Central Processor Unit: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400 2.7-1.7

The Central Processor Unit (CPU) is the personal computer’s main microchip so is at the heart of every system.

If you’ve ever heard a computer nerd say “garbage in, garbage out” he or she was referring to the basic function of the processor which handles the information input and output. How fast depends on the specifications of the make and model.

The Intel Pentium Dual Core E540 2.7GHz-1.7GHz central processing unit is compatible with the Gigabyte S-Series GA-G41M-ES2H motherboard installed in the SilverStone GD05 Grandia series SST-GD05B console last week.

Not so long ago the standard microchip could process 32 bits of data simultaneously and nearly all software was built to run with a 32 bit operating system like Windows XP, Windows Vista or Linux Ubuntu. That all changed last October when Microsoft began offering its newest operating system, Windows 7, in both 32 bit and the faster 64 bit versions which, depending on the console’s configuration, allows more memory to be used. Need A Nerd warns that a 64 bit processor can be significantly faster than a 32 bit processor but it doesn’t automatically mean it will be.

Central processor units were recently given extra power with the introduction of dual core and quad core variants. A dual core processor has two processing cores and is, therefore, twice as powerful as a standard single cored processor of the same specifications. There are four processing cores in a quad core processor, which gives it four times the processing power of a single core processor of the same specifications.

Before installing the Intel Pentium Dual Core E540 2.7GHz-1.7GHz it was necessary to unplug the power cord, preventing the possibility of the processor being damaged by a stray electrical surge.

Raising the central processing unit socket lever with my right hand, which was earthed to the console using an antistatic wrist band, I then lifted the metal load plate being careful not to touch, and thus damage, the socket contacts. The protective socket cover was hard to remove from the load plate, but once I had it off it was time to install the central processing unit.
I opened the central processor unit’s cardboard box to find a sealed antistatic bag. Ensuring I was still earthed I unsealed the bag and removed plastic packaging which the central processor unit sat recessed in.

The central processor unit connects to the motherboard via hundreds of tiny pins and it is necessary to line the first pin on the CPU up with the first pin on the mother board before dropping it in, replacing the load plate and pushing the central processing unit lever back into its locked position. The first pins are marked by a tiny triangle.

Central Processor Unit Cooler: Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro

Central processor units can get very hot, so they come with their own cooler fan. Instead of using the supplied Intel fan, we opted for an Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro. After much fiddling about it was necessary to attach the unit, with the fan removed, to the mounting plate. Once the mounting plate was attached to the motherboard using the computer industry’s equivalent of four raw plugs it was time to reattach the fan.

The final step was to plug the fan’s power cable into the motherboard.
Alternatively Need A Nerd recommends a more powerful Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz central processor unit but it requires a core i5 Motherboard.

Memory: Two sticks of Kingston DIMM DDR2 2GB

Computer memory, more technically known as Random Access Memory (RAM), is the place where the central processing unit works and where software runs. Like a blackboard (or whiteboard in a modern classroom) which is wiped at the end of the day, a computer’s RAM is purged when the power is switched off, clearing it for the next time the machine is powered up. RAM comes in memory modules which slot into the motherboard’s memory sockets and, in the case of the Gigabyte S-Series GA-G41M-ES2H motherboard only Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) RAM is compatible.

DIMM DDR2 memory sockets will not accept DIMM DDR or DIMM DDR3 RAM memory modules as they have differing numbers of connecting pins, it is therefore essential to make sure the right form of RAM is used.

Memory modules come in various sizes, so it is important to install enough for the intended purpose. Need a Nerd recommends 4GB for a media centre which could be called on to record one Free View channel while another is being watched.

Two 2MB memory modules of RAM were required. Two Kingston DIMM DDR2 2GB memory modules were chosen and came with a lifetime guarantee!
Before slotting the first memory module into a memory socket it is necessary to ensure I was again earthed to the console via an anti static wrist band. Once that was secure the I used my fingers to spread open the white retaining clips at each end of the socket to receive a memory module.

The memory modules came packaged in a plastic case. Like the motherboard and central processor unit, the memory module can be damaged by static electricity and needs handling correctly. It’s fine to touch it by the green circuit board, but touching the gold connectors is an absolute no no.
Pushing the first memory module into place was a cinch, and the second one followed suit easily too.

Need A Nerd recommends two Kingston 4GB DDR2 memory modules, for faster operation, taking more advantage of a 64 bit version of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system.

