Building Your Own Computer

Many people that use a computer daily and depend on their computer to operate at peak performance are looking towards customizing their own computers. Today, most people either buy their computers off the shelf or online pre-packaged. Most of these computers usually come with a few options to accessorize but are not geared towards the individual that needs super high performance.

If you need a computer that has to perform, then you should have one built to your specification. There are many small computer shops that can get the exact components that you need to make your computer extremely powerful. Most of these shops can be found in any locality and offer quick service. There are also large computer chain stores that can help you selecting components which then can be installed by a technician or by yourself if you are technically handy.

While some components do cost a lot more than run of the mill components, they are absolutely worth it if you are trying to squeeze every ounce of power out of your computer. The premium you pay for these components are well justified. When installing specific components, it is important to check for compatibility issues. You always want to make sure that your components will work well together.

Intel Vs. AMD Chips

If you are into computers, then you probably know about the rivalry regarding Intel computer chips versus AMD computer chips. For more than ten years these two companies have been fighting it out for supremacy in the desktop computer, laptop computer, and server markets all over the world.

Intel always had the upper hand with their stunning Pentium Class chips. Pentium class chips have been a staple of home computers since the early 1990’s offering world class design, super high speeds and performance. However AMD have been nipping at Intel’s heels constantly trying to keep up. Well finally some computer experts have stated that in some computer sectors, AMD chips are superior to Intel computer chips.

For computer users and people looking to buy a new computer, the type of chip you purchase is all about preference. For today’s desktop you will find quality with both chip makers. Both chipmakers make a great product that most consumers are more than pleased with. Today’s chips are super fast and powerful due to competition so the fact that these two are in a rivalry is a great thing for customers. So the next time you purchase a computer, have no fear both company’s chips are high quality.

Keeping Your Computer Cool

One of the biggest problems facing newer desk top computers and laptops is keeping your computer cool. New chips in both desk tops and laptops run at incredibly high temperatures. If your computer is not ventilated properly, it can cause your computer to have a melt down and crash- causing lots of wasted time and money. Here are a few tips to keep your computer cool and running smoothly.

Make sure your computer air vents are clean and free of dust. If your air vents are blocked, then cooler air can enter your computer to cool your chips and hot air can’t escape your computer causing the core temperature to rise to possible meltdown temperatures. It is also a good idea to keep your computer in a cool room or in well ventilated portion of the room, so there is always fresh, cool air available.

If you have a laptop then you will need to be extremely careful and watch that your laptop does not heat up. Locate where the fan is located on your machine and make sure that it is never blocked. Make sure that these vents are also clean. Try not to put your computer on warm or hot surfaces or surfaces that conduct heat.

If you find that your desktop or laptop computer is having heat problems, look into installing a larger or extra fan. Internal fans only cost a few dollars and can help cool your computer down quickly.

Choosing The Right Monitor

Choosing a monitor takes lots of research. Many people have their own preferences, and there are dozens of monitors too choose from. When purchasing monitors for your computer put a lot of thought into it, you will be staring at your monitor for long periods of time and you will want the best in colour and quality. Here are some tips when choosing a monitor.

LCD Or CRT

Liquid crystal display monitors are super thin and have a very small footprint. They deliver great picture and come in many sizes. They are a little bit more expensive than CRT monitors but are very sleek looking and definitely make your computer look great. The only draw back is that they sometimes don’t produce clear pictures when the object on the screen is travelling fast, an example being a race car. They also lose their picture quality when viewing them from a side angle.

CRT monitors are the monitors that everyone is familiar with. They tend to big and boxy, but are cheaper than LCD monitors. They come in many sizes and offer great quality pictures just like a television does. The only negative is their huge space and large footprint, plus they are very heavy. So when choosing a monitor learn about each type of monitor and choose the right monitor for your needs.

Picking The Right Keyboard

We probably don’t realize it, but we spend hours upon hours each day pecking on our keyboard. Since we use our keyboards daily and for such long periods of time isn’t important to make sure that you are comfortable. Here are just a few ways to make your life much more pleasant while using your keyboard.

If your hands and wrists hurt after typing for long periods of time, you might want to look into buying an ergonomic keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards are made with your health in mind. They are designed to support your writs and hands to combat fatigue and CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) which can have horrible and uncomfortable effects on your hands and wrists. Ergonomic keyboards are usually inexpensive costing less than $100 and they will definitely make your hands and wrist feel better.

Wireless keyboards are another innovation that is extremely practical. Many people don’t want to be tied up next to their keyboard. Since there are plenty of commands for your music movies and applications on your keyboard, you can use your keyboard as a kind of remote control. Wireless keyboards also get rid of the clutter and if you love to type with your keyboard on your lap, wireless keyboards make it easier than ever. Most wireless keyboards come with a wireless mouse so you can finally get rid of all your cords on your desktop.

Ergonomics At The Computer

If you are sitting at the computer all day long or even for an hour or two, you should make sure that you are comfortable. Many people that are sitting and operating their computer for periods of time and are not comfortable may be hurting their bodies and causing serious injury for years to come. If you use a computer then you should know about the correct ergonomically way to sit at your computer.

Ergonomics is about healthy positioning of your body and how to move your body without hurting it. There are a few things to take into consideration when at the computer. Where the computer screen is located, where your keyboard is located and where your feet are located.

Make sure your computer screen is at eye level and at a comfortable distance. You don’t want your head to be tilted for long hours so make sure that you don’t have to tilt up or down. You will also want the distance of the screen to be satisfactory. Don’t put the screen too far so you are constantly squinting or too close so that the screen hurts your eyes.

Your keyboard should be at a comfortable distance and should not be too low or too high. Make sure you are able to type for long periods of time with pain. Purchase a wrist rest for your wrists so that they are comfortable.

It is also important that you have an adjustable computer chair so that you can raise it or lower it depending on your comfort. Plus computer chairs are usually on wheels so you can get a comfortable position almost anytime.

Another important item is to make sure that your feet are comfortably touching the floor, you don’t want to look like you are on a bar stool or on a child’s seat, so adjust it accordingly. So for great ergonomics follow the tips above.