Computer Hardware

The physical machines and their subcomponents.

Resources in this category:

alt.cd-rom FAQ
http://www.uni-giessen.de/faq/archiv/cdrom-faq/msg00000.html

This is an archive of Frequently Asked Questions from the USENET newsgroup alt.cd-rom. It covers topics ranging from choosing which CD-ROM drive to buy, to what sources there are for CD-ROM discs in the U.S., to how to get in contact with CD-ROM publishers. It also contains direct links to CD-ROM information stored at ftp sites.

Amiga FAQ
http://www.landfield.com/faqs/amiga/introduction/part1/

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Commodore Amiga.

Anand's Hardware Tech
http://www.anandtech.com/

"This site is intended to inform the end user of the hardware and software aspects of computers in today's constantly changing world." The site contains reviews of hardware, software, storage, and video, among other things. There are general news articles and editorials and surveys.

Chronology of Events in the History of Microcomputers
http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/comphist.htm

"This list is a collection of product announcements and delivery dates from various sources, mainly computer magazines and newspapers. References are indicated in [brackets], which are listed at the end of this document. A [number.number] format gives the page within that reference."

comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* FAQ
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/pc-hardware-faq/part1/

"This FAQ covers Frequently Asked Questions from all groups in the comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.* hierarchy. Software topics are only included if they are directly related to hardware or hardware interfacing.

Computer Hope
http://www.computerhope.com/

"Computer Hope is a collection of services that allows users to access its database of free computer-related information. " Good for end-users and includes, "computer support facilities for answering compter-related questions."

Computers.Com
http://reviews.cnet.com/2001-3000_7-0.html?legacy=cnet

"COMPUTERS.COM has lab-based reviews of hundreds of hot products and raw data on thousands more. It even has a feature that lets you build your own comparison of only the products you're interested in. From there, you can access the up-to-the-second pricing information that's fed to the site continuously. From desktops to digital cameras, from modems to servers, our new site has expert guidance about the products to buy and where to buy them." You can search the site, or browse by product category.

Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer
http://www.css.msu.edu/pc-guide.html

This site covers the steps to purchasing a PC computer. There is a guide to help you when looking for a new or used computer, setting up or upgrading, or trouble shooting. The author discusses things you need to be aware of before you decide to purchase a computer, whethew new or used. He also gives a detailed discussion of components and information on OS and software considerations.

Every Mac: Mac Specs, Prices, Answers and More
http://www.everymac.com/

"EveryMac's exhaustive catalog of Macs and Mac compatibles provides complete specs and technical data. EveryMac.com provides information on everything from today's Apple Power Macs and PowerBooks to yesterday's Performas and LCs. In addition, it supplies information on the mainstream MacOS-Compatibles from Motorola, PowerComputing, and Umax, and often forgotten manufacturers such as Dynamac and Outbound, along with many others." Browse by manufacturer, processor, case type, or search.

The Hand-Me-Down PC
http://www.daileyint.com/hmdpc/handtoc.htm

Full text of a 1998 book aimed at the layperson. Covers upgrading, purchasing, and troubleshooting personal computers.

Helpanswers Educational Foundation
http://www.helpanswers.org/

This website provides computer help and instruction to students, teachers, and the general public. Features of the site include an online support center with thousands of computer questions and answers; hundreds of computer tutorials; a computer dictionary; a computer address book and a person-to-person custom question answering service by the Helpanswers Knowledge Editors.

An Illustrated Guide to Building the New PCs
http://www.daileyint.com/build/

"Online version of the published McGraw-Hill book "Build Your Own PC" includes over 50 step-by-step assembly photographs for new ATX systems (PII, Celeron, AMD) and the AT to ATX transition guide - Catching up with the New Technology."

Macworld.com: The Macworld Buyer's Guide
http://www.macworld.com/

Macworld.com provides useful product reviews, rating and pricing information on the Macintosh platforms. The site includes a search function for assisting in finding product information/reviews. This site makes extensive use of drop-down menus.

