FAQS! FACTS! FAX! 087 (03/12 /97)

BUILD OR BUY?

I am student at University and would like to buy a PC with multimedia capability. I was thinking of buying the components and building it myself but as far as I could see this wouldn’t save me a lot of money. The University computer lab technician -- a very wise man -- says that you can save up to 40%.  Any ideas?

Sam Haile

A

That kind of saving might just have been possible four or five years ago, but not any more. Companies putting together PCs have tremendous buying power, and there’s intense competition, so high street prices are very low. You might be able to save a few pounds, building a machine from off-the shelf components -- even at current retail prices -- but you couldn’t match the kind of package deals, that include several hundred pounds worth of software, or peripherals, like printers and digital cameras.

Ready-built machines also come with a guarantee and some sort of service backup -- though that can be a mixed blessing... They’ve usually been soak-tested and the operating system should be pre-installed. That’s not to say building a PC isn’t a worthwhile exercise. It is, particularly if you can scavenge some parts to keep the cost down. Cases and power supplies, keyboards, mice and monitors can usually be safely recycled. It’s not difficult and you get the exact specification that you require. It can be very rewarding, especially if it works first time; if it doesn’t, you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about PC fault-finding. If you’re determined to go ahead there are several books on the subject worth perusing first, including ‘Building Your Own PC, (Abacus Software),  ‘Build Your Own Pentium Processor PC’ (McGraw-Hill) and ‘Build Your Own Computer’ (Wordware Publishing).  They are available from computer stores, or you can order them on-line from companies like Computer Manual Ltd at: http://www.compman.co.uk

ON OR OFF?

In your answer to Alec Davis (F!F!F! 25/11/97) you give good reasons why we should switch computers off when not in use. However, I have read that damage to hard drives tends to occur at start-up and switch-off, when their speed changes; is that true? If so does the balance favour leaving the machine on?

Dr V Kumar,  Milton Keynes Hospital, Milton Keynes

A

Speed change has little to do with it, but it is fair to say that electronic and electromechanical components are more prone to failure at switch-on, due to power surges and sudden changes in temperature. However, the counter argument is when a PC is switched on, the clock is ticking. All of the parts inside a PC have finite lives, which are shortened by heat, vibration and mechanical wear. The best advice is not to switch a PC on and off during the day or more often than is absolutely necessary.  If a PC isn’t doing anything useful at night, switch it off.

SERIAL SOLUTION

I have an Apple Powermac 7600, a Psion palmtop computer and I recently acquired an Olympus Digital camera. I am regularly frustrated by having to grub around on my knees, under a creaking desk, in stygian darkness, while I search the posterior of my computer, to change leads so that I can back up my Psion, or download pictures from the camera. It is so awkward and undignified! I am concerned that the pins will eventually break on the serial port, there has to be a better way? Are all computers designed with only two serial ports - even expensive ones?  Your advice would be much appreciated, especially if your recommendation does not involve shelling out yet more cash!

Lorimer Burn

A

Sorry, some spending is involved, but not much. Your best bet is a serial switch-box, a small device that will allow two or more devices to share one of the PC’s serial ports. Two-way switchers are widely available from most PC suppliers for around £12 to £15; three-way models cost a little more.

SCANNER SCAM?

I recently purchased a colour flatbed scanner. The main reason for selecting the model was that, according to the salesperson I spoke to, it didn’t need an interface card. It plugs into the PC’s printer port; the printer, a Canon BJC 4000 plugs into a parallel port on the back of the scanner. However, when connected as instructed, the BJC 4000 will only print an A4 page full of gobbledegook characters. Both scanner and printer work perfectly when connected to the PC on their own. I took a sample printout to PC World, where it came from, and they then told me the printer will not work in this manner. Are they correct, do I need another parallel port?

M. G. Rogers, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. 

A

Canon tell us there are no known compatibility problems with the BJC 4000 and scanners with a parallel through-port, but their helpline have had a number of similar enquiries. In a few cases it has turned out to be a problem with the port connections, though the most common cause has been the poor quality cables supplied with some budget scanners, which have either been turned out to be faulty, or in some instances not fully wired. In any case you should return the scanner as it clearly doesn’t work as described.