Video
Cards
Video cards are the interface between the CPU and the monitor. The
faster video cards use an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) port on the
computer motherboard, as it has a faster transfer rate than the PCI
bus. Most video cards also have their own video memory installed on
the card, which increases memory performance.
Cheaper desktop computers do not have a separate video card and instead
have an integrated graphics chip. This means that the graphics chip
is designed into the motherboard. All laptops and notebooks also use
integrated graphics chips.
Graphics chips are not as powerful as separate video cards, so if you
plan on playing the latest computer games, or using 3D graphics for
other purposes, you should probably have a desktop with a good 3D video
card.
For more information on video cards see our Tech
Watch Newsletter.
Recommended Video Card: 2X-8X AGP, 16 -256 MB RAM, 3-D card
with a good brand name. For business purposes a 16-64 MB video card
is adequate. Serious gamers should invest in a 128 - 256 MB card.
Monitor
Buying a monitor for your computer is almost a separate study. Monitors
can vary in price between $100 to $1500. Important factors in the price
determination are the monitor size and viewable image, maximum resolution,
refresh rate, and the dot pitch.
The monitor size (for example 19 inches) means that the viewable size
(measured diagonally) is about 18 inches.
The smaller the dot pitch, the greater the resolution, e.g. an 0.25
mm pitch is sharper then a 0.28 mm pitch. Everything over 0.28 mm is
not considered super VGA.
Another important factor is the refresh rate. This is the rate in which
the image is built up on the monitor. A higher number (85Hz) gives a
steadier image then a lower number (60Hz).
With Windows 98 and higher versions, a second monitor can be attached
when a second Video card is installed creating a two-monitor size desktop.
Recommended Monitor: 19 Inch (18 inch viewable), 76 Hz or higher
refresh rate, 0.26 mm dot pitch or less.
Note: Digital flat panel LCD monitors take up much less space
than conventional monitors, but have the disadvantage of not being as
bright and costing more. Also, some LCD monitors require a DVI (digital
video interface) connector, which is not typically found on low end
computers.
Sound card and speakers
It does matter a lot in terms of quality of sound, which sound card
is installed in the computer. One thing is that it has to be compatible.
Lots of games come equipped for most common sound cards, but if the
system has a strange sound card, at least make sure that it is Adlib
or SoundBlaster compatible.
A sound card and its quality really becomes important when you want
to work with sound, e.g. connect a midi keyboard or record sound through
your sound card onto the computer. There are many brands of sound cards
and the quality of the sound card is mostly reflected in number of bits;
16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit or 128 bit sound cards. The sound card that I
have personally had the best results with are the ones manufactured
by SoundBlaster.
Speakers are personal. I advise someone to go to their local computer
store and listen to different computer speakers. I personally like the
Cambridge SoundWorks with subwoofer, good quality sound for reasonable
price.
Many computers now come with integrated sound chips. These sound chips
are not as powerful as separate sound cards, but for most non-audiophiles,
they are perfectly adequate.
Recommended sound cards: The family of SoundBlaster Live/Audigy
cards.
Modem
Modems are used to either connect to the Internet through a phone line
or send or receive fax documents through a phone line. Most computers
come with a modem. Most modems are 56K V.92 modems which indicates the
speed of the modem.
56K is the maximum speed you can achieve with a so-called dail-up modem.
To get more speed for Internet usage, you will have to go to DSL or
Cable modem connections.
Top brand modems are 3Com, Zoom, or U.S. Robotics. Modems can be sensitive
to power fluctuations and need to be protected. This can be done by
a surge protector or uninteruptable Power supply (UPS) that protects
both power and telephone outlets.
Recommended modem: A good brand 56K V.92 modem.
Keyboard & Mouse
The keyboard and mouse are very personal. Some people love the ergonomic
keyboards and some keyboards have a different click then others. Go
to a computer store and see which keyboard and mouse are best for you.
You can also buy a cordless mouse and keyboard, which work on infrared.
Again, a very personal choice.
If you don't feel like disassembling your mouse every once in a while
to clean its rollers, then you might want to look into corded and cordless
optical mice. Optical mice have no rollerball, and can be used on most
flat surfaces however they are more expansive.
Recommended Keyboards: Microsoft, Logitech, or IBM.
Recommend Mouse: Microsoft, Logitech, or IBM.
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