Nothing has become more ubiquitous than the machine, due to the rapid speed of technical advances. Everybody has one. And people from all walks of life use them for a number of purposes. So, can you just go out and purchase a machine that someone else is selling? Do you do your homework and figure out what basic specifications would make a difference to you?
Windows vs. Mac (PC)
To begin, you must first decide what you will do with the machine. This will assist you in deciding whether you should use a Mac or a Laptop. While the gaps have narrowed with the introduction of the dual core processor (an Intel chip now used by Mac), there are still some options that can help you prefer one device over another. Mac computers have a reputation for being more reliable than Windows-based computers, due to a more robust operating system. For this reason, Macs have long been the preferred device in the graphic design, music production, and video production industries. As a result, software developers have begun to create professional software packages for these disciplines that use the Mac operating system. They have packages that support the Windows operating system, but they are often limited.
As a consequence, if you work in these fields and need a machine for this reason, you should consider a Mac. Viruses and device malfunctions tend to be less common on Mac computers than on Windows PCs. On the negative side, Mac systems have always proven to have insufficient software support.
Another factor that can influence your decision is the computer's appearance. If you just have a small amount of room, nothing beats the iMacs or mini Macs for saving space. The all-in-one desktop units from iMac are small and come with all of the networking you'll need. Other brands, on the other hand, can cater to your aesthetic tastes, with many models available in compact packages and modern color schemes to match virtually any décor. After you've made the fundamental decision, you may begin comparing apples to apples.
Your Computer's Internal Components
Size (yes, it matters) and speed are the two variables that decide the price of your machine. Almost every part that makes up the system is affected by one or both of these dimensions. Naturally, the most expensive price tags are associated with the combination of the largest and the fastest.
the central processing unit
The CPU is the computer's brain (central processing unit). You must select which CPU you want to power your computer. These come from various manufacturers, and the most recent advancement in the technology is known as Dual Core, which refers to the presence of two processors on a single chip. Dual Core technology provides more efficiency while using less resources. Intel and AMD are the two most common CPU manufacturers, and their products are marketed under various names.
The current processing speeds range from around 1.4 GHz to 3.46 GHz (gigahertz). But it's not just a question of speed. There are other factors to remember. Since Mac OS X has a different architecture than Windows, it can perform several functions faster even though the CPU is slower. A dual core chip running at 1.4 GHz would outperform a Pentium 4 chip running at 1.8 GHz. A 1.4 GHz dual core processor running OSX Tiger on a Mac would outperform a 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor running Windows. Before you choose a CPU processor, you must first determine what you want your machine to do and what your main software specifications are.
A processor faster than 1.8 GHz, on the other hand, will provide excellent efficiency for daily use. Choose a Celeron for low-cost computing, a Pentium 4 for mid-range budgets, or an AMD Athlon for larger budgets as a general rule. By looking up the specs of computers with Pentium, Celeron, Athlon, or Dual Core CPUs online, you can compare them.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
This is one case where bigger is unquestionably better. RAM is the computer's device memory, which allows it to run programs and swap data between the hard drive and program functions. It's important to match the speed of your computer's RAM to that of the CPU. Your machine can run faster if you have more RAM available for your programs to work with. Most modern computers have at least 256 M (megabytes) of RAM. However, memory is a relatively inexpensive factor, and upgrading to 512 M or higher costs little more.
HARD DISK DRIVE
Your program files and data are stored on the computer's hard drive. The need for more capacity to run programs and store data has grown as computers have progressed. People who work in the media industry often work with huge files that need a lot of storage space. The majority of computers on the market today come with at least 40GB of hard drive space. However, this can be raised to 200G or more (usually in 20G increments). The physical speed (5400-7200 RPM) of your hard drive, as well as the speed at which it can pass data between the computer's RAM and the hard drive, can affect its effectiveness. Faster equals better results.
MEDIA THAT CAN BE Deleted
You'll need a CD-R or (CD-RW) drive, as well as a DVD or DVD-R, mounted in your device. A CD drive is all that is necessary to read a CD ROM, and a DVD ROM drive is required to watch DVD movies. You can record your own data and music CDs with a CD-R drive, and you can burn files in the DVD format with a DVD-R drive, allowing you to store movies and data in much greater quantities. You can use re-recordable media with CD-RW (DVD-RW) drives. What you want to store and how you want to use your media drives will decide your decision.
Other removable media can include flash card storage, which is usually plugged into the computer's USB ports.
WATCHES
Your computer's display is essential to its functionality and appearance. If you work in graphics, a CRT monitor might be the best option. However, LCD monitors are now included in most package packages, which have the advantages of taking up less space, consuming less resources, and offering larger screen images. However, they are usually more costly (though prices are falling all the time), are sometimes less light, have small viewing angles, and often need a digital interface connector.
LCD displays do not have the same ability to render colors in gradients as CRT monitors for graphics-intensive work. Scale does matter once more. Larger displays are more expensive than smaller ones.
SOUND AND VIDEO
The video card serves as the connection between the CPU and the monitor. One of the first choices you'll have to make is whether you want a 3D or 2D card. There are two types of video cards: those that use the PCI bus and those that use an AGP (accelerated graphics port) on the machine motherboard. Video output is determined by the data transfer rate. AGP is used for faster video cards, and it allows for faster data transfer than PCI cards. Most video cards come with their own video memory, which boosts a computer's memory performance. These memories are usually 128M or 256M today, with higher-end cards dedicated to advanced video work or gaming having more. Clock speed, also known as clock rate, has an effect on video card performance; cards with a higher clock speed provide better performance.
Instead of a standalone video card, cheaper computers, laptops, and notebooks have an integrated graphics chip built into the motherboard. This configuration lacks the power and functionality of a separate video card, which allows for more comprehensive gameplay, the use of multiple displays, and quicker and better image rendering.
A sound card is required for a computer to replicate the sounds captured in games, movies, and music items. Sound quality is influenced by the sound card mounted on your machine. It's important that you understand how you want to use your computer's sound reproduction processes. If you're a musician looking to record audio, you'll want to make sure you have decent connectivity, midi control, and at least 16-bit (CD-quality) audio reproduction. Sound cards allow you to experience full cinema surround sound as well as the many subtle effects used in high-end games.
Stereo speakers come standard with almost every device. It does, however, help to pay attention to what you're buying. Make sure you listen to familiar programming (bring your own CD) and compare the sound in a quiet setting. Many computer speakers have a low frequency response and are underpowered. This may be sufficient for desktop use that does not require a good listening area. However, if you want to get the most out of your music and movies, you should consider investing in a decent collection of speakers.
MOUSE AND KEYBOARD
The keyboard and mouse are personal preferences. It can often be decided by what you do on the computer, whether you have formal typing skills or are a two-finger hack. An ergonomic keyboard can be preferred by serious authors. Different keyboards have different clicks and answers to one another. You might prefer a cordless infrared keyboard and mouse. You might prefer an optical mouse that doesn't require you to clean the rollers. Optical mice don't have a rollerball and can be used on almost any flat surface, but they're more costly.
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