Guide to Making the Most of Computer Hardware

Find simple ways to extend the life of your computer hardware and accessories

By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing, 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call)

1. Find out how to extend the life of that most irritating of computer accessories—your notebook battery.
2. Keep your hard drive alive longer by regularly defragmenting.
3. Preserve your computer components by keeping them cool.
   

Action Steps to Find Great Deals on Computer Parts
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Extend the life of notebook batteries--vital computer accessories--with proper care

Believe it or not, leaving your laptop battery plugged in and fully charged is NOT the best way to keep it alive and happy. These particular computer accessories are touchier than most. For the best long-term life of your battery, you should unplug it and completely discharge it on a monthly basis. Partial discharges and recharges dramatically reduce battery life.

I recommend: There is a great guide to getting more life out of your rechargeable batteries at legalandrew.com. It gives instructions on how best to store your batteries for long-term preservation. If your battery no longer holds a charge properly, follow the troubleshooting steps on RM. You can also download their free notebook battery calibration tool. In Windows Vista, make sure you right-click on the file and select "Run as Administrator".

Preserve the most important computer component--your hard drive--by defragmenting

Hard drive fragmentation is basically a scattering of files across your hard drive. It can cause hard drive to run slower and work harder, seeking out all the disparate pieces of different files that are being worked on. This actually causes your hard drive to run slower, and shortens the life of this extremely vital computer hardware part. Regular defragmentation has been proven to extend the life of hard drives.

I recommend: In Windows XP, you have to defragment the hard drive yourself manually. This task can be automated using software such as Diskeeper from the Diskeeper Corporation. They even offer volume discounts for small businesses. The defragment utility incorporated in Windows Vista does automatically run--usually on Wednesday morning at 1AM--but it actually defragments worse than the built-in XP defrag utility. A good alternative to the built-in Vista defragment is Diskeeper or its competitor DiskMagik, available for download at Ludington Media West.

Protect your internal computer parts by keeping them cool enough

Overheating is a major contributor to a large number of computer problems, including everything from spontaneous reboots to actual hardware damage. Desktop towers shoved inside of compartments and under desks are particularly vulnerable. Laptop computers, particularly HP laptops, have a tendency to run so hot that they'll sear your thighs. All of this puts extreme strain on the internal computer hardware parts, and will drastically decrease their lifespan.

I recommend: You can order a laptop cooling pad at Frozencpu.com. Most pads are powered by USB cable that plugs into the laptop. For desktop computers, minimize overheating by pulling out the case and blasting the insides with compressed air monthly. Dust is a major factor in overheating. If you have the tower stuffed under a desk, add additional internal fans to ensure that the insides are sufficiently cooled. You can pick up extra CPU case fans at computer hardware suppliers like TigerDirect or Newegg.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No preventative measure will preserve a part forever. Once the part has failed, make sure that you buy wholesale computer hardware. There many different ways to find computer hardware wholesalers on the Internet, or at least suppliers that discount their prices vastly below retail. Google is your friend. Just do a search on 'wholesale' and the computer component you're looking to replace.

Guide to Finding Cheap Computer Parts, Components and Hardware

With the right pieces, upgrading your computer is both easy and affordable

By Matt Alderton, Writer, Editor and Media Consultant, Logolepsy Custom Content and Communications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what computer components you need

Before buying computer parts, you should know not only which parts you need, but what each does. An informed shopper always finds the best deals on computer hardware.

I recommend: Read Wikipedia’s entry for “Computer hardware” and Build-Your-Own-Cheap-Computer.com’s “Cheap Computer Parts” guide to familiarize yourself with your computer’s insides. Computer hardware organizations, such as those listed at Business.com, are also a good source for information.

Compare computer hardware prices online

Internet retailers generally offer the best prices on computer hardware. Visit several Web sites, however, before you click “Purchase.”

I recommend: Compare the cost of computer components online by searching for the computer parts you need—by product name or model number—at BizRate or Shopzilla. Or, go directly to your favorite online computer retailer; TigerDirect.com and Newegg.com generally have the best deals.

Buy cheap computer parts offline

If you prefer to do your shopping at brick-and-mortar businesses, consider hunting for cheap computer components at smaller, local computer retailers. Mom-and-Pop stores are likely to have not only the best deals, but also the best service on the computer hardware you buy.

I recommend: Computer Renaissance is a computer parts and repair franchise with top-rated prices and customer service. Not in your area? Ask local techies—you can find them via Google Groups or AOL Message Boards—where they shop. Finally, visit computer hardware industry events, like those listed at Business.com, for unique offline deals on computer components.

Look for used computer components

If you need a great deal on computer parts, consider buying used, refurbished or recycled computer hardware. Computers grow old quickly, after all, but their individual parts are often ageless.

I recommend: The Open Directory Project has dozens of links to used computer hardware dealers worldwide. Don’t forget eBay or computer hardware manufacturers themselves, such as Dell or HP, which sell refurbished computer components via outlet stores.

Sweeten the deal with extra computer components and accessories

Cheap computer parts will make your computer work, but cheap computer accessories—such as a printer, speakers, a scanner, a digital camera and a Webcam—will make it fun.

I recommend: Don’t forget basics like a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse, which you can find online at Business.com.

Don’t forget the operating system

Computer parts are your PC’s bones, but an operating system is its brain. Choosing a smart OS will increase your machine’s efficiency and your own productivity.

I recommend: There are three main operating systems for the modern computer: Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Versions of all three can be purchased from CompUSA.

Install your new computer parts

If you really want to save money, don’t just buy your own computer components; install them, too.

