The Specifications Of Agp Video Cards

As of August 2010, AGP 3.0 is the latest verision of this technology.

Like a processor, the video card comes in an assortment of prices, specifications and structures, depending on its intended purpose. Some use an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), first introduced to consumers in 1997.

History

Accelerated Graphics Port technology was introduced along with the Intel 440LX Pentium II chipset. It changed the way graphical information made its way to the system processor. The idea behind the cards was to increase the speed at which the video chipset spoke with the processor, leading to smoother and more vivid visual graphics.

Structure

Accelerated-graphics port video cards cannot add on to existing graphics cards. They use a dedicated and direct line of transmission between the video chipset and processor to improve processing speeds. They do not connect with the peripheral component interconnect bus, leading to increased system bandwidth. The video subsystem operates independently from the other computer components, leading to increased video data transfer speeds.

Product Examples

The Visiontek HD 3650 AGP 1GB, which supports high-definition gaming, multi-monitor setups and Microsoft's patented DirectX 10.1, is an example of a video card that uses accelerated video port technology. NVIDIA's GeForce4 MX video card line also uses accelerated graphics card technology.

Tags: video card, Accelerated Graphics, Accelerated Graphics Port, Graphics Port, leading increased, uses accelerated, video chipset

Update An Expired Certificate For An Sis

Go online to a SymbianSigned account to generate a new developer's certficate for SIS files.

"SIS" is a type of file format used for installable applications on the Symbian operating system. The Symbian operating system is used by some smartphone devices, such as the Nokia E7. To install a SIS file onto a Symbian-based mobile device, the SIS application has to be "signed." This signature is a security measure of sorts. It's what authenticates the application, providing assurances that the application is not malware or a virus. If a SIS application is not signed by its developer, users can acquire their own Developer's Certificate to sign the application themselves.

Instructions

Update a Symbian Developer's Certificate

1. Go to the SymbianSigned website (see the link in the Resources section) and sign into your user account.

2. Click on the "My Symbian Signed" tab. Select "Developer Certificate" in the menu options. Click "Request." You have to request a new Developer Certificate because once one has expired it cannot be renewed. You will need to be issued a new one.

3. Upload the original .crs (certificate request) file you created when you generated the original Developer's Certificate. If the original .crs file is no longer saved on your computer, you can download the file again from the user account area of the SymbianSigned interface. After downloading and saving the file to your computer, navigate back to the "Request" portal on the SymbianSigned interface and upload the file.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to generate a new Developer's Certificate. This newly generated Developer's Certificate can be downloaded anytime by logging into your SymbianSigned account. Go to the "My Symbian Signed" tab. Select "Developer Certificate" in the menu options. Click "MyDevCerts" and download the certificate.

Tags: Developer Certificate, application signed, Certificate menu, Certificate menu options, Developer Certificate menu

Things To Know When Putting On A New Processor

Processor sockets use distinct connectors for the processor, heat sink and fan.

The most important issue while installing a processor is the compatibility of the processor and motherboard. Some of the factors that impact the processor compatibility are brand, socket type, features and electrical requirements. Cooling is also an important consideration, since an improperly cooled processor won't work properly.

Socket Types

The socket type of a processor determines what type of motherboard it's compatible with. There are two major brands of central processing units -- Intel and AMD -- that each have their own distinct socket designs. Most socket designs are named based on the number of pins that connect the CPU and motherboard. Some processors are backward compatible with older types of socket. For example, AMD's AM3 processors can use older AM2 socket motherboards; however, this usually results in lower overall performance. Some of the more common types of Intel socket include LGA 775, ll56 and 1366. Most AMD processors use socket 939, AM2, AM2+ or AM3. Mobile processors and desktop always use different sockets due to their different electrical requirements.

Socket Design

Sockets use a mechanical lever to ensure that processors are properly positioned within the socket. This lever is designed to exert the specific amount of force needed to seat the processor. Processors use a distinct configuration of pins that prevents their insertion into motherboard sockets they're not compatible with. These configurations also define how the processor is aligned in the socket. Using the gaps in the pins -- or connectors -- as a guide, you can align the processor on the socket without damaging it.

Cooling

Processors are cooled using a heat sink and a fan. Heat sinks rest on top of the CPU to pull heat away from it using thermal conduction. All processors use a compound known as thermal paste to increase the rate of heat transfer from the processor to the heat sink. Applying too much or too little thermal paste between the processor and heat sink can cause the processor to overheat. The optimal amount of thermal paste will cover the surface between the processor and heat sink with a layer about half a millimeter thick.

Power

Each processor has two basic power ratings that determine how it uses power. The Thermal Design Power rating provides figures for the average peak power usage of the processor. Most desktop processors use between 80 and 120 watts of power with some models using up to 140 watts. Some motherboards don't support the full range of processor TDPs available for a given socket. Processors also operate within a specific voltage range. Motherboards with support for over clocking allow you to increase the speed of your processor by increasing its voltage settings. Knowing the stock voltage settings of your processor is important if you plan to over clock it.

Tags: heat sink, processor heat, processor heat sink, compatible with, thermal paste, between processor, between processor heat

P5nem Hdmi Motherboard Not Working

The ASUS P5N-EM HDMI mid-grade motherboard comes equipped with the NVIDIA nForce 630i chipset. The board features integrated NVIDIA CineFX 3.0, HD-DVD and Blu-ray playback support, with built-in high-definition multimedia interface and digital video interface sockets. Since the computer relies on critical components to function, each of these components can impact the behavior of the motherboard, even prevent it from working properly.

Power Supply

The power supply unit transmits electricity to each component attached to the computer. For the motherboard to perform its basic functions, the power connectors P1 and P4 must be connected to the appropriate sockets on the board. The P1 is a 24-pin connector that serves as the main power source for the motherboard. The P4 is a 4-pin connector that serves as the main power source for the central processing unit. The P1 connects to the EATXPWR socket, found next to the SATA and memory sockets, while the P4 connects to the ATX12V socket, sandwiched between the input/output ports and the CPU. Check the P1 and P4 connectors to make sure that neither cable has come loose from the board.

CPU

The CPU, also known as the microprocessor, performs the logical and arithmetic calculations for the system and executes code. The processor is connected to a land array grid 775 socket designed for use with Intel CPUs. The 775 designation stands for the number of pins lining the surface of the processor. Since the CPU is central to the operation of the computer, if the component is not installed properly, the P5N-EM HDMI will fail to boot. Confirm that the gold triangle on the edge of the CPU lines up with the alignment tab on the CPU socket. Push the cover plate down, then depress the lever until it snaps into the retention clip on the side of the socket.

RAM

The random access memory is linked closely with the CPU; it holds the instructions that the CPU actively processes. As part of its boot procedure, the computer stores in the RAM the code required to load the operating system. If the ASUS P5N-EM HDMI is unable to access the RAM, the computer will come to a halt. While RAM failure is not uncommon, issues can also occur if the modules are not installed properly or if incompatible RAM is installed to the board. The P5N-EM HDMI uses double data rate II 1066, 800, 667 or 533 megahertz RAM; the motherboard won't recognize other types of memory. Confirm that the modules are both compatible and inserted fully into their slots, with the tabs clipped into the indents on either side of the modules.

CMOS

The complementary metal-oxide semiconductor is made up of a complex set of integrated circuits which are embedded to a RAM chip on the P5N-EM HDMI. The CMOS stores the hardware settings for the system components. Users can change these settings in the CMOS Setup Utility, but certain changes -- like setting the clock rate on the CPU too high -- can render the system unstable. To reverse these changes, locate the CLRTC jumper on the motherboard, then remove the jumper cap from its initial position. Place the cap on the second and third pins. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds and then return the jumper cap to pins 1 and 2.

Tags: P5N-EM HDMI, ASUS P5N-EM, ASUS P5N-EM HDMI, Confirm that, connector that, connector that serves

My Hp Dv6871 Does Not Power On

The HP DV6871 is one of the HP DV 6000 series notebooks, notorious for their power motherboard issues. Even laptops under warranty seem to have this problem and the only reliable solution HP has been able to give is to replace the laptop because motherboard replacement does not seem to solve the problem. However, just because the HP DV 6000 series is known to have power issues and bad motherboards, this does not necessarily mean your PC is suffering from the known motherboard issue. Troubleshoot the computer to find out if the problem is motherboard related, and if so, it is best to simply replace the laptop.

Computer Beeping

Some HP DV6871 power issues may cause a beeping noise, which indicates the issue. This does not necessarily mean that the motherboard is damaged, and the computer beeps can mean several things depending on the number of beeps you hear. For instance, one beep means the computer is starting normally, two short beeps mean there is an issue with the CMOS battery, while one short and one long beep can be motherboard issues, and three long beeps mean there is a keyboard issue. Continuous high-low beeps can indicate that the processor is overheating, and repeated long beeps can mean there's a problem with the memory. Check a computer beep list to see where the issue lies, if you hear continued beeping and get no video.

