computer's for dummies

chevy4x4trucks · January 10, 2002

I've been getting more and more into computer lately and beginning to mess w/ the innards of them. Is there a page out there that will help me expand my knowledge? Info on hooking up hard drives, identifying what type of ram is required, shows the difference between PCI and AGP.

That type of stuff, just something so I don't have to constantly ask questions on here or at the computer store.

Thanks

bassdog · January 10, 2002

Jon,

Try this link

http://dir.clubs.yahoo.com/Computers_Internet/

Which is the page before Tech support, they have a bunch of computer realted groups to read.

You can also try usenet groups for help.

I'll search some more to see if I can come up with specifics.

bassdog

bassdog · January 10, 2002

hmmm, half my post didn't come thru...

bassdog

bassdog · January 10, 2002

Here is a link for usenet groups on Google.com

http://www.google.com/grphp?hl=en

These are not all the usenet groups available, but it's a start.

bassdog

chevy4x4trucks · January 10, 2002

thanks are there any good reference pages that identify components and that type of stuff? I could always buy the computers for dummies book, but then I'd feel like Paco.

bassdog · January 10, 2002

The usenet is mostly for posting messages for help and info, much like our forum.

As far as pages specific to hardware and such, I haven't found one yet. Try a search and see what you come up with.

I learn alot by reading what other people have done and trying it myself. Keeping up with the latest tech articles helps out alot as well. Try picking up a magazine like PC World or PC Magazine, they always have good articles on hardware and software. Webpages are http://www.pcmag.com

http://www.pcworld.com

CNET.com is a good website for info.

bassdog

Jokeman · January 10, 2002

thanks are there any good reference pages that identify components and that type of stuff? I could always buy the computers for dummies book, but then I'd feel like Paco.

Chevy, just PM me any questions you got over on the FSC PM's and Ill be more than happy to explain the stuff to ya.

chevy4x4trucks · January 10, 2002

I've got to finish setting up my sisters computer tonight so I think I'll rip it apart and check everything out to see how it all hooks up. One thing I've got to say though, is these dell optiplex's are about 2 billion times easier to work on than my compaq, just push two buttons to pop it open, unlike my compaqs 8 screws.

Jokeman · January 10, 2002

Yup Yup, I got a bunch Dell Optiplex's here at work that I use. They are a snap to work in. I still want to throw them through a wall somedays though.

chevy4x4trucks · January 10, 2002

I've got three at home. Two are mine that are mostly for network gaming and the others soon to be my sisters for her BDay tomorrow. I really haven't had any problems w/ them and I'm much happier w/ the dells than I am w/ my very difficult compaq.

Quick question about video cards: How can you tell wether or not you need a PCI or AGP. I knew to get PCI for the dells because that's what my friend told me to get, but how can I tell the difference?

Jokeman · January 10, 2002

There will be a big brown slot on the mother board above the pci slots, it may either be shorter or longer than the pci slots. It will be the first slot closest to the cpu.

Here is a good book too btw

http://www.amazon.com/exec....6860939

siume99 · January 10, 2002

Here is a link for usenet groups on Google.com

http://www.google.com/grphp?hl=en

These are not all the usenet groups available, but it's a start.

bassdog

That is a good site. Once upon a time (a year ago) it was called www.deja.com. You get transfered there if you type that in. Very powerful!

Also try www.howstuffworks.com and then go to the computer section, or do a search. Usually, they give their sources at the end of their explanation. Very good visuals too.

I just went there and found an article on 4x4s:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive.htm

siume99 · January 10, 2002

Here is an explaination of PCI and AGP at howstuffworks:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed.....rl=http

Here is another...

http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecen...tutorials/62/1/

chevy4x4trucks · January 10, 2002

Thanks for all the links, looks like I've got a lot of stuff to filter through over the coming weeks. Hopefully some day I'll understand a lot of this computer mumbo jumbo.