PC questions

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ancientpaint

New Member
Hey all,
I am new the forum. This is my first post. Hopefully I can learn a lot during my time reading the forum. I do not know much about computers right now and would appreciate any help. My first question is, Where can a person go to learn about computers? Anyone recommend a book or better yet, a website? I would like to upgrade my Compaq Presario SR1151nx; however, I don't even know where to start. I do not know what parts to buy, what brand to buy, or even where to buy them hehe. Due to my lack of knowledge about computers, I am not even sure if the choice to upgrade is the right one. Maybe I would be better off buying a whole new computer. Bottom line is I need to learn the basics about computers. Thanks to anyone who can help.
 
The best way to learn about computers is to play with them! That's how I learned but there are plently of books out there. Anything that teaches you about any type of computer skills would be good for beginners.

Welcome to the forums!
 
One good place to learn about them would be HowStuffWorks dot com. I have learned an incredible amount of stuff from this site. It is very simple to understand, and does not use all that lingo that "newbs" (for lack of a better word) would not understand. There are all kinds of sections on there, not just computers, and I have learned a lot about cars as well. Get a book from your local library or just find the specs on your computer to learn about it. Get in there and take it apart to learn how it works, just don't forget how to put it back together. As far as upgrading, there are several things that you can do, and they are not specific. For example, upgrading things like a hard drive or your RAM are going to help any computer, not just your specific machine. I would start there, and then work your way up. Also, if you run into any questions, feel free to post them in some section of this forum, and lots of people will get back to you and help you understand stuff better.
 
a place that i found useful on learning about computers was microsoft.com and here, mostly here and a few books

Welcome to the forums
 
The way I started to learn about all the parts and pieces was from a friend, but I agree, the best way to learn is to play with them. Buying a few old computers and swapping parts around is a good start. You don't have the pressure of working on a couple hundred or thousand dollar computer and you can learn how to replace and install parts. Welcome to the forums by the way!
 
Just read everything you can online about computer components. While you are reading, if you do not know what something stands for, is, or what something does, open up another tab and google that. You will shortly expand your knowledge of computers. This forum will help extremely. It has for me. Good luck in your travels.
 
Thanks all for the welcome. I guess the only for me to now is start reading. I do have my first computer from 1998. I am going to dig it out of the attic and play around with it.
 
ancientpaint said:
Thanks all for the welcome. I guess the only for me to now is start reading. I do have my first computer from 1998. I am going to dig it out of the attic and play around with it.
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dude i was as clueless as you, i upgraded my s400nx just swapped everything out. mobo cpu n everythin...i learned alot from trial and error...i'm an idiot...but after your first upgrade, it becomes infectious. i dont know if u can relate, but its the same w/ cars for me. i'm 14 and i just learned how to drive stick 1 yr ago, and i fellin love w/ it. Computer Forum is the SHIT. pple here are so helpful...u have no idea.
 
Vizy93 said:
dude i was as clueless as you, i upgraded my s400nx just swapped everything out. mobo cpu n everythin...i learned alot from trial and error...i'm an idiot...but after your first upgrade, it becomes infectious. i dont know if u can relate, but its the same w/ cars for me. i'm 14 and i just learned how to drive stick 1 yr ago, and i fellin love w/ it. Computer Forum is the SHIT. pple here are so helpful...u have no idea.
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You aren't kidding bro. It's an addiction. Also, learing about computers, try to get up to date books. Libraries seem to have older material.
 
i agree with everyone here. one thing though. tech books should not be forgotten. i do most and all online now. have since they started the internet.
on the other hand there is a place for computers and books.

i was only suggesting if you want a book then a profressional book store is in order. read the preface from the author. this will tell you who the book is catering to. maybe you are a candidate for a book. i have several. thats ok. the preface will tell you who the book is catering to to.
it will also tell you something like (intermediate to advanced). for beginners you will work out fine on the net. plenty of people here to clear the air. intermediate and advanced is good for reference and writing notes for quick reference. mostly with professional books. it ok. bookstore is best. if ya know which one always get the isbn number. lot of times if they don't have it then order on line with isbn number.

tremmor.......another thought.
 
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Learn how to build your own custom computer. That's how I learned a lot of the stuff I know.

You will have to learn the name of all the parts..what they do, where they go and how to run everthing.

Do that and your computer knowledge will expand a lot. Trust Me.
 
The only thing that you really have to do is keep yourselg earthed - get an old plug, remove the live and neutral 'prongs' and solder a long wire to the earth, then stick the other end down your sock or whatever... But I'm not sure if the states uses earths. So that might be useless info.

Anyway, computers are ridiculously simple, there's nothing to building them; you only need 7 or 8 parts, and they only plug in one slot one way round!
 
D13G0 said:
Learn how to build your own custom computer. That's how I learned a lot of the stuff I know.

You will have to learn the name of all the parts..what they do, where they go and how to run everthing.

Do that and your computer knowledge will expand a lot. Trust Me.
Click to expand...

yea i knw i already said something earlier but...its true..i learned alot of stuff from building my own comp.
 
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