Computer Hardware

The physical machines and their subcomponents.

Resources in this category:

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, editorials, surveys as well as blogs.

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."

CNET
http://www.cnet.com/

Authoritative information about technology with sections for news, software downloads, incredible reviews, and a technology news video site. Also find expert lab-based product text and video reviews of thousands of popular tech gadgets, electronics and computer equipment, and software programs.

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."

The Computer Technology Documentation Project
http://www.comptechdoc.org/

This site contains computer documentation and information in various technical areas including markup and web languages, operating systems, hardware, programming, and networking. This documentation is suited for beginners and experts alike.

CrunchGear
http://www.crunchgear.com/

CrunchGear is a blog covering the latest news and reviews of gadgets, gear and computer hardware.

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

"EveryMac.com is the complete guide to every Macintosh, iPod, and Mac clone in the world, with technical, configuration, and pricing details." It also offers FAQs and a forum. Users who register (freely) have complete access to the discussions.

Gadgetwise
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/

Gadgetwise is a blog that mixes information, analysis and opinion to help you figure out which tech products to buy, and how to get the best deal.

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.com: Online Support Center
http://www.helpanswers.com/

Provides free help with computer related resources, such as answering technical issues with your computer.

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/

Online museum for computers of the early 1980s. Covers Apple, IBM, Tandy, Texas Instraments, Commodores, and others. Provides pictures, links, and information about these brands.

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

Do you want to build or repair your own PC? This site includes detailed guides explaining how to do both. It also covers how to take care of and get more out of your computer, and how modern PCs and their parts work.

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

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

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 and PC Performance
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 also a technological FAQ and forum 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.