Part 2 - The Most Basic Parts

The Case

The computer case, or console, this is the box that contains the computer's components. There are several types:

Desktop - This is a horizontal case that lays on a table directly in front of the user, in back of the keyboard and with a monitor placed on top. This is the oldest design. It is more commonly seen in business offices. There are several disadvantages to this design. It is more difficult to service. For some people, it makes the monitor sit too high to comfortably type while keeping an eye on the monitor. To be fair, others do prefer this design.
Tower - A better design. Tower cases are larger so they allow for better air circulation within the case. They are also much easier to service. Many of those interested in computers like this design because tower cases have lots of room for future expansion. Usually placed on the floor, you must make sure you have enough room for it. Sometimes also refered to as a "desktop", but only in the generic sense.
Mini-tower - Suitable only for those with very limit space available for a computer. This is a popular smaller-scaled tower design, essentially an up-right desktop design. Mini-towers are cramped to work within, and future expansion is limited.
Mini-PC - This is a newer and even smaller design option. It is something of a novelty item. The latest versions are very powerful machines of gaming quality. Some come in a "barebones" kit for those who want to build their own, as well as fully assembled. They are very cramped to work within. Components are designed especially for the Mini-PC, so future expansion is limited to new components made specifically for the Mini-PC.

Monitor

A monitor may look like a television but it's not. Monitors are made differently so graphics can be displayed accurately. A few computers come with a built-in monitor, such as the Macintosh iMac and laptops. But full-size computers will have a monitor that is a separate unit that plugs into the computer case (as pictured to the right, and below).

Here are the things to look for:

Size - Monitors are measured like TV sets, diagonally. Although 15 inch monitors are common, the typical monitor sold now is 17 inches. You might wish to consider a larger monitor. They come in 19-, 20, and 21 inches.
Flat Screen - Also you may wish to consider a flat screen. While they create less eye strain, they are more expensive.
LCD Monitors - These are thin, light-weight, energy conserving, and more expensive. Some LCD monitors can rotate 90 degrees to allow "portrait" (vertical) viewing as well as "landscape" (horizontal) viewing. Always judge LCD monitors by looking at a text document. Many LCD monitors appear far better when not viewed in a bright room. Some gamers prefer not to use a LCD monitors because of "ghosting," shadows.
Two Monitors - Both Mac (but not the iMac) and PC have the ability to support two monitors. This can be very convenient, especially when you need to constantly refer to text or a website while writing a document in the word processor, or looking at graphs while day trading stock. In order to use two monitors on a PC it is usually necessary to install a dual-video adopter card. Some PC's may come with this.

An alternative to the use of two monitors is to use one larger monitor. For example, instead of using two 17 inch monitors, you could have one 21 inch monitor.

Keyboard

Since you'll be using your keyboard a lot, it makes sense to get a good one. Good keyboards are quite, springy, and responsive. Springy and responsive means the keys are not soggy to use. Soggy keys will tire you out much faster and will make typing more unsure and frustrating. A good quality keyboard is really very important.

Mouse

A computer mouse allows you to click on the screen instead of typing. Often, this is faster. But a mouse in unable to type, that is why you have both a mouse and a keyboard. There are three main styles of mice:

The "standard" Microsoft® Mouse is the most popular. It usually comes with two buttons, but some have three. They come in right- and left-handed versions. Most people find the standard mouse to be comfortable to use. But not I.

The mouse I have been using for years is the oval designed Logitech® Marble Mouse, which has a large red marble or trackball. Instead of moving the mouse around on the mouse pad, the Marble Mouse remains stationary. The curser is moved by rolling the red ball around on your fingers or palm. I find it very convenient, considerably faster, and very much easier to use than a standard mouse. In fact, I now find standard mice to be awkward to use.

Another type of mouse that is popular is the IntelliMouse®. It's a standard mouse with an additional wheel between and parallel with the two buttons. When you roll the wheel back and forth, you scroll up and down the screen without having to click on any scroll bar.

FAX / Modem

A fax/modem is a modem with fax capabilities. This is usually standard equipment on computers. The function of the modem is to connect the computer to an ISP, an Internet Service Provider, and to allow two-way communications with other computers. A basic rate of 33.6 Kbps is the theoretical limit of modem speed over an ordinary phone line with standard modem technology. However, with modern technology, the currently stated speed rate is up to 56 Kbps, even though FCC regulations place a limit of 53 Kbps. But even this is optimistic, but possible depending on various factors. That is why ISP's use the term "up to" 56 Kbps.

Speakers

Many motherboards have sound integrated into the board. Inexpensive speakers are available. That will be adequate for many office and home environments. If you're interested in better quality sound, you may wish to get a better sound card and speakers. For under $300 you can get a SoundBlaster sound card with Dolby and a decent set of speakers.