Choosing Between a Desktop and Laptop Computer
These days we observe that laptops appear to be selling more than desktop computers. Most people either have one or want to have one. Walking on the high street today does not make this choice any easier because we are bombarded with all kinds of offers from mobile phone companies and electronic stores such as - "Buy one and get a laptop free!" How good is that?! Unfortunately, a visit to an ex-colleague's computer repairs shop which had its shelves loaded with stacks of broken laptops reminded me that not every shiny thing is gold.
While laptop computers are portable and easier to move around, they are not without their disadvantages. A laptop computer is significantly more expensive for comparable speed and capacity and does not have as much power as a desktop computer. Furthermore they are less expandable and are usually quite difficult to upgrade. They are often besieged by heating problems and generally have shorter lifespan as they are more prone to failure than their desktop counterparts. Most laptops would therefore usually last for between two and three years before a possibly irreparable damage occurs.
Although I would personally go for a desktop computer 3 out of 4 times, my advice to anyone who cannot make up their mind is not just to go with the trend but carefully consider their needs. So therefore if you answer 'Yes' to all the following questions, the obvious choice for you should be a desktop computer;
o Will you be working with graphics, multimedia and playing lots of action games?
o Would you like to upgrade your computer regularly?
o Do you spend long hours on the computer?
o Are they more than one or two users?
o Do you have a limited budget?
Should You Bring a Desktop or Laptop Computer to College?
Desktop computers and laptop computers each offer their own unique benefits, which you should take into account before deciding which type of computer you will bring to college.
When choosing whether to buy a desktop or laptop computer for college, you must consider how you will be using it. To get you thinking about which type of computer suits you best, this article outlines some of the benefits and detriments associated with both types of computers.
The pros and cons of desktop and laptop computers are listed below:
Desktop computers
Pros:
1. Price: a basic desktop computer can cost hundreds of dollars less than a similarly equipped laptop.
2. Security: as desktop computers are larger and heavier than laptops, they are much harder to steal.
3. Monitor size: desktop computers often come with monitors that exceed the size of laptop monitors. Flat screen monitors can double as a tv in a small dorm room, which saves space and money.
Cons:
1. Portability: although desktops are getting smaller and lighter, you can't take a desktop computer to class or the library. When your computer needs repairs, a desktop computer is not as portable as a laptop.
Laptops
Pros:
1. Portability: with your laptop you can work just about anywhere, from your bed to the classroom.
2. Security: you can take your laptop home on school breaks. Bringing home a desktop can be more difficult, especially if you are flying.
Cons:
1. Price: laptops generally cost more than desktop computers. However, laptops have become increasingly affordable in recent years.
2. Maintenance: laptops have more parts that may need repair, i.e. batteries and power cords.
Ultimately, choosing the right college computer for you comes down to how you will use the computer. Each has its own benefits and detriments, and you should take both into careful consideration. Even with so much pre-college studying, shopping for your college computer is a fun process.
Cheap Desktop Computers
You can get some fabulous deals online for quality desktop computers. And the best part about all this is you usually get a lot of free bundled goodies along with the desktop computers. You can get amazing quotes for desktop computers online, but most of the time there is a lot of fine print - so make sure you aren't ripped off.
Take some time to go through every offer carefully. AOL, for example, is offering a desktop computer for only $199.98 but you have to be an AOL member for 12 months at $23.90 a month! That translates into $286.80 more. So, don't just jump to any conclusions. Take your time, evaluate your needs and then look out for the best and cheapest desktop computers available.
Many manufacturers offer easy payment options, and there are a host of other schemes that enable you to purchase a new desktop computer that fits your needs. The best deals for a desktop computer are online, so you would need to go online and check what is available.
You can also get yourself a bare-bones computer kit. These computer kits are partially built, and let novice computer builders finish building them with cheaper parts. A bare-bones PC might include just the cabinet, power supply, internal speaker, motherboard, CPU and floppy drive. The CPU chip could be optional. A bare-bones PC intended for resale usually includes a low-capacity hard disk, CD-ROM drive, low-end display adapter and sound card, keyboard, mouse and speakers. Some bare-bones PCs sell for as little as $100!
With all this being said, there are a variety of options. And if you don't want to spend a lot on a computer, but just need it to surf the net or for educational purposes, a bare-bones PC will suit your needs perfectly. There is a desktop computer available for any budget - even yours. So get yourself one today.
How to Install a Wireless Modem in a Desktop Computer
For a more convenient way of connecting on the internet, wireless modem is a good addition to your growing technological gadgets. You can connect this to your desktop and relocate your desktop anywhere in the house without worrying about LAN connections. Also, this provides easier networking when you have multiple computers at home. You can dispense with the wirings that can be cumbersome when you have kids at home.
