I purchased my laptop on 09th
Aug 2007. Those days, I was not that much technically sound in hardware. But, I
compared a lot models, explored technology forums and after in depth
comparative study, I made a decision on a model (HP Pavillion dv 6516tx). Most
of people blindly purchase laptop or desktop computer without understanding the
technical details of the configuration. In the article, Laptop
or Desktop Computer - what should I purchase? I discussed about the
best computer match for you. Here, I am going to discuss about importance of each
key part of computer system. In this article, some parts of computer will not
be applicable for laptop computer like monitor, keyboard but other parts will
be same for both.
1. Processor: This is one of the most important parts of computer system.
As the name suggest, it processes/controls all activities of computer system
with the help of operating system. I recommend Intel processor because they
have a very good research in the development of desktop processors. It is always
better to buy higher bit processor i.e. 64 bits processor is better than 32 bits
processor, provided that, operating system and all other software will be of 64
bits.
2. Cache memory: This is one of the ignored parts of computer system
but cache memory is very important in terms of speed of computer system.
Processor uses the cache memory to store frequently required data.
3. RAM: This is the second most important part of computer system
after processor. RAM is working space of computer system i.e. all the computer
operations are carried out in RAM. If computer has a large RAM, then big number
of applications can be run simultaneously.
4. Operating System: This is another most important part
of computer system. Processor controls all computer activities through operating
system. Unless and until, there is no good software to run the hardware, that
hardware will not make sense, so operating system plays a big role in operating
computer system. Though, the system has a fast processor and large RAM and not
compatible operating system then the PC will not give a better performance. For
example, if processor is 64 bits and the operating system is 32 bits then that
hardware utilise its half working capacity and half will be idle. So, 64 bits
operating system and software should be installed on the system.
5.
Hard disk: This is used to store the data like documents, music files,
photos, and videos. Usually people give more important to the hard disk size,
but I don’t. I suggest do not buy a large capacity hard disk, rather you should
buy additional external hard disk (preferably, solid state drive) to safely
save the data. Don’t think about storing about videos and music files just
think about your personal data, because you can transfer the music files and
videos from someone but once your personal data gets loss then it cannot be
recovered.
Hard disk is used to store the data
like text documents, audio file or video files. Usually people think to have big
size storage medium. But in my view, you should purchase maximum 500 GB hard
disk because our personal data (not music files and movies) does not exceed 500
GB. I would recommend extra 500 GB external hard disk to store your personal
data as a back safely.
6. Graphics Card: This is the part of computer system that helps the
processor to process the graphics stuff i.e. picture, video or animation. So,
this is an additional processor to handle graphics. Usually, people buy this
part without knowing its use. Actually, this should be purchased by those who
professionally work in graphics and multimedia field like animators, graphics
editors etc or CAD design field or HD game lovers. The users who don’t play HD
games, those should not buy graphics card, it will unnecessarily increase the cost
of computer system. The graphics card produces heat and if computer system has
not proper air ventilation then system will be heated and this may cause IC
burning problem. I have experienced the same incident. I talked with
technician; he told me that most of such problems happened in summer.
7. Battery: This part is not applicable for desktop computer but for laptop
this is an important part. Average battery life of laptop computer is 2-3 years
provided that you have used it properly. If you want to extend the battery life
period then follow the rule that - “Plug charger to laptop when battery
goes below 10% and completely charge it until it reaches to 100%. Do not plug
in charger until it reaches to 10%”. Replacing battery with new one is
the recurring expense for the laptop.
8. Monitor: This is most known part of computer system. The monitor is
used to display the output through screen. Technically, screen is the display
device not monitor. The screen is fitted in monitor so in general speaking
monitor is called display device. LED monitor/ screen should be purchased
because of low consumption of electricity. In my opinion, touch screen should
not be purchased because it is impractical to use touch screen for a big
display devices. It is ok with mobile devices like cell phone or phablet or
tablet.
9. Fan: Fan is used to drain out heat which is generated by
electronic components of computer. There should be sufficient heat sink for the
computer.
10. USB Port: USB port facilitates
faster communication between computer and external devices. There should be at
least 3 USB ports to the system. In which at least one port should be USB 3.0
or eSATA or Thunderbolt because these are the next generation port for faster
data transfer.
11. Keyboard: Keyboard is used to give
inputs to computer system. The inputs are in the forms of text or commands. I
would recommend using HCL keyboard.
12. Mouse: Mouse is used to handle
various computer activities like clicking, dragging etc. You can use USB wired
or wireless mouse, but wireless mouse are expensive. For laptop users, I would
recommend use mouse rather than touchpad. It’s easy to handle the computer through
mouse.
In my view, while purchasing a computer, you need to select good &
high speed processor and large RAM by considering a long term view.