Video-Related Issues

Some cases of a computer power problem may be video-related and not a completely dead computer. Look for LED lights turning on as you press the power button. Lights may mean the computer is working, but there's a problem with the video or video cables. If you hear computer noises and see LED lights, plug in an external monitor to see if video appears on the external monitor. If this is the case, the problem is associated with the inverter card, the display, the backlight or the video card and not the motherboard. Look closely at the video monitor to see if there is a faint light, as this indicates an inverter problem, which can easily be replaced. All parts are replaceable except for the video card, which is integrated to the motherboard. A simple solution to a bad video card is the use of an external video card that plugs into the USB ports.

Memory Issues

Memory issues also will cause the computer to stop working even if the computer does not warn with a beep sequence. If the problem was previous to the computer total power loss and you noticed computer freezing, restarts or blue screens, the problem may be memory-related. Remove the memory module and replace it with another module, if possible, or clean the pins with isopropyl alcohol and place the module in another slot. Turn on the computer to see if you have the video.

Processor

An overheating processor may also cause computer power issues. To troubleshoot this issue, disassemble the computer, blow compressed air on the motherboard and remove the heat sink fan assembly. Place new thermal grease on the CPU and clean all the parts. Reassemble the machine and turn it on to see if you have restored power.

Tags: beeps mean, video card, beeps mean there, mean there, power issues

Understand Computer Memory

Computer Memory

Computer memory is one of the most important parts of a computer. It is used to hold frequently accessed data such as programs. Because computers have so much data, computer memory is divided into two parts. The faster part is called RAM, which is stored on a memory module. Then there is a slower part called virtual memory, which is stored on a hard drive. Both are combined to be the total amount of memory on the computer. Read on to understand how computer memory works and optimize it.

Instructions

1. Open up your computer with a screwdriver and locate the memory modules called DIMM (dual in-line memory module), which is used for RAM. There may be empty memory slots for installing extra DIMMs.

2. Locate the hard drive. A portion of the hard drive is reserved by the operating system to be used as virtual memory when RAM is not enough to fit all of the data.

3. Close the computer and boot into Windows.

4. Once you log into Windows, go to Control Panel and select "System." The window that pops up will show you the amount of RAM that is available.

5. Locate the advanced system options for virtual memory in the operating system. It's different depending on which version of Windows you're running. From there, you can see the size of virtual memory, which is equal to the size of the page file.

6. Try to start 10 programs. The computer will slow down as you increase the number of simultaneously run programs. If your computer acts slow all the time like this, you can open the computer again and install more RAM to improve performance.

Tags: virtual memory, hard drive, into Windows, memory module, memory which

What Is An Atx Motherboard

The ATX is a type of motherboard launched by Intel.

Computers are made up of many integral electronic components. One of the most crucial pieces of hardware is the motherboard. The motherboard design has evolved through the years. One configuration that introduced many layout changes was the ATX ---Advanced Technology Extended--- motherboard.

Definition

The motherboard is the primary circuit board and serves as a connection point, or platform, for many of the hardware parts in a computer, such as the central processing unit, memory and adapters. The ATX motherboard is a PC motherboard that uses a set of specifications designed to better optimize the interchangeability and integration of parts.

Details

The ATX motherboard was reconfigured from previous design specifications to include increased space between the memory and central processing unit connections, allowing full-sized expansion cards to be accommodated in available motherboard slots, or sockets. Expansion cards are adapters that extend the computers capability to control peripherals such as sound cards. The ATX motherboard had built-in input and output ports, or sockets to connect external devices, eliminating much of the need for cables.

Fun Fact

The ATX design was developed in 1993 by Intel, and replaced the original AT (Advanced Technology) motherboard.

Tags: central processing, central processing unit, motherboard motherboard, processing unit

What Is A Workstation Graphics Card

What is a Workstation Graphics Card?

Workstations are well-equipped PCs and Macs meant for professional operation rather than home use. Both their hardware and software are tailored to accommodate applications such as design, graphics, coding, modeling and high end computation. But they're still home computers at heart, and their components are almost identical to mainstream models--graphics cards included.

Main Brands

Just as in the mainstream market, graphics cards for PCs are dominated by two brands--Nvidia and ATI, a subsidiary of AMD. The two are joined to a lesser extent by Sun, a computer manufacturer that's been around since the 1970s, and continues to specialize in workstations and their components.

Significance

Workstation graphics cards are almost the same as their desktop counterparts. The technology and parts are the same as those found in mainstream cards--Nvidia uses its GeForce variants in workstations, and ATI fields the same Radeon HD feature set. However, the difference does become apparent when looking at specific card configurations, drivers and bundled software.

Multiple Displays

The first big difference is support for more than one screen--typically two in budget workstation cards, and four or more in higher end models. This is important because workstations are often linked in an office or studio environment, with several people sharing a project.This is both a hardware and software feature, with non-workstation versions of the same graphics card simply omitting these to offer a lower price.

Software Support

The second major factor distinguishing workstation graphics cards are drivers and software optimization, They come with software that's suited for 3D, computer-assisted design (CAD), graphics, ray tracing, heavy computation and more. Normal graphics cards would offer compromised performance in comparison--workstation cards are meant to expedite productivity out of the box.

Higher Specs

Workstation graphics cards get the latest technology, because professional organizations and those requiring workstations have proven more willing to pay top dollar as early adopters. This translates into higher memory counts and multi-core graphics processing units. For example, Nvidia's Quad GPU design debuted as a workstation card before moving on to the gaming sector. Consequently, a top-end workstation card can easily cost three times a cutting edge gaming GPU.

Gaming

These cards can be deceiving--they have the most muscle and cost the most, yet don't deliver a correlating boost in gaming, a very demanding area for video performance. The reason for this is that the drivers and software that come with these cards aren't geared towards gaming, so much of the hardware goes untapped. Several software routines important for gaming may not even be included, such as Shader Model and DirectX--manufacturers skip those to save cost.

Need

The simple answer for mainstream users to the question, "Do I need one?" is no. Workstation cards with real power cost so much more than their simplified peers, there's no justification, unless some truly demanding rendering or crunching is in order. Conversely, cheaper workstation cards are older models that have long been outpaced by even mid-range mainstream models, so they're irrelevant. Despite advances in cooling making for quiet fans and low energy consumption for even the most powerful workstation cards, they remain a niche with little benefit to non-professionals.

Tags: graphics cards, workstation cards, come with, design graphics, drivers software

Is Ddr2 1200 Motherboard Compatible With A 1066 Memory Stick

In many cases, DDR2 1200 and DDR2 1066 will both work in the same motherboard.

There are some similarities and differences between 1200 and 1066 memory sticks, and many motherboards will accept either one. Finding out for sure is just a matter of consulting your motherboard's manual.

Similarities

Both memory sticks come in the common DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) and 240-pin format.

Differences

DDR2 1200 is also known as PC2-9600, while DDR2 1066 is known as PC2-8500. They run at slightly different speeds; 1200 Mhz and 1066 Mhz, respectively.

Compatibility

Chances are very good that a motherboard compatible with DDR2 1200 will also accept DDR2 1066, because they are only one step apart, and many motherboards can utilize multiple types of memory sticks within a short range. However, this is not definite, and you need to consult the RAM specification section of your motherboard's manual to be sure.

Online Manual

If your manual is not handy, you can always retrieve it by entering your motherboard's make and model into a search engine and finding it online.

Caution

They both need to be DDR2 and not DDR3 or regular DDR, and they need to have the same number of pins to fit in your motherboard (this is typically 240-pin for these memory sizes).

Tags: your motherboard, DDR2 1066, DDR2 1200, memory sticks, 1200 1066, many motherboards, motherboard manual

What Is A Motherboard Chipset

Normally there are two major microcircuit chips installed on a computer's motherboard. The chips are called a chipset and they control the flow of data to the components on your computer. The motherboard chipset consists of a North Bridge (Memory and Expansion BUS) and a South Bridge (I/O). Typically, chipsets are built around the specifications of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) processor.

History

In 1994, Intel began producing motherboard chipsets because it couldn't distribute its microprocessors in bulks, until other manufacturers developed motherboards that supported them. So Intel began making a variety of processors and chipsets. When Intel developed the Pentium processor, it also developed its own motherboard to ensure boards were available. Consumers were able to contact a computer manufacturer and purchase a complete Intel system with a new processor, chipset and motherboard.

Facts

Intel has continued to dominate the microprocessor market. In addition, it has cornered the chipset and motherboard markets by developing new chipset technology and motherboards for its processors.

Significance

Most chipsets are divided into a two-tiered architecture. The North Bridge section contains the cache and main memory controllers. This section is responsible for handling important tasks, such as the data for the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).The North Bridge is the main component of the motherboard and normally runs at the motherboard's process bus speed.

The South Bridge section handles data from the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slots. The component runs at a lower speed and usually supports the dual IDE hard disk controller interfaces, USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, network connections and clock functions. The North Bridge and South Bridge are sometimes built into a single chip, but is still known as a chipset.

Function

Each chip in the chipset performs a specific number of tasks and sends data to the processor. As new chipsets are designed, motherboards are redesigned around the capabilities of the chipset.

Drivers

Chipsets have drivers that can affect the speed and stability of several devices built into your motherboard. It's always a good idea to install the latest chipset drivers on your computer. If you experience compatibility problems with your motherboard, you can browse the Internet and download a free utility program called CPU-Z. The program can identify the chipset that is used by your motherboard.

