Why Does My Hard Drive Spin-Up for No Reason?

Ever Wonder why your Hard Drive Spins-Up randomly?

Try Disabling Vista Indexing Option.

Windows Vista has a service called Indexing, where it keeps track of the files on your computer and stores information about the files, including the file name, date modified, and properties like author, tags, and rating. When your hard drive spins up unexpectedly, it's the Indexer checking for new files. If you use the 'Windows Search' feature then it's helpful. Instead of looking through your entire hard disk for a file, Vista scans the index, allowing results to appear in a small fraction of the time that a search without the index would take. If you don't use the search feature, then it can be annoying. Don't confuse the 'Windows Search' with your 'Internet Browser Search'.

Windows Search, Searches your computer. Browser Searches, Search the Internet.

How do you know if you're using the 'Search' function? If you don't know, than more than likely, you're not using it.


How to Disable the Index

Solution #1:

Navigate to Start -> Computer -> under Hard Disk Drives you should see your hard drive, usually labeled Local Disk C:, if you have more than one hard disk, it will also be listed here.

Right Click Local Disk C: -> then navigate the menu to Properties.

The Properties window shows detailed information about your Drive. In the center of the window you will also see a Pie Chart of Used/Free Space on your disk.

Below the pie chart there are two check boxes, by default -> 'Index this drive for faster searching' is checked.

Uncheck it. Click Apply/OK for the changes to take effect.
Problem solved.

Note: Do Not check 'Compress this drive to save disk space'. This function is for extra hard disks, but never for your primary C:, or main drive.


Solution #2:

Navigate to Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services

Scroll Down to Windows Search. Double Click 'Windows Search'. In the new window you will see several options:

Navigate to Service Status ( 3/4 down the page)
You have the options [Start] [Stop] [Pause] [Resume]

Click 'Stop' to Stop the Service.
To prevent Windows from starting the service automatically, Navigate to StartUp Type (Mid-Page). In the dropdown box, choose Disable.

Click Apply for the changes to take effect, and your finished.


The Next time you start your computer, your Indexing Service should be disabled.

Don't be concerned if you disable Vista Indexing. If, by rare chance you do use the Search Function on your hard drive, it will just take long for Vista to find the file.

Of course if you change your mind you may always navigate back and enable the Indexer.

How to Monitior Your Computers Temperature

Here is a tool for the intermediate computer user. It monitors your computers CPU and Video Card Temperatures.

CPUID HWMonitor

A few things to keep in mind.

• Be sure you are downloading the right program, 32bit or 64bit version of CPUID HWMonitor. *
• The listed temperatures are in Centigrade [ C° ] not Fahrenheit [ F° ].
• CPU and Video Card Temperatures Run Normal at, what we non geeks would consider, high temperatures, so don't be alarmed if your CPU is running at 70°C [158°F ]. This is normal. On cooling-related websites, lower temperatures are better. As for this list, the opposite is true: The higher temperatures a CPU can withstand the better. This list is the normal operating temps.
  

* How do you know if your computer is a 32bit or 64bit computer?

Go to 'START', then 'CONTROL PANEL', then 'SYSTEM': Here you will be able to view basic information about your computer. About mid-page you will see 'system.' Here it will list; Processor Type, Memory, then 'SYSTEM TYPE' 32bit or 64bit system will be listed here.

Here is a great website for finding the normal operating temp for your CPU.
Temperatures by Chipset

Here is a summary of CPU temps [by manufacturer *]:

1. AMD Computers 65°C to 95°C
2. Intel Computers 65°C to 100°C

* How do you find out what type of chip manufacturer your computer uses?

Go to 'START', then 'CONTROL PANEL', then 'SYSTEM': Here you will be able to view basic information about your computer. About mid-page you will see 'system.' Here it will list; Processor Type, such as AMD Phenom, or Intel Core Duo

You may also download several different free system monitoring applications such as

CPUID-Z
SIW
Everest 2.20 Home Edition
Even though Everest does not support a free edition anymore, this older free version still works fine on most systems. Here is a ratings list on this older version of Everest Ratings List.