Mobile Tech Today
http://www.wirelessnewsfactor.com/

"Real Time Wireless News from Around the World." Topics covered include: mobile phones, PDAs, wireless Web, Bluetooth, networking, 3G wireless, Satellite, M-Commerce, health and safety.

Motherboard HomeWorld
http://www.motherboards.org/

This is a good resource to find information on replacing and upgrading your motherboard. The author provides a section for newbies that gives detailed information about motherboards and where to start. There is a list of manufacturers and vendors to get information on purchasing or asking about your particular piece. There is also an article on chips and chipsets, and the author walks you through building your own PC. There is an FAQ and a search engine for the site.

Null Modem
http://www.nullmodem.com/

"This site is a reference for folks who build their own cables, or just need a little help troubleshooting." Null Modem also provides a glossary of computing, connector, cable and wiring terms.

Obsolete Computer Museum
http://www.obsoletecomputermuseum.org/

An online museum for computers of the early 1980s. It covers Apple, IBM, Tandy, Texas Instraments, Commodores, and others. The resource examines their impact in a historical fashion, and explains their technological features. A light hearted source filled with valuable information about computer science.

The PC Guide
http://www.pcguide.com/index.htm

The author wanted to build a site that would focus on the PC user rather than the PC designer. The site includes: "High-level descriptions of how a computer works; Comprehensive technical information on the functioning of every part of a modern PC; Detailed information on system care, protecting your system from viruses, and backups; Both general and specific information on troubleshooting and repairing PCs; System optimization information that can help you easily get more from your existing machine; References to many other hardware and software web pages." There is also an FAQ and a search engine.

PowerPC FAQ
http://www.microprocessor.sscc.ru/powerpc-faq/

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the PowerPC microprocessor family from IBM and Motorola.

Price Watch - Street Price Search Engine
http://www.pricewatch.com/

"A search engine that finds best daily prices for computer components sold in the U.S. Type in 'search' box or click through category or product lists. Dealers Advertise and maintain their prices On Price Watch using our proprietary systems."

Street Tech
http://www.streettech.com/

"Street Tech offers reviews, information and commentary on computer hardware, consumer electronics and do-it-yourself (DIY) tech projects. The site is divided into 6 main sections: Today's Tech - The most current review on the site. Hardware - Reviews of desktop computer systems, laptops and peripherals. Gadget - Reviews of consumer electronic devices: PDAs, handhelds, phones, pagers, stereos, TVs, cameras, etc. DIY - How-tos and indispensable tools for those who want to build, upgrade and maintain the machines in their life. Shop Talk - A conferencing and real-time chat area for the latest high-tech news, gossip and information. Archive - Where all the previous reviews are stored."

System Optimization
http://www.sysopt.com/

This site gives product evaluations and reviews and provides benchmark comparison lists. There is information about system components such as BIOS, DRAM, and motherboards among other things. There is even a step-by-step tutorial on overclocking, the process of altering the CPU to run at a faster clockspeed. There is also a technological FAQ as well as general information on books, diagnostics, and hardware and software companies.

Tech Maven: Business Week online
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/wildstrom.htm

Tech Maven provides useful product reviews, rating and pricing information and advice on both Mac and PC platforms. The "news" section "takes you to the Business Week Online Computer Room, a browsable archive containing most of the computer coverage from Business Week magazine for the past several months." The site includes a search function for assisting in finding product information/reviews. This site is frame-based.

Tom's Hardware Guide
http://www.tomshardware.com/

The site provides detailed information about such things as motherboards, video cards, BIOS, CPU's, overclocking, RAM, and technology among other things. The author gives advice on how to go about making such purchases as well as giving reviews of various hardware products. There is also a list of links to other hardware sites.

What's In That Box?
http://members.aol.com/wbox/wboxmenu.htm

Using images and nontechnical language, the author goes step-by-step through the contents of a typical computer and describes their functions. You can navigate by clicking on a a piece of hardware that looks interesting or by following the order set by the author. Topics covered include such things as the power supply, hard disk drive, and CD-ROM.