Computer Hardware

A battery backup, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can be a tricky thing to purchase. There are a lot of factors to consider, namely: volt-amp (VA) rating, full-load wattage, run-time at...

Testing an ATX power supply is a useful diagnostic tool when attempting to ascertain a problem that is preventing a PC from posting. Many computer failures are symptomatic of a failed graphics...

Your computer's power supply is the heart of your computer system. The power supply generates a lot of heat since it powers all components of your system, from your hard drive to your USB...

Canon inkjet printer cartridges contain a chip that tracks ink use but doesn't monitor print levels. Refilling inkjet cartridges or using a continuous ink system is an economical solution for many...

When working on your computer amid a power failure, you lose any unsaved data. Avoid this problem with an emergency battery backup called an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which will give you...

EMachines is a computer company that provides affordable computers. The company started in 1998 as a competitor to another computer manufacturer offering low-cost solutions: Gateway. Although...

Without proper power, a computer may lag and some components may not work. The computer may even run the risk of overheating if the system lacks enough power to run the cooling system or fan. ATX...

You will learn how to open your PC and replace a power supply in a standard PC.

The power light emitting diode is a small light diode installed on the front panel of the computer case. If connected to the motherboard, the power LED lights up steady green when the computer is...

Each laptop computer has its own power consumption, based on the power demands of its integrated hardware, as well as which components are running at any given time. For example, heavy CD/DVD...

Laptop batteries normally offer a predetermined number of charging cycles and are continuously losing a minute portion of their charge. As a lithium-ion battery sits unused inside a computer,...

A power surge can seriously harm your computer. Fortunately, the computer's power supply is built to take the brunt of any power fluctuations. If you find that your system no longer powers up...

All UPS systems have three main components: the rectifier, the battery and the inverter. The rectifier converts AC power to DC power so that the battery can store it. The battery stores the...

Since the widespread acceptance of the SATA specification release in 2003 there has been a growing interest in the difference between ATA and SATA power supplies. A power supply is not...

You have powered up your Kindle, the pencil-thin wireless reading device from Amazon.com that has the capacity to hold more than 1,500 books. But your Kindle is not responding. It's likely that...

Many people who I've talked to are confused on what a battery backup is, why, and how you should use one. In this article we will delve into the topic.

This article describes an easy, green and inexpensive way to correct a sudden lost connection over your High Speed Internet line, have a slow connection or unable to browse the Internet. It is...

It's as thin as a pencil and can hold more than 1,500 books. It's your Kindle 2 Wireless Reading Device, the newest version of the book machine brought to you by Amazon.com. Learn how to turn on...

The Power Mac G4 is an Apple desktop computer. Occasionally, you may find the need to bring up the Boot Options for the computer. This may be due to hardware malfunctions or a program not...

If your computer is stored someplace out of the way such as in a desk, it can be convenient to have an alternate means of turning it on. Most computers have an option to power on by using the...

While the SATA cable specification was a welcome advancement to its EIDE predecessor, it is not beyond reproach. There are many advantages to the SATA cable, but with this specification's tendency...

Computers are able to enter a low-power state known as Sleep Mode. In Sleep Mode, a computer's hard drive and fans spin down, and the processor enters an idle state. The computer draws enough...

Installing neon lights in a computer can be a creative, simple way to give your computer case some extra personality. They are simple to install, require few tools and come in a wide range of...

Finally!! You have the perfect laptop computer and your so very happy to be the proud owner - you need to keep it that way. Many people seem to get too comfortable with their laptop and get...

Emachine was a company that made inexpensive computers; it was purchased by Gateway in 2004. Generic inexpensive computers are also referred to as emachines. There have been many problems with...

Laptop power supplies are often damaged by the amount of travel they are subjected to. Poor power sources in older buildings, cramped cases and rough handling can all lead to the power supply's...

Computer failures can cause a huge inconvenience for anyone relying on their PC for day to day tasks. In this article I will give you a few steps to narrow down the reason why your computer will...

In modern computer systems, the ATX power switch works by temporarily shorting the connection between two pins on the motherboard. This sends a signal to turn the computer on. In rare instances, a...

Dell provides some of the best LCD flat panel computer displays available and they are popular products in a variety of fields and environments. While user feedback for these devices is...

Building a PC system may seem like an intimidating or daunting task intended for qualified professionals but there is a wealth of information, manuals and support that make the process more than...

If you are building or upgrading your computer, you need to connect several wires to the motherboard in order for it to interface with the controls and LEDs on the front of the computer case....

In a retail store, a "barebone" computer is usually a case containing a motherboard, CPU, RAM and a power supply. You must supply your own storage devices, video card (unless you choose integrated...

Desktop computers get their power from a built-in power supply. When you look at the back of your computer notice the power cord; this plugs directly into the power supply which is located inside...

There was once a time when computer owners couldn't get enough of more speed. Today, many of us have all the speed we could ever want, but we are constantly running out of storage space. Upgrade...

Computers have become powerful enough to act as media hubs for your home. You can edit videos on your computer and transmit them to your TV, store large music libraries, and record high-definition...

Whenever you start dealing with electrical outlets, you want to take a few precautions, and computers are no exception. Their internal power supplies use hundreds of watts and are set to use more...

A workstation computer should have three primary characteristics, according to YourDictionary.com. It is designed for a single user; it is a high-performance machine; and it is typically used for...

Building your own PC can be a rewarding albeit occasionally frustrating experience. If you are a self-proclaimed "dummy" who has no PC-building experience, the most difficult aspect of PC building...

Few computer problems are more frustrating than a laptop that refuses to boot, as troubleshooting becomes infinitely more difficult when you are unable to get into the operating system. By...

Contrary to what you might think, most laptops can be operated without a battery. A battery allows you to go anywhere you want and use your laptop, without the constraints of being tied down to a...

By building a computer instead of buying one from companies such as Dell, Apple or Hewlett-Packard, you can save money. You will not have a warranty on the overall system, but you will have...

Does your laptop battery seem to only last an hour when you use it? Promises of 6-8 hour battery life spans were calculated under ideal circumstances. However, the average user is much more...

Laptop batteries like the MacBook battery can hold a charge for a certain amount of time depending on manufacturing, age and use. A first step to knowing how long it takes to charge your battery...

A computer power source converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and provides a secure ground in case of electrostatic shock. You should test a power supply before plugging it into...

Fixing electronics of any kind can seem difficult, and it is no different when it comes to Apple iMac computers. Fortunately, replacing an iMac power supply is a fairly simple task that can be...

There is a misconception that a gaming computer has to be expensive, using high-end parts and exotic cooling mechanisms. This is not the case, as most consumer computers are built from standard...

Short of USB ports? Most computers come with only two or three USB ports. Here are a couple of ways to add extra ports and take away the hassle of constantly switching devices.

External hard drives are essential for backing-up data and transporting data from one computer to another. Western Digital manufactures a line of user-friendly external hard drives under its...

The HP DeskJet 932c is a small printer perfect for any home or small office setting. It does its job effectively until you run into the occasional errors that cause communication and printing...

Most people with home computers are interested in printing anything from reports to vacation photos. Luckily an HP PCI printer can handle anything you throw at it; however you may, at some point,...