How to Install Memory on Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <div class="introduction" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, installing memory is one of the most basic operations you can perform inside the case of your computer. You just have to pay close attention to details and take care not to damage your computer while you try to make it better.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Nearly all memory vendors provide instructions for installing their modules. Many also answer questions over the phone or through a chat feature on their Web sites.</p> </div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/87/210187.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 1</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">    Find the right memory module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Check the specifications for your computer to find the maximum amount of RAM it's capable of managing. Most modern computers sold to consumers can handle no more than 4GB; paying for and installing more than the maximum is a waste of money and may even cause problems in some machines.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">To find out what kind of memory modules you already have installed in your PC (and need to purchase), choose Start→All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Information. The System Information window opens, displaying a report on memory.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 2</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Prepare your workspace, assemble your tools, ground yourself properly, turn off the computer, and unplug the power cord and cables.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the computer on a sturdy, well-lighted surface, and open its case.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/89/210189.image3.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 3</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Look for a set of long slots that hold upright DIMM memory modules.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Most motherboards have two or four such slots, usually black, with a set of plastic lockdown/ejector clips at each end.</p><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> If you've already run a scanning program, you should know how many DIMM slots to look for and how many of them are already filled. In general, you should have two or four identical modules. If you're installing larger or faster modules as a pair, they should go in the first two slots. In most designs, the slots closest to the microprocessor are considered to be slots 0 and 1 (and are marked that way on the motherboard in tiny letters).</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 4</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">If you need to remove an old module to install a new one, press evenly on both of the lockdown/ejector clips to release the unit; then lift the module straight up and out of the slot.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the removed module on a nonconductive surface such as a cardboard box or plastic bag.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 5</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Take the new module out of its antistatic bag, holding it by the edges.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Avoid touching the metallic connectors on each side of the bottom of the module to keep oils from your fingers from interfering with the module's contact with the motherboard.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 6</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Follow the installation instructions provided by the memory seller.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">In most situations, you'll be asked to put the largest-capacity modules in the first slots and the smaller ones in the higher-numbered slots.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/91/210191.image5.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 7</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Locate the notch in the row of pins at the bottom of the module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">It needs to line up with a matching pin or key in the DIMM slot on your motherboard. The location of the notch depends on the type of module your computer uses. If the notch and pin don't line up, turn the module 180 degrees and try that way.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 8</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">With the notch and pin aligned, press evenly on both ends of the module until it's fully inserted into the slot on the motherboard and the lockdown/ejector clips clickinto place.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p class="Warning" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Don't attempt to force the module into the slot if it seems to be a complete mismatch. Contact the provider of the memory module to make sure that you received the proper type for your PC.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 9</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Examine the inside of the case to make sure that all the memory modules are locked down properly and that you didn't leave anything inside.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 10</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Put the cover back on, secure it properly, return the machine to its usual location, reattach the cables and power cord, and turn on the juice.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 11</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Check the amount of installed memory.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">See Step 1 if you're not sure how to do so.</p></div></div>

How to Install Memory on Your Computer

Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, ins...

Read more »