Tags: North Bridge, South Bridge, your motherboard, Bridge section, built into, chipset motherboard, computer motherboard

What Are The Main Categories Of Economic Systems

Four basic types of economic system are found around the world.

Although the terminology may vary somewhat, economists generally identify four categories of economic systems: market, command/planned, mixed, and traditional. Economic decision-makers in all of these systems must face the same basic issues: identifying and allocating resources, trafficking in products and services, determining markets, and setting prices. Factors such as culture and customs, available labor force, infrastructure, political structure, and even climate and geography can play a role in determining which economic system is followed in a specific place.

Market Economy

In its pure form, a market economy, also referred to as free enterprise or capitalism, is based on supply and demand. Rather than government controlling price and production, as seen in some other economic categories, a market economy is driven by entreprenurial investment into the production of goods and by consumer demand in purchasing those goods. An entrepreneur's investment, which is necessary in this economic category, comes not only in the form of money, but also decisions to invest personal resources into training and education, plus decisions about the kind of jobs, goods, and services he decides to focus on. The United States is an example of a market economy.

Command/Planned Economy

A command economy is sometimes called a planned economy. It is often linked with a communist government. Unlike a market economy where the primary purpose of the government is to ensure adequate market stability, complete government control of the economy is at the core of the command economy system. The government determines what products to make, how they should be produced, who should produce them, where they should be marketed and at what price. A lack of flexibility in reacting to market conditions and consumer behavior is a primary drawback of this economic system. It is also difficult to keep workers motivated since a standard of living is predetermined. Cuba and the former Soviet Union are examples of command economies.

Mixed Economy

As its name suggests, a mixed economy has components of both a market economy and a command economy. It is one of the more common economic systems throughout the world. Both the market and the government play important roles in this system. Although the U.S. government plays a role in the economy, its economic system is most often identified as a market economy. Governments of a mixed economy generally are more deeply involved at the production level than is seen in the U.S. The dilemma for nations favoring a mixed economy is to determine the optimum amount of government involvement, although that balance is generally swayed to meet government objectives. Sweden is an example of a mixed economy.

Traditional Economy

A traditional economy is often overlooked in discussions of economic systems. Few countries strictly follow a traditional economy. Those countries that have followed such a system have begun making strides toward a mixed, command. or market system. Traditional economic systems center on agrarian practices and, as its name implies, decisions regarding what services and products are produced, and how they are marketed, are based on historic practices or traditions. Resources are often allocated according to inherited rights. Despite its seemingly antiquated features, a traditional economy carries some benefits. Workers feel more secure, resulting in greater work capacity and lowered unemployment rates. There is movement to more contemporary economic concepts among nations with traditional economies today. The traditional economy approach can still be seen among Australian aborigines and some remote tribes in the Amazon. The concept continues to play a major role in the economic systems of Papua New Guinea and other developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Tags: economic system, economic systems, command economy, market economy, market economy, economy often, mixed economy

Instructions For The Gigabyte Bios Update

Gigabyte Technology manufactures computer motherboards and other hardware. The motherboard, the "central nervous system" of a computer, supplies power and allows communication between hardware components. The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is a set of instructions that are loaded into the computer as soon as it boots. It analyzes hardware, and initializes and tests all components to make sure they are running. Updating your BIOS can improve hardware stability and allow for more advanced configuration options. Gigabyte offers a single BIOS update application that automatically applies the latest BIOS updates for motherboards.

Instructions

1. Disable "Hyper-Threading" technology if you use an older "hyper-threaded" Intel processor. Consult your motherboard's manual for the BIOS setup procedure to disable this.

2. Download the @BIOS Live Update Utility from the Gigabyte website.

3. Close all applications, anti-spyware and anti-virus applications that are running on your system. Updating the BIOS requires access to system hardware that these programs will find suspicious

4. Click "Save BIOS" to make a backup of your current BIOS configuration. This is important if you wish to revert your changes at a later time.

5. Click "Internet Update" and "Update New BIOS."

6. Choose an update server from the list. All will work, but it is ideal to pick one closest to your geographic location.

7. Select your motherboard model from the Gigabyte product list that appears in the application. Consult your motherboard's manual or packaging for the model number.

8. Wait as the motherboard BIOS is downloaded and the update is applied.

9. Restart your computer to load the system using the new BIOS

Tags: your motherboard, Consult your, Consult your motherboard, from Gigabyte, motherboard manual, your motherboard manual

Upgrade A Gateway Performance 1000 Motherboard

Install a new motherboard in your Gateway computer.

The Gateway Performance 1000 was a mid-tower desktop computer released in 2000. Like all ATX desktops, it can be upgraded almost infinitely, if you've got the parts and the know-how. Replacing the motherboard isn't an easy task; you'll need to remove most of the interior wiring and a lot of components to get it out, then put a new one in and reassemble the computer. This should not be attempted by those without at least a little knowledge of computer upgrades. If you've never swapped out RAM before, ask a pro (or an experienced friend) for help.

Instructions

1. Turn your computer off and remove all power and data cords. Place the computer on a clean, sturdy table with the left side facing up.

2. Remove the screws holding the access panel in place on the back of the computer. Slide the access panel back and set it aside.

3. Remove all the power and data cables obscuring your access to the motherboard. You will have to remove all of the following, and any others in your way: power cables running from the power supply to the motherboard and CPU power socket, the IDE cable running into the motherboard, the case power button/lighting cables, and any case fans attached to the motherboard. Observe the locations of these cables; you will need to reinsert them later.

4. Unscrew any sound, video or other peripheral PCI or AGP cards inserted into the motherboard. Remove any power supply cables from the cords and pull them out of the case. Set them aside.

5. Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place. There may be as many as 16 (you can place them in a bag or cup to keep from losing them). Set the old motherboard next to the new motherboard on the table.

6. Unscrew the CPU cooler from the mounting bracket. Unplug the cooler from the 3- or 4-pronged power jack and set it aside. Raise the plate holding the processor in place. Pull the processor out and place it upside-down on a clean surface. Push the tabs on the RAM DIMM slots down, then pull the RAM DIMMs out and set them aside.

7. Raise the CPU plate on the new motherboard and insert the CPU. Replace the plate. Place a pea-sized drop of thermal paste on the exposed area of the processor, then place the cooler on the mounting bracket. Screw it into place and plug the power cord into the motherboard. Insert the RAM into the DIMM slots until the tabs click into place.

8. Place the new motherboard into the case and screw it into place. Replace any expansion cards you removed in Step 4. Reassemble the internal wiring, working backwards from the wires you removed in Steps 3 and 4. Every component needs power from the power supply and a connection to the motherboard, and the motherboard has jacks for both main motherboard power and CPU power. Case fans and the case power button and LEDs also connect to the motherboard.

9. Replace the access panel and screw it into place. Place your computer in its usual spot and replace all power and data cords. Turn your computer on.

Tags: into place, access panel, into motherboard, power data, power supply

The Differences Between Micro And Mini Computers

Apple Mini

A microcomputer is a standard desktop computer used at home and in business. The term minicomputer might be used in two completely different circumstances; either larger and more powerful than a microcomputer, or smaller and less powerful.

History

In late 1960s, engineers developed computers that could perform specific tasks for factories and businesses that had a much smaller footprint than mainframe computers. They called these machines minicomputers. Until recently, the term minicomputer represented a computer that was more powerful than a standard desktop, but smaller than a mainframe computer.

Trend

With the introduction of new technologies and reduction in footprint size of computer hardware, major PC manufacturers are offering minicomputer versions of their desktop and laptops (e.g. Mac Mini, Dell Studio Hybrid Mini and ASUS Eee Box Mini).

Advantages

The major advantages these new minicomputer machines have over their larger cousins is footprint size, weight and cost.

Disadvantage

The advantages listed above are not made without sacrifice; performance and storage is reduced along with footprint size.

Purchase

Ultimately it is up to you whether you should purchase a small footprint minicomputer. Even though you sacrifice performance for the smaller footprint size, most applications will run on them, and these machines are excellent for web browsing, email and standard word processing.

Tags: footprint size, more powerful, more powerful than, powerful than, sacrifice performance, smaller footprint, standard desktop

Specifications Of The Ibm Aptiva E 240

The IBM Aptiva E240 is a desktop computer.

The IBM Aptiva E240 is a desktop computer that was introduced by IBM in 1998. The computer continued their Aptiva line of desktop computers which had begun to be offered in 1994. This computer, unlike many IBM computers before it, featured a microprocessor from AMD as opposed to most previous models which featured Intel brand processors. The computer came bundled with several software programs and was intended as a main desktop computer.

Basics

The IBM Aptiva E240 computer features an AMD K6-2 processor, the successor to their K6 processor which runs at 350Mhz. The computer also features AGP graphics with an AGP 2x (3.3v) graphics card from ATI, the ATI Rage Pro. The card comes with 8 MB of video RAM built into it. The computer is also equipped with a 6 GB hard drive running on an ATA-33 bus and a 32x CD ROM drive. The motherboard is a Super 7 motherboard featuring 512KB of level 2 cache (i.e. extra memory that sits just outside the processor, providing for faster processing of instructions.). The computer also comes with a built in 56K fax modem and built in sound.

