Q. I received an older computer from a friend and I would like to find out about the ram brand name and if it is upgradable, would'nt that info be in files or folders? The computer is a premio with 64MB of ram.
Answer
Hi There - your computer is likely very well listed with all drivers and parts on the website:
http://support.premiopc.com
(Next time you ask a QUESTION, please list the model, and you will get more direct help, faster and easier ! )
Which seems very helpful. BUT, no matter what diagnosis software like DXDIAG etc. that you use, you will have to look at what is physically inside the case - for example, a diagnosis or CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / Device Manager might tell you that you have a harddrive. But if you wanted to add another one- is there a bay? You might find that you have a stick of SDRAM in
a slot. Great, but if you want to add more, how many other slots are there? Sometimes a computer will have 2 SDRAM slots, and 2 DDR slots, with different amounts of different speeds and voltages are possible in the different slots. You would either need a very detailed MAP in the manual, or the listing in the manual of the different types used.
If the boot bios states " 256 Meg Ram " - what ram? where ? What other types can be upgraded.??
You can get an idea of what is inside by just going to the link I listed above. However, before you go out and buy or gather upgrade parts, you really should open the case - do the floppy and HD/CD bays use slide-in prorietary rails and clips? - If so, you cant install anything in the bays until you get the correct slider rails...
I often find unlisted, undocumented features on motherboards and every metal case has " features" and clips and bays etc. that sometimes will cause problems if you don't have the correct parts handy.
Going into a computer store and buying a bunch of computer ram and Harddrives and upgrades is a really BAD idea if you haven't bothered to open the case to see what mechanical limitations you might encounter.
By all means use diagnostic tools to determine what is installed - like Device manager, or Dxdiagostics, but do open the case as well. There are hundreds of different mechanical layouts for any given computer class, so you really should be forewarned and prepared.
Tools that might help you " look " inside the computer to access
what you have might be some of the following:
EVEREST
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
COMPUTER CENSUS
http://tucows.com/preview/502506
ASTRA32
http://tucows.com/preview/348128
MvPCinfo
http://tucows.com/preview/404367
Motherboard Monitor
http://www.sofotex.com/Motherboard-Monitor-download_L15737.html
Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com
CPU-Z 1.36
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
However, you really must be aware that, as you state in your QUESTION, you want to know what type of ram you have, and the most that any software will tell you is the GENERIC amounts, and perhaps, a bit about the slots that the ram is sitting in, but there will be little about who made the ram, whether it is single sided, or double sided, or whether it is arranged in memory locations such as 1 x 64, 2 x 32, 4 x 16 etc. or, whether or not that brand or configuration will work in your computer. To make the ram issue even more interesting, a stick of ram may work just fine in your computer BY ITSELF, but refuse to work if added to your existing stick(s) of ram. I find sometimes that I have to remove all existing ram, boot from the new ram, and then add the old ram one by one rebooting each time - in EXACTLY the right order, to get them all to work together. There is nothing in any manual - either by the motherboard manufacturer or the ram manufacturer about this common problem. Sometimes, a new stick of ram simply will not work at all in any given motherboard.
I have started taking in my computers, sitting them on the counters, and putting in the new ram right in the store, until I get one that works...
Also, you do not state just what the purpose of the upgrade is. One answerer stated what you might do to add XP, etc. but this is just guessing. The motherboard will have definite limits as to what CPU will be allowed at what speed maximum. This will be the most critical factor. Be certain to get the latest BIOS download, and read about the features of the BIOS - it may include CPUs that were not available at the time the MANUAL was printed, so that higher speeds may be possible to tweak the speed up a bit.
Once you have read the manual on the premio website, and determined by opening the case and looking at what slots are filled with what ram, you can add or remove and replace ram with larger amounts ( to the limit that the motherboard is pre-wired for ).
Then you can upgrade the next most critical " Speed " factor - the RPM and the cache of the harddrive - you would be amazed how much faster an entire computer will run with a newer drive that has more memory and higher RPM.
