D.C Computer Solutions CHEEP GAS & ELECTRICITY : PRICES.

Millions on standard tariffs can currently save over £300 a year by switching to the cheapest online deals, plus get up to £30 cashback or a crate of wine for doing it.



And it's no big deal: only price and customer service change - you get the same gas, electricity, pipes, meter & safety.



Latest News February 2011

It’s the PERFECT time to switch – save £300



ALL of the big six energy providers have now announced price hikes of up to 9%. They’ve all taken effect apart from the last to announce, EDF, whose 7% rise hits on 2 March – though it's already factored into comparison sites.



That means compare now, and it’s a level playing field, as they’re all on the same leg of the price rise relay the cheapest now really is the cheapest. The sooner you switch the sooner you save, so we're on an Urgent 'SWITCH NOW' status.





In this guide

Is it time to switch?

Switch now, but with caution

Should I fix now?

It may be best if you need surety

The 8 energy bill cutting rules

Tips and tricks to help you switch

Full energy Q&A Best Buys: Switch & get cashback

£15 for single fuel switchers

With top pick Energyhelpline

£30 for dual fuel switchers

Or go for freebies inc. 12 bottles of wine

Discuss this guide

Add your comments in the forum

Other Travel MoneySaving ArticlesCheapest Gas & Electricity

Cheapest Boiler Cover

Grant Grabbing

Benefits Checklist

Heating & Fuel Oil

Energy Direct Debits Is it time to switch?

Latest News

Eon to raise energy prices

11 Jan '11

Brace yourself for record winter energy bills

16 Dec '10

Npower to hike energy prices in January

10 Dec '10

EDF table-topping energy deal set to disappear

09 Dec '10

Which energy firm is worst for customer service?

08 Dec '10

All energy newsWhen it comes to switching, timing's crucial. The current status is ...



URGENT! Switch now!

If you're on a standard tariff, or anything other than a super-cheap online-billed deal - compare, ditch and switch ASAP.



All six of the big suppliers have now hiked prices (see the full company-by-company changes).



In the past, when the first hike was announced we've said 'don't switch', as you could just be leaving one provider only to move to another that raises its prices even higher.



Yet now we've a two tiered system, and most people are massively overpaying. Standard tariffs cost an average home £1,100 a year, while super cheap ‘online-billed’ tariffs are £900 for the same usage. So those on standard tariffs should move as fast as possible.



Latest movers & shakers

2010/11 rises and cuts by providerPrice changes vary not just by company, but by region, and there can be huge variances. The following are the most-recent average changes for each major supplier.

Do understand that when you use a comparison site, if prices are announced but not acted on, it'll be the 'post-price-rise / cut price', as comparison services incorporate the new prices at the moment they're announced, not the moment they happen.





Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE). 9.4% Gas rise (Dec '10)SSE's stated a gas-only price rise of 9.4% for 1 Dec '10 across all standard tariffs.



In the prior round of cuts SSE dual fuel rates fell by 4%, single gas by 7% and pre-payment rates by 9% on 29 March '10.

British Gas & Scottish Gas. 7% gas & Elec rise (Dec '10)British Gas hiked both gas and electricity prices by 7% on average from 10 Dec. 300,000 customers on BG's Essentials tariff won't see price rises until after winter.

In the prior round of prices cuts, starting in Feb '10, it cut gas prices by an average 7%, excluding its cheaper online tariffs though.

E.ON. 9% elec, 3% gas Hike (Jan '11)E.On announced a price rise of 9% on electricity and 3% on gas prices from 4 February.

Previously E.ON cut gas prices by 6% for all monthly direct debit customers on 31 March. As usual, this doesn't apply to its StayWarm tariff.

EDF Energy. Increasing prices on 2 March 2011 EDF Energy was the final big six provider to announce hikes - 6.5% on gas and 7.5% on electricity to kick in on 2 March - after initially pledging to hold standard prices until March, in order to retain competitive advantage in the short-term and attract switchers.

EDF Energy previously hiked 2.6% on standard electricity prices on 1 Oct 2010, with 1.2 million customers hit. But those in the London, South east and South west regions were unaffected.