How to Install Memory on Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <div class="introduction" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, installing memory is one of the most basic operations you can perform inside the case of your computer. You just have to pay close attention to details and take care not to damage your computer while you try to make it better.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Nearly all memory vendors provide instructions for installing their modules. Many also answer questions over the phone or through a chat feature on their Web sites.</p> </div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/87/210187.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 1</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">    Find the right memory module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Check the specifications for your computer to find the maximum amount of RAM it's capable of managing. Most modern computers sold to consumers can handle no more than 4GB; paying for and installing more than the maximum is a waste of money and may even cause problems in some machines.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">To find out what kind of memory modules you already have installed in your PC (and need to purchase), choose Start→All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Information. The System Information window opens, displaying a report on memory.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 2</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Prepare your workspace, assemble your tools, ground yourself properly, turn off the computer, and unplug the power cord and cables.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the computer on a sturdy, well-lighted surface, and open its case.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/89/210189.image3.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 3</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Look for a set of long slots that hold upright DIMM memory modules.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Most motherboards have two or four such slots, usually black, with a set of plastic lockdown/ejector clips at each end.</p><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> If you've already run a scanning program, you should know how many DIMM slots to look for and how many of them are already filled. In general, you should have two or four identical modules. If you're installing larger or faster modules as a pair, they should go in the first two slots. In most designs, the slots closest to the microprocessor are considered to be slots 0 and 1 (and are marked that way on the motherboard in tiny letters).</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 4</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">If you need to remove an old module to install a new one, press evenly on both of the lockdown/ejector clips to release the unit; then lift the module straight up and out of the slot.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the removed module on a nonconductive surface such as a cardboard box or plastic bag.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 5</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Take the new module out of its antistatic bag, holding it by the edges.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Avoid touching the metallic connectors on each side of the bottom of the module to keep oils from your fingers from interfering with the module's contact with the motherboard.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 6</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Follow the installation instructions provided by the memory seller.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">In most situations, you'll be asked to put the largest-capacity modules in the first slots and the smaller ones in the higher-numbered slots.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/91/210191.image5.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 7</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Locate the notch in the row of pins at the bottom of the module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">It needs to line up with a matching pin or key in the DIMM slot on your motherboard. The location of the notch depends on the type of module your computer uses. If the notch and pin don't line up, turn the module 180 degrees and try that way.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 8</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">With the notch and pin aligned, press evenly on both ends of the module until it's fully inserted into the slot on the motherboard and the lockdown/ejector clips clickinto place.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p class="Warning" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Don't attempt to force the module into the slot if it seems to be a complete mismatch. Contact the provider of the memory module to make sure that you received the proper type for your PC.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 9</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Examine the inside of the case to make sure that all the memory modules are locked down properly and that you didn't leave anything inside.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 10</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Put the cover back on, secure it properly, return the machine to its usual location, reattach the cables and power cord, and turn on the juice.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 11</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Check the amount of installed memory.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">See Step 1 if you're not sure how to do so.</p></div></div>

How to Install Memory on Your Computer

Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, ins...

Read more »

How to Know What You Can Do with Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you've never owned a computer and now have one for the first time, figuring out what your computer can and can't do may be a somewhat daunting experience. The following list walks you through some things you can use your computer to do:</p> <ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Keep in touch with friends and family.</b> The Internet has made it possible to communicate with other people in a variety of ways, including</p><ul class="level-two" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> E-mail</p></li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Webcams (tiny, inexpensive video cameras that capture and send your image to another computer)</p></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">VoIP (Voice over InternetPhone), which uses your computer and Internet connection to place phone calls.</p></li></ul> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can also chat with others by typing messages and sending them through your computer using a technology called instant messaging. These messages are exchanged in real time so that you and your grandchild, for example, can see and reply to text immediately.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Research any topic from the comfort of your home. </b>Online, you can find many reputable Web sites that help you get information on anything from expert medical advice to the best travel deals. You can read news from around the corner or around the world. You can visit government Web sites to find out information about your taxes, Social Security, and more, or even go to entertainment sites to look up your local television listings.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Create greeting cards, letters, or home inventories.</b> Whether you're organizing your holiday card list or figuring out a monthly budget, computer programs can help. For example, have a look at a graph that Microsoft Excel created from data in a spreadsheet.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="280" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/03/210103.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Pursue hobbies, such as genealogy or sports.</b> You can research your favorite teams online or connect with people who have the same interests. The online world is full of special interest chat groups where you can discuss your interests with others.</p> <img alt="image1.jpg" height="313" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/04/210104.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Play interactive games with others over the Internet. </b>You can play everything from shuffleboard to poker to action games in virtual worlds.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Share and create photos, drawings, and videos.</b> If you have a digital camera, you can transfer photos to your computer (called uploading) or copy photos off the Internet and share them in e-mails or use them to create your own greeting cards.</p> <p class="child-para Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">If you're artistically inclined, you can create digital drawings. Many popular Web sites make sharing digital movies easy, too. If you have a digital video camera and editing software, you can use editing tools to make a movie and share it with others.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Shop online and compare products easily, day or night.</b>You can shop for anything from a garden shed to travel deals or a new camera. Using handy online features, you can easily compare prices from several stores or read customer product reviews.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Handle your financial life. </b>You can do your banking or investing online and get up-to-the-minute data about your bank account, credit card balances, and investments.</p> </li></ul>

How to Know What You Can Do with Your Computer

If you've never owned a computer and now have one for the first time, figuring out what your computer can and can't do may be a so...

