Computer Accessories
How do I choose a DVD or CD burner?
If you're choosing a new DVD or CD burner for your computer, the first thing you've got to understand is that there are a lot of different formats of CDs and DVDs out there. There's plus R, minus R, plus RW and minus RW. If you get a new burner, the chances are it will burn all formats. If you get a DVD burner, it will also burn CDs, so that's the one you're probably going to want to look at. After that, you have to decide if it's going to be an internal burner or an external burner. If it's an internal burner, you have to know how to put it in. If you don't, you have to get someone to do it for you. If you're not comfortable with that, your choice is going with an external burner. Finally, when you're choosing a burner, the faster the speed of the burn, the better.
How do I choose the best monitor for my needs?
If you're choosing a monitor for your computer, there are going to be two types. There's the CRT monitor that looks like your old TV, and it is kind of what the computers used to come with. Now, the new type is an LCD screen. It takes up less space and it's a lot flatter. Even though they're more expensive than the CRT models, that's what most people are buying today. They look a lot better, they are a lot clearer and lighter, and of course, they take up a lot less space.
What is a "jumpdrive" or "flashdrive"?
A jumpdrive or a flashdrive is a small little drive that a lot of people have. You can attach a jumpdrive to your key chain and it's usually USB-powered. A jumpdrive or flashdrive is an extra storage space that you can use to backup your files and carry around with you, which is what a lot of people use it for.
What are the different sizes of jumpdrives?
Jumpdrives are storage devices that you can attach to the end of your keychain that store your data. They come in different sizes, the smallest being about 16 megabytes, and I've seen ones that go up to 4 gigabytes. The thing about jumpdrives is that today they've gotten a little bit kooky. For example, you can buy a jumpdrive that is a little duck that lights up when you plug it in. A jump drive is usually a USB connector, and as such they can do a lot of interesting things. You get the hamburger that assembles itself. You get lots of whistles that actually play a small tune, etc.
How do I choose the best speaker system for my computer?
If you're deciding on what kind of speakers to go with your computer system, if you're a basic user, just the normal two speaker setup that plugs right in will do. If you're an audiophile, you want to go with a Dolby 5.1 five speaker setup with a subwoofer and a rear channel speaker. If you're like me and you're somewhere in between, go with a 3 speaker setup, which is basically a left speaker, a right speaker and a subwoofer.
What is a "graphics card" and how do I choose the right one for my needs?
If you're thinking of getting a graphics card, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. If you're a normal user, you're never going to need to upgrade your graphics card. If you're a hardcore gamer, you'll be changing your graphics card every six months or so. If you're somewhere in between, stick with the one that you have unless you're starting to see a drop-off in your quality of graphics. That's when you decide that you need a new one.
What is the difference between an ink jet and laser jet printer and how do I know which one is the best choice for me?
The difference between an ink jet and a laser jet printer is obviously in the way they use the ink. For an ink jet printer, what happens is the printer actually sprays the ink on to the piece of paper. Laser jet sprays ink out and it burns the ink onto the paper. It is slightly different. Next thing you have to take it consideration is the price. Laser printers usually cost a lot more than ink jet printers and their ink usually also cost a lot more. Laser printers are usually more for home business or small business use, and even for a big business and they have a very high volume. If you are not intending to print about fifty thousand pages a month then go with the normal ink jet printer because that's what you use to print photos as well.