These Applications offer an incredible amount of information about your computer. Easy to understand lists, from CPU types, to processor assignment. SIW would be my choice for beginners, it's simple and it's the newest supported version of the product.


Video Card Normal Operating Temperatures a bit harder to find.

There are two manufactures of Video Cards that we are concerned about ATI and Nvidia

Here is a summary of the temps.

1. ATI (AMD) threshold is 115°C
2. Nvidia threshold is 120°C
   

To find the exact temperatures you will have to visit their websites.


Once you install CPUID HWMonitor, all you do is start it up and your information is there!

Quick and Easy.

How to Listen to your Podcasts in Order

Ever wished you could listen to your podcasts from oldest to newest without stopping? Here is a great tip to make a self updating playlist, that will arrange and auto-play all your podcasts from oldest to newest.

1. Ensure Shuffle is Off - Navigate to 'Settings', then to 'Shuffle', then 'Off'.
-> This affects the Auto-Play All.

2. Attach your Ipod to your Computer and Navigate to your ipods 'Podcast' section.

3. With the ipod 'Podcasts' highlighted, navigate up to itunes Main Menu Bar and Choose 'File.'
4. From the 'File' Menu, Choose 'New Smart Playlist'

5. Once the Smart Playlist box opens check 'Match the Following Rule,' then from the first drop-down box, choose 'Album' - then 'contains' - then type the exact name of the podcast. To end, ensure 'Live Updating' is checked. Then press 'OK'

6. A new playlist will appear in your ipods Menu - Navigate to the playlist. You should see all the selected podcasts that your specified.

7. Once in your new playlist, navigate to the Column titles [Name, Time, Artist, etc.] and right click. A column list will appear with column choices for you to pick from. For the average podcast listener some of the default choices are not necessary. Like 'Rating' and 'Play Count'.

8. Choose the Columns you wish to see and then add column 'Release Date'.

9. A 'Release Date' column will appear. Navigate to the 'Release Date' column and click it. An arrow will appear- the up arrow will arrange your podcasts from oldest to newest.

10. To listen to your newly arranged podcasts you must play the podcast playlist. Instead of navigating to your 'Podcasts' menu, you will now navigate to the podcast playlist, located in the 'Playlist' Menu.

Note: If your podcasts are not showing up in the smart playlist, ensure you choose 'Album' not the default 'Artist'. This is usually the reason for a blank playlist.

Dissecting A Sales Label

The best way to purchase a computer is to know what you want before you shop.

It can be daunting to stand in the computer aisle at Best Buy and listen to the sales rep talk about the computer that's right for you, when you don't even know what's right for you. Usually, sad to say, today's computer superstores could care less about what's really right for you, instead they seem to be more focus on getting you to spend as much as you possibly can on things you don't really need.

Best Defense is to be prepared. Let's dissect a common Product Label found in any computer store aisle. This will help you understand the terms and features of typical computer.

Here is a Typical Sales Label.

HP Pavilion Desktop with AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

Product Features

• AMD Phenom™ X4 9550* quad-core processor
• 6GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM
• 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3 cache memory
• 640GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9100 Graphics Card
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support.
• LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media
• 15-in-1 Media Reader
• 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and 6 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
• Wireless LAN connectivity (802.11b/g)
• Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet networking interface
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system
  

Let's Dissect this label:

HP Pavilion Desktop with AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

• HP Pavilion Desktop - Computer Manufacturer (HP) and Computer Type (Desktop)
• AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core - Let's define this more in the product feature section of the label, listed below.
  

So together, this is the Name and Type of Computer, if someone where to ask, "What type of computer is this"? The official technical answer is: An "HP Pavilion Desktop with an AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core CPU."

Computer Manufacturer may weigh on your decision-making process in buying the right computer for you. It's solely based on user preference and manufacturer reliability. It's like buying a car based on reliability, it's either calculated by your own experience or/and popular opinion.

