Computer Systems

Computer Systems

How to approach the task of compiling a computer system using our online store (or anyone else's) to find the right components and parts.

Select your computer platform. Before you start shopping, you should determine whether you want a Mac or a Personal Computer. To make this decision consider what platform the majority of your friends and coworkers use. If PCs are the standard platform at work, you should probably purchase a PC for yourself. PCs are the choice of most businesses, except those focused on artistic endeavors, such as advertising agencies. Many elementary schools have standardized on the Mac computer, so if you are a teacher or have children who use Macs at school, then that should be your platform of choice.
Pros and Cons. People who own Macs report high levels of satisfaction with Mackintosh reliability, and with the level of technical support. The PCs strength is the much greater "native" availability of software, but viruses, spyware and malware in general are hundreds of times more likely to target PCs than Macs. This ratio will decrease now that we have Intel-based Macs that can run Windows programs. Good antivirus and firewall protection is essential for either platform. Macs cost more to buy, but their greater reliability saves money in terms of fewer repairs and less down time.

Definition. A computer system is the combination of hardware, components and parts, and software. According to Wikipedi, owners of computing systems commonly give them female names by due to the impact these systems have on our lives. Networks connecting computers, in contrast, typically get male names. While compatibility problems still exist, the standardization that has evolved around PC architecture helps to ensure that many parts and peripherals are now "Plug and Play," or at least are configurable with not too much trouble.

Ensure compatibility. Anyone who wishes to build a customized computer system should carefully ensure that all of the system requirements of the various components and parts are compatibly met. Within this limitation, virtually any combination of computer attributes can be incorporated to meet the individual's specific needs. Do you need the blazing speed and computational power required for happily addictive gaming? Is speed less important than the truly enormous storage that a professional photographer requires? Whatever you need (within reason) is possible to acquire by mixing and matching appropriate components and parts. Keep costs down by bearing in mind Vernon Howard?s wise observation:

"You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need."