Read more »

How to Know What You Can Do with Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you've never owned a computer and now have one for the first time, figuring out what your computer can and can't do may be a somewhat daunting experience. The following list walks you through some things you can use your computer to do:</p> <ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Keep in touch with friends and family.</b> The Internet has made it possible to communicate with other people in a variety of ways, including</p><ul class="level-two" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> E-mail</p></li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Webcams (tiny, inexpensive video cameras that capture and send your image to another computer)</p></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">VoIP (Voice over InternetPhone), which uses your computer and Internet connection to place phone calls.</p></li></ul> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can also chat with others by typing messages and sending them through your computer using a technology called instant messaging. These messages are exchanged in real time so that you and your grandchild, for example, can see and reply to text immediately.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Research any topic from the comfort of your home. </b>Online, you can find many reputable Web sites that help you get information on anything from expert medical advice to the best travel deals. You can read news from around the corner or around the world. You can visit government Web sites to find out information about your taxes, Social Security, and more, or even go to entertainment sites to look up your local television listings.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Create greeting cards, letters, or home inventories.</b> Whether you're organizing your holiday card list or figuring out a monthly budget, computer programs can help. For example, have a look at a graph that Microsoft Excel created from data in a spreadsheet.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="280" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/03/210103.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Pursue hobbies, such as genealogy or sports.</b> You can research your favorite teams online or connect with people who have the same interests. The online world is full of special interest chat groups where you can discuss your interests with others.</p> <img alt="image1.jpg" height="313" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/04/210104.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Play interactive games with others over the Internet. </b>You can play everything from shuffleboard to poker to action games in virtual worlds.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Share and create photos, drawings, and videos.</b> If you have a digital camera, you can transfer photos to your computer (called uploading) or copy photos off the Internet and share them in e-mails or use them to create your own greeting cards.</p> <p class="child-para Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">If you're artistically inclined, you can create digital drawings. Many popular Web sites make sharing digital movies easy, too. If you have a digital video camera and editing software, you can use editing tools to make a movie and share it with others.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Shop online and compare products easily, day or night.</b>You can shop for anything from a garden shed to travel deals or a new camera. Using handy online features, you can easily compare prices from several stores or read customer product reviews.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Handle your financial life. </b>You can do your banking or investing online and get up-to-the-minute data about your bank account, credit card balances, and investments.</p> </li></ul>

How to Know What You Can Do with Your Computer

If you've never owned a computer and now have one for the first time, figuring out what your computer can and can't do may be a so...

Read more »

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer equipment, such as thekeyboard and mouse. The software is what makes the hardware work or lets you get things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a Solitaire game.</p> <p class="Remember" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Think of computer hardware as being like your television set and the shows that you watch as being like the software.</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Hardware you'll find on your computer</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> The hardware on your computer consists of</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>A central processing unit(CPU),</b> which is the very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in a computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A monitor,</b> which displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a software program.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A keyboard,</b> which is similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard to give the computer commands.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A mouse,</b> which you also use to give your computer commands. You move the mouse around your desk with your hand, which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this pointer, you can click items like buttons that cause an action or click the screen and drag the mouse toselect text or an object to perform an action on it (such as deleting it or making the text bold).</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Peripherals,</b> such as a printer, speakers, webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your computer when you buy it, but your computer does come with slots (called ports) where you plug in various peripherals.</p> </li></ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Software that runs stuff on your computer</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed on your computer hard drive, which resides in the computer casing (either in your laptop or, for a desktopcomputer, in the computer tower).</p><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Here are a few basics about software:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> You use software to get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some programs come preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs as you need them. For example, there is always anoperating system on a computer, because it runs all the other programs.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some programs are included with your operating system, such as Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes with Windows 10. Skype, a program that enables you to make online phone calls using your computer, is a popular program that you can find on the Internet and install on your computer yourself.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can<b> </b>uninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some software programs called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An antivirusprogram is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as, Windows 10 Home Premium, which also includes some utilities, like the Windows Defender program. Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious programs called spyware.</p> </li></ul>

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer e...