Product Features

• AMD Phenom™ X4 9550 Quad-Core Processor

A CPU or Central Processing Unit, or simply "processor" or "microprocessor" is the brains and speed of your computer, it tells everything what, when and how to do what you want. It also determines the speed at which it can issue and interpret those instructions.

1. AMD Phenom X4 9550 - Processor Name/Brand and Model Number (9550). All Processors today have cute, catchy names, like Core 2 Duo, Atom, or Pentium, its a brand name, like Ford.
2. Quad Core - Processor type. Dual, Triple and Quad Core. In simple terms a dual-core CPU has 2 processors inside of a single chip. So then, a Quad-Core has 4 processors inside of a single chip. Picture a lamp with two light bulbs in it. It's considered one LAMP, but it gives off double the light.
   

CPU type should weigh in your purchase decision-making process. For a casual or business oriented computer user, Dual-Core will suffice. Anything else is more than enough for future needs as they arise.

• 6GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM

1. PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM - This represents RAM and RAM types. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of temporary storage that a computer uses, also referred to as "Memory". Access to the data stored here is very fast. There are many different names for RAM these days, but for the beginner they all represent a kind of fast temporary storage. Other names include SRAM, DRAM, DDR RAM, DDR3 RAM.
2. 6GB - 6 Gigabytes. (GB) is a unit of measurement, like kilogram, and kilometer, but for computer storage. 1 Gigabyte refers to 1,000,000,000bytes of data. Beyond that you simply don't need to know the math that figures out how much information that really is. In the computer world, we have kb, MB, GB, and TB storage sizes. They define many different things. GB when referring to RAM (or "memory") simply means the more there is, the faster the computer can access that temporary storage area and retrieve your data.

RAM amount or "memory" should weigh in your decision-making process. 6 GB's is quite a lot of RAM. The maximum amount for today's home computers is 8 GB's. If you plan to do lots of things at once with your computer, 1 to 2 GB's of RAM is plenty, 6 is overkill. However, as your computer skills progress, adding more RAM is possible with most modern computers.

• 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3 cache memory

1. cache memory - 2MB L2 + 2MB shared L3. This also deals with CPU function and speed. CPU Cache is another type of faster temporary storage, faster than RAM, it is the quickest way for the CPU (brain) to access your data. Most new computers have similar CPU cache.

CPU Cache should not weigh in your decision-making process. For the beginner, the other specifications you pick will automatically determine your CPU cache.

• 640GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)

1. Hard Drive - This is the place where your personal data/information (pictures, documents, videos) are stored. There are different terms for hard drives; Disk Drives, Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Drives, storage drives, "C:" Drive, and a newer type of storage; Solid State Drives (SSD).
   
2. SATA - refers to a type of connection that the hard drive uses to connect to the computer.
3. 7200 rpm - This is the speed (in revolutions per minute) that the storage disk in the drive spins. Think of a disk drive sort of like a record player. The record (storage disk) spins, while the Arm/Needle is reading a certain area of the record. The faster the record spins, the faster the needle reads the record. A computer stores data, lets say a photo, on the disk, and it remembers where it is stored. When you want to view the photo, the faster the disk (or record) is spinning, the faster the Arm/Needle can get to the area where the photo is stored.
4. 640GB - This is the amount of storage area the disk offers. Once again, GB refers to a gigabyte, which in everyday computing is a very large amount of storage. Photos, music and videos are typically the largest file types you will encounter. However, 640 GB is a very large amount of storage for a typical computer user.
   

Hard Drive Size (in GB's) should weigh in your decision-making process. If you are planning to store a large amount of photos, music or videos on your hard drive, a 500 or 720GB hard drive should suit your needs. A typical 500GB drive can store well over 50,000 songs, or photos.

• NVIDIA GeForce 9100 Graphics Card

1. Graphics Card - A internal computer part that deals in the screen, image and viewing quality. Some low cost computers do not have graphics cards, rather instead have "integrated graphics" or "on-board video." For word processing, picture editing, web surfing and email reading this may suffice.
   