So you’ve decided to take the plunge, join the masses and by a new smartphone. But while the benefits of these top-end handsets are often discussed, how can you make sure you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the ‘smarts’ in your new phone?
One of the main reasons people shift to a smartphone is the ability to pick up their email while on the move. Many Smartphones make this easy by picking up your email settings when you synchronise the device with your PR or laptop for the first time.
If this isn’t the case for the model you’ve bought, it is relatively easy for your IT professional to set up your email services so those messages will follow you wherever you go. (If that’s really what you want – inaccessibility can be a good thing at times!)
Another benefit of smartphones is their ability to share, update and backup your PC calendar, contacts and task entries using the phone’s syncing software.  Anyone who has ever lost their phone and therefore all contact details on that device will find the peace of mind offered by having that smartphone backup considerable.
If you do happen to lose your Smartphone, Vodafone phone insurance (paid monthly) means that in only a couple of days you can have your phone and all its contacts, calendars and tasks back in action.
The new data plans have certainly brought the price of web browsing right down and it is commonplace for people to Google from their phone while out and about.  In fact, mobile broadband prices in general have come right down and all associated costs with phone calls, text, email and web browsing is making this a useful tool for more than just the business professional.
As prices continue to drop for data and call access when overseas, the use of smartphones as essentially portable internet and computing devices will become even more commonplace.
Many new phones support Wi-Fi wireless internet access as an alternative to mobile data, extending the potential life of your data plan, since using Wi-Fi internet is often a free option. It is also often faster and can improve productivity, with many smartphones able to have additional software installed for editing documents, games and business systems access.
Your smartphone can also be useful in the car, with easy connections possible to Bluetooth-powered hands-free devices, and the ability to navigate using your smartphone’s GPS mapping technology.

Choosing a provider

Having made the decision to upgrade to broadband, how do you choose a provider? Whereas Telecom once dominated the market, there are now a large number of companies selling broadband services.
Competition has intensified with recent regulatory moves such as the so-called “unbundling of the local loop” which has allowed Telecom’s competitors, such as Vodafone, to place their own broadband equipment in telephone exchanges previously controlled exclusively by Telecom.
This has allowed companies such as Vodafone to begin selling fast broadband services utilising their own equipment whereas previously they were limited to re-selling services provided by Telecom.

The equipment

To set yourself for broadband you’ll need an ADSL router – the device which sits between your phone line and the PCs, laptops and other internet-enabled devices that will use your broadband connection.
Choosing a wireless router will enable you to connect laptops and other devices such as iPhones or iPod Touches with Wi-Fi connectivity to your internet connection without the need for cables. Most broadband service providers will include a router as part of the connection contract, and can advise you on wired and wireless options, as can electronics retailers such as Dick Smith.
To enable a home broadband connection to work effectively you will also require ADSL filters which are simply plugged into each phone jack in the house. Again, these filters are often provided by your broadband supplier, or can be purchased from a retailer.

Getting set up

Setting up the broadband connection also requires technical switching work to be carried out at the local phone exchange, and this can take a matter of days to complete. Your provider will contact you to let you know when the service has been activated.
There will also be some in-home set-up of the router required via your PC or laptop. This is normally straight forward, and your broadband provider will be able to assist if you have problems. A technical support company like Need A Nerd can also assist with any broadband set-up or upgrade issues.

Choosing the right plan

Perhaps the most confusing aspect of broadband internet is deciding on a most suitable plan, which delivers the amount of data, and the appropriate speed, you require without stinging you for excessive charges. Seek advice before committing to a plan, and review your usage monthly.

So if you are always on the go – a salesperson visiting new customers or even just going on a holiday – having access to an electronic navigation device will come in very handy and ensure you are not wasting your time driving around aimlessly.

Now there is another options to purchasing a costly specialist electronic navigation device such as Navman (www.navman.co.nz), especially if it is only for occasional use.

You also may only want to carry around one device and want to use it anywhere – anytime, so that you can use it walking down the street or for cruising in your car.

Nearly all of us carry a mobile phone these days and it is becoming increasing popular to have mobile internet on same phone.

So with a well specced mobile phone with a good sized screen, mobile internet connection (via Vodafone or Telecom), and the mobile phone version of Google Maps, you have a readymade navigation device at the fraction of the cost.

Many of you would have used some sort of online mapping internet site to find an address.  Having this on your phone provides you with a basic “on the go” navigation service.

So what functionality will you receive from the mobile phone version of Google Maps:
•    You can load bookmarks (common addresses you will always use e.g. home or work) as start / end points to quickly navigation from these to your desired location.  Google Maps will create a route between these 2 locations by tracing them on the map.
•    Street view will allow you to view an actual photo of your destination and the surrounding area right from your phone.
•    It can provide your current location by retrieving your coordinates from the nearest mobile phone towers. This is great if you have no idea where you are.  However, it does not accurately find your exact location and can be a number of streets off.
•    If you have GPS built in to your phone, Google Maps can use it to give an even more accurate location.
•    You can search business listing in your local area easily and quickly.
•    Some areas in NZ will soon have real time traffic updates available.
•    Sometime soon Google will be adding Navigation features such as verbal driving instructions and 3D mapping.

