New computer and cable modem questions

[kenimpzoom]

I am comparing new low cost desktop computers and have a couple of questions.<br /><br />I dont play a lot of games, but I know the video card is important if I ever do. Most of these low cost computers have an "integrated" video card. What does that mean, and will I be able to upgrade later on.<br /><br />When I get cable modem service, do I have to rent a cable modem from Roadrunner, or can I supply my own, or is the cable modem built into the network thing.<br /><br />What kind of network thing do I need to allow my two computers to acces the internet (via cable modem) and share a printer. Is anything special need to share a printer, or will any of the 100 dollar units do this.<br /><br />What type of card should I look for so I can network my laptop and this new desktop. My Old laptop has PCMCIA card slots and USB.<br /><br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Ken

 

[jajeeper]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

Integrated video means that the video card/components are not a seperate card, but reside on the system board. As for upgrading it later, you should have no problem disabling the integrated video, probably in the BIOS, and putting an actual video card in one of the slots. You might want to check out what type and how many internal slots are even avaialbe. Many of these inexpensive PCs don't offer much in that area.<br /><br />You should be able to provide your own cable modem. I think most providers don't care one way or another any more.<br /><br />Network thing - preferably you will have an integrated 10/100 ethernet port on your PC. You could also use one of your open slots to add this if needed. Most cable modems these days will also allow you to connect them via USB cable, but I don't really like that method personally.<br /><br />Sharing network - you will need a router that has multiple ports on it. Of course, unless your PC and laptop are going to be in the same room, you may want to get a wireless router and a wireless card for your laptop. The wiring will be something like this. Cable service from wall to cable modem. Network cable from cable modem to router. Wire from router to PC. Laptop connects to router via wireless.<br /><br />Sharing printing - Easiest way would be to by a router (mentioned above) that has print server capabilities built in. Then you will simply connect your printer to the router also and each computer on your network will access it from there.<br /><br />Hope that helps.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

An integrated card just means that the card hardware is part of the motherboard and does not take up an i/o slot. You can get good integrated video or mediocre integrated video. Usuall, these boards will still have an AGP slot to add a better card down the road. I do play a lot of games, and in my opinion the Nvidia cards (geforce, etc) are the best, most compatible cards. Price is good for the most part too. I'm running a Geforce-4 440MX that's a few years old now and even the newest games like Unreal Tournament 2004 still run silky smooth on my Pentium 4 2.0Ghz. As a comparison, my work PC is a 2.4GHZ with an intel-based on-board video, and even with the faster processor the game runs 10X better on my home PC (but still good enough to pass the time at work LOL!). <br /><br />The cable modem is a separate piece of hardware, like a mini cable box for your PC. You can rent them, or buy them, whatever makes more sense at the time. <br /><br />Any home router should work. I use an old SMC Barricade, about $75 if I remember correctly years ago. You need a WAN router and not just a hub. A router will address whatever hardware you connect using DHCP, and will allow as many computers as you can stuff into your house to access the internet. You only need one router, then after that you can branch off using normal hubs (cheaper). For example, I have a 4-port router which connects to my cable modem. From this router 3 ports go to PC's and one port goes to a 24-port hub which has other hardware connected to it. As far as sharing the printer, all you need to do is set it up on one PC, then 'share' it to the other PC's connected via the network. No extra hardware/software needed. <br /><br />To network the laptop, you need to get an ethernet adapter, either for the PCMCIA slot or USB. Pretty straightforward.<br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

Wow, thanks a lot for the quick info.<br />You guys rock!!

 

[voxmorgan]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

Beware of some HP models. They don't allow you to disable the integrated video card, even in BIOS. Also if you’re even thinking about upgrading the video card you should be looking at a motherboard with an AGP slot (Accelerated Graphics Port). This is made specifically for Video cards. It looks like a PCI slot but is a bit bigger. If the motherboard has an AGP slot on it you can bet it is upgradeable.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

I have bought a bunch of new DELL computers lately with the integrated video. While I have no plans on ever upgrading the video (they are work machines) what I found interesting is that there is NO AGP slot for an aftermarket video card. The etches are on the motherboard for the connector, but they left the connector off. <br /><br />So if you go DELL, make sure they either include a AGP slot or buy a model with the AGP card pre-installed at the factory.<br /><br />- Brian

 

[jimr]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

DON'T buy a HP or compaq i bought a hp and wished i had waited to get a dell.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

The way the following product info reads, it sounds like this thing will do the trick for networking. Cant beat the price.<br /><br /> http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=inktomi&product_code=298420&pfp=cat3 <br /><br />Now I just need a PCMCIA card for the laptop and I am good to go.<br /><br />Gonna call roadrunner soon cause this dial up is driving me nuts.<br /><br />Ken

 

[Link]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

kenimpzoom <br />I'm not a puter guy but have many freinds that are and the first thing "they would do" is bash a all in one mother board. <br />As always I'm impressed with the guys here (and gals) Straight forward and helpfull<br /><br />I bought a new HP 333Mhz in 97 to run the business and for home also. (puter in a can) <br />When the new 2.0 or 2.1 Ghz CPU's were all the rage I was able to pick up a 1.2+ GHz all in one board for $110.00 (new) along with the extra ram CDRW and 40 gig hard drive. total investment @ $300.00 back then. And I had a current model (not 6-7 years old) Works for me! <br />Still looks like a 1997 HP Pavilion 8240 canned puter though

 

[LubeDude]

Re: New computer and cable modem questions

I know it is tempting to buy a computer all assembled and shipped to your door, but I have to say.<br /><br /> Build your own from scratch! <br /><br />You will be proud as heck when you are done, you will have a computer that absolutly ROCKS and if I can do it, you can do it.