Computing: Hardware and Systems

“Sloppiness is the main reason why computer security gets breached.”
~ Bill Gates, The Road Ahead

General Reviews
PC World Hardware Reviews
Use PC World's Product Finder to compare the latest information and prices, or browse the available reviews.

CNET Computers.Com
Browse reviews for computer hardware, consumer electronics, and related accessories.

ZDNet Hardware Product Guide
Browse reviews of computer and office hardware.

Hardware Central Reviews
This list of hardware reviews is limited, but each detailed review includes ratings, specifications, benchmarks, and more.

The Gadgeteer
This comprehensive gadget site includes reviews, announcements, and links for various brands of Smartphones, PDAs, and other gadgets.

Components
Tom's Hardware Guide
Browse technical discussions about motherboards, CPUs, graphic cards, RAM, and more.

Terminology
ALSO SEE:
Stumped by hardware terms? Look them up in a computing glossary from our Computer Reference section.

Viruses / Threats
Virus FAQ for New Users
The FAQ Archives maintains this list of frequently asked questions (and their answers) about computer viruses.

OnGuardOnline
OnGuardOnline.gov is run by the US Federal Trade Commission in an effort to educate about online risks and security. Included are articles on avoiding email scams, securing your computer network, and more.

System Disk
Create a System Disk
Having a system disk is important for emergencies like hard disk failure.

Bootdisk.com
This site has a wealth of essential PC support resources, including boot disk images, drivers, and links to how-tos for system-level tasks.

Procedures
Build Your Own PC
Planning to build your next PC piece-by-piece? This long tutorial guides you from buying the pieces to testing the final results, with links for more information. Don't lose the screws!

PC Maintenance and Cleaning
Give all your PC components a really thorough cleaning by following this article by WISCO Computing.