computing and other things
hardware
About computer components
HP buying 3Com
April 30th
HP once again shows again that does not stop growing as a large corporation wants to do everything and have everything. Basically what it does is buy other companies with complementary products that give value to your brand and help to break into markets that had not fully exploited.
3Com has cost 7200 million dollars (USD), nothing to do with the 25,000 million that was paid by Compaq for some years now.
We are not talking about anything new in the world of software we have seen Google buy anything that puts him ahead, but other companies like Adobe and Microsoft will not fall short.
A netbook the company?
January 25th
Set as anyone netbook laptop that is small in size, as might be less than 12 "(inches), not differentiate between netbooks and ultra-portable.
A computer of this kind is an ideal tool for business and people need to move constantly, entrepreneurs, freelancers and employees in general in many professions.
If you want to buy a netbook must ask ourselves a series of questions as necessary to make use of it:
- I really need a laptop? I go with a cell phone, blackberry or a PDA (PDA)?
- How many hours at work I can not connect the computer?
- I need internet at any time? Where will I work has a connection? There will be wireless available? I need a mobile Internet access?
- I work with the tools and programs I need?
What gives us a laptop with these characteristics? The advantages of a netbook:
- Attractive price, cheaper than a laptop-sized "normal" (around 300 €).
- Better mobility, less weight (maximum 1-2 kg), occupies less space. Easy to transport.
- We have almost all the capabilities of any conventional computer, Internet, spreadsheets, PDF documents, system environment Windows (or Linux) are compatible with any program.
- The duration of the battery can work part time (4h), and in some models almost reach the 8-10am.
Disadvantages of a netbook:
- Low power, some applications may not work or go too slow, such as application design, CAD, 3D ...
- Limited functions, but today is not a big problem not having CD-DVD when there are USB sticks and external hard drives.
- Small screen, you have to work many hours can tire the eye.
- Reduced keyboard, although this aspect has improved lately.
Some of the utilities and functions that can be found in most netbooks:
- We can use them for live performances of a product or service of our company through the screen, or even connecting to an external screen or video projector. Some models include a touch screen, are called Tablet PCs.
- Allows access to the Internet through any wireless network (wireless / wifi) that is available. You can also purchase a USB modem with a card of any mobile telecommunications company.
- We can synchronize contacts, calendar and media files with other devices via Bluetooth adapters.
I hope this article will be more clear about what you can and what you can do with a mini-laptop.
Updated drivers for nvidia, ati and intel
December 12th
Today, one of the most important components in the world of video games for PC's video card or graphics card. To play with the maximum possible quality and safety must always be passed as standard components (hardware). But if we are to improve the performance of our video card just to have the drivers (drivers) to date. We'll get better quality with less effort optimizing the GPU resources and avoid problems than most current games.
Whenever you download the latest driver for your model of graphics card.
Also remember that laptops (notebooks) usually have a different driver version for computers sobretauala such series Nvidia GeForce M series and ATI Mobility Radeon .
Each operating system requires certain video drivers, so the drivers for Windows XP will not work with Vista or Windows 7 32 or 64 bit, and certainly not with Linux or Mac OS X. Take a few minutes to find the required version for your system and save you many headaches.
You'll find updated drivers on the manufacturer's website, although some have alternate versions and even a few pounds (like Linux), the best performance we get the original drivers from the manufacturer;
Drivers for Ati Radeon Catalyst;
- Download Center - support.amd.com / us / gpudownload / Pages / index.aspx
ForceWare Drivers / ION for NVIDIA GeForce: Beta versions are more unstable, but offer more features and compatibility with current games.
- Current stable and certificates - www.nvidia.es/Download/index.aspx?lang=es
- Beta and old - www.nvidia.es/Download/Find.aspx?lang=es
Drivers for Intel: Through the Intel website can update the drivers of our team in a very easy, just enter the URL to www.intel.com / support / detect.htm and let we recommend using the automatic installer.
- Auto Installer - www.intel.com / support / graphics / detect.htm
- Download Center - downloadcenter.intel.com / default.aspx? iid = subhdr + downloads
If you do not know the model card you have on your computer (Windows XP) can access:
- Home -> Right click on the icon in My Computer (My Computer) -> select the option Properties -> Hardware Tab -> Device Manager -> Display Adapters.