2. NVIDIA GeForce 9100 - This is the graphic card manufacturer and the Card's Name and model number.

There are hundreds of graphics cards to choose from, some average and cheap, some outstanding and very expensive. "Card" is just a term that is used to describe the physical product and its placement inside a computer. The graphics card, the sound card, the TV tuner card, all fit into slots inside of the computer case. Some High-End Computer games, or Image Editing programs require good graphics cards, but for beginners, a average run of the mill graphics card, will show good quality videos, screen images and Internet movies just fine.

Graphics Cards, or lack there of, should weigh in your decision-making process. Some computers have "integrated graphics" which means no graphics card. If your future plans may include computer gaming or intense photo editing, you should consider a computer with a better than average graphics card. In some instances graphics cards will reference their own Speed or RAM, for instance "512Mb on board memory." This means the graphics card has it's own RAM and will not use the computers resources and ultimately gives you better quality.

• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support.

1. Mutli-format DVD RW/CD-RW Drive - this is your CD/DVD player for your computer. Right out of the box most computers will play Music CD's and Video DVDs. Window's Media Player/Media Center is an average CD/DVD Player, which will open automatically when you place a CD/DVD into the disc player. The player (drive) will play both CD's and DVD's.
   
2. Double-Layer Support - this refers to the ability of the recorder to record data on different layers of a disc (if the disc has these types of extra layers). For Example, a dual-layer CD, has two layers on which data or music can be stored. This label Dual-Layer is simply a way to say "more storage space;" Along those lines, if you purchase Dual-Layer CDs or DVDs, they have more storage space than normal CDs or DVDs.
   
3. DVD RW and CD RW - simply mean, a CD/DVD Player also has the ability to record or "burn" music and video to your own blank CD's and DVDs. The terms -R, +R and RW refer to the recorder itself and most importantly, refer to the type of blank CD/DVDs that you purchase. There are numerous variations to the terms R & RW, but for the beginner, here's what you need to know:

• CD R - you can record music to a blank CD one time, when you finish the recording session the data becomes permanent. You can always copy data from the disc to another location, however you can not change or add to the original disc.
• CD RW - you can record music to a blank CD numerous times, adding more information each time.
• DVD R - You may record video or data to a blank DVD only one time, when you finish the recording session the data becomes permanent. You can always copy data from the disc to another location, however you can not change or add to the original disc.
• DVD RW - you may record video or data to a DVD disc numerous times, adding more each time.

The type of CD/DVD Drive should weigh in your decision-making. Most newer computers come with an All-in-One CD R/DVD R type Player/Recorder. If you want to make your own music CD or Video DVD then this standard drive will do. Just as the label DVD-R and DVD-RW refer to different abilities of the player/recorder, it also refers to the type of blank DVD disc you purchase (same goes for CDs). If you wish to record music to a CD, in your CD-R Multiformat Drive, you must also purchase CD-R blank discs.

• LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media

1. Lightscribe is a company. Lightscribe is also the ability for your computer's CD/DVD recorder's to laser-etch images onto the top of a CD/DVD. It is simply a way to "label" your home-made CDs/DVD's, with a permanent label.

Lightscribe labeling may weigh in your decision-making process. This is a nice fancy way to decorate home made CD's and DVD's. This software is usually part of the CD/DVD package that come built-in to your computer.

• 15-in-1 Media Reader

1. Media Reader - a media reader is a device where small media storage cards can be inserted. Cards such as SD/Compact Flash/Sony MS, can then be accessed by your computer. These would be your typical Camera "SD" or "Compact Flash" cards. It's a simple way for you to transfer your cameras photos or videos to your computer. From your computer you can then store, send or edit them.
2. 15-in-1 - This is simply the amount of different types of cards that media reader can accept. Usually the media reader will have 4 to 5 physical slots, however each slot can accept around 4 to 5 different sizes of cards.

