The Best PCs You Can Build for $600 and $1200

How to Build a Computer from Scratch, Lesson 4: Installing Your Operating System Ah, good eye! So, generally, your motherboard runs all RAM at the lowest speed (correct me if I'm wrong on any nuance of that particular fact, guys). As I mentioned in part 2, RAM speeds don't really matter.

Free Software Alternatives – OpenOffice and Other Free Software Man, software can be expensive. With a fully loaded Microsoft Office suite costing up to $350, and the pro-level version of Adobe Photoshop costing an extra $1300, the price of basic software utilities can easily trump the cost of even a high-powered new computer. So, much as doctors may find themselves recommending generic drugs over pricey name-brand pills, I increasingly find myself advising people to procure free, open-source or Web-based alternatives to expensive programs. For most users, these applications should serve as adequate replacements for big-name apps.

Leap Motion sensor offers 3D gesture control at an affordable price The Leap sensor is small, but accurate enough to process 3D gesturing Leap is now taking pre-orders for its Leap Motion sensor, a USB accessory that enables full control of your PC or Mac using simple hand and finger gestures. The company claims that its product is the most accurate gesture sensor available, and it costs only US$70. As you can see, the Leap sensor is quite small, making it portable enough to throw into a laptop bag when traveling. How to Build a Computer" Have you ever thought about building your own computer? Actually buying a motherboard and a case ­along with all the supporting components and assembling the whole thing yourself? Here are three reasons why you might want to consider taking the plunge:

Atomic-scale magnetic memory The world's smallest bit Scientists from IBM Research have been investigating and controlling matter on an atomic scale for decades. So, naturally, their latest quest would involve greatly decreasing the storage capacity needed for one bit of data, which on today's computers stands at about 1 million atoms. They set out to develop the ultimate memory chips of the future. Starting at the very beginning of density—single atoms—they created the world’s smallest magnetic memory bit and answered the question of how many atoms it takes to reliably store one bit of magnetic information at a low temperature: 12.

How to Calibrate Your HDTV and Boost Your Video Quality in 30 Minutes or Less Don't know about you... but TVs I've owned have Store and Home modes, Store is horribly bright, high contrast, Home is sensibly done. Last time this article came around it only needed a DVD player. Now you've made it even harder to do. You *can* use a DVD player, but considering no DVD player is capable of 1080p/i display, it wouldn't make much sense. You can use an Xbox 360 if you download and burn the mp4 version of the calibration disc, but frankly, if you're calibrating your HDTV so you can actually, you know, enjoy the HD part of that, you should make sure the video you're calibrating to is actually displayed in true HD, not upconverted or 720p.

The BEST Cover Letter Ever: How To Write It and Write It RIGHT Now that you know how to write that ever-so-perfect resume, it’s time to WOW potential employers with a cover letter that leaves them in awe of your skills, and gives you what you’re looking for — an interview, and hopefully a job! Step 1: FIGURE OUT THE EMPLOYEE’S NAME and contact information. When composing a cover letter, knowing the name of the employee to send your letter to, her position in the company, and the address of the company is crucial. An easy reason for someone to toss your application in the trash is spelling his or her name wrong. Put all this information on your cover letter — it may seem tedious but it’s professional and it gives an immediate indication that this isn’t a mass produced cover letter. Save All Around by Powering Your Computer Down Experts discuss the costs of powering your computer down vs. leaving it in standby mode. Having to boot up your computer each time you want to use it can be inconvenient, but keeping it in sleep mode may not be the best alternative. The sleep mode on your computer is designed to keep the machine on while drawing a small amount of power.