Dell Alienware M11x R3, M14x and M18x Laptops!

Let’s start with the M18x, which will launch with the title of “most powerful 18-inch gaming laptop in the universe.” It offers dual-graphics technology – that’s up to 200 watts of graphics horsepower – from both ATI and nVidia, and the industry’s only Intel Core i7 Extreme CPU option factory overclocked to 4GHz. The M18x is their flagship laptop and a true desktop replacement. It’s perfect for gamers who want to compromise nothing for blistering frame rates and full immersion in the gaming experience. In addition to the raw power this machine brings to bear, the m18x, encased in an anodized aluminum chassis, with a beautiful 18.4? FHD (1920 x 1200 pixel resolution) screen, wireless HD and 3D options, as well as HDMI-in, allows gamers a no-holds-barred machine capable of meeting even the most grueling demands of today’s gamer.

 

Next is the M14x, which delivers unprecedented performance and portability. For gamers seeking a mobile HD gaming experience who want a balance of performance and mobility, the new 14-inch M14x offers the best of both worlds. Weighing in at less than 6.5lbs, the M14x features full-voltage Second-generation overclockable Intel Core i7 CPUs, discrete graphics and an optical disk drive. For the gaming enthusiast or anyone who needs mobile computing performance, the M14x is a mobile yet powerful option. The M14x offers updated graphics featuring the NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M with up to 3GB of graphics memory, and for the gamer on the go, optional Intel WiMAX technology or Verizon LTE to enable internet connectivity virtually anywhere. For the truly mobile gamer, the M11x has long been a favorite, but now it’s even better. We’ve improved it with second-generation Intel Core i processors with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, updated graphics featuring the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M, and like the larger M14x, optional Intel WiMAX technology or Verizon LTE. The latest M11x also features a soft touch finish with a new Nebula Red option.

 The M18x and the M14x (as does  their m17x) offer optional wireless HD audio and video for latency-free streaming to larger screens. All three laptops also offer HDMI 1.4 for connection to 3D-capable HDTVs for incredible, lifelike 3D gaming and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports for up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0 connections for a new level in data transfer.

What is Hardware?

Your PC (Personal Computer) is a system, consisting of many components. Some of those components, like Windows XP, and all your other programs, are software. The stuff you can actually see and touch, and would likely break if you threw it out a fifth-story window, is hardware.

Not everybody has exactly the same hardware. But those of you who have a desktop system, like the example shown in Figure 1, probably have most of the components shown in that same figure. Those of you with notebook computers probably have most of the same components. Only in your case the components are all integrated into a single book-sized portable unit.

The system unit is the actual computer; everything else is called a peripheral device. Your computer's system unit probably has at least one floppy disk drive, and one CD or DVD drive, into which you can insert floppy disks and CDs. There's another disk drive, called the hard disk inside the system unit, as shown in Figure 2. You can't remove that disk, or even see it. But it's there. And everything that's currently "in your computer" is actually stored on that hard disk. (We know this because there is no place else inside the computer where you can store information!).

The floppy drive and CD drive are often referred to as drives with removable media or removable drives for short, because you can remove whatever disk is currently in the drive, and replace it with another. Your computer's hard disk can store as much information as tens of thousands of floppy disks, so don't worry about running out of space on your hard disk any time soon. As a rule, you want to store everything you create or download on your hard disk. Use the floppy disks and CDs to send copies of files through the mail, or to make backup copies of important items.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

There's too much "stuff" on your computer's hard disk to use it all at the same time. During the average session sitting at the computer, you'll probably use only a small amount of all that's available. The stuff you're working with at any given moment is stored in random access memory (often abbreviated RAM, and often called simply "memory"). The advantage using RAM to store whatever you're working on at the moment is that RAM is very fast. Much faster than any disk. For you, "fast" translates to less time waiting and more time being productive.

So if RAM is so fast, why not put everything in it? Why have a hard disk at all? The answer to that lies in the fact that RAM is volatile. As soon as the computer is shut off, whether intentionally or by an accidental power outage, every thing in RAM disappears, just as quickly as a light bulb goes out when the plug is pulled. So you don't want to rely on RAM to hold everything. A disk, on the other hand, holds its information whether the power is on or off.

The Hard Disk

All of the information that's "in your computer", so to speak, is stored on your computer's hard disk. You never see that actual hard disk because it's sealed inside a special housing and needs to stay that way. Unlike RAM, which is volatile, the hard disk can hold information forever -- with or without electricity. Most modern hard disks have tens of billions of bytes of storage space on them. Which, in English, means that you can create, save, and download files for months or years without using up all the storage space it provides.