You can download the mobile phone version Google Maps at www.google.com/gmm

Best of all, it’s free! You only pay for the internet data it uses while browsing.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is way for people to access audio and video shows via the internet. Someone can create their own show about their favourite hobby, topic, general news or anything else people are interested in and record that show as a video or audio file kind of like a TV show or song and share that show with the world.

Like TV and radio shows, podcasts usually come in episodes on a regular basis, say every week, and feature one or more presenters covering the shows topic. More and more great shows are being launched every day.

Why would I want to follow a podcast?

Because podcasts are usually based around a single topic they are a great way to keep up with news and developments about your favourite hobby, sports team, celebrity, author, whatever!

Unlike a TV or radio show, you “download” the podcast to your computer, MP3 player, iPod or other portable device and can listen or watch to the episodes on-demand and on the go.

You can also set your podcast watching software to inform you of new episodes and other shows you might like, automatically download the new episodes for you, connect with other listeners and fans and even start your own podcast.

How does it work?

The creator of the podcasts records their content on their computer and edits it, ready for distribution. Audio podcasts are usually sent out as MP3 files and videos as MPEG, essentially as files anyone can open and enjoy.

It is then loaded onto a website which uses web feeds, usually RSS, to distribute the new content out to all users that have subscribed.

How do I subscribe to a podcast?

You will need some software capable of the subscribing to the web feed. That might sound intimidating but many common programs already have this built in such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Google Chrome, iTunes and Windows Media Player. I recommend iTunes for beginners, available from www.itunes.com for free.

You don’t need an iPod or MP3 player unless you want to listen on the go.

Firefox and Internet Explorer will also let you listen or watch the podcast directly on the website that is providing it by clicking on the link to the podcast file.

You will also need to find a podcast on the internet you want to subscribe to. Podcastnz.com provides listing of locally flavoured content and iTunes has a host of podcasts available under “Podcasts” in your library.

Many websites allow you to follow along, look for a “Subscribe to this website” or similar link on your favourite sites. When you click on it you will be asked if you want to subscribe and given a choice of settings for the way you will receive the content.

Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome will allow you to bookmark the subscription page to get updates at the click of a button, while iTunes & Windows Media Player will automatically download the new content for you.

Firefox and Internet Explorer will also let you listen or watch the podcast directly on the website that is providing it by clicking on the link to the podcast file.

Learn more

If you want to know more about podcasting, check out this article on Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast
For more information on subscribing to podcasts check the help files for your subscription program.

Motherboard: Gigabyte S-Series GA-G41M-ES2H

The motherboard, as its name suggests, is the personal computer’s main circuit board. It’s the part of the machine to which other components, like the processor, memory, hard drives and optical drives are attached.
The choice of motherboard defines the machine and, if chosen correctly, future proofs it so far as it is possible in the ever changing personal computer industry.

The choice of a motherboard depends on three things:

1. The type of personal computer it is intended for.
2. Compatibility with the console into which it will be installed.
3. The ability to accept the intended components with room for expansion.

The motherboard for a machine intended to write the odd letter and send the odd email, for example, need not be so complex as a motherboard for a middle of the road media centre or a high specification gaming machine.
Whatever motherboard is chosen, it must sit comfortably within the console with plenty of room for all the required components.

It’s always sensible, too, to have one or more empty expansion slots to add extra memory or previously unthought of devices.

Apart from the fact that it fits in the SilverStone GD05 Grandia series SST-GD05B console, which we discussed last week, with plenty of room to spare the Gigabyte S-Series GA-G41M-ES2H motherboard is perfect for a media centre because of its flexibility.

It supports all three Intel Core 2 central processor units, the Extreme, Quad and Duo, as well as the more basic Intel Pentium and Celeron central processor units. Its two DDR2 DIMM sockets support up to 8GB of system memory, it comes pre-installed with the Realtek ALC888B codec which enables it to process high definition audio and it includes three standard PCI slots and one PCI Express slot which channels data faster. It can also handle up to four SATA hard drives, channelling data at 3GB per second, and up to eight USB 2.0 ports, enabling up to eight USB devices such as keyboards, mice, webcams, printers, digital cameras, camcorders and portable music players to be connected simultaneously.

