which helped us add, subtract, multiply and divide mechanically. The 1700’s brought us electricity, punch cards (used in textile looms), the telegraph and Charles Babbage, who invented the charmingly named Difference Machine.
A few of the technological advances in the 1800’s include photography, the telegraph, a calculating machine, the typewriter, phonograph, microphone, liquid crystal, and a rotating field motor (the technology to create and distribute AC power that we still use today). In 1896 a man named Herman Hollerith started the Tabulating Machine Company, which later became known as IBM.
The 1900’s were so jam-packed that we’ll just go with a few highlights: the first lithium battery in 1912, radio broadcasting in 1920, the first Radio Shack store in 1921, the first binary digital computers, then electronic digital computers, and, for what it’s worth, television!
After 1950 the increase in technological advances was exponential, with developments in programmable calculating machines, different kinds of tubes which could store bits of information, and basically all the parts of what have come to be the computer as we know it today. The Apple Computer Company was founded in1976, spawning their own revolution.
In the 1970’s a computer used by a typical business could fill an entire room, spitting out reams of long, specialized computer paper. Today we have the Apple iPad which is smaller than most library books, but holds a universe of information and entertainment at your fingertips. To the non-technically inclined, it’s almost as if the history of computer development has gone from mechanics and electronics right into the realm of magic. But to the brilliant developers all along the way, it’s just been hard work and hardware, one step at a time.
Ever thought of being a computer hardware engineer? Those are the people who research and design, then develop, test and ultimately oversee the installation of their product: computer hardware. These products include circuit boards, computer chips, modems, systems, keyboards and printers.
Notice no programs that run the computers are on this list–that is the world of computer software, and it has its own engineers. A computer hardware engineer is more like an electrical engineer, only they work exclusively with computers. In either field, the engineer must constantly stay up to date with the latest advances, since computer technology is so rapidly expanding.
To prepare for a career as a computer hardware engineer, a college degree in engineering is pretty much a must, along with a strong background in math and science. Of course classes in computers and design is also important, as well as English and social studies.
Every now and then the whiz kid who figures out how to build computers in his basement during high school lands the big technology job, but for a practical path to success, college is usually the best route. There are some schools that prepare you for an engineering job right after graduation, and there are those that prepare you for graduate school. Each path has its pros and cons, and it’s a good idea to do some research and know what you want before choosing.
A good engineer should not only be well educated, but creative and curious. They should be able to pay close attention to detail and have strong analytical skills. Often they will be working as part of a team, so, as with most jobs, people skills are always a plus.
Statistics in 2008 show about 74,700 jobs in computer hardware engineering, with an average yearly wage of $100,180. Because the computer industry is still expanding, it is a good bet for stable employment.
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Now that online learning is becoming more and more popular and common, there are more and more courses available online. It is important, however, to spend your money wisely when you are spending money on online education. Be sure that you are actually getting good training.
Unfortunately, there are some online courses that are not of the best calibre. Look into the track record of the company running the online classes. Have they been around for very long? Can you find any reviews online from people who have taken their courses? Also, look into any information that you can find on the instructors. A good instructor will have a good deal of experience in the subject that he or she is teaching.
Also, if you are hoping to use your online courses toward a degree, it is crucial to make sure that you can actually get credit for any online classes that you take. If you plan to take an online class in order to get credits for a degree, be sure to only take online courses that are offered by your current institution or approved by your institution.
If you are planning on completing a certificate online, be sure that the ticket is accepted in your industry. For example, getting a certificate in pottery education for children from an online school that opened last week might be a waste of time and might be more of a black mark on your resume than a benefit.
One of the best ways to choose the best online classes is to get recommendations from people who have had good experiences taking classes online. You can do this by talking to friends or by going to web boards that have discussion threads on this topic. When it comes to taking online courses, it is good to look before you leap, and certainly before you submit your credit card information.
There seems to be an unusually large number of choices in the cell phone market. From the Droid cell phone to the iPhone to the BlackBerry, which one is the best deal? And more importantly, which phone is the best choice for you?
Here are a few simple tips to help you make the right decision for you. Most of the information can be found online via provider websites.
- Decide exactly what you need. This includes deciding the functions and features you want. You’ll need to figure out how much you will use the phone each month. Will you use it in your home region or will you travel extensively? Do you want picture and text services?
- Find the right phone for you. There are three basic types of phones: Those designed for messaging; ones designed to be used to watch video, listen to music and browsing the web; small phones for simple calling and texting that are easy to use.
- Decide on which network technology is best for you. There are two types of technologies which are also competitors: CDMA and GSM. Make sure the phone you choose and the carrier are compatible. Usually with a CDMA carrier (Verizon or Sprint), your phone is tied to the carrier contractually. With services using GSM (T-Mobile), you may find it easier to change phones. Some of these GSM phones are not packaged with a contract or service commitment.
- Try before you buy. Most cell phone providers will allow a trial period. This will allow you to test the phone to decide if it has the functionality you desire. This is also a great time to test the reception of the service provider. Don’t be afraid to try another phone if the first choice is not satisfactory.
