Learn About Computers for Beginners

Clear, practical guides to understanding PC components, building computers, and keeping your system running well.

I'm Marlo Strydom, an IT systems engineer with over 20 years of hands-on experience building, fixing, and configuring computers.

I created this resource to share what I've learned about PC hardware: how components work, how to choose parts, and how to troubleshoot problems. Every guide focuses on practical understanding you can actually use.

Clear explanations. No affiliate links. Just useful hardware knowledge.

Browse by Topic

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Fundamentals

Core concepts of how computers work. Learn what each component does and how they work together as a system.

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Hardware

Deep dives into PC components. Guides on CPUs, GPUs, cooling, storage, power supplies, and building your own PC.

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Gaming

PC gaming hardware and optimization. Understand graphics cards, frame rates, resolution, and gaming performance.

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Networking

Home network setup and connectivity. Routers, Ethernet, WiFi, and getting reliable internet throughout your home.

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Peripherals

Keyboards, mice, monitors, and accessories. Learn what features matter and how to get the most from your gear.

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Software

Operating systems and essential programs. Windows setup, system maintenance, and software that works with your hardware.

Featured Guides

Parts of a Computer and Their Functions

A complete visual guide to every major component inside a PC: CPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, power supply, and graphics card. Understand what each part does and why it matters.

PC Airflow Optimization

Master the principles of case cooling. Learn fan placement, positive vs. negative pressure, cable management, and how to verify your airflow is working correctly.

Parts Of A Motherboard And Their Main Functions

Parts of a Motherboard Explained

Identify every connector, slot, and chip on your motherboard. CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe lanes, chipset, BIOS, VRMs, and how they connect your entire system.

How to Check if a GPU is Working Properly

How to Test Your Graphics Card

Diagnose GPU health using Task Manager, temperature monitoring, and stress tests. Know what temperatures are normal, spot warning signs, and identify failing hardware.

How To Know If Your PC Is Low-End Or High-End

Is Your PC Low-End or High-End?

Evaluate your CPU, graphics card, RAM, and storage against current standards. Understand where your system falls on the performance spectrum for different use cases.

60% Keyboard: How to Use Arrow Keys

Navigate efficiently on compact keyboards. Learn the Fn key shortcuts and layer system that gives you full functionality in a smaller form factor.

Why This Resource Exists

Clear Explanations

Technical concepts explained in plain language. No assumed knowledge, no unnecessary jargon. Just straightforward information you can understand and use.

Practical Focus

Guides written to help you actually do something: build a PC, diagnose a problem, understand specifications, or make informed decisions about hardware.

No Sales Agenda

This is a pure education resource. No affiliate links, no sponsored content, no product recommendations designed to earn commissions. Just useful knowledge.

New to Computers?

Start with our structured introduction that walks through the essential concepts step by step. Perfect if you want a guided path through the fundamentals.

Start the Guided Course