Like most modern motherboards the Gigabyte S-Series GA-G41M-ES2H supports Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and 7 operating systems (I suspect it would also run the free Linux Ubuntu operating system but the manufacturers make no such boast) and the driver disc includes a bundled copy of Norton Internet Security.

An alternative, more powerful, motherboard Need A Nerd recommends is the Gigabyte H55M-UD2H which supports more powerful central processor units and twice as much room for memory.

Before it can receive the motherboard the console needs to be unscrewed, the hard drive and optical drive bays removed, and the power supply installed and plugged in although it must remain switched off.
Installing the power supply – we’ve chosen a Thermaltake EVO Blue 550W-750W – first helps earth the console and insulates it against static electricity. Static can cause major damage to both the motherboard, central processor unit and memory.

Powersupply:  Thermaltake EVO Blue 550W-750W

The Thermaltake EVO Blue 550W-750W power supply comes with a silicone rubber mounting gasket which must be fitted before it can be installed.
Because of the aforementioned static it is necessary to earth one’s self to a solid metal part of the console, using an anti-static wrist band which connects to the console via a cable with a crocodile clip on the end.

The motherboard is removed from its protective antistatic sleeve using the hand that is earthed, and must not be handled except by the white plastic PCI slots.

It drops into the console, with half a dozen or so screw holes lining up with nearly as many receiving posts at the console’s base. Once clicked into position the motherboard is screwed into place with the screws supplied either with the console or the motherboard.

Then it’s time to connect the power supply to the motherboard using the supplied cable.

Both the power supply and motherboard are well labelled, and the cable is keyed – meaning it will only fit one way – so the connection is made in a matter of seconds.

Believe it or not, that’s one of the most difficult parts over.

And when travelling internationally, the ability to take your office or personal life with you is a big plus.

So what can you do when something goes wrong? Notebook computers can fail just like desktops for different reasons, but luckily you can replace many parts with external accessories available from most electronics retailers.

Authentic Replacement Parts

If you can you should always use genuine manufacturer replacements, not only because they are more likely to be compatible with your notebook but also because they frequently come with better warranty support than generic notebook accessories.

Sometimes, however, the parts you need are not available locally or quickly enough to meet your needs. So what do you do then? Let’s look at the external replacements for some major notebook components.

Charger

Your notebook charger is critical, so what do you do if it’s just not giving enough juice to keep you going or has failed altogether?

Many retailers sell “Universal Notebook Adaptors”. This is a replacement charger with a range of interchangeable power pins. You can look for a model with a pin suitable to connect to your laptop and make sure it also has a similar wattage (power) rating to your old charger.

The universal adaptor is an easy to find replacement if you cannot get hold of a genuine brand name charger.

CD or DVD Drive

Not being able to read or burn CD’s and DVD’s on your notebook can be a real pain if the drive that came with the notebook develops a fault.

Sometimes it can be difficult, if not impossible on older models, to find a replacement CD or DVD drive.

However you can look at purchasing an external, USB connected drive. These come in various models that allow reading and burning of discs and are very easy to install. Just plug it in and you’re away.

You can even purchase models now that support LightScribe (burning labels into the top of the disc) which is a great feature. They do take up extra space on your desk and in your notebook bag but are often more economical than replacing the built-in drive.

Screen

Has your notebook screen every given up the ghost right in the middle of your day? Fuzzy, poor colour or downright faulty screens do need to be replaced by a suitable part from the manufacturer but what are you supposed to do in the meantime?

You may not know that almost all notebooks include a display port for connecting an external screen. It’s the same port you use to connect to a projector or LCD TV. By plugging in any standard desktop screen to the VGA, DVI or HDMI display port you can keep working on your notebook even when its own screen no longer works.

You may need press a certain key combination to turn on the external screen, this is usually the FN (function) key plus one of the F buttons at the top of the keyboard.

If the external screen won’t display, or shows any of the same issues the main screen did you will need to get the notebook into a techie professional to check it out.

Keyboard & Mouse

If you are having problems with the notebooks built-in keyboard or touchpad, you can always connect and external keyboard and mouse instead. A USB keyboard or mouse can happily replace the built-in options and are often easier to use as well.

Console: SilverStone GD05 Grandia series SST-GD05B

The personal computer has come a long way since it was introduced to the world by IBM in 1981.

Microsoft, whose Windows operating system is installed on nearly 93 per cent of the world’s personal computers, is probably to thank for turning the PC from an office tool into an entertainment centre.

Before computer console designers could think about designing a console which integrated with existing stereo systems, Microsoft was working on the Media Centre component of Windows which was introduced in some editions of Windows XP.

Media Centre came bundled with all but the most basic version of Windows Vista, in 2007, and Windows 7, released in October. Like the more basic Media Player software also included with Windows Media Center can be used to listen to music and watch films and also includes the ability to record digital television.