Expansion

The computer comes with three PCI expansion slots and one ISA slot (shared with a PCI slot -- i.e. you can use either one or the other). The computer comes pre-configured with 64MB of RAM which can be expanded to as much as 256MB of RAM using PC 100 SDRAM DIMM chips. There are two slots for these kinds of chips.

Software

The IBM Aptiva E240 comes equipped with Windows 98 and Lotus Smart Suite Millenium Edition. This suite includes a number of different programs, including Lotus 123 and Lotus Word Pro word processor. The suite of software also includes several other programs for office productivity such as Lotus Freelance Graphics, Lotus SmartCenter, Lotus Organizer and Lotus Approach.

Tags: Aptiva E240, comes with, computer also, desktop computer, Aptiva E240 desktop, computer comes, E240 desktop

Motherboard And Keyboard Problems

Photograph of old (circa 1983) and new (2009) computer keyboards.

Despite great advances in the computer industry to make plug and play hardware a reality, the fact remains that there are still several disparate specifications which defy such an endeavor. Namely, the universal recognition and operation of computer keyboards with their motherboards. Keyboards connect directly to motherboard headers and as such are subject to low-level hardware discovery which, at times, is less than accurate.

Hardware Damage

Virtually the largest cause of disparate communication between a motherboard and keyboard is that of a faulty keyboard port. There are two widely used keyboard connective specifications, PS/2 and USB. If a keyboard seems to be totally ignored at start-up by a computer system, there is a high-degree of probability that there is a hardware failure at the connector. In the case of a USB port being faulty, you simply need to move the keyboard connector to another port. If a PS/2 port is faulty, you will need to procure a USB keyboard or PS/2 to USB converter to use the keyboard as there is traditionally only one PS/2 on any given motherboard.

Unsupported Hardware

There are two reasons why a specific keyboard may be unsupported by a motherboard. Firstly, a keyboard may simply be several months or years younger than the computer and as a corollary the motherboard was not designed for that specification. Secondly, if the keyboard possesses some proprietary architecture, such as the Logitech's G15, the keyboard needs to have manufacturer driver software installed correctly to be recognized and function properly.

Key Mapping

Keyboards are largely designed with their regional key sets in place at the time of shipping. However, if a keyboard is utilized outside of its intended region it can function quite erratically if at all. To fix this malfunction, you must change the key mapping, sometimes called character mapping, settings within the operating system to make the keyboard operate correctly with the disparate computer.

Motherboard Settings

The BIOS, Basic Input Output System, of a motherboard may have a specific keyboard setting, which it will use to search for a keyboard device. If this is set to USB or PS/2 and the keyboard is not plugged into the corresponding port, the motherboard may misread a device as a keyboard or not read it at all. A remedy to this situation is to unplug all unnecessary devices from the computer and only plug in the keyboard to a specific port. Then attempt to enter the BIOS and change this setting. If the keyboard is unresponsive, restart the computer while plugged into the other port and try again.

USB Recognition

Many older BIOS systems will not recognize a USB keyboard until the operating system has loaded and launched the keyboard's driver software. This is a problem when one wishes to enter pre-operating system functions, as their keyboard is not responsive. The only way to circumvent this situation is to use a PS/2 adapter with the USB keyboard so the motherboard will recognize it on boot through the PS/2 port. One may also keep a second keyboard around that is a PS/2 type, however, this approach is hardly practical.

Tags: computer keyboards, driver software, operating system, plugged into, specific keyboard, that there

What Is An Agp In A Computer Motherboard

Many older motherboards include an AGP slot.

An AGP slot provides a high-speed channel between a PC video card and motherboard. AGP, developed by Intel, stands for Accelerated Graphics Port. It appeared in the late 1990s to enhance 3D graphics, but its reign was short. The faster PCI-Express (PCIe) interface arrived in 2003.

Purpose

The AGP interface on a motherboard houses an add-on video card. The card handles 2D and 3D video processing, feeding a signal to the monitor via a port on the side of the card. Millions of AGP motherboards were installed on PCs, and AGP video cards remain available for purchase as of 2010. The fastest and most advanced cards, however, use the PCIe interface.

Versions

AGP replaced the older, slower PCI interface, not to be confused with PCIe. AGP appeared in three versions, the first offering a data transfer rate twice that of the PCI interface or bus. The final version, AGP 3.0, can move data 16 times faster than PCI.

Performance

Early AGP interfaces moved data at 266 megabits per second. The final AGP version's data throughput is 2.1 gigabits per second in 8X mode. This translated into faster frame rates and ever more photo-realistic images for computer users.

Tags: final version, PCIe interface, video card

Update Video Drivers

If you're beginning to have trouble playing new games or watching DVDs on your computer, it may be time to update your video drivers. People make this process sound harder than it really is. Before you rush off to the nearest computer repair shop though, take time to read these steps. Believe it or not, it's really quite easy to update your video drivers. Best of all, it's free and takes only a short time to complete.

Instructions

1. Determine the make and model of your video card. If you can't remember the make and model of your video card, you can view the Device Manager located under System Properties. Right click on the My Computer icon located on your Windows-based computer to access System Properties. Select the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager. This will take you to a list of your computer's components. Click the plus sign located next to Display adapters and you will see the make and model of your video card.

2. Visit the manufacturer's website. It's best to get video drivers directly from the manufacturer's website, rather than relying on Windows drivers. The manufacturer will be able to give you the best drivers for your particular video card.

3. Search for your video card. You can either do this by entering the name of your video card into a search field or by selecting from menus on the manufacturer's website. It really depends on the manufacturer. Make sure to include the full name of the video card including the series number.

4. Download drivers. Once you're sure you have the right video card, you can download the drivers to your computer. Depending on your computer's Internet connection speed it could take up to 30 minutes for the download to complete.

5. Follow directions to install drivers. It's important to follow the directions exactly. Some video drivers come with additional programs that will require more time. After installation, your video card drivers will be updated and ready to handle your favorite games and movies.

Tags: video card, your video, your video card, your computer, make model, make model your, manufacturer website

Specifications Of Abit Lg95z

The motherboard is essential to the operation of your PC.

Though motherboards are usually kept safely tucked away inside your PC's case, it is vital to the operation of your machine. Without a motherboard there would be no place to plug in expansion cards, hard drives, RAM, or even the processor itself. Based on the Intel 945GZ / ICH7 chipset and featuring a standard Micro ATX form factor, the The Abit LG-95Z is one such motherboard.

CPU Support

The Abit LG-95Z supports the following Intel microprocessors: Celeron D, Pentium 4, Pentium D and the Pentium Dual-Core. Hyper-threading technology is also supported by the Abit LG-95Z. The Abit LG-95Z supports a front side bus speed of up to 800 MHz.

RAM Support

The Abit LG-95Z features two 240-pin DIMM slots. This can accommodate up to two GB of DDR2 533 RAM.

Audio/Video Specifications

The Abit LG-95Z features onboard 7.1 channel high-definition audio. The Abit LG-95Z also features onboard graphics via the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950.

Connectivity

The Abit LG-95Z features a total of three expansion slots: two PCI slots and one PCI-E x1 slot. Input/output connections include one Ultra ATA 100 IDE connection, four SATA connectors that are rated at 3.0 Gb/S, one floppy port, two USB 2.0 connections, one FP-Audio connection and one AUX-In connection. The Abit LG-95Z also includes the following connections on the rear of the motherboard: four USB 2.0 ports, one PS/2 keyboard port, one PS/2 mouse port, one LPT port, one COM port, one audio port, one VGA port and one RJ-45 LAN port. The Abit LG-95Z includes an onboard 10/100M LAN.

Tags: Abit LG-95Z, Abit LG-95Z features, LG-95Z features, port port, Abit LG-95Z also

Upgrade Amd Phenom Ii X4 Motherboard

The Phenom II X4 is a CPU designed and manufactured by AMD. It is a member of the Phenom II multicore processor line. This CPU provides users with four cores, which helps make CPU-intense applications run smoother and multitasking faster, The Phenom II X4 is available with a number of different speed specifications and models. They run at speeds of up to 3.5 GHz with a 512 KB Level 2 cache per core and a Level 3 cache of up to 6 MB. As of May 2011, they are still available for purchase (See Reference 2).

Instructions

1. Determine your current motherboard's socket type. Phenom II X4 processors can run on both Socket AM2+ and socket AM3 motherboards. You can find this information by looking at the manufacturer's website for your motherboard, or at the motherboard's packaging. Socket AM2+ motherboards use DDR2 memory, while Socket AM3 motherboards use DDR3 memory.

2. Decide what features you want. For example, your current motherboard might have an integrated video adapter. In that case, you need to find a motherboard that offers at least one PCIe X16 slot to install a discrete graphics card. Many motherboards now offer an integrated sound controller as well. If you have a discrete sound card or want to use one, then this is a feature you don't need. If you want to tweak your performance, you'll want a motherboard designed for overclocking. Consider only Socket AM2+ and AM3 motherboards, as no other socket can accommodate the Phenom II X4.

