Barebones computer kits the most
simple of all the computers. The take the most basic computer hardware,
assemble it into a simple computer case, and will run the most basic level
tasks and processes. There is nothing flashy or exciting about these kits, they
are just the barebone essentials, hence the name barebones computer kits.
Uses
Because of the system limitations
with barebones style computers, their uses are going to be very limited as
well. The reason for purchasing a barebones computer kits, or building one is
because a computer is more of a convenience, and less of a necessity. For those
users, dumping excessive amounts of money into their computers is pointless
because the desktop computer will not be used enough to justify the large
expenditure that a gaming computer kit or home computer kits may tend to cause.
A barebones computer kits are used
for the most basic of operations, and are usually bought to to perform the
following functions:
- internet surfing
- social media networking
- word documents, and office and business applications
Since this style of computer is
meant to do nothing more than the more basic functions, there is no need to
dump a great deal of money into something so simplistic. If you look at
barebones computer kits from a different perspective, say laptops for example,
you are looking at what is called a netbook. Netbooks are very small, very
simple, and very inexpensive and are only meant for a few functions. A this
type of desktop would be the same concept as a netbook but in desktop format.
Specs
Even the most basic system should
carry a minimum of the following:
- 2GB-3GB RAM
- 80GB Hard Drive
- Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon Processor
- 128MB Graphics Card
The system specs do not have to be
intense. The goal is for a bare minimum because the computer is not used often
enough to justify that.
When you look for RAM keep in mind
that it takes around 1GB of RAM to run most of the newer operating systems.
So you still want to make sure that you have enough RAM to run the other
functions that you are intending to use your computer for.
Your hard drive does not need to be
huge unless you have a lot of games, photos, movies, and other media type
files. Word documents, no matter what form they are saved as take up very
little space. An 80GB hard drive would leave you with roughly 68GB of storage
space. Part of the hard drive is allocated for the operating system and BIOS
for your computer. 68GB is plenty of space for most people.
As far as your processor goes, I
would recommend nothing less than a pentium or AMD athlon processor. A
dual-core can be easily added for very little cost, and if you have a little
bit of swing room, I would definitely recommend the dual core. It wil help
speed up your processes, and make the general speed of the computer much
faster.
Your graphics card is highly
dependent on your other system hardware. You can not support a 1GB graphics
card on the barebones computer kits. This is why I recommended a 128MG graphics
card as opposed to something higher. The downside to a graphics card of this
capacity is that it will not render graphics well on the screen.
A higher end graphics card would
show much more detail and color in pictures, play games better, and show movies
more clearly. With a barebones computer kit few if any of those operation are
being done, so it is not necessary to pay extra for a higher caliber graphics
card. Also, a barebones computer kit would not liekly support a higher end
graphics card. Nothing more than a 128MG is necessary.
Conclusion
This article gives the information
as to differentiate a home computer from the barebones computer. Home computer
carry a little more versatility than a barebones computer kit, however, on the
most basic level of functions they can handle them both on the same level.
Barebones computer kits are intended for the users who sparingly use their
computer kits, and a home computer kit is intended for a little more use, so
the specs for home computers will be slightly higher than the specs for
barebones.
By providing the knowledge to
assemble your own PC and optimize your operating system for free, CP YoU BUild
IT creates an opportunity to maintain a highly functional and operational PC
without having to deal with the time and hassle it takes to talk to a tech
support team that other name brands force you to deal with.
I have been working on computer for
approximately thirteen years, beginning with the assembly of the first computer
I ever owned with my father in the second grade. Computers have come a long way
from a 486 processor with a 5.5" and floppy disk drive.