How to choose a good computer? By itself, the system unit is nothing more than a piece of iron. Without a monitor, he will not be able to show a picture, and without speakers, he will not be able to play sounds. The quality of the components of the system unit (hard drive, RAM, processor, video card, sound card, power supply, coolers, etc.) and the correctness of their assembly depends on the operation of the entire device.
All parts of a computer can be divided into two large groups:
hardware;
software.
hardware elements
Before choosing a computer, it does not hurt for the layman to at least superficially understand what a motherboard, processor or hard drive is, why coolers are needed and how to properly care for such equipment. In the future, this will help you independently carry out minor repairs or clean the device from dust, without resorting to the help of specialists.
Hardware elements include everything that can be touched – the motherboard (motherboard), memory, processor, video card, hard drive, monitor, printer and other elements without which it is impossible to watch a movie, print a document or listen to music. These components are often referred to as “computer hardware”.
Program elements
Before choosing a PC, think about what operating system you will install – licensed or broken. The first option is always preferred. The second is also possible, but it’s not a fact that the computer will work correctly.
Software elements include, first of all, the operating system or OS. Thanks to her, the “machine” interacts with the drivers of various devices, for example, a video or sound card. Software elements include all programs, for example, for the correct operation of the printer, watching movies, antivirus and other security tools. This also includes drivers for various devices.
On a note. The principle of operation of a computer is a well-functioning interaction of hardware and software parts with each other. If a failure occurs somewhere (“the motherboard has flown”, the hard drive has stopped working, the monitor has “burned out”, the driver for the video card has been lost and other troubles), you will not be able to use the equipment.
Types of computers
A computer or a computer is a collective name for a variety of devices. In fact, this means:
desktops;
nettops;
monoblocks.
The listed equipment is stationary. It is not customary to move it from place to place, with the exception of nettops. However, portable versions can also be attributed to computers – modern laptops.
These are standard-sized models, consisting of a system unit, monitor and speakers. You also need to remember to buy a keyboard and mouse.
The case for desktops has dimensions:
width – 46 cm;
height – 43 cm;
thickness – 18 cm.
These are average parameters. It all depends on the case model. Minimalistic ones can be slightly smaller in size. “Pot-bellied” modern ones are a couple of centimeters higher, wider and thicker.
On a note. Components are made in such a way that they are easily assembled both in a small and in a “fancy” case. But there is one subtlety. Powerful spare parts are thicker and larger, so the case is selected not by appearance, but by functionality and size of components.
Nettops
They, like desktops, need a monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse. But the nettop system unit has a very small size and practically does not take up space on the desktop. Such computers are characterized by low power consumption, almost no noise, however, they cannot boast of super high performance.
For viewing browser tabs, typing a document in WORD, watching videos in FullHD quality, they are quite suitable. But inexpensive nettops will not cope with complex computational tasks – they will simply freeze. Too tough for them and modern “fancy” games.
On a note. Advanced nettops will cope with complex graphics quite well if you set the minimum acceptable playback parameters. Most games allow you to choose the quality and detail of the video.
Monoblocks
This is a modern computer “2 in 1” – a system unit + a monitor that can be touch-sensitive. Monoblocks became popular at the dawn of the 21st century. They cannot boast of high performance due to their compactness, although there are exceptions.
On a note. Monoblocks are not suitable for mega gamers. They just don’t have the power to properly reproduce a complex game. Their main purpose is to watch videos, including online TV, listen to music, work with documents, familiarize yourself with information in the browser. “Pull” they and simple flash games.
Computer types
The “capabilities” of the PC are different. Some can easily cope with complex calculations, others are designed for games (and not only), others “barely breathe” when a dozen tabs are open in the browser and a simple game.
Minimal requirements for office computers. They must “pull” the antivirus program, cope with the programs that are needed to perform work in a particular office, for example, 1C. More is not required of them, which means that it makes no sense to purchase expensive “fancy” equipment, the capabilities of which will never be in demand in the office.
These are devices that will “pull” any, the most complex, toy. However, it is not forbidden to use them for work at home, for example, for freelancing or for video editing. So these “machines” can be attributed to two types – gaming and home.