Read more »

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer equipment, such as thekeyboard and mouse. The software is what makes the hardware work or lets you get things done, such as writing documents with Microsoft Word or playing a Solitaire game.</p> <p class="Remember" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Think of computer hardware as being like your television set and the shows that you watch as being like the software.</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Hardware you'll find on your computer</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> The hardware on your computer consists of</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>A central processing unit(CPU),</b> which is the very small, very high-tech semiconductor chip that acts as the brains of your computer. The CPU is stored in a computer tower along with the other nuts and bolts of your computer.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A monitor,</b> which displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows desktop or a document in a software program.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A keyboard,</b> which is similar to a typewriter keyboard. In addition to typing words, you can use a keyboard to give the computer commands.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>A mouse,</b> which you also use to give your computer commands. You move the mouse around your desk with your hand, which moves a pointer around on-screen. Using this pointer, you can click items like buttons that cause an action or click the screen and drag the mouse toselect text or an object to perform an action on it (such as deleting it or making the text bold).</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Peripherals,</b> such as a printer, speakers, webcams, and microphones. These items may or may not come with your computer when you buy it, but your computer does come with slots (called ports) where you plug in various peripherals.</p> </li></ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Software that runs stuff on your computer</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Software (also known as programs or applications) is installed on your computer hard drive, which resides in the computer casing (either in your laptop or, for a desktopcomputer, in the computer tower).</p><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Here are a few basics about software:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> You use software to get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some programs come preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs as you need them. For example, there is always anoperating system on a computer, because it runs all the other programs.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some programs are included with your operating system, such as Solitaire, an electronic version of the old favorite card game, which comes with Windows 10. Skype, a program that enables you to make online phone calls using your computer, is a popular program that you can find on the Internet and install on your computer yourself.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can<b> </b>uninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some software programs called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An antivirusprogram is an example of a utility used to spot and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system (such as, Windows 10 Home Premium, which also includes some utilities, like the Windows Defender program. Windows Defender protects your computer from unwanted intrusion by malicious programs called spyware.</p> </li></ul>

How to Distinguish between Computer Hardware and Software

You may have heard the wordshardware and software before and wondered what the difference was. The hardware is all the tangible computer e...

Read more »

How to Choose a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can find several</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">styles</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. </span></h1> <h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some computers, such as</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">laptops, are small and portable. Other computers use different</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">operatingsystems, such as Windows and Macintosh, to make everything run. Computers may excel at certainfunctions, such as working with graphics or playing games.</span></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Consider the following features when choosing the type of computer you should buy:</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Which computer operating system do you prefer?</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Windows is probably the most common computer operating system. However, Macintosh computers from Apple are also popular. Macintosh computers use Apple-specific software. However, many software applications written for Windows are also available for the Macintosh, and you can also set up your Mac to run the Windows operating system, which gives you the best of both worlds.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Some computers run on a freely available operating system called Linux, which has similar functionality to Windows.</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Do you want a laptop or PC?</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Two types of computers you can buy are a laptop and a desktop. Here's the difference:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from two to eight pounds (the lowest weight ones are called netbooks). Themonitor, keyboard, and mouseare built into the laptop. (Note that if the monitor is damaged, you have to pay quite a bit to have it repaired or hook it up to an external monitor.) Choose a laptop (sometimes called a notebook computer) if you want to use your computer mainly away from home, or you have little space in your home for a larger computer.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="289" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/08/210108.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Desktop models typically have a large tower that contains the computer's central processing unit (called a CPU). The keyboard, mouse, and monitor are separate. Desktopcomputers take up more space than laptops and are not portable, but they're usually less expensive.</p> <img alt="image1.jpg" height="302" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/09/210109.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> </ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">How about pictures and sound on your computer?</h2><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> If you work with a lot of visual elements (for example, photographs, home movies, or computer games), consider a computer that has a better graphics card. Games often involve sound, so a high-end sound card may also be useful.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Computers with more sophisticated sound and image capabilities are often referred to as gaming or multimedia models and they typically require a larger hard disk to handle these functions. Because the capabilities of these cards change all the time, ask the person you're buying the computer from whether the system can handle sophisticated sound and graphics.</p>

How to Choose a Computer

You can find several   styles   of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy.  Some co...