Finally, a large part of the computer's time is spent writing dots to the monitor, 60 to 100 times a second, so that if your motherboard has an AGP ( video ) slot, you can upgrade to a faster video CPU with more video ram, and get better overall computer performance.
There will be a limit to all of this, and you have to determine if all the " UPGRADES" you are doing, will be worth the costs involved - will the end result be a computer good enough to do the work you have planned?
If you are lucky, you can increase the CPU speed, the ram, the harddrive and the video card, and make the unit fast enough to perform a specific task.
Good luck.
Hi There - your computer is likely very well listed with all drivers and parts on the website:
http://support.premiopc.com
(Next time you ask a QUESTION, please list the model, and you will get more direct help, faster and easier ! )
Which seems very helpful. BUT, no matter what diagnosis software like DXDIAG etc. that you use, you will have to look at what is physically inside the case - for example, a diagnosis or CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / Device Manager might tell you that you have a harddrive. But if you wanted to add another one- is there a bay? You might find that you have a stick of SDRAM in
a slot. Great, but if you want to add more, how many other slots are there? Sometimes a computer will have 2 SDRAM slots, and 2 DDR slots, with different amounts of different speeds and voltages are possible in the different slots. You would either need a very detailed MAP in the manual, or the listing in the manual of the different types used.
If the boot bios states " 256 Meg Ram " - what ram? where ? What other types can be upgraded.??
You can get an idea of what is inside by just going to the link I listed above. However, before you go out and buy or gather upgrade parts, you really should open the case - do the floppy and HD/CD bays use slide-in prorietary rails and clips? - If so, you cant install anything in the bays until you get the correct slider rails...
I often find unlisted, undocumented features on motherboards and every metal case has " features" and clips and bays etc. that sometimes will cause problems if you don't have the correct parts handy.
Going into a computer store and buying a bunch of computer ram and Harddrives and upgrades is a really BAD idea if you haven't bothered to open the case to see what mechanical limitations you might encounter.
By all means use diagnostic tools to determine what is installed - like Device manager, or Dxdiagostics, but do open the case as well. There are hundreds of different mechanical layouts for any given computer class, so you really should be forewarned and prepared.
Tools that might help you " look " inside the computer to access
what you have might be some of the following:
EVEREST
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
COMPUTER CENSUS
http://tucows.com/preview/502506
ASTRA32
http://tucows.com/preview/348128
MvPCinfo
http://tucows.com/preview/404367
Motherboard Monitor
http://www.sofotex.com/Motherboard-Monitor-download_L15737.html
Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com
CPU-Z 1.36
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
However, you really must be aware that, as you state in your QUESTION, you want to know what type of ram you have, and the most that any software will tell you is the GENERIC amounts, and perhaps, a bit about the slots that the ram is sitting in, but there will be little about who made the ram, whether it is single sided, or double sided, or whether it is arranged in memory locations such as 1 x 64, 2 x 32, 4 x 16 etc. or, whether or not that brand or configuration will work in your computer. To make the ram issue even more interesting, a stick of ram may work just fine in your computer BY ITSELF, but refuse to work if added to your existing stick(s) of ram. I find sometimes that I have to remove all existing ram, boot from the new ram, and then add the old ram one by one rebooting each time - in EXACTLY the right order, to get them all to work together. There is nothing in any manual - either by the motherboard manufacturer or the ram manufacturer about this common problem. Sometimes, a new stick of ram simply will not work at all in any given motherboard.
I have started taking in my computers, sitting them on the counters, and putting in the new ram right in the store, until I get one that works...
Also, you do not state just what the purpose of the upgrade is. One answerer stated what you might do to add XP, etc. but this is just guessing. The motherboard will have definite limits as to what CPU will be allowed at what speed maximum. This will be the most critical factor. Be certain to get the latest BIOS download, and read about the features of the BIOS - it may include CPUs that were not available at the time the MANUAL was printed, so that higher speeds may be possible to tweak the speed up a bit.