In the unlikely event that you do manage to fill up your hard disk, Windows will start showing a little message on the screen that reads "You are running low on disk space" well in advance of any problems.  In fact, if that message appears, it won't until you're down to about 800 MB of free space. And 800 MB of empty space is equal to about 600 blank floppy disks. That's still plenty of room!

The Mouse

Obviously you know how to use your mouse, since you must have used it to get here. But let's take a look at the facts and buzzwords anyway. Your mouse probably has at least two buttons on it. The button on the left is called the primary mouse button, the button on the right is called the secondary mouse button or just the right mouse button. I'll just refer to them as the left and right mouse buttons. Many mice have a small wheel between the two mouse buttons, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The idea is to rest your hand comfortably on the mouse, with your index finger touching (but not pressing on) the left mouse button. Then, as you move the mouse, the mouse pointer (the little arrow on the screen) moves in the same direction. When moving the mouse, try to keep the buttons aimed toward the monitor -- don't "twist" the mouse as that just makes it all the harder to control the position of the mouse pointer.

If you find yourself reaching too far to get the mouse pointer where you want it to be on the screen, just pick up the mouse, move it to where it's comfortable to hold it, and place it back down on the mousepad or desk. The buzzwords that describe how you use the mouse are as follows:

• Point: To point to an item means to move the mouse pointer so that it's touching the item.
• Click: Point to the item, then tap (press and release) the left mouse button.
• Double-click: Point to the item, and tap the left mouse button twice in rapid succession - click-click as fast as you can.
• Right-click: Point to the item, then tap the mouse button on the right.
• Drag: Point to an item, then hold down the left mouse button as you move the mouse. To drop the item, release the left mouse button.
• Right-drag: Point to an item, then hold down the right mouse button as you move the mouse. To drop the item, release the right mouse button.

Computer Hardware

First of all, it might be useful to be mentioned the fact that computer hardware refers to components such as the motherboard, the computer chases and the computer screen as well as to all sorts of storage media and peripherals that are also very important to be considered. There are for example computer hardware components that are known to be very important for the way in which the computer functions as a system and few examples of such components are represented by the central processing unit, the computer case, the power supply, the motherboard, the random access memory, the PCI Express Cards, the AGP Cards, the PCI cards and the ISA Cards.

There are also computer hardware storage components which need to be considered when discussing about computer hardware because storing data is very important for all computer users. We can mention at this stage the floppy disk drives, the hard drive, the CD-Rom drive, the CD-RW drive, the DVD-Rom drive and the removable type of media such as the flash memory and the USB flash drive.

In what concerns the third type of computer hardware components, represented by the so-called computer peripherals it can be said that their main function is that of enabling users interface with their computers. Such peripherals are considered the display device, represented by computer monitor and other similar display devices, by the sound output and the mouse which is known to be a user pointing interface device. Other such peripherals are the keyboard, one of the main input devices and the printer which we all use nowadays as well. Scanners have become very familiar among computers users in the last few years as well because they are also very useful to be used sometimes.

The connectors are the cables are also important computer hardware components. We can mention at this stage the internal connectors, which are known to enable the connection of components inside the computer case. There are also the external connectors which are considered to be used especially for making our computer more useful.  Such external connectors refer to the AT keyboard connector, to the PS2 type of connector, to the VGA type of connector and also to the parallel port which is used for enabling an interface with printers that we might need to use.

All of these computer hardware components present specific functions that are very important for the way in which a computer functions and for the way in which users can work with their computers in various situations.

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7 Easy uses for an old computer

So you’ve decided to buy a new computer.
Good for you!
Chances are, once you’ve made that decision, your old one has bit the dust.
Or has it?
Here are seven great uses for an old computer, instead of tossing it in the trash or selling it. And don’t worry – these are for the regular folk, the ones who don’t need it for anything fancier than a bit of a bonus.

Give it to your kids… or your parents

Perhaps the most obvious choice, the computer might be a little old for your needs, but maybe not for your family members. Your parents or grandparents might just want to send along an email here and there, or your younger children may be able to use it for word processing and a few games.

The only ones who probably won’t benefit are those who need or expect a little more. If the computer is on its last life, the average games and software may not hold up.
No matter what you do, just be sure to completely erase the hard drive and reinstall the things they need.