Read more »

How to Choose a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">You can find several</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">styles</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy. </span></h1> <h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Some computers, such as</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">laptops, are small and portable. Other computers use different</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">operatingsystems, such as Windows and Macintosh, to make everything run. Computers may excel at certainfunctions, such as working with graphics or playing games.</span></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Consider the following features when choosing the type of computer you should buy:</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Which computer operating system do you prefer?</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Windows is probably the most common computer operating system. However, Macintosh computers from Apple are also popular. Macintosh computers use Apple-specific software. However, many software applications written for Windows are also available for the Macintosh, and you can also set up your Mac to run the Windows operating system, which gives you the best of both worlds.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Some computers run on a freely available operating system called Linux, which has similar functionality to Windows.</p> <h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Do you want a laptop or PC?</h2><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Two types of computers you can buy are a laptop and a desktop. Here's the difference:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from two to eight pounds (the lowest weight ones are called netbooks). Themonitor, keyboard, and mouseare built into the laptop. (Note that if the monitor is damaged, you have to pay quite a bit to have it repaired or hook it up to an external monitor.) Choose a laptop (sometimes called a notebook computer) if you want to use your computer mainly away from home, or you have little space in your home for a larger computer.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="289" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/08/210108.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Desktop models typically have a large tower that contains the computer's central processing unit (called a CPU). The keyboard, mouse, and monitor are separate. Desktopcomputers take up more space than laptops and are not portable, but they're usually less expensive.</p> <img alt="image1.jpg" height="302" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/09/210109.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"></li> </ul><h2 style="margin:0.25rem 0px 1.25rem;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">How about pictures and sound on your computer?</h2><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> If you work with a lot of visual elements (for example, photographs, home movies, or computer games), consider a computer that has a better graphics card. Games often involve sound, so a high-end sound card may also be useful.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Computers with more sophisticated sound and image capabilities are often referred to as gaming or multimedia models and they typically require a larger hard disk to handle these functions. Because the capabilities of these cards change all the time, ask the person you're buying the computer from whether the system can handle sophisticated sound and graphics.</p>

How to Choose a Computer

You can find several   styles   of computers on the market, and you may be wondering how you'll ever choose which one to buy.  Some co...

Read more »

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">range. </span><br> </h1><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You can buy a computer for anywhere from $299 to $5,000 or more, depending on your budget and computing needs.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">You can shop in a retail store for a computer or shop online using a friend's computer. Consider researching different models and prices online and using that information to negotiate your purchase in the store if you prefer shopping at the mall. Be aware, however, that most retail stores have a small selection compared to all you can find online on a Web site such as Dell.com.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Some Web sites, such as Epinions.com, allow you to compare several models of computers side by side, and others, such as Nextag.com, allow you to compare prices on a particular model from multiple stores.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Here are some guidelines to help you find a computer at the price that's right for you:</p> <ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Determine how often you'll use your computer. If you'll be working on your computer eight hours a day running a home business, you'll need a better quality computer to withstand the use. If you turn on the computer once or twice a week, you don't have to buy the priciest model in the shop.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Consider the features that you need. Do you want (or have room for) a 20-inch monitor? Do you need the computer to run very fast and run several programs at once, or do you need to store tons of data? Understand what you need before you buy. Each feature or upgrade adds dollars to your computer's price.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Shop wisely. If you walk from store to store or do your shopping online, you'll find that the price for the same computer model can vary by hundreds of dollars at different stores. See whether your memberships in organizations such as AAA, AARP, or Costco make you eligible for better deals.</p> <p class="child-para Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Consider shipping costs if you buy online and keep in mind that many stores charge a restocking fee if you return a computer you aren't happy with. Some stores offer only a short time period, such as 14 days, in which you can return a computer.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Buying used or refurbished is an option, though new computers have reached such a low price point that this may not save you much. In addition, technology gets out of date so quickly that you may be disappointed buying an older model.</p> <p class="child-para Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Consider going to a company that produces customized, non-name-brand computers at lower prices — perhaps even your local computer repair shop. You may be surprised at the bargains you can find (but make sure that you're dealing with reputable people before buying).</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Online auctions are a source of new or slightly used computers at a low price. However, be sure that you're dealing with a reputable store or person by checking reviews others have posted about them or contacting the Better Business Bureau.</p> <p class="child-para Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Be careful not to pay by check (which gives a complete stranger your bank account number); instead use the auction site's tools to have a third-party handle the money until the goods are delivered in the condition promised. Check the auction site for guidance on staying safe when buying auctioned goods.</p> </li></ul>

How to Determine a Price Range When Buying a Computer

Buying a computer can be confusing, especially because of the amount of choices and the large price   range.  You can buy a computer for a...

Read more »