Computer hardware encompasses the physical components that make up a desktop PC or laptop. It includes everything from the motherboard to the CPU. Without it, your computer wouldn’t be able to run the essential software programs that you use. A hard disk drive is a data storage device that stores digitally encoded information on rapidly…
PC software is any program that runs or operates on a computer. These programs include system software, application software and more. They help with a variety of tasks including clearing malware, listening to music and editing PDFs. Organize your digital life with desktop groups and keep work and play separate with customizable backgrounds. Make phone…
Windows is an operating system that allows you to complete tasks on your computer. It comes preloaded on most computers and lets you watch videos, play games and edit digital photos. It also helps you manage your email and schedule appointments. It offers tools for changing settings such as audio and video, keyboards, printers, power…
Your computer uses RAM to quickly pull information and hand it over to the central processing unit (CPU). Unlike your hard drive, which acts as long-term storage, memory chips in a RAM stick lose data when you shut down the computer. Speed, which is measured in megahertz (MHz), determines how fast the memory can work.…
Windows XP is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system. It was released in 2001, and is still supported by Microsoft until April 8, 2014. To use XP, you’ll need a keyboard and mouse. The desktop will show you icons (or graphical pictures) that represent applications and files. It is a free operating system…
Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. This includes the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory, monitor, mouse and keyboard. The motherboard is a hub that all other hardware runs through. It also determines what inputs and outputs your PC has. It’s an important upgrade to consider if you…
Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. It is used to control and monitor a computer system. It also allows users to use the computer without touching any hardware. Valve’s Steam game marketplace sells PC games for a variety of prices, and new releases are often given away free for…
A window is a basic element of the computer GUI. It is an area of the display that holds a single running application and can be moved, resized, hidden, or maximized. It may overlap other windows or applications. The system information app is one of the best ways to view your computer’s technical specifications. It…
RAM is short-term memory that enables your computer to process information at lightning-fast speeds. It can be a complicated component to understand and picking the right RAM for your build can make a significant difference in performance. There are many factors to consider, including voltage, timings, channels and more. But the most important factor is…
XP is Microsoft’s most important consumer version of Windows since Windows 95. It has improved stability and efficiency and introduces new software management capabilities. Some machines still running XP can be useful for remote desktop assistance and for some types of specialist network hardware. Some systems, however, may require a security upgrade to be safest…