May 05, 2009
Welcome to this edition of The Computer Builder. In this issue, we'll learn about the computer BIOS and what it means. We also look at AGP and PCI Express and see how they square up.
Term Of The Week
BIOS - The computer BIOS, also known as the Basic Input Output System. Let's try to understand what the BIOS is. The main instructions for running the system come from the operating system - these instructions are lost the moment you turn off the PC. So what happens when you boot the machine up again? Who tells the computer to access the hard disk, reach the operating system and load it up into RAM?The answer - the BIOS. The BIOS is a set of basic instructions that tell the computer how to "initialize" or startup the computer. The BIOS is stored in Read-Only-Memory (ROM) as it is not something you overwrite in everyday operation. The BIOS is then loaded everytime you start up the computer.
Tip Of The Week
Here's a tip on AGP versus PCI Express. AGP is an older graphics interconnection technology which connects your graphics card to the motherboard. AGP comes in two flavors – AGP 4x and AGP 8x – 8x obviously being the faster of the two. If your motherboard is an AGP motherboard, you are limited to purchasing AGP video cards. PCI Express is a newer technology and boasts improved speeds over AGP. PCI Express has also got two flavors – the traditional PCI Express and PCI Express x16 – you'd want to go with PCI Express x16 for better performance. The latest and fastest video cards from nVidia and ATI are PCI Express x16 cards.
Featured Articles
Information on selecting and buying computer printers
A brief guide to selecting and buying a good computer printer. Covers both ink jet and laser printers.
Learn how to install a desktop power supply
A guide to installing a desktop power supply to give power to your computer system.
Learn 5 ways of saving and protecting your hard drive
A guide to saving and protecting the data on your hard drive, which is one of the most important components in a PC.
A simple guide to setting up your own wireless network
Learn all about wireless networks and how you can set up one of your own.
An short guide to PCI Express technology
Learn about what is PCI Express technology and why it is taking the computing world by storm.
For more articles, be sure to visit Build-Your-Own-Computers.com.