As shown in the image side, you can click on to enlarge.
The process of installing and / or updating graphics card drivers from our;
- Before proceeding to update the drivers for the graphics card must be remembered that it is recommended to uninstall previous drivers of the previous version and reboot the system, performing what is called a clean install.
You can remove the previous version of drivers from:
- Start -> Control Panel -> Add or Remove Programs
This article is a review of the original that I created for the blog lanparty de Puig-Reig , which can be found at this link .
Sockets for current Intel CPU
October 9th
If you already have an idea of the processor that need and we decided to intelligence, we must know the different configurations that can be required by the CPU (processor) chosen. It is important to note that the CPU requires a type of plug (or socket) on the mainboard (motherboard).
At present we are in a time of transfer to the new models start to appear now, especially in sectors that require more power.
We can find two types of socket for Intel current desktop (not server):
- LGA 775 , also known as Socket T - For the current series processors Celeron, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad and others.
- LGA 1156 - For i3 processors (planned for 2010), i5, i7.
The motherboards with support for socket 1156 include support for the new DDR3 RAM type.
All you need to know about AM3 - AMD
September 26th
Summary and cpu socket AM3
AMD has just released the new CPU with a new architecture and a "new" socket, called AM3, which replaces the current AM2. This processor is designed to work at peak performance with the new DDR3 memory (fully compatible).
One of the strengths is that any CPU socket AM3 compatible with motherboards that are currently and are AM2 or AM2 +. So if you have a PB with this socket you can upgrade to a new CPU without changing BP. On the contrary, but does not, that is if you have a PB with socket AM3 can not put an old CPU (AM2) to not work.
In short outline plan;
PB AM3 AM3 + CPU = OK
PB AM2 + AM3 CPU = OK
PB AM3 AM2 + CPU = not working
This is as always very nice in theory but a fact to consider, and if we want to improve the power of your computer all the components must work with all its capabilities and performance. If you have an AM2 motherboard and processor We put a super powerful AM3 performance is not the same as we get an optimal configuration with PB and AM3 CPUs. But it becomes an advantage on the issue of repairs and maintenance of our computer, because if we do not need to change the entire PC (processor, motherboard, RAM) ... as long as not damaged the motherboard, where Tocharian change everything but get a PB with your CPU socket.
What CPU do I need for my PC?
September 17th
If you are thinking about upgrading your computer or want to buy a new one you have to take into account the processor, which is one of the most important parts, as would be the engine of a car. For the performance we need to do to choose the components you want to do as the computer does not need the same power to surf the Internet to play the latest 3D game that has flooded the market. Each audience has its needs and is the first thing to consider.
Today we have two major processor companies Intel and AMD. We could start a flame wars, but we leave for another day. So in short we can say that a little power if we want the option to choose would be Intel, but if you want a good balance between quality and price of the option would be AMD.
The price of a processor is proportional to its power, at least one argument that is often fulfilled. We also have to be careful if you do not want to pay more CPU "old."
It is very common to see computers offers us (especially in supermarkets and other places not specialized) that use an outdated CPU and motherboard that has completed its life span (and therefore they no longer produce more units). This is usually a source of problems later on in a few months or years, not only for the performance difference with current models (and optimized), but even when we find the need to upgrade or replace components that can become an ordeal after one or two years of the life of some of the main components of a computer.
The best advice is to ask two or three known about their preferences and then compare it to specialized pages (with comparative performance graphs, etc.) and if possible being assisted by a technician.
Not always the most expensive option should be the best.
At present and according to my personal preferences I chosen following these points, taking into account the features of a desktop computer (prices approximate);
- Best price (cheaper), office automation, Internet: ~ 40 € - AMD Sempron, we also have the Intel Celeron, for the same price but offer less power.
- The best value for money, multimedia tasks: ~ 70 € - AMD Athlon II 64-bit, 2 to 4 cores ...
- Performance at great price - Overclocking: ~ € 120 - AMD Phenom, 3 or 4 cores with good cache.
- Power: ~ 140 € - Intel Core 2 Quad.
- Power extreme 3D games: ~ € 280 - Intel Core i7, 45nm, DDR3, 64 bit ...
Needless to say, the price of the CPU should add a motherboard that allows us to make the best processor performance.