In moving the personal computer from the office to the living room the console designers came up with the media centre console.
While it is not necessary to use such a console in a media centre build, any other console that fits the components will do, it does integrate better with existing home entertainment gear.

The SilverStone GD05 Grandia series SST-GD05B media centre console has the look and feel of a CD or DVD player, albeit a 151mm high one. Because it is 440mm wide and 325mm deep it stacks nicely with any stereo system comprising separate amplifier, cassette and CD units.

The SST-GD05B console can carry Micro ATX, Mini-DTX and Mini-ITX motherboards. It can hold one 5.25” CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or Blu-Ray drive. It also has the capacity for two 3.5” and one 2.5” internal hard drives or one 3.5” and two 2.5” internal drives. It comes with three of its own 120mm cooling fans, all operating at 1200rpm to keep the central processor unit from overheating, and has two more fan slots. Five expansion slots, used for adding the likes of digital television tuners and wireless broadband cards, are also included in the console.

As well as the four standard USB 2.0 ports on the back, used for connecting peripheral devices like keyboards, mice and printers, the SST-GD05B also includes two USB 2.0 ports on the front – perfect for connecting portable music players like iPods or other brand of MP3 player.

No media centre console would be complete without an audio jack on the front, which can be used for outputting to an amplifier or speakers, as well as a microphone jackpoint, enabling the recording of old vinyl or cassettes via free software like Audacity available from www.audacity.sourceforge.net.
In short, the SST-GD05B offers lots of options when it comes to compatibility with the components that make up the guts of a machine.

Consoles come in many shapes and sizes.

The laptop is the most common due to its compact size and portability. It’s an ideal machine for business people, and students, who are constantly on the move, but because of its compact design it is harder to upgrade.
Most offices are fitted out with the mini tower, the second most common console, whose big brother is the tower. Because of their size – both usually have plenty of room to upgrade with extra hardware – they usually sit on the office floor but it’s not unheard of to see one on a desk top. The mini tower has, for the most part, replaced the older desktop console which was once the most popular form.

The desktop console usually sits on the desk with a monitor atop it. For that reason it’s a shorter and wider console than most. The mini-desktop console is a smaller, and thus cheaper, option but has limited space for upgrades.
Recent advances in computing have ushered in the One PC which combines the console and monitor into one unit. The disadvantage is that if the monitor fails you lose the PC while it is being serviced, and vice versa. It is also impossible to upgrade the monitor without losing the PC.

However, you might not be aware that new computers come with a drawback all their own. This is known as bloatware.

What is bloatware?

Bloatware is any piece of software installed on a new computer by the manufacturer that you, the user, don’t want.

Virtually every new computer will come with a host of software extras, which take up precious space and processing power on your new PC.

It includes trial versions of software you’re never going to buy, free games you’ll never play and branded software to monitor or manage parts of your computer you just don’t want to know about. Microsoft Office is commonly installed as a free 30 day trial and could be considered bloatware if you have no intention of using Office or you already have your own version.

How do I remove bloatware?

Thankfully, unlike a virus or spyware, bloatware is very easy to remove. This is because it is legitimate software, designed to help a new user rather than subvert their computer.

You can remove installed bloatware from the Add/Remove Programs menu on your Windows control panel, found under Start Menu > Control Panel. In Windows Vista & 7 this is known as ‘Programs and Features’

When you open the list, you can click on the software you no longer want or need, and use the remove button to banish it.

You should also check the Startup folder in your start menu. Any program listed here will start automatically when you log in.

What if I want to keep the software?

Many of these programs load automatically when you start your computer. You can stop this from happening while still keeping the program to use at your convenience by changing the programs that startup with your computer.

Ccleaner is a handy free tool from www.ccleaner.com which once installed can give you a list of the programs that startup automatically. You can use tick boxes to turn them on and off easily, and critical Windows items are hidden from view.

Removing Windows bloatware

Some Windows features can also be considered bloatware. This can include the games that come with windows, the Internet Explorer web browser if you prefer something better like Firefox, Windows Media Centre if you don’t like the way it displays TV and videos, or other Windows features.

To control which Windows features are installed, look for the Add/Remove Windows Components (Turn Windows Features on or off in Vista or Windows 7) on the program menu above.

Using the tick boxes you can add or remove Windows features you don’t wish to have, which will free up space and processing power on your computer. You can always come back and add these features later if you change your mind, you just might need the Windows CD to do it.

With any changes to your computers setup you should always backup your critical files first, and I recommend ready the manual before using Ccleaner to remove startup items.