Once you have read the manual on the premio website, and determined by opening the case and looking at what slots are filled with what ram, you can add or remove and replace ram with larger amounts ( to the limit that the motherboard is pre-wired for ).
Then you can upgrade the next most critical " Speed " factor - the RPM and the cache of the harddrive - you would be amazed how much faster an entire computer will run with a newer drive that has more memory and higher RPM.
Finally, a large part of the computer's time is spent writing dots to the monitor, 60 to 100 times a second, so that if your motherboard has an AGP ( video ) slot, you can upgrade to a faster video CPU with more video ram, and get better overall computer performance.
There will be a limit to all of this, and you have to determine if all the " UPGRADES" you are doing, will be worth the costs involved - will the end result be a computer good enough to do the work you have planned?
If you are lucky, you can increase the CPU speed, the ram, the harddrive and the video card, and make the unit fast enough to perform a specific task.
Good luck.
Is there any facility to learn computer hardware through on line?(without any fee)?
sara_swath
I am a physics post graduate, interested in computer hard ware. And i have no chance to learn by going to an institute. Give suggesion to fulfill my desire
Answer
My friend Alf Pederson has created a website, one for Data Bank tech people and the other for Seniors with hobbies, and on that site he has a section that shows total newbies how to build their own hardware/computer etc.
I wont do it, but his instructions and pictures on site are remarkably easy to follow...
I will show you all the details right here: Near the bottom of this page is my Crash-course to build your computer in a snap: Believe me; you can do this yourself, with a little help from me: Easily! And everything I'll teach you is FREE!
Remember, I am a Senior Citizen like you, with an attitude!
Just let me outline a few of the advantages if you decide to build a computer by yourself:
You will save 100's compared to buying an off-the-shelf product
You can afford to give away a computer as a gift to your grandchild
You can replace your old computer with a new and much better one
You will (quickly) learn a new and (to others) impressive skill
You most likely have all the tools you need already
You can do maintenance by yourself in the future
Your new computer will most likely be better and faster than off-the-shelf products
Imagine: Within a couple of days from now, all you need to build a computer will arrive at your doorstep (I'll show you from where): And inside your house, you are equipped with all the knowledge you need (my crash-course) to put it all together and make it work!
You could either build a computer by yourself and surprise the whole family, or you could do it as a project together with your grandchild: Imagine the little one coming over to continue building his/her own computer together with Grandpa and/or Grandma! And then naming the computer Grandma (or Grandpa)! I love that: What a show-off for the little one, having such a Gran: And with my free articles, right here, you can!
With a simple set of tools (it doesnât take much more than a screw driver) and some patience, you can have your personal computer up and running in a few short hours. O.k., so maybe a few hours is expecting a little much.
Follow my quick guide and Iâll at least have you up and running by the end of the day. Or you could stretch the project out to your - and eventually, your grandchild's - liking.
While reading these articles you may occasionally come across a little light bulb icon. When you see the little light bulb it means there is some useful tip that applies to the current subject at hand. Click on it whenever you see it! Please refer to the link below on âComputer Building Tips and Tricksâ for these helpful hints.
Build a Computer: Your personal Crash-course
Computer building tips and tricks: Read this FIRST. Actually, you should read EVERYTHING first!
Use a computer: Get this free eBook: Ch.1 will help you a lot.
Computer building tools that I will need to build a computer.
What kind of computer do I really need?
Choosing a computer chassis: What options do I have?
Video card and monitor: What priorities should I have?
Choosing a printer: A few important points.
Choosing a sound card and speakers: A no-cost or low-cost solution.
Hard Drive: What is it, and how much do I need?
CD/DVD ROM: What should I choose?
Build 1: Prepare the Motherboard: Let's start building!
Build 2: Installing the memory: Ten minutes or half-a-brain required.
