The windows system is a computer operating system that runs applications in the user-mode. It provides an interface between user applications and kernel-mode operating system services, including hardware abstraction layer functions. It allows users to navigate a virtual desktop with graphical “windows” that open electronic folders and files. It also includes productivity apps that allow…
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It holds the information your processor needs to operate your apps and open files. When that information is no longer needed, it gets moved back into long-term storage (a much slower process). The better your computer’s RAM capacity, the faster everything runs. This is why it’s important to choose…
Windows XP was the first consumer version of Microsoft’s NT-based operating system. It succeeded Windows 2000 Professional and Windows ME, and was followed by Vista. Once you’ve set your BIOS to boot from the CD, insert it and start the XP install process. The computer will take a few moments to load the Windows XP…
PC hardware refers to the physical components inside of a computer that enable it to run software applications. These include memory and storage drives, as well as expansion cards like video and audio cards. Cache memory is high-speed storage that speeds up processing by storing instructions and data the CPU is likely to use frequently.…
Software tells computers how to function. Without it, most PCs wouldn’t work. Some applications are available in versions for several platforms; others are platform-exclusive, increasing the desirability of that particular system. Valve’s Steam is the one-stop shop for most PC gaming and frequently offers free games for a week or so. But its rival Epic…
The windows system is the operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, with a wide range of features. The first version of windows was released in November 1985. It ran on top of MS-DOS and was the first to introduce a mouse interface. Multitasking…
Whether you’re typing, saving a file or playing a video game, RAM is essential to getting the most out of your computer experience. RAM (sometimes called memory) acts as a bridge between your computer’s processor and long-term data storage, like hard drives or SSDs. This view shows a sorted list of information about your computer’s…
Windows XP is Microsoft’s latest client operating system. Released in 2001, it replaced Windows 2000 and is widely regarded as one of Microsoft’s greatest achievements. Insert the Windows XP CD and follow the setup wizard. Input your product key if necessary. If you don’t have a product key, follow the directions for creating a virtual…
Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer. It includes the central processing unit, random access memory, monitor, keyboard and mouse. It also includes expansion cards for graphics, sound and networking. Persistent storage stores bytes on hard drives that use spinning magnetic patterns or flash chips. It keeps data even when the power is…
The hardware of a computer is the physical parts, but without software it would be useless. A book provides an analogy: the pages and ink are the hardware, while the words and meaning are the software. Computer software includes everything from photo viewer technology to system optimisation programs. The internet is smothered with options, but…