Computer Accessories

– Part One

Besides the essential components of the computer like the motherboard, the CPU and the hard drive, there are many useful peripherals that can be added.  These two articles will take a look at some of the extra components you can buy to make your computer more useful and productive.

Computer Case

The computer case is not really an accessory -- it is an integral part of the computer.  It supports the motherboard and the internal drives.  It also protects the delicate circuitry and provides airflow to cool the internal components.

Cases come in various shapes and sizes.  They are designed to hold motherboards of a particular 'form factor' – the size and layout of the motherboard.  The most popular form factor is ATX, and ATX cases are available in a variety of sizes.  Upright ATX cases are available as full towers, mid towers, and mini towers.  Smaller micro ATX cases are also available.

The size of the case plays a large part in determining how your computer can be upgraded.  Small cases have a limited number of bays which hold components like hard drives and CD drives.  If there are no extra bays available in the case, your only upgrade option is to replace existing components.

Cases vary widely in prices -- anywhere from $20 to over $1000.

Power Supply

Another essential part of your computer is the power supply.  This is a small box which fits inside the case and provides power for all of the internal components and some of the external components.  A high-quality power supply is essential for supplying stable current to the sensitive electronic components that make up a computer system.

Some power supplies are designed to provide extra airflow through the case.  Heat build-up is a major problem in modern computers so anything that can aid in cooling the inside of the case is welcome.

Cooling Fans

Modern CPUs generate a tremendous amount of heat so it is essential that they have a heatsink and cooling fan in direct contact with them.  Cooling fans are not an option -- without them the CPU would quickly burn out.  They usually come integrated with a heat sink – a finned metal block that comes into contact with the CPU.  The heat sink has a large surface area to dissipate heat quickly and the fan is attached to the top of it.  The fan blows cool air down through the heat sink to maximize the cooling effect.

Cooling fans are also available for graphic cards and computer cases.  Cooling solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated.  The latest generation of computer coolers are water cooling kits designed to provide cooling to all the internal components of the computer case.

USB Ports

Many modern peripherals use USB (Universal Serial Bus) to connect to the computer. USB devices include printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, as well as external storage devices such as hard drives, CD-ROMs, and memory cards.

It's a good idea to have plenty of USB ports installed in your computer.  More and more accessories are using USB to connect to computers and there is nothing more annoying than running out of ports and having to juggle between accessories.  Try to have at least two on the back of the computer and four on the front panel.  If you find yourself running short you can add a USB mini hub that gives you extra connections.

Network Adapters and Modems

Almost everybody with a computer wants to use the Internet.  In order to connect to the World Wide Web you must have a modem.  There are two basic types -- dial-up and broadband.  Dial-up modems are much slower than broadband and also tie up the phone line while you are on the Internet.

Broadband modems are connected to the computer through a network adapter.  This is an add-on card that goes in one of your PCI slots.  Broadband connections give you speed advantages and also allow you to use the phone as you are surfing the net.

Network adapters are useful even if you don't use broadband.  They can be used to set up a home network by connecting 2 or more computers through the network cards.  The connections can be either physical (with wires) or wireless.

A home network allows computers to share peripherals such as printers and modems, and also allows files to be shared and transferred from computer to computer.  Home networks are easy to set up.  All that is required is a network card in each computer and a router or hub to connect all the computers together.

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