A 15 in-1 Media Reader may weigh in your decision-making process. If your new computer does not come with this type of media reader, you may purchase one separating for around $5-$10.

• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces and high-speed USB 2.0 ports

1. USB 2.0 ports - USB or "Universal Serial Bus" is a type of plug/cord that allows you to connect extras to your computer; like printers, Ipods, mice, keyboards, external storage, etc. Think of it like an electric cord you use to plug your lamp into the wall. This ports (or plugs) can be found on the front and/or back of new computers. Rectangular in shape USB ports, are visually labeled with a small three-pronged tree, or "pitchfork" design. 2.0 stands for a newer faster USB data transfer speed. If you purchase a new computer more than likely the USB ports are 2.0.
2. IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interfaces - IEEE 1394 (Firewire) is another type of plug that has very fast data transfer speeds. Most newer devices, have a 1394 "Firewire" connection. There are several types of IEEE plugs/ports, but Firewire is typical. This is faster than USB 2.0, however most devices that you wish to plug into your computer do not have a Firewire option. 1394 Firewire ports look like USB ports, however a USB plug will not fit into it. The 1394 port is visually labeled with a small circle design and "1394."
   

USB ports transfer data to and from your device to the computer with a USB cord. Some devices can also be powered by the USB port. Every Device that you purchase, such as a digital camera, has a USB to camera cord included, same for modern printers, a USB to printer cable is included in your printer box. These cords however are easily purchased.

The older slower version is labeled USB 1.0, and even that is fast enough for the typical user. USB plugs are easy to correctly connect to your computer. They only fit one way. If you try to plug it in and it will not fit easily, turn your plug over and try again.

I have found that Firewire connections do not work well with most computers, as most computers use the Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. Firewire is made for Apple, MAC, Linux type operating system. USB is more for Microsoft Windows." The trouble is not with the physical port, but more with the computers software in reading the data. Firewire is insignificant to the beginner.

USB ports should weigh in your decision-making process. However, any average computer comes standard with at least two USB ports. These ports are needed for anything from connecting your Ipod, to connecting some types of mice and keyboards.

• Built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking interface and Wireless LAN connectivity (802.11b/g)

1. Built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Networking Interface - This is your physical Internet Connection. Built-In Interface means the Ethernet plug will be found usually on the back of your computer. This built in interface is some times referred to as the Network Card, Network Adapter or Wired Network Connection. With some preparation, you can take a Ethernet Cable and plug it in to connect to the Internet.
   
2. 10/100 Base-T - For a beginner this is simply the speed at which your computer, using the Ethernet Plug, can get information from the Internet, and that's all you need to know. If you surf the web, it's the speed you can surf, quickly move between websites, and possibly "download" stuff.
   
3. Wireless LAN connectivity - this simply means your computer, with the proper preparation, can connect to the internet without an Ethernet Cable. When you are in the coffee shop and people are surfing the web, they are using a wireless connection. When you see a sign at a hotel that says "free wireless internet," this means that if your laptop computer has Wireless connectivity you can use their wireless internet connection.
   
4. (802.11b/g) - 802.11 is the wireless label, refering to standards and frequencies. 'b' 'g', and the newer 'n,' are wireless speeds for data transfer.
   

Wired Internet connections are typically faster than wireless connections. The mobility is what makes wireless internet so popular. For a typical Desktop or Office computer, a wired connection is recommended.

Wireless Connectivity should weigh in your decision-making process. All newer computers have a Wired or "Ethernet" connection. External "Wireless USB Cards" can be purchased separately if need be, however the price to have a wireless connection included is minimal, and is the best choice.

• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition - 64-bit Operating System

1. Microsoft Windows Vista - This is simply telling you that this computer has and Microsoft Windows Operation System. Whether it is the present day 'Vista', or the older 'XP', or the newer 'Windows 7', they are just different versions of Microsoft Windows.
2. Home Premium Edition - Vista has several different versions it offers; Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate and some Professional Versions also. These versions include or exclude different functions and features. It's like a basic model of car, versus the Deluxe or Luxury version.
3. 64- bit - this is the newer type of data transfer that deals with CPU's and Operating System capacities. There are two choices 32 -bit and 64 -bit. This difference refers to internal data transfer capabilities, and should not concern the beginner.
   

'Windows' itself is a program that makes it possible to navigate around rather complex machine called "your computer." Without 'Windows' it would be too complicated for 95% of computer users to get a computer to function. From the Desktop, to the Icons, to the Taskbar, this is all part of 'Windows.' Think of it like an Language Interpreter or a "window" into your computer (hence the name). To try and communicate with someone that speaks a foreign language, you need an interpreter. The way a computer works, it's language, its internal workings, are foreign to us. 'Windows' acts as an interpreter by taking that computer language and transforming it into a pretty Desktop computer screen with pictures and Icons and Taskbars, even keyboards. When you interact with your keyboard, 'Windows' interprets what your typing, and transforms it into computer language, so the computer can understand, and visa-versa.
Most new computers will be 64-bit, which brings faster, quicker, better computers. Just like trying to find a computer that has an Window's XP, unless you purchase a computer from an online company like Dell, you will be hard pressed to find a new 32-bit computer (However, some 32-bit laptop computers may currently be found). There is a software/or program compatibility issue with 64-bit computers, simply because 64-bit is new to the market. Most Program (software manufacturers) for years have made their programs to work on 32-bit computers. There should be some research before installing programs onto a 64-bit computer, just to ensure they are made for 64-bit computers.

Operating Systems, Versions and Bit Types (64-bit) may weigh in your decision-making process. If you are set on purchasing a certain (older type) computer; whether it be a, Windows XP operating system or a 32-bit Desktop computer, you will definitely need to search far and wide. However, for the new computer buyer, you will find everything you need from the local electronic store. The operating system , version, etc. decisions are made for you, simply because these are how newer computers are sold. Computer manufactures make new computers with 64-bits, and Windows 7 or Vista. Typically, there are few consumer choices when it comes to the these basic computer functions.



Give or take a feature or two, this list is standard for any computer specification sales or product label. Read it carefully, ask questions, and know what your getting.

Next Up - Setting Up Your New Computer

Terms and Definitions for the Beginner

What Does All This Stuff Mean?

Here are a few beginner terms to familiarize yourself with Computer Basics.

• Desktop - Any Computer that is not a laptop. The Box itself, with the blinking lights, on/off switch, and CD/DVD slot is the computer. Sometimes called the CPU, Tower or Motherboard, a Desktop computer is really many different individual parts put together inside the Desktop Case.
• Laptop - A portable computer, put together like a briefcase, opens to reveal a screen, keyboard, and mouse pad area. Same functions as a Desktop with less storage capacity and power. Convenient for travel and can meet all your beginning needs, including CD/DVD players/makers, etc.
• Netbooks - A new line of portable computer that is mainly for web surfing. A stripped down version of a laptop. Not a lot of computing power, little storage capacity, and no CD/DVD abilities. More of a teenage fad, rather than a computer. Limited storage capacity means no room for photos or music.
• "Power" - When we hear computer power, or "how powerful is your computer," it simply means how quick is the brain or processor in the computer. There are many parts of a computer that together equal overall power and speed, but usually its the speed of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) that matters. A "chip" or CPU is the brains of any computer, the faster it computes the "more powerful the computer." Compare it to an oven. The higher the temperature of the oven the faster things get done. Same for a CPU or "chip" the faster it computes the faster things get done. However, for the beginning or everyday user, a less expensive, average chip will supply more than enough power to accomplish everything that you desire. Every computer has a CPU in it. Without it there would be no computer.
  