Use it as a Light-Duty PC

Having an extra computer on hand for light-duty tasks is often handy. If it’s a laptop or a smaller computer, keep it on a small table in the corner of the living room or kitchen. It will be out of the way, but handy for a quick Google or email check

Bring it Back to ‘98

Windows 98, that is. Some classic programs and games were golden for Windows 98 and, if you remember, DOS. Resurrect the old ones by dedicating this computer to only run those. Give it a complete revamp with a new operating system, and do what you can to get all of the old programs. Nostalgia at its finest.

Save and Salvage

If you’re keen on building your own system, you may save some money by saving some of your old PC. Keep the optical drive, power supply, and the memory modules, all of which can help with double duty.

Dedicate It

That is, dedicate it to one specific purpose. Although an old computer may not be good for much, it might be good for little. Take a few moments to delete all of the programs you don’t need, and use it for just one that takes up a lot of memory. Perhaps store your photos, use it for design, or keep it for a single game.

Keep it for Media

If you delete your computer of any programs and data, then download the latest OS, you’re good to go. Plus in a router and connect your computer to your old one through the Network and Sharing centre on your connection list.

Create a Shared Files area of your new serve, ideally under the Computer/C:/Users/Public area of your computer. Now your computers are connected, and you can begin to share media files between them.

Make it an Entertainment Centre

Delete anything irrelevant from your computer, save for music, movies and pictures. Take an S cable and attach the TV and the computer. Click on Properties, find your TV and you’re done.

Use for Old Computers

I just read an article on the many uses of old computers. The best ideas seemed to be ways to allow your computer to be used by others over the net. One obvious use is to let the old computer serve up torrent files. Even a lanky old Pentium came server this purpose.

Another noble use for your old PC is to have is join the TOR network. This essentially allows users to hide their location and identity. It makes it harder for somebody to track their internet traffic. The goal of this system is to provide personal freedom. The software is open source. It is good for IRC, Instant Messaging, and web browsing.

Finally you can install the BOINC client on your computer. It lets you choose worthy projects for your computer to work on during idle processing. For example, you can help the search for extra terrestials by choosing the SETI project. If your old computer has a graphics processing unit (GPU), it will help the effort even more. Now there is no need to junk that old PC. Put it to good use.

Best ways to Reuse computer

How to reuse your old computer?

• Turn your computer into Home Theater PC , multimedia computer for your television.
• Use your computer as voip phone that is available on some location.
• Use computer as normal for simple things that don't require new computer.i.e slideshow with photos from last holidays/celebration
• Install software designed for old computers (like slackware linux)
• Improvise!
   

What happens to your discarded old computer?

Remember how good it felt the last time you hauled your clunky, old computer and monitor out to the curb and went back inside to turn on your shiny, new PC? Well as it turns out, that quick trip to the trash wasn't the best idea you ever had.

A growing number of advocacy groups are working to educate the public on what happens to their discarded, old computers and why they may want to take more precautions when disposing them. What many of us don't realize is that our electronics and other household electrical gadgets are potential Molotov cocktails, filled with unsavory heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

Before we talk about the dangers, let's first examine how ubiquitous these types of products have become in the U.S. and around the world. Americans own billions of electronic products, including 200 million computers.

Don't Throw Away Your Old Computer

Computers become obsolete faster than we can blink. The average American purchases a new computer every two to three years, but once we’ve bought a new computer, what should we do with the old one?
 One obvious option is to throw it in the trash. However, this method has detrimental effects on the environment. Incinerating e-waste causes toxic chemicals to leak into groundwater and streams, and burning plastic causes dioxin emissions.

Recycling is a good alternative to the dumpster. Recyclers will pick up your computer for a fee that is smaller than that of a junk hauler. But even this method of waste disposal is problemmatic. While many recycling programs are reputable, others send computers and electronics to developing countries, where computers are stripped of their valuable parts and then sent to the incinerator.

Don’t despair. You won’t be stuck with your old computer forever.

One option: Give your computer to charity. As long as your computer isn’t too obsolete, charities will refurbish your computer and give it to the less privileged. Some organizations will even take broken computers.

A less generous alternative: Trade-in your computer. HP has a trade-in program where you receive a free online quote and then send them your old computer. You then have 30 days to buy a new one and mail them a proof-of-purchase, after which they’ll mail you a check.

Types of Computers - A brief introduction

When looking at types of computers you are going to be amazed at the various technologies offered on on the market. Computers come in all different sizes, shapes, and with varying capabilities. 

In the high end you will find what are called supercomputers.  They are massive computers with thousands of connected computer microprocessors and then some.  They perform unbelievable calculation feats by tackling the most complex calculations.