3. Purchase the motherboard that matches your desired features and price point. You should also purchase DDR3 memory if you upgrade from a Socket AM2+ to a Socket AM3 motherboard.

4. Prepare a workspace for your computer. It should be flat and clean.

5. Turn your computer off. Remove any connected cables. Press the power button again to remove any electricity lingering in the system. Place your computer on its side on your workspace. Remove the side.

6. Remove all components from the current motherboard, such as your CPU, video card, memory and cables. Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place and remove the motherboard from the case.

7. Install your Phenom II X4, its heatsink and your memory on your new board before installing the board into the case. This gives you more space to work on the board. After this, install the motherboard into the case. Plug all cables into their ports.

8. Close your computer's case. Place it back by or on your desk. Plug in all cables and turn it on.

Tags: your computer, current motherboard, Socket motherboards, DDR3 memory, into case, Level cache

Types Of Computer Motherboards

A Micro-ATX motherboard

A computer's motherboard provides the hardware that allows all of the other components in a computer to work together. It is important to choose a motherboard that is compatible with all of your computer's components to ensure that they function properly together. There are many different factors that govern the type of motherboard, and each factor has implications for the components that will be compatible with it.

Processor Socket

The pattern of pins on this processor will only line up with a certain socket.

Every motherboard has a socket for a CPU, or central processing unit. The type of socket on a motherboard governs the type of processor that can be used with it. AMD and Intel, the two dominant manufacturers of processors, each have their own socket standards, so the first decision to make regarding a motherboard is what type of processor you intend to use with it. At the time of writing in October 2010, Intel's processors typically use socket types 775, 1156, or 1366. AMD's processors typically use socket types AM2, AM2+, or AM3. Intel processors are only compatible with one type of socket. Some AMD processors are compatible with multiple AMD sockets, but they should be evaluated on a case by case basis to guarantee compatibility.

Form Factor

The shape, layout and available components of a motherboard are governed by its form factor. A computer's case and power supply must be capable of supporting the size and power requirements of a motherboard. A motherboard's form factor dictates what cases can support it. ATX motherboards are the largest and require the most power to operate, however their components are typically more spread out, allowing for easier cooling. ATX motherboards also have more expansion slots than other form factors. Micro-ATX motherboards sacrifice expansion slots for a more compact size and lower power requirements, allowing them to fit into smaller cases. Mini-ITX motherboards typically only have a single expansion slot and are extremely compact. They are intend for mini-pcs and set-top boxes.

Expansion Slots

The white slots are standard PCI expansion slots.

Motherboards use expansion slots to augment their capabilities. Expansion cards are used to improve a computer's graphical capability, audio capacity or networking performance. The number and type of expansion slot on a motherboard determines the capability of that motherboard to expand. PCI is a standard format for expansion cards and most motherboards have at least two PCI expansion slots. AGP is an older format for graphics card expansions. PCIe is the new standard for graphics card expansions. Motherboards designed for gaming will sometimes have two graphics card expansion slots to allow for multiple graphics cards to be used in parallel. Most motherboards also feature two RAM expansion slots.

Connectors

This motherboard features a variety of connectors. From left to right they are: keyboard and mouse, printer, video, usb and networking, and audio.

In addition to expansion slots, motherboards feature a series of smaller connectors for connecting to hard drives, disk drives, and other devices. Many older systems used flat cables known as IDE or PATA cables to connect motherboards to disk drives and hard drives. These have been replaced by faster SATA cables on newer drives and motherboards. Many motherboards feature a combination of SATA and PATA cables to allow users to connect both newer and older disk drives. Depending on their onboard audio, video and usb capabilities, motherboards will also feature a combination of audio in and out jacks, video out ports, and usb ports. Most motherboards will also feature an onboard networking card and a networking port.

Tags: expansion slots, compatible with, also feature, disk drives, graphics card

Update The Bios By Using Bin Format

The BIN format is a type of disc image file often used for software distribution of programs intended for the Windows operating system. Each BIN file (along with the similar ISO file format) holds all files needed to successfully burn a CD or DVD. Some BIOS manufacturers even issue their BIOS firmware updates in BIN or ISO format, which you can then simply burn to a CD and use to quickly update your BIOS.

Instructions

1. Put a blank CD into your computer's burner. Close out of the "Autoplay" window that opens in Windows 7 automatically.

2. Right-click on your BIN BIOS update file. Click "Burn Disc Image."

3. Select your burner from the "Disc Burner" menu in the window now open on your monitor. Click "Burn" to burn your BIN BIOS upgrade file to the CD.

4. Restart your computer with the newly burned CD still in the drive. Your computer will boot off of the CD, launching the BIOS upgrade utility.

5. Tap the "Y" keyboard key to update your BIOS' firmware. Do not restart or turn off your computer while this process is taking place. When the process is finished, your computer will automatically restart on its own. Take the CD out of your burner and enjoy your newly updated BIOS.

Tags: your BIOS, your computer, BIOS firmware, BIOS upgrade, Click Burn

Parts Of A Cpu Motherboard

Parts of a CPU Motherboard

The Motherboard is the backbone of every computer system. Each part of a computer must be connected to it for power, communications and resource sharing.

BIOS

The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) chip retains a general set of system preferences required for a stable start-up process each time the computer is turned on.

CPU Socket

The CPU socket is where the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is housed. This is the brain of the system that performs all of the higher function processes and complex calculations.

Memory Slots

Memory slots accept a certain alloted amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) which allows programs and files to function without depleting CPU resources.

IDE and SATA Ports

IDE and SATA Ports provide for attachment of data cables from storage units like hard disk, floppy and CD/DVD drives.

Expansion Slots

Expansion slots allow for additional plug-in cards capable of more specialized functions, such as graphics cards for gaming, FireWire cards for high-speed data transfer or sound cards for professional audio production.

I/O Back Panel

The Input/Output back panel contains the keyboard and mouse connections, USB ports and component connectors that are referred to as "Integrated," such as Video, Audio, Network and Modem connectors.

Tags: Input Output, Parts Motherboard, SATA Ports

What Is The Code For Every Kind Of Pokeball In "Pokemon Pearl"

In the Pokemon video game series on the Nintendo DS, you use Poke Balls to capture wild Pokemon. "Pokemon Pearl Version" features 15 different varieties of Poke Ball, all of which you can obtain using an Action Replay cheating device. While there is no way to get all balls with one code, each type has its own code that gives you 999 of that specific ball type. After entering the code and starting your game, press the L and R shoulder buttons simultaneously to activate each code.

Poke and Great Balls

Regular Poke Balls are the easiest to find in the game without a code. They're available very early in the game and, without cheat codes, are the primary type you'll use. They offer no special characteristics, but work well for catching wild Pokemon after you wear them down. The code for 999 regular Poke Balls is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70004 d2000000 00000000." Great Balls are similar to regular Poke Balls, but they have a higher chance of catching the Pokemon you throw them at. The Code for 999 Great Balls is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70003 d2000000 00000000."

Ultra and Master Balls

Ultra Balls have no special characteristics. They're like normal Poke Balls and Great Balls, only stronger than both, with a higher chance of catching the Pokemon you use them on. Get 999 Ultra Balls by entering "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70002 d2000000 00000000" into your Action Replay. Master Balls catch literally any Pokemon you throw them at, regardless of level or HP. The Master Ball code is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70001 d2000000 00000000."

Net and Nest Balls

Net Balls make it easier to catch both bug- and water-type Pokemon. Get 999 Net Balls with "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70006 d2000000 00000000." Nest Balls make it easier to catch low-level Pokemon with lower stats. You can get 999 Nest Balls using the "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70008 d2000000 00000000" code.

Dive and Repeat Balls

Dive Balls, similar to Net Balls, are ideal for catching Pokemon that live in the ocean. Get 999 Dive Balls with "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70007 d2000000 00000000." Repeat Balls prove useful for catching Pokemon you've already caught but want to catch again, making it easier. The code is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70009 d2000000 00000000."

Quick and Timer Balls

Quick Balls are designed for use as soon as a wild encounter happens. Using them on your first turn increases your chances of catching the Pokemon. Get 999 Quick Balls using the "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000f d2000000 00000000" code. Timer Balls are the opposite of Quick Balls, working better the longer you've battled a Pokemon. Their code is "94000130 fcff0000

b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000a d2000000 00000000."

Dusk and Heal Balls

Dusk Balls let you easily catch Pokemon in dark places or during the night. The Dusk Ball code is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000d d2000000 00000000." Heal Balls renew HP and fix status problems of Pokemon you catch using this type of ball. The code for 999 Heal Balls is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000e d2000000 00000000."

Luxury and Premier Balls

Luxury Balls increase the friendliness of the Pokemon contained within. The code for 999 Luxury Balls is "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000b d2000000 00000000." The only thing special about Premier Balls is their appearance. Otherwise, they're exactly like regular Poke Balls. Get 999 Premier Balls with the code "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e7000c d2000000 00000000."

Cherish Balls

Aside from cheat codes, the only way to obtain Cherish Balls is to attend a Nintendo Event. Nintendo usually gives out a rare Pokemon to attendants, each contained in a Cherish Ball. They have no special statistics and perform like normal Poke Balls. You can obtain 999 Cherish Balls with the cheat code "94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28 00000000 b0000004 00000000 00000f4c 03e70010 d2000000 00000000."

