1. Getting Started With The Basics

Time does indeed march on. This statement is no more relevant or accurate than in the world of computer technology. The latest and greatest is constantly being pushed aside by the “newest” latest and greatest. Computing technologies have sky-rocketed to new stratospheric levels of efficiency and speed in the last few years. Who reaps the benefits of this ongoing battle between computer component manufacturers to be the top dog in Silicon Valley………? We all do!

To Build, Or Not to Build….
There are a couple of things to consider before making this initial decision. When choosing to either build a system from scratch, or purchase one from a store, you will find clearly defined advantages with both scenarios.

Advantages to building from scratch:
Being able to carefully select system elements that are known to perform in the PC audio world.

Building your computer will give you increased knowledge of the system that you create. This is beneficial in increasing troubleshooting chops, and reducing the element of “fearing the unknown”.

The “bang for the buck” ratio is increased when you cut out the added cost of someone else assembling the computer for you.

Advantages to buying a pre-built system:
Complete system tech support provided
Convenience of plugging in, and getting the system running with minimal effort.
No worrying as to whether you have chosen incorrect or incompatible hardware/software.

This document will help you to understand the different elements of a PC, and allow you to make a more informed choice when acquiring a system for yourself. Whichever way you choose to go, the bottom line is successfully recording audio onto your computer.

Understanding The Beast
Whether you choose to build or buy pre-built, it will be helpful to understand the basic components of a computer. From the outside, a computer appears to be an incredibly complex piece of technology….and it is. But when you break down the components and how they relate to each other, you will find that it isn’t really as mysterious as one might think.

A computer exists and functions much the same way that an automobile does. A car is made up of specific components that when put together, turn a pile of parts such as wheels, transmission, axles, and engine into a (insert your favorite car here). Look at a computer the same way. Mastering the basic science of a computer is not that different from learning about how an automobile works. It is a science of components, and how they rely upon, relate to, and co-exist with each other.


Here are the basic components of an audio specific computer:

Motherboard
Think of this as the engine block of any car. Other elements get attached to the motherboard. The speed and performance specs of the computer will be determined by the peripherals chosen.

Processor
This is the brain of any computer. The speed of the processor will determine how well the overall computer will perform.

Memory or RAM
RAM exists to provide a place for ongoing computing tasks to exist. For this reason, the more you have the better.

Hard Drive
Think of this as the main storage place for your computer. When you install a program or record music, it is stored on the hard drive as data. This is also where your OS (Operating System) such as Windows 98 resides.

Graphics Card
Just as the name implies, this is a device that produces the visual display that you see on the computer screen.

Sound Card
Much the same way that the graphics card functions, an audio card is your portal to getting the music in and out of your computer. There are a number of manufacturers and models to choose from, and it is up to the end user to determine their price range, and performance considerations.

Monitor
Connects to the graphics card to let you actually see what is happening with your computer. Size and quality are a major consideration, since it is what you will spend most of your computing experiences looking at.

CD-ROM (Read Only) or CDRW (Read & Write)
One of a number of devices that let you load data (CD-ROM) or store data (CDRW) to and from your computer. Software manufacturers typically distribute their programs on CD-ROM or floppy disk.

Floppy Drive
Even though the storage size of a floppy disk is very limited (roughly 1.44 Mb), a lot of manufacturers will send out updates and small application files on a floppy disk. They also come in handy for initial setup of a new system…

Keyboard and Mouse
These two inexpensive components allow you to navigate through and control every function of your computer.

Case or Tower
The box where everything is installed

Operating System
The basic software platform that your computer will need to function. Windows 98 SE, ME, and 2000 are the most popular and current OS platforms.