Computer Hardware

Laptops are now as popular as desktops, and the price gap is closing. Learn about laptops, upgrading laptop memory, using a laptop, and read laptop reviews.

By Tracy V. Wilson & Robert Valdes

In your body is more computing power than in any manmade supercomputer. The future of computing bypasses silicon in favor of the far-more-powerful DNA strand, and the possibilities are endless. Learn how DNA could replace the silicon microprocessor.

By Kevin Bonsor

We're talking Star Wars-level futuristic here: Holographic memory could potentially store terabytes of data in a 1-centimeter cube. Learn how tomorrow's ultra-high-capacity computer memory will work!

By Kevin Bonsor

OK, so they're not as popular as the USB port these days. But the parallel port is still a very common way to connect a printer to a PC. Learn how parallel ports operate and how they came about.

By Jeff Tyson

A FireWire connection lets you send data to and from high-bandwidth digital devices such as digital camcorders, and it's faster than USB. Learn what FireWire is, how it works and why you might want to use it.

By Jeff Tyson & Julia Layton

In many cases, an "out of memory" message is misleading, since your whole system really did not run out of memory. Instead, certain areas of memory used by Windows have run low on space.

One of the most common uses of Flash memory is for the basic input/output system of your computer, commonly known as the BIOS. On virtually every system available, the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and CPU function together.

By Jeff Tyson

Unlike conventional hard drives, flash memory has no moving parts to break. And it can be used in smaller spaces, such as a pocket camera or cell phone. So why use anything else?

By Jeff Tyson

Read-only memory is not only essential to your computer, but is also used in everything from video games to microwaves. Learn about the different types of ROM and how they're used.

By Jeff Tyson

Chances are good that your operating system includes virtual memory. It makes your computer act like it has a lot more RAM than it does. Find out what virtual memory is and how it increases the speed of your PC.

By Jeff Tyson

Random access memory (RAM) is as important to your computer's operation as the CPU, because it determines how quickly and efficiently your computer performs tasks. So how does it do that and can you upgrade it?

By Jeff Tyson & Chris Pollette

Your computer probably uses both static RAM and dynamic RAM at the same time, but for different reasons. See what both types of RAM do in your computer.

By Talon Homer

Like our brains, computers use both short-term and long-term memory to store data. But the similarities end there. There are several types of computer memory that are arranged based on both technical and financial concerns.

By Jeff Tyson

Routers are a vital component of the Internet -- they comprise an intricate network that delivers millions of e-mail messages every day. Find out how routers deliver packets of information to the right place.

By Curt Franklin

FireWire offers quite a few advantages, though it does cost a bit more than USB. Learn what makes FireWire different.

What is the world's fastest computer? Well, there's the MDGrape-3 and a few other supercomputers, or there's another one that may surprise you ...

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Networking two or more home computers provides many conveniences, but how do you get started? Start here for the answer.

Running out of USB ports is annoying, but it doesn't have to stop you from adding components to your computer. Check out this list of USB accessories and learn how to get them connected.

The head crash -- it's one of the most terrifying and frustrating computer glitches because it can destroy all of your data. Find out how long you can expect a hard disk to last before a head crash happens.

Computers send data through parallel ports, serial ports, or network connections. How does a computer's parallel port work? And how can I design things to attach to a parallel port?

Up to a point, adding RAM (random access memory) will make your computer feel faster on certain types of operations. However, upgrading the CPU may make it several times faster across the board.

By Talon Homer

Surely you've noticed the grinding noise that sometimes happens when you open a file on a computer. Is it normal? What causes it?

Will this keyboard combination shut your computer down or render it inoperable? It's not likely, but it's always better to ask.

Celeron and Pentium chips have a lot in common, but there are some features that separate them. Which one is right for you?

By Talon Homer

The main thing that separates a Zip disk from a floppy disk is the magnetic coating used on the disk. How does this coating make such an impact on the disk's storage space?