Getting Them All

Each code replaces the contents of your Ball Bag's first slot with 999 of the specific Poke Ball type. Entering one after the other will leave you with only 999 of one type, the last you entered. To get them all, deposit them into your character's PC after each code, freeing the first Ball slot in your bag. Find PCs in your character's house and most Poke Centers.

Tags: 00000000 00000f4c, 00000000 b0000004, 00000000 b0000004 00000000, 94000130 fcff0000, 94000130 fcff0000 b21c4d28, b0000004 00000000, b0000004 00000000 00000f4c

Take A Dv6000 Laptop Apart

Take apart the HP DV6000 to access the motherboard.

When your HP DV6000 laptop has hardware issues, such as sudden shutdowns, a power short or an overheating issue, you often have to take it completely apart to access the device that needs repair or replacing. This requires the removal of most of the plastic case and other computer devices. If you decide to take apart this HP laptop with a Pentium IV duo core, you will need to set two to three hours aside to complete the job. When you leave a computer in its disassembled state, it is difficult to remember where the parts and the screws go when you replace them.

Instructions

1. Remove the battery and all the cables leading into the laptop. This will keep you from shorting out the laptop as your work on it.

2. Close the computer and turn it so the bottom is facing upward. Remove all of the Philips screws you see on the bottom of the case. Unfasten the screws that become visible after removing the battery. Place all the screws in a small container to keep from losing them.

3. Remove the RAM, the hard drive and the wireless network card cover. These are located on the underside of the computer and will be loose after you remove the Philips screws.

4. Release the RAM module by pushing the side levers out slightly. Expect the RAM to pop out at a 45-degree angle, allowing you to slide it from the socket. Unfasten the silver Philips screws revealed in the RAM compartment. Follow the same procedure to remove the wireless network card, but leave it sitting loose in the compartment until you remove the wires going into the front of the computer.

5. Lift the edges of the hard drive slightly and slide it out in the opposite direction of its connection. This only requires a gentle tug as a heavy-pull may cause you to drop the hard drive and damage it. Remove the one screw located under the hard drive. It is important to remove this, since it helps to hold the upper plastics together.

6. Insert the Flathead of a tiny precision screwdriver into the bottom plastic seam where the DVD/CD device meets the bottom plastic of the case. Slide out the DVD/CD device evenly from the case. Expect to feel a slight resistance as you initially pull. This is caused by the disconnecting from the motherboard. Remove the other three silver head screws that you see after the removal.

7. Turn the computer back over and open the screen. Lay it as far back is it will go. Insert the Flathead of your smallest precision screwdriver in the corner of the plastic bezel where the power button is located. Lift the bezel until it pops out, but lift it carefully so you don't break the plastic tabs.

8. Remove the Phillips screws holding the keyboard in place. Lift the keyboard from its upper corners. Insert your fingers behind the keyboard and slightly lift the connector tab securing the data cable in place. Pull the cable free carefully, as you want to avoid breaking the connectors. Finish removing the keyboard from the laptop. Disconnect the now visible touch pad data cable from the motherboard.

9. Disconnect the LCD cable from the motherboard. Lift the securing latch slightly and pull up on the cable to remove it. Remove the other cables from the right side of the LCD screen. Remove the screws on the left and right sides that hold the LCD assembly in place. Lift the LCD panel from the base of the computer.

10. Remove the front wires to the Internet wireless card and feed them back through the bottom of the case, removing the card entirely from the case.

11. Unfasten the remaining four visible Philips screws that you see on the top of the motherboard. Unfasten and remove the small plastic bezel that was hidden by the LCD panel. Unfasten the retaining screw next to the power plug to lift this off.

12. Insert the Flathead on the smallest precision screwdriver into seam of the top and bottom plastic covers. Begin lifting the top cover from one corner and continue along to seam until the entire top cover comes off.

13. Unscrew the five remaining Phillips screws on the motherboard. Lift off the PCMCIA card cage that four of the screws are holding, and unfasten the last screw on the right front side of the system board. Lift up the right top side of the motherboard to loosen the power plug cables. Remove the remaining top cable from the motherboard.

14. Pry the left side of the plastic from the motherboard by gently rocking the motherboard back and forth to free it from the bottom case. Remove the remaining cables from the bottom of the motherboard and pull it out.

Tags: from motherboard, hard drive, Philips screws, bottom case, bottom plastic

Upgrade An Ibm Aptiva 2156 Motherboard

If you want to upgrade a motherboard, free up your schedule because this task can get very frustrating and time consuming. First, you have to remove most of the hardware that sits on top of the motherboard. Almost every one of those devices plugs directly into it. Horizontal computer cases like the Aptiva 2156 case make this even more complicated because of the small amount of space in which to work.

Instructions

1. Remove the monitor from the top of the computer. Unplug its cables and remove the VGA cable attached to your computer.

2. Remove all cables from the back of your computer.

3. Unscrew the top rear screws and remove the casing panel by pulling it back gently and lifting it from the back part at an angle.

4. Remove the power supply by unscrewing the screws around its edge in the back. The power supply is a large box on the rear at the left or right with a large fan sticking out behind it.

5. Disconnect all cables leading to the motherboard.

6. Slowly unscrew the motherboard at all points where it's mounted on the chassis.

7. Remove the motherboard from the chassis by pulling it back slightly and then upwards.

8. Remove the CPU from the motherboard's CPU socket located on the side opposite the exterior connectors. Pull the lever from the bottom of the socket and then simply pull the CPU out.

9. Place the CPU on the new motherboard, unless you plan on using another CPU or your current one doesn't work with the new motherboard's socket.

10. Mount the motherboard and screw it on the case using the screws from the old motherboard and the chassis supports.

11. Place the power supply back in the case the same way you took it out and connect all the internal cables.

12. Reassemble your case and place the external cables back in their respective places.

Tags: power supply, Aptiva 2156, from back, from motherboard, motherboard socket, pulling back, your computer

What Is A Pci Device

A PCI device is a piece of computer hardware that plugs directly into a PCI slot on the motherboard of the computer. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, which is a bus that was introduced to the market by the Intel Corporation in 1993. The technology to operate PCI is integrated into the motherboard of most computers manufactured since 1995.

Significance

Basically, every personal computer has two primary buses, which are linked to the central processing unit. The system bus, which is also the fastest, connects main memory, or RAM, to the CPU. The PCI bus is not as fast as the system bus. Its primary purpose is to facilitate communication of hardware devices of all types such as audio, video, network or graphics with the microprocessor.

Network Cards

A type of PCI device is the network adapter. It is also call a network interface card. It is needed for interfacing with other computers over a network, especially the Internet. There are many PCI network adapters from which to choose. The two most popular are the mini PCI and wireless adapter cards. Wireless network cards are integrated into the motherboard of desktop computers. The mini PCI is the device that is preinstalled in most laptop computers. It enables you to establish a wireless connection to a computer network with your notebook computer.

Audio Cards

Another commonly used PCI device is the audio card, or sound card. It is a combination of hardware and software used to produce sound. Some sound cards may have their own microprocessors and RAM, as well as the basic input/output, such as microphone and speaker, connections that are on all sound cards. Software embedded within the hardware enables the PCI sound card to communicate with other programs and the computer's operating system.

PCI Express

The latest PCI device for video, graphics and video-editing is the PCI Express. It's the most recent standard for the PCI bus, which works with nearly any operating system and has more bandwidth.

PnP

Plug and Play helped to catapult the PCI device into the forefront in computing. The PnP technology is a feature that allows the user to simply insert the PCI card into the computer slot, and everything needed to connect the hardware to the system occurs automatically. This advance was collaboration between the Intel Corporation, who assimilated the PCI and PnP technology and the Microsoft Corporation providing the framework required in the operating system. The PCI device you connect to your computer must be compatible with your system. The computer's case has to be opened up in order to plug the device into the designated slot.

USB vs. PCI

USB is another option for adapters that add functionality to a PC or laptop, such as wireless adapters. USB offers simple plug-in convenience, but is less powerful than PCI for wireless connectivity, according to a 2011 PC World article. If you have the option of both and performance is a concern, you may wish to stick with PCI.

Tags: operating system, device into, integrated into, integrated into motherboard, Intel Corporation, into motherboard

Windows Xp Sound Installation

You need a sound card and drivers to output to your computer's speakers. Windows XP has plug-n-play capabilities, so it only takes a few minutes to install your sound card. Adding sound to your computer improves your experience with games and alerts such as when you receive email. Windows XP has several sound manufacturer drivers installed, so the system detects and automatically installs the drivers.

Instructions

1. Power off your computer and unplug the power cable. Remove the screws on the case cover. Keep the screws in a safe place, so you don't lose them. Slide the cover off of your computer, so you can see the motherboard slots.

2. Insert the sound card in your motherboard expansion slot. Motherboard slots for sound expansion cards are labeled in white. Make sure the sound card is inserted securely. If the card is not inserted fully into the slot, the card may not function properly.