• Storage - This is the area of the computer where things are stored. Pictures, music, programs, letters, information. When you wish to store, or download things, like a picture lets say, the brains of the computer places this picture, on a disk or platter. This is called a Hard Disk Drive, Disk Drive or Storage Drive, abbreviated HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the new SSD (Solid State Drive). Compare it to a thought. If you think of something and you don't want to forget you write it on a piece of paper. That's how a storage drive works, its the computers way to write it down for later use. When you need it, the computer pulls that piece of paper out for you to look at, it's simply a file cabinet that you can't see.
• Multimedia - Simply refers to all types of media computers are capable of interacting with; Music, Photos, Videos, etc. Types of files a computer can interact with are almost limitless. Compare it again to a filing cabinet. Different folders for different files. Financial records are stored together because they are similar type documents. Birth Certificates stored in another folder because they are in another category. Same for computer file types. From Photo files (.jpg or .gif) to Video Files (.mov or .wmv) to Music Files (.mp3 or .aac). It's a label the tells the computer what type of file this is and how to store it.
• Video Card - This refers to a device inside your computer that determines how nice your picture will look. The end of the "card" sticks out of the back of the computer and you then would plug your monitor cable into it. Some computers come with an average video card, while others have very expensive "High-End" video cards. If you come across a computer with "on-board" video or "integrated" video, this means no video card is included. For the average beginner, a video card may not even be needed.
• Sound Card - This refers to another internal component of your computer with a portion that sticks out the back. A sound card capable of high quality digital sound. Most average computers do not have a sound card, and there is simply a simple speaker plug on the back, you plug your speaker cable into it and you're good to go. Sound cards are not needed to do most all kinds of computing.
• Optical Drive - This is another term for your CD/DVD reader/recorder. Usually found at the front top of a desktop computer. These "drives' can play or record CD's and DVD's. There are many different types of Optical drives, along with many different types of CD's/DVD's. We will address that in another episode. Most all desktop computers come with a least one CD/DVD player/recorder. Some come with two, but for the beginner two is a waste of money. Two CD/DVD players are used to copy one CD to a blank CD quickly. This can also be accomplished with one, but of course it takes more time.
• Monitor - This is the screen. This is how you visually interact with your computer. The computer will work without the monitor, however you will not be able to get things done with no visual picture. On the back of the monitor is usually a few connection ports. These are the plugs where you would place your VGA/DVI/HDMI cords, with the other end of the cord plugged into your computer.
• Wireless/Wired Ethernet - Ethernet is a term for your computers Internet connection. All new computer have an Ethernet plug in the back to get you online. Usually, most computer also have a Wireless Card, or an internal component to be able to detect a wireless Internet signal. Sort of like radio stations that your radio can play. Some times these are also called "cards," or "network cards."
  
• USB - Universal Serial Bus, or in simple English it means a place to plug stuff into. USB ports are made to attach extra things to your computer system. They also can provide power to whatever gadget you plug in, like your Ipod or mouse. Some devices come with their own electric cord. Usually you can find USB ports on the front and back of a Desktop Computer.
  
• VGA/DVI/HDMI - These terms all refer to how your computer connects to the screen. One the back of your computer there will be an area you would plug this cable into, then the other end into your monitor. Some cable connections show a higher quality than others. This is just the video side of the connection, so the sound/speakers will also have to be configured. The HDMI connection is video and sound inside the same connection.
• Card Reader - This type of card does not refer to video or sound card, rather a digital camera or video storage card. SD Cards/Compact Flash/Sony MS type of cards, are small storage cards that your photos and video are storage, you remove them from your camera or device to transfer this data. This reader has slots where you can place these types of cards and then with minimal effort you can then access these photos and pictures from your computer, you can move or copy them, and with the proper software, you can edit your data. The standard type of reader that comes with your computer or can be purchased separately, then attached to your computer is usually called: "15-in-One Media Reader."
  

There are many more terms and definitions, however they are mostly beyond the reach of the beginner. It is more important to focus on basic operation, rather than learn terms and definitions that have nothing to do with getting you up and going.

Coming Next - Dissecting a Sales Label.

