January 15, 2010 at 8:45 am · Filed under Business, Hardware Tips, Tech + Life
These days it is a must for contemporary companies to get hold of IT hardware if only to sell their goods and services on the World Wide Web. In addition to the original expense, IT equipment must have regular maintenance and updates and this oftentimes has to be outsourced. Then there’s the loss in profit caused by all the down time and hassle.
Buying second-hand hardware and other related items helps business organizations to reduce the initial outlay, particularly upstarts and professionals setting up a business on their own due to the large outgoings required. So you can to see why the market for second hand networking equipment and data storage is flourishing, in particular in today’s economic climate. Nearly any computer hardware involved in running a company may be sourced, saving a fortune when it’s all added up. If you opt for an item of used equipment, you can be sure it will perform precisely as you need it to. Nevertheless getting second-hand equipment that’ll fulfill your requirements may seem to be an overwhelming task, especially if you have a special make or model in mind. In reality buying refurbished is painless if you join forces with efficient providers. Let them know if you like to source a particular unit, manufacturer or other characteristics. It’s common knowledge that the latest computer hardware is frequently problematic, and generally actually isn’t good value for money. This means that business organizations who get new units as soon as they become available usually have to upgrade or patch the new hardware. In fact it’s not unusual for some organizations to just absorb the loss and write off their new computer hardware in its entirety completely.
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Of course established equipment has the advantage of having been put through its paces by a large number of people. You will not have to spend time dealing with the factory problems commonly experienced with brand new networking equipment. Dependability should not be a cause for concern either as everything is carefully checked prior to being shipped. Doing business with experienced providers is of paramount importance. Do not buy from the first one you come across, make sure they have experience in the industry. By taking the time to do this you can be assured of finding top quality equipment. It’s a good idea to make sure the goods have a warranty as well. The evidence shows that the benefits of buying second-hand computer hardware are more than simply financial. When you discover how much money and time you’ll save, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try refurbished hardware before.
April 9, 2008 at 7:12 pm · Filed under Hardware Tips
In this article we look at how to install an AGP graphics card for your computer. Learning how to install computer components can be tricky if you’ve never done it before.
But I trust we’ll show you that many tasks have a “plug an play” functionality to them. The same is true with the AGP graphics card. The term AGP stands for “Accelerated Graphics Port” and this is the specific slot on your computer where you will install your graphics card. You will simply slip the AGP graphics card into this slot and you will be good to go.
1. Power Down Your System
To install video card components correctly in your computer you will have to begin by powering your system down first. This is a matter of safety and precaution.
Always make sure your computer is completely shut down before you install video card components or any other internal part for that matter. After you shut down your computer you also need to cut off the juice to the power supply. If you’ve never done this before, take a look at the back of your computer. You will see a switch where the power supply is. Flip that switch into the off position. Finally, pull the AC power cord.
It may have never occurred to you that you would need to do all of this, but it’s important that we show you how to install computer components the right way. Rule 1 is to make sure there is absolutely no power going into the system. Any latent surges will fry your system in a heartbeat and could injure you in the process.
2. Opening Up the Computer Case
Next we will have to open up the case. Since we are learning how to install an AGP graphics card, and that card goes inside your computer, we will have to remove the case.
Don’t worry about this procedure though. Perhaps you have experience in knowing how to install computer components like external hard drives, but said you would never poke around inside your computer. Really, it’s not that hard.
Before you can open your case however you need to find out what kind of case you have. That will determine how your particular case is to be opened. If you have something like a mini-tower, you can open this case by removing one of the side panels. Be sure to remove the side that’s above the motherboard. Simply remove the screws in the back of the computer that hold the panel onto the chassis and then lift it off.
Some older style cases, however, require that you remove the whole back cover off and slide the chassis out. Check your particular model and see how it’s designed.
3. Remove PC Slot Cover
Before you can install video card components like the AGP graphics card, you will need to remove the PC slot cover in the back of the computer.
Look at the back of your computer and you’ll see what we mean. There are a series of several metal latches facing the slots where you can insert internal computer components. Most of these metal latches are secured by one or two screws. When it comes times to insert a component, like a modem, for example, you will need to first remove the metal latch in front of the slot before you insert the component.
With the AGP graphics card the process is the same. First locate the AGP graphics card slot. There is only one slot that will correctly match your card, so you’re in luck. Then unscrew the metal latch in front of the AGP graphics card slot, slide the latch out, and set the screws in a safe place.
4. Installing the AGP Card into its Slot
Now comes the part you’ve been waiting for, knowing how to install an AGP graphics card into its slot. Again, there is only one card on the motherboard that matches your AGP card, so don’t worry about putting it into the wrong slot.
If you’re not sure, look at the bottom of the AGP card to match it up with possible slots on you. The AGP card slot stands out from all of the other slots on your motherboard, kind of in its own little corner.
When you’re ready, align the AGP graphics card above its slot. Hold the card with your fingers from both ends and press it down into the slot until it seats firmly. Make sure that it’s firmly pressed into the slot. If anyone part of the card is sticking out, push it back in. Then secure the card into the motherboard by screwing the retaining screw into the motherboard.
5. Plugging In the Monitor, Closing Up and Powering Up
With your card properly installed, it’s time to plug in your monitor. That wasn’t so bad, was it? Little by little, you’re learning how to install computer components until you become a real pro! Find your monitor cable and plug it into the AGP card monitor connector.
If your card has more than one connector, this means that your card can support more than one monitor. Check your documentation to determine which is the appropriate connector for your monitor. Plug it in, and you’ll be good to go!
Not it’s time to close up and power up. Place the computer cover back onto your computer. Screw it back on using the screws that (hopefully) you remembered to set in a safe place earlier. Now it’s time to power up.
Flip your power supply’s power switch back on, and then plug the AC cord into wall outlet. Then, reboot your computer. To correctly install video card components, as with other components, you also need to install software drivers. Locate the CD that came with your card and insert into your computer when it reboots. Follow the instructions to install the appropriate software drivers.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve passed another milestone in learning how to install computer components! We think you’ve begun to see that it’s not all that difficult. The components and motherboard are meant to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
On older systems you may find that your computer uses a PCI slot and card instead of the AGP card. Regardless, the general process is the same. Don’t forget to consult the documentation that comes with your hardware whenever you feel stumped. Use a little common sense and follow basic safety precautions. Your new card will be up and running in no time.
Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at Build-Your-Own-Computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.