3. Replace the case cover and the screws. After the case is reassembled, power on the computer and boot to Windows. Log in at the Windows login screen. Windows detects the new sound card and displays a window to prompt you for the drivers. Insert the manufacturer's driver CD in your drive.

4. Click the "Browse" button when you are prompted for the drive disc. Select your CD-ROM drive in the list of drivers and click "OK." Click "Next." Windows detects the right drivers for your sound card and installs the files.

5. Connect your speakers to the output connector on the sound card you installed. Make sure the speakers are turned on. You can now hear sound when you play a game or work with software that provides sound feedback.

Tags: sound card, your computer, card inserted, case cover, Make sure

Quad Core Compatibility

Quad-core processors fit into specific motherboard slots.

Quad-core processors have four separate cores of the processor working on different tasks to enable computers to multitask more efficiently. Different brands and models of processors fit into specific motherboard slots. Compatibility is important when building a computer; you must ensure your motherboard has a slot that will fit the processor you want to install.

AMD Phenom

AMD is one of the two main manufacturers of quad-core processors. The AMD Phenom and the AMD Phenom II were available as of January of 2011. The Phenom uses an AM2+ motherboard slot. The Phenom II can also use the AM2+ slot, but works best in an AM3 slot.

Intel Core 2 Quad

The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the older of Intel's quad core offerings. It has been available since the first part of 2007. The Core 2 Quad processor uses the LGA775 motherboard slot.

Intel i7 Series

The Intel i7 series is Intel's flagship line of quad core processors. The 800 series is a bit older and uses motherboard socket LGA1156. The 900 series has higher speeds and uses an LGA 1366 motherboard slot.

Tags: motherboard slot, Core Quad, Core Quad processor, Intel Core, Intel Core Quad, into specific

The Characteristics Of A Motherboard

A computer's motherboard -- the primary circuit board to which all other parts connect -- is responsible for transferring data between components such as the CPU, RAM and video card. If you plan to build a computer, choose the motherboard carefully, as it determines the computer's capabilities and the components that it can support.

Form Factor

The term "form factor" describes a motherboard's size and the chassis type in which it fits. In 2011, ATX and BTX rank as the most common motherboard form factors. ATX motherboard sizes include full ATX, Mini ATX and Micro ATX. Although a larger ATX computer chassis can often accommodate a smaller motherboard, a smaller chassis cannot accommodate a larger motherboard.

CPU Socket

The CPU socket on a motherboard determines the type of processor that you can install. For example, Intel's Socket 775 works with processors such as the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad, while AMD's Socket S1 works with processors such as the Athlon II and Phenom II. If you have a specific processor in mind when building a computer, the manufacturer's specifications for the processor will reveal its socket type.

Expansion Card Slots

The expansion card slots on a motherboard determine the number and type of internal add-on cards that you can install. Of these, the most important slots are the PCI Express slots for video cards. Many of the devices that you can install internally also come as external USB or FireWire devices, but video cards do not. ATI and nVidia -- the two largest video card manufacturers -- both offer products that enable two video cards to run in the same computer for improved gaming performance. In 2010, computer website Tom's Hardware compared the performance of the game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" with configurations of one and two nVidia GeForce GTX 460 video cards, finding that the configuration with two video cards produced approximately double the number of frames per second.

Power Supply Type

Since the late 1990s, most computer power supplies have used the ATX form factor, while older power supplies use the AT form factor. A computer with an ATX power supply has a power button or switch that connects to the motherboard, while the power switch or button on an AT computer connects directly to the power supply. In addition, some motherboards have auxiliary power connectors for high-end processors that exceed the delivery capabilities of older power supplies.

Tags: video cards, power supplies, that install, works with processors, form factor, older power, older power supplies

The Difference Between Ddr Ddr2 And Ddr3

Random Access Memory chip

DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 are different versions of Random Access Memory (RAM). This is the type of memory that stores the information the processor requires to execute the operations called for by the applications currently in use. All versions of DDR are based on SDRAM, which synchronizes the storage and transfer of data to the computer's clock cycle. To better understand the DDR family of memory, it's important to understand both clock cycle and prefetch buffers, two key elements of RAM operation.

Clock Cycle

All computers have an internal clock in the form of a chip containing a crystal that vibrates at a consistent frequency when applied to electricity. This frequency is knows as the clock rate. Each vibration of the crystal represents one clock cycle. The clock cycle is the shortest amount of time in which the computer can execute an operation. The reliability of the clock rate allows for the synchronization of computer activities, including those of RAM and the computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Prefetch Buffer

RAM is, essentially, a bunch of electrical switches or "transistors." Each transistor is attached to a capacitor, which is capable of storing charge. A closed transistor blocks current, leaving its capacitor empty, thus representing a "0." An open transistor allows current to flow through, charging its capacitor so it represents a "1." The transistors are situated into rows and columns. In older versions of RAM, the computer would have to send a different request each time it accessed data on a given row. A prefetch buffer reads not only the data requested, but also data adjacent to it on its row, thus providing the processor with more of the "datawords" it needs per memory access.

DDR

DDR stands for Double Data Rate. Like SDRAM, it operates at the rate of the computer's clock cycle. However, unlike SDRAM, it can transfer data twice per clock cycle. It does this by using the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, also known as "double pumping" and employing a prefetch buffer capable of accessing two datawords at a time. This means that it can store and move a value in the same amount of time it takes SDRAM to do one or the other, effectively doubling the memory's speed.

DDR2

DDR2 also utilizes the same double pumping technique as DDR. It achieves performance gains by using a prefetch buffer that retrieves four datawords per memory access. This allows it to transfer data four times per clock cycle (compared to twice in the case of DDR). According to Bit-Tech.com, its improved efficiency allows it to consume less power than DDR.

DDR3

Like all other forms of DDR, DDR3 transfers data twice per clock cycle. However, its prefetch buffer can access eight datawords at a time, according to Benchmark Reviews. Thus, it can transfer data eight times per clock cycle, giving it a maximum data transfer rate twice that of DDR2 while using less power.

Tags: clock cycle, prefetch buffer, transfer data, Access Memory, amount time, clock cycle

Upgrade A Pentium M To Dual Core

Pentium M processors are designed for laptop computers and other mobile devices.

The Pentium is optimized for mobile computing. It is a small, low-wattage CPU. It's CPU socket can accept other CPUs, though some CPUs that physically fit into the socket are actually incompatible with it. Ensure that a motherboard can support a dual core processor before you purchase an upgrade. But upgrading a laptop CPU is much more involved than replacing a desktop.

Instructions

Upgrading to Dual Core

1. Update your motherboard BIOS. Visit the motherboard's Website to download the most recent BIOS version and follow the site's instructions in updating it.

2. Remove the hinge covers. Pry up plastic hinge covers and pull them away.

3. Remove the keyboard. You likely will find attaching screws for the keyboard under the hinge covers that were removed. Unscrew these, tilt the keyboard up and remove it. Don't forget to unplug the keyboard connector.

4. Remove the laptop display by removing the screws at the back and bottom of the display. Disconnect any antennas or connectors.

5. Remove any optical drives. They will probably slide out after depressing a release latch or by removing a few screws.

6. Remove any screws securing the upper laptop shell and remove the shell.

7. Remove the laptop graphics card for access, if possible.

8. Remove the CPU heat sink by unscrewing its retaining screws or unfastening any other retaining mechanisms.

9. Remove the Pentium M CPU by unscrewing the retaining screws or unlatching the lever on the CPU socket to release the CPU and pulling the processor straight up.

10. Install the new dual core processor and secure it with screws or by locking it into place with the lever on the processor socket.

11. Apply thermal compound to the CPU before attaching the heat sink.

12. Attach and secure the heat sink onto the new CPU and reinstall the computer components in reverse order.

Tags: heat sink, hinge covers, core processor, dual core, dual core processor, Remove laptop, removing screws

Upgrade An Intel Pentium Iii Processor

The first thing you should think about when upgrading Intel's Pentium III processor is your motherboard. Make certain that it can support a faster processor. Many older motherboards don't have BIOS (Basic Input Output System) support for today's processors and you may need to update your BIOS. If you want to upgrade to a Pentium 4 processor, also check the wattage of the power supply unit on your board, it should be at least 300W.

Instructions

1. Open your computer chassis Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the cover. Then, slide the cover off of the chassis. Place the screws in a container, so you can easily find them later. Before you open your computer, wear an anti-ESD wrist strap to avoid damaging the components on the motherboard.

2. Unlatch the clamping mechanism for the fan/heatsink and lift it off of the Intel Pentium III processor. Use a flat-head screwdriver and insert it into the clamp to release it. Unplug the fan's power connector from the motherboard. Then, gently pull the fan/heatsink off of the processor.

3. Lift the processor lever up and remove the Intel Pentium III processor from the CPU socket. Examine the CPU socket for any dust buildup. Use a can of compressed air to remove any debris.

4. Inspect the new processor after removing it from the antistatic bag. Check to see that the pins are aligned and not bent. Reuse the antistatic bag and place the old Intel Pentium III processor inside.

5. Place the new processor into the CPU socket. Make certain that the pins line up with the holes in the socket. Then, pull the processor's lever down to lock it into place.