What Do You Need to Know Before You Start?

Let's Talk Basics

What do you need to know to operate a computer?

The answer is: Not Much!

If you have a computer and you know how to plug it in, attach the screen to the back, and press the power button, you're almost set.

But here, let's try to understand a little more than that. Like a car, it feels better to understand a little bit of the basic operation before we start - We all know that before you drive you should know, "if I press the gas pedal the car moves, if I press the brake the car stops."

So Let's Start Here.

Computers in general are all put together the same way, they have the same parts, and almost always the same functions. Some have more, some have less. When your talking basics its just that, basics. A car, let's say, has ............an engine, wheels, tires, steering wheels, gas/brake pedals, seats and all together they make a car function as a car. Just like that, computers have parts that are needed for it to function:

• A Case or box to hold all the different parts together.
  
• A Brain or CPU (Central Processing Unit) - tells the computer what to do/what you want.
• Storage - a place where information is stored in the computer.
  
• Power Supply - All computers need electricity to function, whether its a plug or battery.
• Monitors/Screens - Needed to interact with the computer. Sometimes mistaken for the computer itself, the screen is simply a way for you to see what the computer is doing. A car with no windows or windshield is useless. You have to see what your doing to use it.
• Keyboard and Mouse - The mouse is used like your finger, it points to what you want, and along with the keyboard they tell the computer what to do, where to go and how to get there. Compare it to the Steering Wheel and Gas/Brake Pedals of a Car. Where and how to go.
  
• Extras - Plug In's, Storage Card Readers, CD/DVD Drives, Etc. Let's save this for later.
  

Of course, these are the stripped down version of the basics, and even this is more than enough knowledge to operate a computer.

To get a standard or typical computer to function you will need; the Tower, a monitor, a keyboard, mouse, and electricity of some sort. A laptop or portable computer is even less complicated than that, as it comes with everything you need, just plug it in and go. Most stores have "packages" that you can purchase. These computer packages include the computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse. However, every computer you buy in a store comes with a mouse and keyboard minimum.

A computer has automatic and manual functions. Like your Car, when you turn the key, it starts, gets warm, and waits to be told what to do. Put it in gear, press the gas, and go. Computers are the same, press the power, it starts, checks itself then waits to be told what to do. Look at the screen, get a picture from storage, or type a letter.

So here we are, the basics. An understanding of sorts.

A place to start.

Next: Terms and Definitions for the Beginner.

So You Want to Buy a Computer

Guide to buying the right computer for you.

General Purpose User

These days, $500 to $1,500 will get you a desktop with enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games--the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user.

Spend around $500, and in most cases you'll still be able to view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games. In most cases you'll still be able to run common tasks without delay, although extreme gaming becomes a stretch.

Dell, HP and Acer are good budget, general purpose choices. No Frills, just basics.

Power User

It's easy for the price to get out of hand with a power PC. If you shop around, you should be able to find a more than adequate gaming or digital design box for between $2,500 and $3,500. You'll need a large, fast hard drive--perhaps two or more if you plan to transfer and edit movie files--and of course, a DVD burner or, if you have an HD display, a Blu-ray or HD DVD drive.

Dell, Sony and Gateway make decent entry level gaming PC's. For Digital Design Apple/Mac cant be beat.

Home Theater Enthusiast

Media Center functionality is built into Windows Ultimate and Home Premium, so you could make the argument that a home-theater PC doesn't need its own category anymore. You don't need all the power of a traditional desktop to simply watch downloaded movies and listen to music. If you demand high video quality, you might sacrifice some of that capability if you opt for a lower-end system.

Dell, HP and Apple make great media center computers.

Home Office Worker

Graphics are less of a concern for most businesses, unless you run a design shop. At minimum, you'll want a system with enough power for multitasking your daily office chores. The money you save on the graphics you can put toward a larger monitor and a better warranty.

Design is definite Apple/Mac, but for the most part a budget low end PC will do any home office just fine.