Build 3: Installing video and sound cards: Enabling us to see and hear.
Build 4: Installing the Power Supply: No power, no play.
Build 5: Installing a floppy drive: If you really insist. But it is outdated.
Build 6: Install the Hard Drive: The computer's permanent memory.
Build 7: Install the DVD /CD-ROM: Movies, software and backup.
Build 8: Final connections: The few obvious things you forget.
Software you need: The basic stuff first.
Connecting to the Internet: General info and a little tech.
http://www.silvercitizen.com/build-a-computer.html
Alf is incredibly helpful and will answer any questions you may have....
http://www.databasedesign-resource.com
My friend Alf Pederson has created a website, one for Data Bank tech people and the other for Seniors with hobbies, and on that site he has a section that shows total newbies how to build their own hardware/computer etc.
I wont do it, but his instructions and pictures on site are remarkably easy to follow...
I will show you all the details right here: Near the bottom of this page is my Crash-course to build your computer in a snap: Believe me; you can do this yourself, with a little help from me: Easily! And everything I'll teach you is FREE!
Remember, I am a Senior Citizen like you, with an attitude!
Just let me outline a few of the advantages if you decide to build a computer by yourself:
You will save 100's compared to buying an off-the-shelf product
You can afford to give away a computer as a gift to your grandchild
You can replace your old computer with a new and much better one
You will (quickly) learn a new and (to others) impressive skill
You most likely have all the tools you need already
You can do maintenance by yourself in the future
Your new computer will most likely be better and faster than off-the-shelf products
Imagine: Within a couple of days from now, all you need to build a computer will arrive at your doorstep (I'll show you from where): And inside your house, you are equipped with all the knowledge you need (my crash-course) to put it all together and make it work!
You could either build a computer by yourself and surprise the whole family, or you could do it as a project together with your grandchild: Imagine the little one coming over to continue building his/her own computer together with Grandpa and/or Grandma! And then naming the computer Grandma (or Grandpa)! I love that: What a show-off for the little one, having such a Gran: And with my free articles, right here, you can!
With a simple set of tools (it doesnât take much more than a screw driver) and some patience, you can have your personal computer up and running in a few short hours. O.k., so maybe a few hours is expecting a little much.
Follow my quick guide and Iâll at least have you up and running by the end of the day. Or you could stretch the project out to your - and eventually, your grandchild's - liking.
While reading these articles you may occasionally come across a little light bulb icon. When you see the little light bulb it means there is some useful tip that applies to the current subject at hand. Click on it whenever you see it! Please refer to the link below on âComputer Building Tips and Tricksâ for these helpful hints.
Build a Computer: Your personal Crash-course
Computer building tips and tricks: Read this FIRST. Actually, you should read EVERYTHING first!
Use a computer: Get this free eBook: Ch.1 will help you a lot.
Computer building tools that I will need to build a computer.
What kind of computer do I really need?
Choosing a computer chassis: What options do I have?
Video card and monitor: What priorities should I have?
Choosing a printer: A few important points.
Choosing a sound card and speakers: A no-cost or low-cost solution.
Hard Drive: What is it, and how much do I need?
CD/DVD ROM: What should I choose?
Build 1: Prepare the Motherboard: Let's start building!
Build 2: Installing the memory: Ten minutes or half-a-brain required.
Build 3: Installing video and sound cards: Enabling us to see and hear.
Build 4: Installing the Power Supply: No power, no play.
Build 5: Installing a floppy drive: If you really insist. But it is outdated.
Build 6: Install the Hard Drive: The computer's permanent memory.
Build 7: Install the DVD /CD-ROM: Movies, software and backup.
Build 8: Final connections: The few obvious things you forget.
Software you need: The basic stuff first.
Connecting to the Internet: General info and a little tech.
http://www.silvercitizen.com/build-a-computer.html
Alf is incredibly helpful and will answer any questions you may have....
http://www.databasedesign-resource.com
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