6. Remount the fan/heatsink on top of the new processor. Use the flat-head screwdriver to push the locking mechanism down to secure it. Plug the fan's power connector back onto the motherboard.

7. Replace the cover on the chassis and reinsert the screws that you removed. Insert your computer's power cords into an electrical outlet.

Tags: Intel Pentium, Pentium processor, your computer, certain that, cover chassis

What Is An Audio Port On A Computer

Most computers have some type of audio port

Most computers have some form of an audio port, from a headphone jack to mono and stereo input. There are different forms and combinations of audio ports on both desktop and laptop computers, all serving the purpose of interfacing the sound from the machine to the external realm.

Headphone Jack

A computer's headphone jack outputs any sound coming from the computer into headphones or external speakers.

Mic Input

Many computers come with a dedicated microphone input port for plugging in an external microphone to interface with the computer.

Mono Input

A mono input port allows you to plug in an external device, like a music mixing board, guitar or music player. This port only allows for single-channel sound coming out of both speakers.

Stereo Input

A stereo input port allows you to plug in an external device and interface it with the computer in stereo, as opposed to single-channel mono.

RCA Input port

Some computers come with a stereo RCA input port, allowing you to plug in the red-and-white-tipped stereo RCA cables from an external device, such as a cassette player, to your computer.

Tags: input port, external device, allows plug, allows plug external, audio port

Test Your Hard Drive Write Speed

Data in a hard drive is transferred at lightning fast speeds.

The write speed of your hard drive is based on many different factors, including the mechanical latency, which is the amount of time it takes for the hard drive to find the data; the rotational speed, which is how fast the hard drive spins (e.g. 5400, 7200, 10000 RPMs; and the disk transfer rate, which is how fast the drive can move data from one platter to another. Checking the speed of your hard drive cannot be done on your computer; you have to download a special program called "Nu2" to test the hard drive write speed for you.

Instructions

Nu2

1. Visit nu2.nu (See Resources). In the list on the web page that appears, choose the download link (bst514.zip) that is nearest your location (USA probably) and click on it to download the Nu2 program.

2. Open the folder that you downloaded and click on the file that reads "bst5.exe." This will launch the installation process.

3. Click "Next" through the entire installation process, which is rapid, until you click "Finish."

4. Open the "Start" menu and click on the "All Programs" list. Scroll down to Nu2 and open it. This will open the Nu2 program.

5. Click "Options" on the first window and then select "Quick Speed Test (write + read," which is the last option in the "Operations" box. Nu2 will now begin checking the read and the write speeds. When the test is completed, a window will pop up displaying the results. For a picture, visit the second link in the resources.

6. Check the values under the "written" box. The number in the box next to "Avg/s" is the average write speed of your hard drive. The number in the box next to "Max/s" is the maximum speed that the hard drive attained while being tested. For a picture of how the results should appear see Resources.

Passmark

7. Go to PassMark.com and download the program (See Resources). After you download the program, open it, which will start the installation process, and follow all of the steps necessary to install the program.

8. Go to the Start menu, click on "All Programs" and double-click the Passmark software.

9. Click on "Advanced Disk Test" in the main menu of the Passmark software. This will open a window called "PassMark Advanced Disk Test." For a picture of the window, see References.

10. Select the hard drive that you want to check the write speed on in the box under "Test Configuration." If you have more than one hard drive, it will appear in this box.

11. Click the "Go" button on the bottom of the window. The real time results of the test will appear in the window titled "Status." The speed in the column titled "MB Written" is the amount of data that has been written in the amount of time that the number under the "Time (Sec)" specifies. When the test is complete, a window will appear called the "Disk Speed Graph," which will show you how consistent your hard drive is in terms of speed. The write speed of your hard drive will be listed next to "Ave. Speed."

Tags: hard drive, your hard, your hard drive, hard drive, speed your, speed your hard, write speed

Performance Measurement Tools For Linux

Performance Measurement Tools for Linux

In the computer industry, a "benchmark" is a software tool that gauges your computer's performance capacity. You can find out how fast your CPU, storage device, computer memory and video card are. Some benchmarks perform those specific functions, while others combine them into a test "suite." In the Microsoft Windows world, tools like PC Mark, SiSoftware Sandra, and CPU-Z have been around for a long time . In recent years, Linux has added tools of its own.

Phoronix Test Suite

Originally released in June of 2008 and regularly updated, the Phoronix Test Suite contains dozens of individual benchmarks for testing how fast your hardware is in Linux, a free operating system similar to Microsoft Windows. Since Windows benchmarks generally do not work in Linux, developers had to create new ones. The Phoronix website does Linux news and reviews, and uses this benchmark suite to test and report on computer hardware performance in Linux.

The Phoronix Test Suite is free to use, change and distribute under the General Public License (GPL), and you can download "PTS Desktop Live," which is a free version of Linux on a DVD that comes with the test suite pre-installed. The "Live" part means that it can run directly from the DVD.

Hardinfo

If you are looking just to test your CPU (Central Processing Unit), a free program called Hardinfo is a popular option. While it is mostly a program that lists the details of all your hardware in a graphical window, you can also test various aspects of your CPU using real-world applications like creating encryption keys and raytracing. Hardinfo can test your CPU's FPU (Floating Point Unit), a "co-processor" of sorts that handles very large numbers. Once Hardinfo has performed a test, it will produce its results in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which can be viewed in an Internet browser. These results will list several other CPUs against which you can compare your results.

Manual Testing

You can also do your own real-world testing, instead of relying on some benchmarks that are "synthetic." The synthetic variety does not necessarily process information that you may use to produce its results. If you have no need for making an encryption key or ray tracing for example, then such tests are of limited use. One of the advantages of the Linux platform is that it allows you to compile software "from source." Source code is basically the raw data of a program before it's actually turned into a program. The process of converting the raw code to a program is something that Linux does all the time, so it's beneficial to know how effective your computer is here.

There is quite a bit of software in source code form that you can freely download and compile. The larger the program, though, the longer it takes to compile, so you should try something relatively simple like the Firefox Internet browser or the VLC media player. Simple time the compile process with a stopwatch, then compile that software on another computer using the same version of Linux and the same compilation tools.

Tags: Phoronix Test, Phoronix Test Suite, Test Suite, fast your, Internet browser, Measurement Tools

What Is A Pci Video Card

PCI video cards are simply graphics cards that connect to the motherboard of a computer through a PCI bus slot. The first true dedicated graphics solutions were PCI video cards from companies such as Nvidia.

History

One of the first wide spread PCI graphics cards was the Nvidia TNT and TNT2 video cards. It contained 32 MB of video memory and had a factory clock speed starting at 90 Mhz. Currently the PCI video card is an obsolete technology by two generations, namely AGP video cards and the current PCIe video cards.

Function

PCI video cards have data passed across the system bus to them through the PCI expansion slot. This data is then computed, rendered and finally output to a monitor as video graphics.

Benefits

The PCI video card allowed for graphically intense calculations to be off-loaded from the processor and sent to a dedicated graphics processing unit. This delivered a two-fold performance increase as dedicated PCI video cards were more efficient at rendering video graphics and it also freed up processor time to do other things.

Types

The main contenders for PCI video cards were Nvidia and ATI. ATI's original competition against Nvidia's TNT PCI video card was the 3dfx Voodoo series cards. Until the now deprecated AGP was released, there were many different PCI video card designs and memory configurations.

Fun Fact

Graphics cards are most often attributed to their respective designers such as Nvidia or ATI. However, technically speaking Nvidia and ATI do not produce graphics cards. ATI and Nvidia design the video card architecture and lease the rights to produce the cards to different manufacturing companies such as ASUS, EVGA and Diamond Multimedia.

Tags: video cards, graphics cards, video card, cards Nvidia, cards were

Update A K7s5a Motherboard Bios

You will need a floppy to update the BIOS of the K7S5A motherboard.

The BIOS is the utility that initiates all of the hardware of the computer before starting the operating system. New BIOS (basic input/output system) versions are released periodically to correct bugs or to add functions. To update or upgrade a BIOS, including the K7S5A manufactured by ECS (Elitegroup), you need to download the version that is designed for your specific motherboard revision number.

Instructions" prompt on the screen and press "Enter."

8. Press "Enter" to update the BIOS.

9. Wait for the update to complete before turning the computer off and rebooting with your new BIOS.

Tags: update BIOS

Msi File Installation

MSI stands for Microsoft Installer. These files are built by developers and consist of scripts that the Windows Installer service is able to read. This service, which is built into every copy of Windows, displays an installation prompt and performs the configuration and installation of program files. MSI files are ideal to use because they are smaller and more standardized than other installation files on Windows.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu and click "Computer" to open the "Computer" display.

2. Double-click the drive or media that contains the MSI file. For example, if it is on your DVD drive, right-click it and then click "Explore" to open the DVD drive.

3. Double-click each subfolder within the drive until you locate the folder that has the MSI file. Double-click the file to automatically open the Microsoft Installer file on the computer.

4. Review any licenses or agreements the software wants you to accept, then click "Next."

5. Choose the components to install, as well as the directory, then click "Next." The process may differ slightly if the developer has chosen to allow additional customization options.

Tags: then click, click Next, Microsoft Installer, then click Next