Scottish Power. 2% gas, 8.9% elec rise (NOV '10) Scottish Power announced a price rise of 2% on gas and 8.9% on electricity effective from 25 Nov. The hike includes all tariffs, except its fixed/capped products and its over 60s social tariff, Fresh Start.



Scottish Power cut standard gas prices by 8%, effective 31 March. As with EDF, the cuts didn't apply to everybody. Only some households on its cheaper online deals got them.

Npower. 5% Gas & ElEC Rises (Jan '11) Npower hiked gas and electricity prices by an average 5.1% on 4 January 2011.

Those on its social tariff will be protected with a price fix until April '11.

Read MoreWhy it's urgent

Winter’s here. The actual changeover can take two months, meaning if you don’t do it ASAP, by the time winter’s high bills hit you’ll still be paying a huge rate.



Cheap tariffs are disappearing. In recent months, a lot of the very cheapest online-billed deals have been pulled, so leaving it longer could result in costs rising further.



You save even if rates rise. If you move to an online tariff, there's still a chance its price will be hiked. Yet they're so much cheaper than standard tariffs, you're still almost certain save compared to what you’d have paid otherwise (and if not, switch again).



Time To Switch Alerts Service:

Whenever we shift from 'time to switch' to 'don't switch' or vice versa, a warning is included in the free weekly MoneySavingExpert.com email





FAQ's Past Emails Privacy Policy Switch & get added cashback

The easiest way to find who's cheapest is to use a comparison site, where you tell it where you live and as much info as possible about your energy bills, and it tells you who's cheapest. If you don't have your bills handy for usage figures, it'll estimate.



Yet don't go direct. Instead, specifically click these special links to the comparison sites, and within 45-90 days you get paid cashback or freebies on top, provided they can switch you (see why they pay).



If you're confused about what type of tariff to pick, see the Q & As below. See the special guide if you're switching FROM a capped tariff.





Overall top comparison service. £15 cashback per switch



Our top pick, based on historical reliability, feedback and research, is Energyhelpline*, which pays £15 cashback (once) per switch whether separate gas and electricity or dual fuel.



Alternative top picks for freebies. £30 cash, £40 wine



For a dual fuel switch, which means getting gas & electricity from one provider, you can get bigger freebies (one per household). Yet don't assume dual fuel is always cheapest. Check whether getting separate gas and electricity can undercut it, as it often can.



£30 cashback: Moneysupermarket*

12 bottles of wine (worth c. £40): Uswitch*

£35 Amazon vouchers: SimplySwitch*



With more work, you may be able to increase the cashback. See the cashback info link below.





Don't worry too much about switching. Only customer service, billing and, most importantly, prices change. The pipes, circuits, wires, safety coverage and actual gas and electricity flowing through your home are all the same.



The new supplier performs the switch, and all you do is take a meter reading. Of course, there've been many switching 'horror stories' and sadly these still happen, but for most it's a smooth process.

Full cashback info

More Cashback info, top picks & possible cash boost. Click to read more

When is the cashback paid?

Cashback's usually paid 45 to 90 days after you sign up, but remember it's only paid when the comparison service actually administers the switch for you, otherwise it doesn't earn anything, so it can't cut you in (beware, as some of the below will ask you to fill in a claim form to get your voucher).



Things can and do sometimes go wrong, so don't count the cash as yours until it's in your pocket.



Detailed list of sites offering cashback.Our top picks in the article are assessed on a mix of feedback from MoneySavers, cashback (or wine), inclusivity of tariffs, company strength (as the cashback comes from the comparison site, so you're reliant on it) and functionality. Here's a more detailed explanation:

The overall MSE top picks

Over the years, Energyhelpline* has consistently received good feedback, has some of the most inclusive functionality and delivers quickly when we suggest improvements.



It pays cashback of £15 per switch, which means switch to dual fuel (gas and electricity together) and it's £15, or switch to a separate gas and electricity supplier and it's £30 (joint highest).

For dual fuel we also include Moneysupermarket* which offers £30 cashback or Uswitch*

which offers 12 bottles of wine (worth c. £40).

