Computer Hardware Basics

Your computer is working slower than molasses, but why? We look at five of the most common reasons and how to fix them, with the help of experts.

By Dave Roos

In an earlier time, people routinely shut down their computers at night, and some folks still do. But is this necessary?

By Muriel Vega

In the Windows operating system, shutdown and restart both can be used to turn off your PC. But they don't do it exactly the same way. Which one should you use and when?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The old saying goes something like this: That shiny new computer you just bought is obsolete the second you take it out of the box. Well, there might be some truth to it. Our modern electronics might actually be built to break.

By Beth Brindle

Touch-screen interfaces are everywhere -- most smartphones and tablets use them today. See interesting facts and graphics on how touch screens work.

Most myths have a bit of truth in them - which may be why most people believe that powering down and restarting a computer leads to wear and tear. So, what's the truth behind the myth?

By Dave Roos

There's no worse feeling than lost data as a deadline approaches, or a folder of digital photos that are lost forever and can't be replaced. With just a little daily maintenance, you can help your odds of avoiding such tragedies.

By Jacob Clifton

In the early years of home computing, buying a machine was a huge investment. Many models sank, but these 10 broke sales records and gave many of us our first glimpse at the digital world. Did your favorite computer make the cut?

By Wesley Fenlon

Computers run our modern lives, but how many of us actually know how these everyday machines are made? We'll take a peek at the parts and processes that create the digital tools we can't live without.

By Nathan Chandler

Today, sleek, lightweight mobile computing devices grace the palms and laps of many modern computer users. But back in the '70s, "portable computer" had a very different meaning.

By Shanna Freeman

Does the name Sequoia ring a bell with you? How about Mira, or Tianhe-2? If you're not up on the latest supercomputer news, those words may mean nothing, but they're major players when it comes to petaflops.

By Wesley Fenlon & Bernadette Johnson

Supercomputers are the whiz kids of the computing world - they're the fastest, most powerful machines around. Find out what they're used for - and what makes them so "super" - in this article.

By Kate Kershner

With a global shortage of capable programmers, the Raspberry Pi may be the device that gets us back to computing basics. And that's a very good thing. Did we mention it only costs about $25?

By Bernadette Johnson

Without hardware, even the best software ever created is useless. What components do you need to have assembled before you can boot up and start clicking?

By Wesley Fenlon

There are hardware upgrades that can extend the useful life of your current computer without completely draining your account or relegating yet another piece of machinery to a landfill. Which upgrades are the best for your needs and your budget?

By Bernadette Johnson

Today's mobile, sleek computers have come a long way since their comparatively clunky predecessors first debuted. Given how fast technology evolves, is there a way to protect your PC from becoming obsolete?

By Kate Kershner

Mac or PC? It's a question almost everybody has an opinion about. Or, are you wondering what the difference is? We've broken down these computers to reveal their strengths and weaknesses.

By Chris Pollette

Thanks to improvements in manufacturing, computer processors are constantly getting faster and smaller. These days, it seems like computers are just about everywhere. What kinds of machines will we be using in 2050?

By Jonathan Strickland

Without heat sinks, today's high-tech computers couldn't run at the speeds they do. But what is a heat sink and how do they prevent costly damage?

By Robert Hartle

The world's most basic computers used to fill entire rooms. But today, computers are so compact you can carry them wherever you go. So how will our computing devices change in the next century?

By Jonathan Strickland

Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than traditional laptops. They're all the rage right now, but can they overcome their shortcomings to become a mainstay of the portable computer market?

By Nathan Chandler

Portable computers are so popular that they now come in a variety of sizes. Is there any real difference in notebooks, netbooks and UMPCs? What are manufacturers going to come up with next?

By Jonathan Strickland

It may sound silly, but there really are different types of computers. There are super, wearable and, of course, personal computers. And that's just three to start.

By Nathan Chandler

Ever wonder why your computer works the way it does? We did, too. So we took one apart to see what all of it does. So what's inside a computer?

By Jonathan Strickland

Are you curious about what's inside your computer? Browse through these computer hardware pictures and take a tour of your PC, from RAM to hard drives and everything in between.