Buying what you need to run programs, without going too far

Article Abstract:

The introduction of Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system requires shoppers looking at new computers to purchase systems with significantly higher performing components than a few years ago. Macintosh users should also buy supped-up systems because Apple will introduce its own performance-hungry operating system soon. Shoppers should buy a computer with at least a 75MHz Pentium processor, and higher speeds would be better if affordable. Avoid the older 486-based machines. Spend extra money on more RAM, rather than faster processors because memory allows large programs to be run more efficiently. Shoppers should buy at least 8MB of RAM, and they should immediately install at least 4MB more, which will cost about $200 extra. Shoppers should buy a computer with a least a 750MB hard drive, but 1GB or more would be worthwhile. The computer monitor should be at least 17-inches, with a .28 mm or less dot pitch. CD-ROM drives should be quad-speed, and the modem should be at least 14,400 bps.

Microcomputers, Purchasing, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Column, PowerPC-based system, Macintosh computers, PowerPC based computers, PowerPC processors, Buyers Guide, RAM, RAM (Random access memory), Hardware buyers' guide, Hard disk drive, Hard disk drives, System selection, Pentium-based system, Pentium based computers, CD-ROM Drive, CD-ROM drives

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With a good modem, PC suddenly means phone connections

Article Abstract:

Modems function as telephones for a microcomputers; instead of human voices, they transmit computerized text and graphics. In choosing a modem, style and speed are major considerations. Internal modems are naked circuit boards that fit inside a computer. They draw their electric power from the computer and require no cables. External modems plug into an electrical outlet and connect to a computer through a serial port. For most users, a 2,400 bps modem is the best choice and can be bought for less than $200. The 9,600 bps models cost from $500 to $1,000 and can run at full speed only when calling another 9,600 bps modem. Modems have to be Hayes-compatible and automatically dial and answer phone calls. Among the recommended brands are US Robotics, Practical Peripherals and Zoom Telephonics. For software, Datastorm's ProComm Plus for IBM-compatibles sells for $65 while Software Ventures' MicroPhone II for the Apple Macintosh and machines running Microsoft Windows, cost $215.

Communications Equipment, Computer networks, Product information, Telecommunications equipment, Design and construction, Tutorial, End users, User Need, Microcomputer, Hardware Selection

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Two new connectors ease the nightmare of wiring PC devices

Article Abstract:

Personal computers that run on Windows have been notoriously annoying and unreliable because it has been hard to connect and run all their peripheral devices through their two inadequate and outdated sockets, namely, the serial port and the parallel port. At long last, two new types of connectors are now available. They are faster than the old ports and are capable of seamlessly running multiple add-on devices. The first is called USB, or Universal Serial Bus. The second is called 1394, although Sony calls it i.Link, and Apple calls it FireWire. USB is for slower peripheral devices, while FireWire is for handling genuinely high-speed devices, like digital camcorders. USB is much faster than the old ports, while FireWire is about 30 times as fast as USB. Each can handle dozens of add-ons. Intel and Microsoft say they will use both in their new Easy PCs, while Apple already has USB in the iMac, and USB and FireWire in PowerMac G3.

United States, Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor Devices, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog & Hybrid Computers, Electronic Connector Manufacturing, Electronic connectors, Semiconductor industry, Innovations, Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., INTC, AAPL, Electronic components industry, Apple Inc., Buses (Computers), I/O ports, Bus architecture, USB, USB (Universal serial bus), Connectors, Serial interfaces, Parallel interfaces, Connector, Parallel interface, Serial interface

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