List based purely on freebie/cashback value



This is simply a list based on the promised cashback on offer, and excludes any company feedback or other criteria we use in our top picks.



Just an electricity switch: Moneysupermarket* pays £17.50 cash, or Energyhelpline* pays £15 cash, while SimplySwitch* pays £15 in Amazon vouchers (the vouchers will be sent out automatically within 90 days, one per household).

Switch to separate gas & electricity providers: You can get £34 via Energylinx* if you're switching to separate gas and electricity suppliers, or get £30 (£15 per fuel) via Energyhelpline* and UK Power*.



Or again SimplySwitch* gives £30 (£15 per fuel) in Amazon (the vouchers will be sent out automatically within 90 days, one per household).

Dual fuel: This means you get gas and electricity from the same supplier. Beatthatquote* pays £35 in cash, SimplySwitch* pays £35 in Amazon vouchers, Energylinx* pays £34 in cash or Moneysupermarket* pays £30 in cash and SwitchwithWitch* pays £20. Energyhelpline* only pays £15 in this scenario.

Get a voucher for 12 bottles of wine worth £40.

Rather than cash, Uswitch* gives a voucher for 12 bottles from Virgin Wines when you switch to a dual fuel tariff. You get six red and six white, with a max of one per household. And don't worry, you don't need to buy anything else from Virgin to redeem it.

Officially, the wine's worth over £50, yet roughly equivalent plonk can be had from supermarkets for about £40 (the MSE team's verdict on it was, some good, some yuck!)

Ensure you go via the above link to get the deal, because if you go directly to Uswitch, you'll only get a different voucher. This looks similar, but it's just £40 off, not actually free wine.

How much cashback is promised? Cashback Energy Service Switch to Separate Gas & Electricity Suppliers Switch to Dual Fuel

Energyhelpline* £30 £15

Uswitch* - 12 bottles of wine worth c.£40

UK Power* £30 £20

Energylinx* £34 £34

Moneysupermarket* £17.50 £30

SimplySwitch* (Amazon vouchers) £30 £35

Beatthatquote* £35 £35

TheEnergyShop* - £20

You may've noticed that there's no mention of the charity-donating comparison switch sites, such as Switchandgive, which pays £20 to charity for dual fuel switching.

That's because, if you switch via the sites above, get the cashback and donate it directly to charity, the tax advantages of you donating mean the charity gets more anyway (see the increase your charity giving article).

It may be possible to INCREASE the cashback ...

Occasionally, some energy companies pay even more if you switch directly via their websites or via cashback websites. Therefore, for the ultimate finesse, first use the comparison services to find the cheapest, then check the winner's website direct to see if it offers more cashback.

Also check if you can get more going via a cashback website both for the energy provider itself and, on rare occasions, for going to the comparison site - use the Cashback Sites Maximiser for this.



Read More

Important! Don't miss the best times to switch

Get MoneySavingExpert's free, spam-free weekly email full of guides & loopholes FAQS View Past Emails Privacy Policy The eight energy bill cutting rules

It's not just about doing a comparison. Who you use and how you pay can cut your bills substantially. Here are the key eight rules:





Don't assume dual fuel is always cheapest



Logically, dual fuel (gas and electricity from the same supplier) should be cheaper and it often is, yet not always.



During your comparison, also compare the cost of the cheapest dual fuel supplier with separate cheap gas and cheap electricity suppliers.



Do switch to monthly direct debit



Fixed monthly direct debit payments, where you pay a fixed estimate each month, save you 5-10%, as companies are sure you won't default and they earn interest on any overpayments. These should be refunded at the end of the year.



Do a meter reading every time



Every time you receive a bill, do a meter reading. Don't rely on your energy provider's estimate; these are often way out. If they're under-billing, you'll have a big whack to pay at the end of the year. If they're over-billing, then they've unfairly got your cash.



If your direct debit is way off kilter, call up and request it's changed. You have a range of rights to ensure it's correct. See the full Energy Direct Debits guide for template letters to help.



Do switch to your company's internet tariff



It will usually save you up to 10% over the standard tariff, and all it really means is you get your bills emailed.