First of all, you need to find a good modem brand. There are a lot of reliable brands out there and you can have a myriad of choices. The more features, the more expensive. A good entry-level modem is already enough choice for home use. This already has security functions in addition to easy networking and connecting to other computers.
Your desktop should also be wireless ready. That means it has to have wireless card installed in it. Otherwise, you will have to connect it to the modem using LAN cable still but that totally defeats the purpose, doesn't it? The newer brands of desktops already have built-in wireless cards.
Step 1: If you do not have one installed yet, install wireless adapter network. Afterwards, you need to attach the wireless antenna to the modem. This usually comes with the package when you buy the modem.
Step 2: It also comes with a wireless USB modem. Connect this to the USB port of your computer and then connect that power adapter to the power slot of the modem you are using.
Step 3: If the USB modem lights up, this means it is already picking internet signals. You should configure the settings now. For configuration settings, closely refer to the manual that comes with the package. You can log in on the official website of the brand of modem you are using. They have also provided the details such as username and password so key this to enter the site. If there are no username or password indicated, try the default ones like "admin" but if it still does not work, contact their customer service.
Step 4: There are a few Internet connection types for you to choose from but choose Dynamic IP address setting as this already immediately connects to the ISP server and get IP address from there. Key in the details asked by the computer such as Static IP address, IP address, Subnet Mask, ISP gateway Address and so on. You can find those in the manual.
Step 5: After you input the necessary information, click the button Finish. You have just finished installing your wireless modem.
Buying a Desktop Computer – Some Important Considerations
While purchasing a desktop computer, there are several important considerations that should be kept in mind. These considerations are important whether you are planning to purchase a used item or a brand new desktop computer. First of all if you are going to purchase a used item then it is very important to compare the prices of the two.
This means compare the price with brand new model. So, if you think that you can take advantage by the purchase of a used computer then go for this offer but be careful and cautious while making any purchase. Actually brand new models offer great security which is not equally possible with used varieties. This is the basic reason why many people prefer to buy a new model. Brand new item also offers great security and warranty as well which further creates peace of mind for many people.
Used computers are always those that have already used by the people. So, buying a used system may be a risk for you. However, if you have some knowledge then you can purchase a better product. It is always better choice to test everything beforehand. Go to the house of the person from where you want to make a purchase. Check computer properly by getting online, power the machine down and back up again to check its performance.
Moreover, ask every relevant question that you think you should ask from the seller of the system. For example you may inquire that why the person is selling his PC or how old is it? How many times it require repair and maintenance? Moreover, make it sure that you are purchasing an item with all the required peripherals. So, you are not only getting a computer but you are purchasing a whole system. Always prefer safer routes.
What is Computer Desktop Remote Computer Access?
You are due to give a presentation at work on Monday - you have worked all weekend on perfecting it and when you reach office you find to your horror that you forgot to update the file on your USB drive. If you have ever found yourself in a similar situation, you might have wished very hard for access to your computer at home for just a short while to transfer the file.
This is exactly the function performed by Remote Computer Access - it helps you to use a computer to connect to another computer over the Internet for file access and for getting information even when the computers are separated by several miles.
There are two ways of achieving this - one is to use the Shared file system provided by Windows and the other is to use commercial software with a proprietary system. Remote access need not be confined to file access alone; you can also control the desktop of a computer that has been configured for remote access.
Once your computer has been configured for remote access, you can sit in front of a computer anywhere in the world and use the Internet to work on your computer - of course, the main drawback will be the delay in the response from your computer which would be a function of the distance separating you and your computer and the network speed. Drawbacks aside, the flexibility provided by remote access is enormous and eliminates the need to synchronize files on two different computers.
The level of access provided by remote access depends on the operating systems used on the client machine and the remote computer. If you are using Windows XP on both, the task is simplified as Windows XP comes with inbuilt support for remote access. You can log in to the remote machine using the same credentials you would use while sitting in front of it. Remote access is also secure.
With the remote desktop enabled, you can run programs on the remote computer, edit, save and transfer files between the two systems. Be aware that file transfer may be slow. You can print out documents from the remote computer on the printer connected to the computer where you are working and also hear audio played on the remote computer.
Setting up the remote desktop under Windows XP is simple and access can be initiated by selecting Start->programs->accessories->communications->remote desktop connection. Just type in the IP address of the remote computer in the window that pops up and click on Connect. You can now access the remote desktop. Once you are done, you can log-off from the remote computer to terminate the session.
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