I recommend: To install your own computer parts, you’ll need a computer toolkit, such as those at Amazon.com, which have tools designed specifically for computer hardware installation, and antistatic equipment, such as wrist straps and bags from ESDProduct.com, which will protect your new computer components from the static electricity that can damage them.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cheap computer hardware is useless without good computer software. At the bare minimum, invest in high-quality anti-virus and home office programs.
• •  Not all computer hardware is cheap. One computer part that’s worth the extra money is a UPS (Emergency Backup System). Both a surge protector and a backup system, a UPS will protect your data in case of a power outage and is therefore an essential addition to your system.
• •  Unless you’re buying in bulk, try to shop at small retailers and online dealers; the big box electronic stores tend to mark up prices significantly on individual computer parts.
• •  If you’re buying computer parts online, beware of shipping costs. Generally, the more parts you buy in one order, the cheaper it is to ship them.
• •  Need several computer parts? Consider purchasing a Barebones PC or kit, which come with all the basic computer hardware you’ll need.

Guide to Pricing and Costs of Computer Hardware

Get bargain prices on replacement laptop computer parts

By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing, 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call)

1. Order laptop parts in bulk from a laptop computer hardware wholesaler.
2. Purchase laptop parts cheaper by signing up as a reseller with computer hardware wholesalers.
3. Buy replacement laptop screens at a discounted rate.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Lock in the best price per laptop computer component by purchasing in bulk wholesale lots

You will save the most money by purchasing laptop computer components in bulk. Smaller wholesalers list lots available directly on their website, while larger wholesalers require that you submit your parts request and actually form a business to business relationship.

I recommend: You can purchase laptop parts such as hard drives, memory and replacement batteries in bulk from USAnotebook. Purchase Dell laptop parts in lots at Parts-People.com. Fill out the form at Tier1PC to request bulk laptop parts such as DVD drives, AC adapters and PCMCIA LAN and modem cards. They ship to customers globally by pallet, truckload and container.

Get discounted laptop parts by signing up as a reseller with wholesale computer hardware suppliers

If you're running a computer repair business, or even a small computer hardware and accessories storefront, you may not be purchasing the quantity of parts you need to qualify for wholesale pricing. One creative method of still getting your parts at a discounted rate is to sign up as a reseller for an online laptop computer hardware supplier.

I recommend: Sivrin Technologies has a reseller program that allows you to get discounts between 10% and 30% from the web-based selling price of over 25,0000 laptop parts. You can also sign up as a reseller with Laptop Parts Expert. California residents will have to provide a resale certificate.

Purchase new or replacement laptop screens from a discount computer hardware provider

Replacement laptop screens are worth mentioning separately because they're rarely sold in lots at computer hardware wholesalers. This is a premium item that easily runs upwards of a four or five hundred dollars. You can easily buy these items at a discount from online retailers.

I recommend: Call or submit a request a quote on a particular laptop screen at LCDs4Less.com. You can also search their inventory by laptop model. They sell LCD's at a 60% discount from the retail price. You can also purchase discounted laptop screens at ScreenTek.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a computer hardware supplier, or service tech, it's a good idea to stock individual laptop key replacement kits. Sure, there are cases when you should replace the entire laptop keyboard, but many customers will appreciate having the option to purchase just a single key. These kits are easy to find on eBay.

Guide to Computer Hardware Key Terms

Learn about the various hardware components of your desktop

By Jamie Belanger, Computer Technician & Marketing, 1-800-905-GEEK (Geeks on Call)

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Random access memory (RAM)

Random access memory (RAM) is the most widely familiar form of computer memory. This component, along with your CPU, controls how much your computer can think about at once, and how quickly it can think. Originally, most desktops shipped with SDRAM. Later, the standard shifted to DDR RAM. The standard today is DDR2 RAM. The most common form factor is DIMM or SODIMM (for notebook computers), which is basically a 64-bit interface.

I recommend: Learn about the different types of RAM at Computer Memory Upgrade. This website explains form factors, memory speed, cache memory and other concepts important to how RAM works.

Hard drive or hard disk drive (HDD)

The hard drive determines the storage capacity of your computer, or how much data you are capable of storing. The hard disk drive (HDD) is the current standard, and is comprised of disk platters that store information magnetically. Traditional hard drives are subject to mechanical failure because of moving parts. HDDs come in IDE or SATA, with SATA being the new, faster communications standard. A newly emergent technology called the SSD or solid state hard drive has no moving parts and uses NAND flash or SDRAM technology to store data.

I recommend: Understand the difference between IDE and SATA hard drives at HardDriveReport.com. Learn about the new solid state hard drive technology at PCTechGuide.

Video card

A video card is an expansion card that generates and outputs images to your display. It can also be called a display adapter or graphics card. Many computers come with an onboard graphics chip built into the motherboard. You can upgrade the graphics capability in your desktop with a graphics accelerator card. Laptops are limited to the capabilities of their onboard graphics.

I recommend: Compare and review the latest graphics cards at PC Magazine.

Central processing unit (CPU) or processor

The central processing unit (CPU) of your computer is an electronic circuit that executes computer programs. The processor is the brains of your computer.

I recommend: Computer Shopper has a guide on how to buy the best new CPU.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board inside your desktop or laptop. All components of your computer speak to each other via the motherboard, either through external ports, expansion slots, or by being directly connected to the motherboard (such as onboard video or sound cards). There are many different types of motherboards designed to accommodate different CPUs.

I recommend: Read the latest reviews of motherboards at Motherboards.org. Find out how motherboards function at HowStuffWorks.

Optical, DVD, and CD drives

An optical drive retrieves and stores data on optical disks like CDs and DVDs. The DVD drive has replaced the CD drive as the industry standard. A DVD drive or burner can write on a variety of different media formats, such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL. Older drives cannot read or burn the -R format.

I recommend: See the latest roundup of DVD burners at BurnWorld.com.