On the other side you will find super tiny computers that are in everything from automobiles, to TV's, to even some refrigerators.  Of course the use of tiny microprocessors doesn't end there either.  Take for example a device called  a Cochlear implant, it helps the hearing impaired and even relies on a tiny microprocessor.

Now that you have a very basic understanding of types of computers, lets move onto the personal computer, otherwise known simply as the PC.  We are going to overview various types of personal computers including: desktops, laptops, handhelds and Tablet PC's.

Tablet PC's

Tablet PCs are unique types of computers.  Like a laptop they are mobile computers which allow you the freedom to take them with you out and about.

Like some handhelds the typical Tablet PC functions using a touch screen. On the left you will see a common tablet PC model.

The most unique feature with a tablet PC's is that you have the ability to write on one electronically using a special pen called a tablet pen.  For example you can draw pictures, control the cursor, or take notes electronically on the screen using the tablet pen. 

One cool feature definitely worth mentioning about tablet PC's are that they include software which has the ability to convert your handwriting into typed text.  Sometimes it works great, other times it is iffy, though in a short period of time all but the sloppiest writers will have adjusted their writing style a bit to where the handwriting text recognition software works wonders.

Handheld Computers

The smallest types of computers are handhelds. You may also hear someone call one a personal digital assistant (PDA), or pocket computer.

Handheld computer systems are battery powered and small enough to carry pretty much anywhere you please.

Pocket computers because of their absolute tiny frame are not nearly as powerful as desktop or laptop computers, but they are powerful enough in their own right to tackle plenty of computing chores.

They are great for the business man or even the busy housewife who likes to stay highly organized.  PDA's are awesome for storing addresses, your friends, family, and co workers phone numbers, scheduling appointments, and even playing the occasional bathroom break game.

Some handhelds including the IPhone have more advanced capabilities including making telephone calls, accessing the Internet, and more.  Some handhelds have mini thumb touch keyboards, and others handhelds have touch screens that you use with your finger or a pen like tool called a stylus.

Laptop Computers

Laptop Computer are lightweight mobile PCs that contain thin screens and tiny frames. They are also often called notebook computers too because of their small size.

When looking at the types of computers laptops can pretty much do what a desktop PC can, though because of its smaller nature it isn't going to be as powerful as a full fledged desktop and thus will have some limitations. 

Despite a minor limitation in the processing power department, which I should mention only really hinders the crazy power user, a laptop computer effortlessly can operate on batteries allowing you to be able to literally take one anywhere.  Take it to the local StarBucks, your neighbors, on vacation, or even to the beach.

On a physical level a laptop unlike a desktop combines the internal hardware components, screen, and keyboard in a single case.  Fold the screen down over the keyboard when not in use, drop it in your laptop bag, and your off to your favorite destination.  Try that with a desktop, we dare you! 

Desktop Computers

Desktop computers in general are designed primarily for use at a desk.  Because they are stationary during their life desktop computers are typically very powerful compared to other types of computers such as a laptop.

The typical desktop computer is loaded with powerful components because size isn't too much of an issue. In contrast a laptop requires components to have been shrunk tremendously for functionality, and in the computer world bigger is often better when it comes to sheer speed.

Desktop computers in the most general terms are made up of separate components including the system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.  The system unit is the most important piece for it contains the guts and brains of the computer system.  

System units are normally a rectangle box/case that sits on or underneath a desk. Other components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard come in various shapes and sizes but look fairly general across the board.  All connect in some fashion into the system unit completing the desktop computer.

What Types Of Computer Hardware

When discussing about what types of computer hardware users can identify within their PCs it is important to mention some examples. In this respect, it can be sad that among the hardware components very important are: the monitor, the motherboard, the computer case, the central processing unit, the random access memory, the hard drive, the power supply, the keyboard, the mouse, the printer, the modem, the cables, the chipset, the buses and others. As it can be seen, there are numerous types of hardware components included within a computer. Users should also become familiar with the fact that there are various models of the same hardware components available on the market. In this respect, users should also know that there are certain common hardware components which ca be fund in any computer and that there re also certain specific components which can differ form one computer to another. This type of data might be useful for users in their understanding of the way in which their computer functions in comparison with other computers.