Avoid pre-payment meters if you can



While a push from the government means things are getting better, those on pre-payment meters are still pretty hard done by, certainly compared to those who pay by direct debit. If possible you should try to switch to a billed meter. You may have to pay to get one, but the savings are usually worth it.



Yet often they won't let you, due to credit score or income difficulties. If that's the case, you're not automatically stuck. Energyhelpline* and Uswitch* allow you to compare prepayment tariffs - plus there's also Ebico which has historically been competitive on pre-payment, though its advantage is now diminishing as other suppliers cut costs.



Consider a financial hardship tariff



If you're in financial trouble some companies offer special cheaper tariffs, which help. However you can't assume these will be the cheapest. As you're online (or you wouldn't be reading this), it's possible the cheapest web tariff will beat many hardship deals.



Grab £1,000s of grants



There's a vast range of grants available for improving home heating and insulation, just go to the Energy Saving Trust's Energy grant search. For more grants available for all types of home improvement, see the full Grant Grabbing guide.



Use less energy



It's not just who you pay, but how much you use. Cutting energy is a mix of big and little things.



Turn down the thermostat and wear jumpers, turn lights off when you leave a room, use energy saving lightbulbs, defrost the fridge and check it's not on too high, don't leave electrical goods on standby.



For more info, read the Energy Saving Hunt and see the Energy Saving Trust website.

check are website below


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D.C Computer Solutions 100%KICKASS VIDEO CARDS

Palit GTX 580 3GB GDDR5 Video Card


1 week 9 hours ago



The Palit GTX 580 3GB GDDR5 Video Card offers the most memory of any 580 video card on the market and one of the fastest GPUs on the planet. So if you're a hardware gamer, then look no further. It's also packed with technologies like DirectX 11, 3D Surround, CUDA, SLI and many more. This video card has drool written all over it!

HIS HD 6970 Turbo 2GB GDDR5 Video Card

2 weeks 9 hours ago



The HIS HD 6970 Turbo 2GB GDDR5 Video Card is as hardcore as it gets for a single GPU. Fact is, it's busting with features and performance but still at a price most gamers would be able to stomach. This is one product that will top your expectations.

HIS HD 6870 Turbo 1GB GDDR5 Video Card

15 weeks 8 hours ago



HIS HD 6870 Turbo 1GB GDDR5 Video Card might be considered mid-range, but it performs extremely well and is loaded with features. If you don't want to break the bank, but need an amazing video card, this is it. No matter if it's games, movies or other multi-display applications, this video card rocks.

HIS HD 5870 2GB GDDR5 Eyefinity 6 Video Card

43 weeks 3 days ago



The HIS HD 5870 2GB GDDR5 Eyefinity 6 Video Card is jam packed with amazing features, technologies and has the ability to run up 6 displays. The core speed on this product is 850MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 4.8GHz DDR. It comes with 1600 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 80 texture units and 32 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 27.2 Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 68GTexels/s and the memory bandwidth is 153.6GB/s.

HIS HD 5870 iCooler V Turbo 1GB GDDR5 Video Card

49 weeks 14 hours ago



If you're in the market for the fastest single GPU Video Card, this is it! The core speed on this product is 875MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 4.9GHz DDR. It comes with 1600 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 80 texture units and 32 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 28Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 70Texels/s and the memory bandwidth is 156.8GB/s.

HIS HD 5970 2GB GDDR5 Video Card

1 year 10 weeks ago



The HIS HD 5970 2GB GDDR5 Video Card has a core speed on this product is 725MHz and the 2GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 4GHz DDR. It comes with 3200 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 160 texture units and 64 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 46.4 Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 116 GTexels/s and the memory bandwidth is 256GB/s.

HIS HD 5870 1GB GDDR5 Video Card

1 year 19 weeks ago



If you're in the market for the fastest single GPU Video Card, this is it! The core speed on this product is 850MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 4.8GHz DDR. It comes with 1600 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 80 texture units and 32 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 27.2 Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 68GTexels/s and the memory bandwidth is 153.6GB/s.

