Guide to PC hardware

A PC is made of several hardware components including the case, a motherboard, a CPU, RAM, hard disk, power supply, floppy disk, DVD drive, graphics card, a as well as a fan for cooling. PC hardware usually also includes a network card so that you can communicate over a network and access the Internet. Additionally, a navigation device such as a mouse and a keyboard are required along with a monitor. In laptops and budget PCs it is common to see some hardware components put together to save space or to lower costs.

Here you find all you want to know about PC hardware including reviews of the latest CPUs, drives, RAM as well as useful tips for buying PC hardware.

Image Credit: Mark Muller

Are You a Computer Hardware Expert? So you say you know what's up with PC's, huh? You know 'em inside and out, like a surgeon knows his organs, or like a mechanic knows his engines? That may be, but...	Motherboard Screws 101 Motherboard screws are an important part of your PC hardware, and there is a right and wrong way to go about installing them....
What Does This Piece Do? If you have your computer in pieces, or you're simply browsing through a catalog of components, understanding what the various parts of a computer do will help you to recognize...	Introduction to Server Hardware What sets a server apart from an ordinary desktop PC? There's a lot to it, and most of it is software related. However, there are a lot of hardware technologies and devices...

Advantages of the Windows Operating System

Windows is a hugely popular OS - and not without reason. While some versions are perhaps not as popular as others, they're all extremely good systems capable of managing system resources, multitasking...

Top 10 Free Privacy and Security Windows 7 Gadgets

Security and privacy gadgets for your Windows 7 are small programs you can include on your desktop to monitor various things about your PC hardware, network and Internet performance. Here are the top 10...

Making Your PC Look Like a Mac

There are many visual themes available on the Internet which can transform your current desktop configuration into something a little bit different. So for those who are looking for a Mac experience on...

Building a PC: How to Install a Power Supply Unit

The good news is it involves inserting four screws; the bad news is you are inserting them into something that weighs ten pounds and is shaped like squid....

What is the Role of a CPU or Microprocessor Unit?

The central processing unit, better known as the CPU, is that intellectual area of a PC system that is capable of doing complex coding calculations to enable the computer to execute various functions and...

Save Money – Switch Off Your Monitor!

Most monitors and PCs are equipped with a range of energy saving measures and user profiles - these should be employed at all times in order to cut energy use and save both money and...

Build Your Own Desktop Computer - The Complete Reference Guide

Curious as to whether or not you should build your own desktop PC? Want the best instructions on how to go about it? We look at the A-Z of building your own computer, from pro's...