Question:
What is a power supply?
Power parts
The computer power supply contains other parts to keep it from having power problems. It is built with a fan. This to prevent overheating during start up or usage. Some power supplies like the Diablo 550-Watt PSU also include built-in voltage overload protection. Keep in mind a power supply is like any other part of a computer. Make sure it works well with other parts like the processor and the circuit board or your computer might not work at all.
Beware of the dust bunnies
Just ‘cause the power supply is located within your computer doesn't mean it's impervious to dirt from the outside. Microscopic dust particles find there way into everything. A build up of dust could cause system overheating. The best cure -- compressed air. Every so often, spray the air on your power supply through the space in the intake fan. Instead of the external fan. This will send dust out of your case. Not suck it right back in.
Power protection
Blackouts strike without warning. Erasing power and sometimes your computer files. To prevent this from happening invest in a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) battery like the APC Smart UPS. This battery will protect your computer from shutting down when there are electrical interruptions or outages. Today's UPS Batteries connect through the serial port and can provide information about battery life as well.
Power of sleep
Chances are you will not be leaving your hair dryer on for 6 hours at a time. And you probably won't be using the toaster for a straight 12 hours. However, when it comes to computers, leaving ‘em on for hours and hours is sort of the norm. The best way to make sure your power supply doesn't fizzle out from overuse is to use the sleep mode. It is a mode that reduces the computer power when it is left untouched for a while. To jar the computer back into active mode usually all you need to do is touch the keyboard or the mouse. Most computers do have this mode. However, if yours does not there is software that can fix that problem.
Power for the PC
The PC power supply of the computer is the component that converts the electricity into energy the computer can use. This energy is measured in watts. Today's powerful computers don't need as much power as you think. The typical computer uses 200-300 watts. The typical coffee maker can use up to 1200. Even still, to prevent electrical damage from occurring during an electrical shortage it's probably best to connect your computer to a surge protector power strip.
PC Frequently Asked Questions
How does a cathode ray tube work?
Do any disadvantages exist with having a CRT?
What is the best way to shop for a new computer monitor?
What Size Computer Monitor Should You Select?
How much is too much for a computer monitor?
How important is computer monitor resolution?
What is a monitor's refresh rate?
How can I keep my monitor in good condition?
Would it help to use an energy star approved monitor?
How can I tell if my monitor has a latency period?
What would I need to attach my monitor to my computer?
Are wireless monitors very popular?
Can you tell me a little more about form factors?
motherboards, cpu, intel motherboard, motherboard connections, computer motherboard
Which components are attached to the motherboard?
What are some tips on maintaining my motherboard?
Is there anything I can do to make my CPU last longer?
When and who invented the first CPU chip?
Can you tell me more about the Intel Celeron microprocessor?
My computer has an AMD processor. Can you tell me what this means?
What is the difference between Intel's Pentium and Celeron processors?
Someone mentioned the phrase "CPU cache". What does this mean?
What is overclocking a processor and should I consider doing this?
What are dual inline packages? What does is meant by 256 MB of memory?
What memory modules are available?
What is dynamic random access memory?
Can you tell me information about SDRAM?
Is DDR SDRAM an improvement over SDRAM?
How does EDO RAM compare to FPM RAM?
What is fast page mode random access memory?
What is the latest product in DDR RAM technology?
When Should I Upgrade My Memory?
Is there free memory testing software available?
How does a computer technician upgrade my memory?
The computer cannot read my new memory! How do I fix this?
Should I consider using tape drives for storage?
What are the benefits of a removable hard drive?
Can a laptop do the same job as a desktop?
What is the difference between the various types of laptop screens?
Should I buy a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM drive?
How much space should my new laptop have?
What is the minimum amount of memory to purchase for my laptop?
What is the maximum amount of memory to purchase for my laptop?
Where can I find laptop deals online?
Is a proper laptop case needed when traveling?
How can I make my laptop secure?
My laptop has never crashed before. Should I still consider backing it up?
Can I improve the life of my laptop?
Why is a laptop warranty important?
Where can I find used laptops or notebooks online?
How can I prevent my wrists from hurting while typing?
Do wireless keyboards really exist?
Should I buy the cheapest mouse available?
How will my new mouse connect to my computer?
How do I decide if a mouse is comfortable?
What features can I look forward to with a new mouse?
How do I choose the right scanner?
How will my scanner interface with my computer?
How would I know if my computer can support a scanner?
What can I expect when shopping for a printer?
I would like to buy new equipment for my computer. Any suggestions?
Should I purchase computer speakers?
Why would I ever need a modem?
What are the different types of modems available?
Where to can I buy a desktop computer?
How Much Would You Like To Spend?
How Is The Desktop PC to be used?
How can I choose the right software?
How much space should my new computer have?
What are multimedia computers?
There is so much to choose from! How do I make my selection?
Would it be a beneficial to lease a computer?
Are computer warranties worth it?
How can spyware affect my desktop computer?
Are free antispyware tools available?
My computer is frozen! How do I fix this?
Should I buy a new computer or upgrade my current one?
I love recyclying. Can an old computer be recycled or donated?
How to select the right cpu cooling fan?
How should I monitor the CPU temperature?
My cpu cooling fan is noisy! Should I replace it?
When should I format my hard drive?
Is defragmenting my hard drive a good idea?
How important is data recovery?
Does Windows XP have a disk cleanup utility?
What are bad sectors and how do I detect them?
How would I connect my sound card to my computer?
Can my sound card be upgraded?
How do you I fix my sound card?
What Is DirectX and is it compatible with my video card?
How much would I spend on a new video card?
Is it better to buy an assembled computer or barebones kit?
What are the hottest selling barebones kits?
What is the cost of buying a barebones kit?
Why is it important to read the outside of the barebones kit?
How do CD burners actually work?
How can I use windows media player?
How can I determine what CD burner I have?
My friend mentioned I should use LightScribe. What is it and how do I use it?
How do I calculate the speed of my DVD burner?
Where can I find affordable computer parts?