HIS HD 4890 Turbo 1GB Video Card

1 year 26 weeks ago



The core speed on the HIS HD 4890 Turbo 1GB Video Card is 900MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 3.9GHz DDR. It comes with 800 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 40 texture units and 16 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 14.4 Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 36GTexels/s and the memory bandwidth is 124.8GB/s. Watch the video to find out more...

HIS HD 4870 IceQ 4+ Turbo 1GB Video Card

1 year 26 weeks ago



The core speed on the HIS HD 4870 IceQ 4+ Turbo 1GB Video Card is 770MHz and the 1GB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 4GHz DDR. Note that a standard 4870 video cards only have a core speed of 750MHz and a memory speed of 3.6GHz DDR. It comes with 800 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 40 texture units and 16 raster operators. The pixel fillrate is 12.3 Gpixels/sec, texture fillrate is 30.8GTexels/s and the memory bandwidth is 128GB/s. Be sure to check out the CrossFire results. Watch the video to find out more...

HIS HD 4870 X2 2GB GDDR5 Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



The core speed on the HIS HD 4870 X2 2GB GDDR5 Video Card is 750MHz and the 2GB (1GB per GPU) of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 3.6GHz DDR. It comes with 800x2 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 80 (40x2) texture units, 32 (16x2) raster operators. This is the fastest video card currently on the market! Watch the video to find out more.

HIS HD 4870 512MB GDDR5 Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



The Radeon HD 4800 series video cards are currently available in three flavors; the 4850, 4870 and 4870 X2. The single GPU HIS HD 4870 512MB GDDR5 Video Card is based on the RV770 core which is built on the 55 nanometer manufacturing process and has 956 million transistors. The core speed on this product is 750MHz and the 512MB of GDDR5 256 bit memory is 3.6GHz DDR. It comes with 800 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 40 texture units and 16 raster operators. The pixel fill rate is 27 GPixels/sec and the memory bandwidth is 115.2GB/s. If you've been waiting to purchase a high-end Video Card, it's arrived! This is the best performance vs. price video cards currently on the market, hands down! Watch the video to find out more.

HIS HD 3870 X2 1GB GDDR3 Video Card

1 year 24 weeks ago



The HIS HD 3870 X2 1GB GDDR3 Video Card is based on two RV670 cores (2xRV670 = R680) which are built using the 55 nanometer manufacturing process and has 1.332 billion transistors. The core speed on this product is 825MHz and the 1GB of GDDR3 256 bit (x2) memory is 1.8GHz DDR. It comes with 640 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 32 texture units, 32 raster operators, the pixel fill rate is 26.4 GPixels/sec and the memory bandwidth is 115.2GB/s. Performance on this Video Card is out of this world!. Watch the video to find out more and check out the bloopers at the end.

HIS HD 3870 IceQ 3 Turbo 512MB GDDR4 Video Card

1 year 24 weeks ago



The default speed on the stock 3870 video card is 775MHz for the core and 2.25GHz for the memory, but HIS has this card's speeds set much higher. The core speed on the HIS HD 3870 IceQ 3 Turbo 512MB GDDR4 Video Card is 850MHz and the 512MBs of GDDR4 256 bit memory is 2.38GHz DDR. It comes with 320 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, 16 texture units, 16 raster operators, the pixel fill rate is approx. 13.4 GPixels/sec and the memory bandwidth is 76GB/s. This is the perfect video card for a HTPC gaming rig! Watch the video to find out more and check out the bloopers at the end.

Silverstone OP1200 1200W Power Supply

1 year 24 weeks ago



The Silverstone Olympia line of power supplies are available in wattages ranging from 650 to 1200. I'll be reviewing the Silverstone OP1200 1200W model which is more than enough power for even hardcore computer systems. The housing is steel and they include a very quiet 135mm fan which is recessed, but this PSU is extremely long so it might not fit in some smaller mid-tower cases. Also note that this fan is load controlled, meaning the more load on the PSU the faster the fan spins. Watch the video to find out more and check out the bloopers at the end.