All of these hardware components are very important to be analyzed when discussing about what types of computer hardware are found within a PC and what functions they have within the computer system.  For example, the motherboard is known to be very important because it includes many of the hardware components which are essential for the computer system to be able to operate. The central processing unit, one of the components found on the computer motherboard is essential for any computer because it is considered its brain. This is because the central processing unit deals with the main functions of the computer system and with the instructions which need to be operated by this system in order to offer users the opportunity to have the necessary results displayed on their computer screens. The random access memory, which is a storage computer device, is very important because it allows users to access all sorts of data being stored within the computer in a random order that they might choose. It is also important because it represents the main memory within the computer system. Another very important hardware component is the power supply, which gives the necessary power to other hardware components in order for them to function and in this way to enable the computer system to operate.

In any discussion on what types of computer hardware can be found it is important to be mentioned the importance of these components and the fact that good hardware components determine for the computer which includes them to also be a very good quality one. Users have to pay attention to what types of computer hardware they have when they need to work with their computers very much and to obtain good results by working with them. They need to have good input components, good output devices, good processing components and storage devices in order to work easier, better and faster with their computers.

Types Of Computer Parts

Nowadays, we live in a world of technology in which the use of computers is essential. Computers can be used for so many activities and purposes that we cannot even imagine not being able to have access to a computer which we might work with. We use computers not only at work and at school but also at home for all sorts of activities which we enjoy doing in our spare time. Computers have been very much improved in the last few years because there have been many changes made to their components. These changes widely influenced the performance of modern computers which users have appreciated more especially because of these improved features included within them. Users are very much interested in always being aware of the latest technology and the changes it brings so that they might also be able to improve their computers and the ways in which they work with them, as well as the results being achieved by using them. In this respect, many users have become more interested in finding out besides the basic notions related to their computers also some details related to what types of computer hardware they can find within their PCs, what functions these components have within their computer system and how they could be improved.

When discussing about what types of computer hardware can be found within a PC it is important to be mentioned the fact that hardware refers to components which can be seen and touched within computers and in this way users should not have any problem with finding and analyzing them. It is also important for users to be aware of the fact that these hardware components are known to be categorized as it follows: input types of components, output components, storage devices, processing components and communicating devices.

These five categories should enable users to understand what types of computer hardware can be found and what are the main functions of these components within a computer before learning more detailed information about each of these components. In this respect, as the names of these categories suggest we can find within a computer components which have input functions, which means that they are used to type certain instructions and information which act as input for the computer system which will have to operate them. Output components are certainly the ones on which the results of this operation of the instructions will be displayed. Storage devices could not deal with anything else than the storage of the necessary data and instructions within the computer system. Processing components are the ones dealing with the processing of the information given by input components in order to display the necessary results on the output type of devices. All of these components are very important within the computer system because they all have their specific roles in determining the performance of the computer system. It is also important for users to become aware of the fact that some of these components are actually essential for the computer system to be able to operate.

List Two Types Of Computer Hardware

Having and using a computer should not only mean that you might be able to know how to work within the daily activities but should also include some important elements related to what are the computer components and which are their functions within the computer system and how they can improve the well functioning of the computer. In this respect, it is important for the user to be aware of the necessity to get well informed about all the components included within their computers in order to be able to work easier with them and also to be able to overcome certain problems that they might encounter while working with their computers. Every computer consists of hardware and software components. These two types of components are both very important for the way in which the computer functions because they all work together as a system depending on each other and influencing in this way the performance of the computer. Among the two types of computer parts the hardware has many times been considered to be the most important one because even the software depends on it in order to be installed within the computers. There are many types of computer hardware components and they are all very important for the well functioning of the computer and in this way it is sometimes hard to choose two examples that might help us list two of the most important types of computer hardware.

When discussing about the most important computer hardware components within a PC it is very important to be mentioned the fact that all hardware components depend somehow on each other determining the performance of the computer as a system. In this way, it is hard to say which are truly the two most important components because they all present important functions for the computer and they are all required to function properly in order to support the computer system and to avoid the appearance of any kind of error within these functions. This is why when we try to list two of the most important types of computer hardware it is always necessary for us to also relate them to other hardware components with which they are directly connected or which influence the way in which they perform. Two examples that might be included within a discussion a list of two types of computer hardware are the motherboard and the monitor.

When discussing about the motherboard as an important element within the list of two essential types of computer hardware it is also important to be mentioned the main elements included within this hardware component because these elements are also very important for the computer system. Among these very important to be mentioned and analyzed are the sockets, the slots, the chipset, he non volatile types of memory, the clock generator, the power connectors and others. These are all important elements to be taken in account by everyone discussing about the motherboard as an important computer hardware component.