- Find deals such as rebates and instant savings. Check with phone and service provides for such savings.
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A computer is indispensable these days, and most computers are simply bought from a store, using their own sets of components and pre-installed software. Now this is not bad, and makes computers very accessible to the general public, however, as computer programs become more specialized and more hardware comes on the market, there comes the urge to simply build a computer from the ground up, using all your own parts.
Building your own machine has a lot of benefits. First and most obvious is that you will be in control of every single piece that goes into the machine, meaning it will be tailored exactly to what your needs and desires are. You can set your machine to handle and perform in any degree you want. Also, by building from the ground up, you avoid the free trial programs that a mass-produced computer will give to you, whether you want it or not. Finally, a self-built computer can give you a great lesson, not only in handling the delicate hardware and installing it yourself, but also can help you overcome fears of what is inside the box on your desk.
That all said, there are a number of considerations to take as well before you simply jump into it. Unlike mass-produced machines, your self-built computer will not be protected by the warranties that mainstream computers come with, and there will be no place to call for hardware support. If you plan to embark on building a machine from scratch, it is best to do research beforehand and be prepared to make your own maintenance, or at least have access to someone who can help you.
So how do you begin? If you do not want to begin from nothing, consider one of the kits that are offered online. These provide a foundation of core components, and then allow the user to install the rest as they decide. They also cater to various needs, so find and research what you want, and then jump in to building.
Wireless internet is something that more and more business and public places offer. Likewise, it is not difficult for your home PC and modem to be set up as a Wi-Fi network. However, with prevalence and ease of setup comes an increased need to keep your security up to snuff. From piggybacking to outright identity theft, an insecure wireless network leaves you or your business open to many costly dangers. However, with a few quick procedures, you can increase the security and prevent a lot of that damage from ever happening.
The first of these are very simple adjustments. For example, setting up a strong password for your network helps to defeat many security problems. Also, from a hardware standpoint, the use of a strong hardware-based firewall adds additional security. But it is just not the choice of hardware that can aid in securing your network, but also its placement within your home or business. If you keep the point away from windows, and more central in your space, you minimize the signal leakage, preventing unauthorized use or access from the outside. Finally, and rather obviously, for extended periods of non-use, you can simply turn off your wireless network, which guarantees that nobody will be able to use or access it. This might not be practical for a business with one, but if you are going away from it for a time, turning it off can be a quick, excellent defense.
In addition to these basic measures, you can modify a few settings on your Wi-Fi network to ensure tight security. Enabling WPA encryption and enabling the filtering of MAC addresses in the setup of your network add more layers of protection to your network. But you must also remember that security is a habit, and that you should never assume you are “okay” with security. Always keep your security up to date and strong, and never neglect it to ensure that your network is as safe and your information as protected as it can be.
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Venturing into the world of the internet without protection for your information and computer is a very risky idea. But there are a few methods and techniques that you can do that help keep you safe on the Internet. None of these cost money, and their benefits will last for a long time in terms of security and safety on the net.
The first and most basic lesson in computer security is that you are never going to be 100% safe. There are ways to protect yourself very effectively, but you should never think that you are totally safe and not need to worry about security. Also, it is not wise to overindulge in anti-virus or spyware programs, as they can react poorly to one another, and do not necessarily increase your security. When it comes to specific programs, there are many out there, both free and paid, of varying qualities, but you will need to do that research to find out which is the best one for you.
The second major lesson in basic online safety is to simply browse smartly. Avoid sites that you would not normally trust, and use your security programs whenever you find yourself outside of that comfort zone. Likewise, you should never entrust your email address or other critical personal information to any site or person you are not entirely sure of. If you use a lot of online newsletters or forums, you may want to dedicate one email address specifically for those, while keeping another address for more sensitive information, such as banking or shopping. Through regular use of smart browsing habits and your security software, you can cultivate a habit of good safety. By following these basic bits of advice, you will significantly increase the amount of safety you have online, and while nothing will ever be the perfect one-hit solution, these will give you a leg up on the internet.
Getting the best e-mail hosting can be difficult. There are so many companies that offer email – some paid and some for free – that you can really get confused. Which one is the best? Is a free one good enough? Should you have several addresses, based on home and work? There are all kinds of choices to make when you use a computer, so don’t jump into one of them until you’re sure it’s the right idea. In other words, you don’t have to make choices about your computer and Internet usage hastily. Stop and think about what you’ll be using your computer for, first. If it’s for work or a business, you’ll want it to be more professional. If it’s for personal use, you can pick something more relaxed when you’re deciding how to identify yourself to the world.
Many people use two different personas on the Internet, and they’re careful whom they show them to so they don’t have too many problems. With that in mind, you may want to create one persona for work, one for your personal life, and a spare that you only use for people and Websites that you’re not sure about. You can always change your information later, if you find that you want to continue the relationship and that you’re not getting spam from a Website you signed up with.
No matter what you choose for your computer persona and usage, be sure that you give it some thought. It can be a real hassle to change your information once you’ve used it for a long time. So many people know who you are and have a specific expectation about how you act, and you also might miss out on information if you forget to change your information with companies or people you do a lot of business with.