HIS HD 2900XT 512MB Video Card

1 year 26 weeks ago



The HIS HD 2900XT 512MB Video Card performs exceptionally well, supports DirectX10 and is highly overclockable. This Video Card has many technologies, a few include; a massive 512bit memory interface, Custom Filter Anti-Aliasing, Unified Superscalar Shader Architecture, Tessellation and High-Definition Multimedia Interface output support. The core speed on this product is 740MHz and the 512MBs of GDDR3 memory is 1650MHz. It comes with 320 stream processing units for vertex, pixel and geometry data, the pixel fill rate is 47.5GPixels/s and the memory bandwidth is 106GB/s. Watch the video to find out more and check out the bloopers at the end.

HIS 1900XTX 512MB CrossFire Video Cards

1 year 25 weeks ago



The HIS X1900XTX and X1900 CrossFire Edition Video Cards make an unbelievable combo for the hardcore gamer. They both come with a 256bit memory interface, 512MBs of GDDR3 memory, 16 pixel pipelines, 8 vertex engines, 48 pixel shader processors, and the pixel fill rate is 10GPixels/s. When they are combined it equals insane gaming performance. This ATI CrossFire setup has a very high droll factor!. Watch the Video to find out more...

Connect3D X1900XT Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



If you wish to play the latest games with all the eye candy enabled on a widescreen display, a very fast Video Card is required. The Connect3D X1900 XT 512MB GDDRIII with dual DVI-I and VIVO is just that card. It loaded with the technologies and 512MB of GDDR3 memory gives this card a clear advantage. In a single configuration it's hardcore enough, but for the gamer that needs the fastest setup, it is also Crossfire ready. This is one product that can handle any graphically demanding game. Watch the Video to find out more..

ATI All-In-Wonder X1900 256MB PCIE Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



n/a

ATI All-in-Wonder X1800XL 256MB PCIE Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



n/a

ATI All-In-Wonder X800XL 256MB PCIE Video Card

1 year 25 weeks ago



n/a

ATI All-In-Wonder X800XT Video Card

46 weeks 2 days ago



ATI All-In-Wonder X800XT Video Card

HIS X850XT IceQ II Turbo Dual DVI VIVO 256MB PCI-E

45 weeks 6 days ago



HIS X850XT IceQ II Turbo Dual DVI VIVO 256MB PCI-E

Corsair XPERT PC-3200 Memory w/Programmable LED

45 weeks 6 days ago



Corsair XPERT PC-3200 Memory w/Programmable LED

Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 (DDR2-667) Memory

43 weeks 5 days ago



Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 (DDR2-667) Memory

ATI Radeon 8500 128MB Presentation

CHECH OUT MY WEBPAGE

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D.C Computer Solutions./ Computers For Kids: Tips On Buying Your Child His First PC

Your child has just told you what a fantastic computer his friend has. Then he asks you when you are buying a computer for him – and that’s where your problem starts. No (wired) parent can afford to delay their child’s introduction to computers and the vast world of the Internet indefinitely.
If you need to buy your kid a computer, but are new to this and leery of experimenting on such an expensive electronic device, you’ll benefit from these tips on buying a PC for your kid. Here are some tips on how to buy a PC for your kid:

Hard Facts About Hardware

The main components of a computer reside in the Central Processing Unit. The CPU comprises of the motherboard, the processor and the RAM. (The motherboard has an interesting history – originally dubbed as the hardboard, this name appeared too ‘masculine’ for some and gave way to ‘motherboard’.)
The motherboard houses all integral components of a computer – from the processor to the display card.  The processor controls everything from the startup/shutdown process to the computer’s speed.
While buying a PC for your kid, you need to pay special attention to the motherboard and processor. Unlike the RAM and other accessories, you cannot upgrade these later on. You can buy a suitable motherboard within Rs 4000, but remember that any new hardware you buy has to be ‘installed’ on it.
It must be able to support emerging technological features and should not become obsolete for at least three to four years. That is asking for a lot, considering the generous leaps that technology is taking. Factor this in before you save money on the wrong end!
To get the best quality for your money, opt for an Intel genuine motherboard. This will cost you maybe Rs 500 more, but it is a good long-term investment.
TIP: AMD machines, marginally cheaper than Intel machines, are suitable alternatives.

