Computer Cases & Towers

Comparing Desktop Computers To Laptops

If you are considering a new computer for your home office you may be torn between purchase of a laptop computer and a desktop computer. While each has its advantages and disadvantages, for most home offices, the desktop computer is a better choice, unless you need to have a computer that is also portable.

Desktop computers are usually more powerful than laptops are. There is more space for the components that are need for larger memory and faster processors. However, many of the dual core processors that are available in laptop and notebook computers can rival many of the fastest desktop computers.

You can purchase a larger monitor for a desktop computer. Although the same monitor can also be used for a laptop computer, most users choose to use the built in monitor with the laptop. In addition with the desktop computer, if the monitor develops bad pixels or goes completely out, the monitor can be replaced easily. This is not such an easy task with a laptop computer.

The keyboards for desktop computers are more comfortable for typing than are the keyboards for notebook computers. The desktop keyboard can be angled by use of the attached legs to give it the natural angle of a typewriter. This can encourage users to keep wrists at a natural angle and prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.

Many notebook computers come with a touch pad rather than a mouse. While an improvement over the older track ball pointing devices, the touch pad is much more difficult to use than is a computer mouse. In defense of the notebook, if it is being used in the home office, the same mouse that you would normally use with a desktop computer can easily be plugged into any USB port.

Repair and upgrades of a desktop computer is much easier than a laptop computer. Most desktop computer towers will have several expansion slots available. This allows most users to install additional video cards, sound cards or disk drives as needed. The additional space also is useful in keeping delicate computer parts cool which protects them and gives them a longer life.

One final advantage of a desktop computer is that it is more difficult to steal. While if a robber is determined he can disconnect the cords to take the components of a desktop computer, with a laptop or notebook computer, the theft becomes a grab and go robbery.

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Build A Custom PC Yourself

For those who have never tried, the thought of building their own computer sounds like a very daunting task. It is really not that difficult though, as just a little basic technical knowledge is required. The reason being that PCs come in modular designs, meaning that they all work in pretty much the same, and that putting one together is, more often than not, just a simple assembly process.

The first step to building a computer is to purchase the major components. You will need a stand (case), motherboard, processor (CPU), memory and power supply unit (PSU). Since the CPU is the heart of any computer, it is probably a good place to start. Once it has been selected, purchase the motherboard. You need to be careful in your purchasing decisions of these two parts, as not all CPUs are compatible with all motherboards. Memory compatibility with the motherboard can also be an issue, so that should probably be the third component that you buy.

The computer case and the PSU should be your next purchases. These are often sold as a pre-assembled unit, but buying them separately is an option to consider. Buying these two components separately may cost a little more, but you can normally get a better performing computer by doing so.

Once you have all of major components that make up a PC, the next step is to choose and add in other components, such as the hard drive, monitor and speakers. These are manufactured to work on pretty much any PC, so compatibility is not an issue, and you can make your purchasing decisions based purely on preference and budget.

As mentioned, the process of building a PC is more like simple assembly. No soldering or the like is required and illustrated guides accompanying each motherboard make assembly a breeze. Just follow the instructions and it is hard to go wrong.

If possible, it is always advisable to have a techie friend on hand for those moments of doubt. You will actually be more likely to need them for the installation and setting up of the software than the actual building of the computer, which is the part of the process that most first time computer builders find most difficult.

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Before building a computer, check out 'Computer Tower Stand' for information on computer components, tower stand upgrades, and the building and upgrading of computers.

How to make it so the power button on my computer tower doesn't work?

I want to be able to only turn off my computer through the start menu cause my friends son is always pressing the button on the tower and turning it off. Any way to make it so the button being pressed doesn't shut down my system?

Go into CONTROL PANEL -> POWER OPTIONS ->ADVANCED -? find where it says "WHEN I PRESS THE POWER BUTTON ..." and select DO NOTHING

Utah’s Xi3 Corp. signs major distribution deal (Salt Lake Tribune)

#### Utah’s Xi3 Corp. signs major distribution deal

The Salt Lake Tribune

##### Published Nov 17, 2011 08:03AM MDT

Xi3 Corp. of Salt Lake City has signed a major distribution deal for its
innovative small computers with Avnet Inc., a major deliverer of electronic
components and computer products. Xi3 is the manufacturer of a modular
computer no bigger than 4 inches long that has the computing power of a tower
device but uses about one-fifth the electricity of a normal desktop computer.
It also has changeable parts that makes it easy to modify for specific uses.
“This is a very big day for Xi3 as it provides ...

##### Copyright 2011 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Salt Lake Tribune

Thermaltake Armor MX+ WH800 Series Computer Tower Unboxing