The Monitor

You will need a monitor, keyboard and mouse suitable for your kid. If you intend to use the PC yourself, these will have to suit both you and your kid – so shop around together. For the record, the best bet is a TFT monitor, which offers a much higher degree of eye comfort than a basic CRT monitor. They are also lighter and less cumbersome.
The best monitor size for a growing child would be fifteen inches. A seventeen-inch TFT monitor offers panoramic visibility and higher resolution and costs just a bit more than a fifteen-inch version. However, for a young child this is just a cosmetic aspect. A wide-screen monitor is NOT mandatory in normal PC.

Sound Advice

The most fascinating PC-based activities  – games, interactive software and, of course, music and movies – for a growing child, feature a lot of sound effects. Your PC’s speakers should be able to handle them.
In terms of need-based quality, a 2.1 audio system is adequate for a computer for children. This features a woofer and two speakers – a non-negotiable configuration for movie-watching.

RAM And Graphics Support

A Random Access Memory (or RAM) of 1 GB is sufficient for a personal computer not intended for professional use. (Note: The RAM and processor decide how fast your computer processes its commands -  this is significant only in a work situation. If this PC will be part of your home office as well, you, obviously need a larger RAM.)
Graphics cards are currently in vogue because of the gaming wave now sweeping India. GPUs (or Graphics Processing Units) are display card dedicated to computer gaming. However, you don’t need a heavy graphics card for a child up to ten years of age.
Your child will not be able to play ‘heavy’ games like Max Payne, Grand Theft Auto and others without it – but most of these games are better avoided at this age, in any case. The computer will still support any arcade or online game without a GPU

Keyboard And Mouse


A basic keyboard and mouse will do for a child just beginning to explore the world of computers seriously. The optional ergonomic keyboard is once again a mere comfort aspect – they sure don’t work better than basic models.



Choose a scroll-laser type mouse, since these are more user-friendly and last a lot longer. Wireless keyboards and mice have seen some great enhancements, but their quality does NOT compare with that of traditional versions.



Quick Home PC Checklist:

Intel Motherboard /AMD Motherboard

Pentium Processor /AMD Processor

1 GB RAM. Latest technology – DDR2

80 Gigabyte Hard Disk (80 GB HDD)

DVD Writer (these cost maybe five hundred rupees more than a DVD ROM. A Combo Drive is not required for first time users).

15 Inch TFT monitor

Multimedia Keyboard/Laser Scroll Mouse.

What’s It Going To Cost?

The recommendations above are good for a computer that will last about three to four years without needing to be upgraded. However, the crux is in service and components availability.



You do NOT want to see your motherboard conk off only to discover that this particular model is no longer available. If that happens, you’ll end up buying a new model motherboard, along with a new model processor and even RAM.



Assembled Computers:

These are cheaper (Rs. 25,000 to 40,000) than branded computers (Rs. 35,000 to 50,000) and have a better delivery timeframe – we’re talking of an order-today-deliver-tomorrow scenario here.



However, you’re on your own on repairs and support once an assembled computer leaves the shop. Moreover, the cost of branded computers has decreased a lot over the last couple of years.



Finally, parents are the best teachers and guardians that children will ever have. Buying a PC for your kid is a milestone for them. Make it count for you and your child.

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http://www.google.co.uk/

D.C Computer Solutions Tips on Laptops & PCs 2011

In today's modern technological world, we find ourselves craving internet connectivity especially as computer devices become more mobile and pocketable. If your laptop is your main device when it comes to using wireless internet on the go, then you should consider making your life slightly better by making use of a laptop with integrated 3G.




In addition to making use of the internet via a pre-installed device, USB modems are also extremely popular. They are probably the most widely used broadband devices when it comes to wireless internet on the move. Newer models from Novatel and Sierra Wireless have communication software preloaded so that the device can install itself automatically on your machine. If you find a better deal on a laptop that does not have integrated 3G, you may consider using a USB card instead.



Some 3G service providers offer free netbook computers when you sign a 12 or 24 month contract with them. This may help you save some money in addition to buying each component separately, and will allow you to get set up instantly with a wireless internet connection. Before committing to such a deal, you should first compare plans and packages from other service providers in order to ensure that you are receiving the best offer for your hard earned money.



The first laptop that included integrated 3G technology was developed by InGear. These integrated receivers allow you to connect to a 3G network, and achieve speeds from 384kbps to 3.6mbps. Keep in mind that the speed may vary greatly according to locale, and you should always check the coverage map on the website of the particular service provider you wish to go with in order to ensure that there is reception in your area. As laptops with integrated 3G are designed for on-the-go use, you will find a strong emphasis placed on size and weight.



Some popular notebooks featuring built-in 3G include:



- Panasonic ToughBook CF-W5: This device is designed to go anywhere and is ideal for engineers and surveyors. The toughened case will ensure that your device can take more knocks than standard notebooks.

- HP Compaq NC6400: If you are business orientated, this notebook computer will accompany you perfectly. It includes a 14" screen and fingerprint scanner which adds extra security.



Another way to access the internet wirelessly is via Wi-Fi. This may be beneficial to some people as most modern notebooks have pre-installed Wi-Fi adapters. The only limitation is that you will not be able to make use of the internet outside the vicinity of your wireless hotspot. If, however, you are looking to save some money and still enjoy the benefits of wireless internet, then you should consider Wi-Fi.



If you are searching for a laptop with integrated 3G then you are not alone. For tips and secrets to finding the best laptop with internet deal please click here now: http://www.laptopwithinternet.net/.



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D.C. Computer Solutions. What's new in the world of PCs/Laptops.

Feb 1 2011 - All-in-one PCs provide consumers with a single stop solution for those looking for a personal computer to be used in a home environment without the need of a separate case and display. This can reduce cable clutter and also enable the use of a computer in a much smaller space. Consumers have a greater choice among all-in-one PCs than they have in the past. Here are my selections for the best all-in-one desktop personal computers for different applications and budgets based upon my research and experience.

Apple's 21.5-inch iMac offers some great design and simply one of the best screens available. The 21.5-inch screen features a 1920x1080 resolution with spectacular color. For the 2010 product refresh, Apple uses the more powerful Intel Core i3 desktop processor over the previous Core 2. Also new is a dedicated ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics processor instead of the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9300M. There are some minor quibbles with the design such as the peripheral port placement and the keyboard that lacks the numeric keypad but it still offers the best experience possible. An alternative for those looking for a touch screen and quad core processor in the same price range, the HP TouchSmart 300-1125 is an option.

For image processing-intensive applications, balancing performance with efficiency has always been a challenge. That balancing act is about to become considerably easier: AMD, leveraging its merger with GPU manufacturer ATI, is releasing its Fusion family of Accelerated Processing Units, or APUs. These APUs subvert the traditional tradeoffs between GPUs and CPUs by combining the two processors on a single chip. This allows the APU to handle media-centric data processing with heterogeneous multi-core processor architecture, bypassing the typical limitations found in discreet processor units.
AMD is releasing the Fusion to the mobile and embedded market as the Brazos platform, and it comes in two flavors: the ultra-low power 1.2Ghz single-core and 1.0Ghz dual-core C-series (formerly Ontario) processors intended for netbooks, which require only 9 watts of power, and the E-series (formerly Zacate) processors, which offer higher CPU and GPU clock speeds while maintaining a TDP of only 18 watts, for mainstream ultrathin laptops, HTPCs, and small form factor desktop replacements.  Both will use the Hudson M1 controller hub at launch, with an embedded option to follow later this year.
All indications are that the Brazos platform will be a real winner, based on benchmarking tests that show it pulling ahead of Intel’s Atom processors, namely the D510. Between the Brazos platform and Intel’s upcoming Sandy Bridge platform, this is a great time for the digital signage market and other image processing-intensive applications. The first AMD Fusion Brazos boards with the Hudson controller hub should be arriving at our store later this quarter, with embedded variants following sometime in the second half of 2011.
News Update: This morning AMD released a product brief and press release for their new Fusion G-Series of processors for embedded systems. Click for the press release.
You can also view the product brief in PDF format here.

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