We’ve heard your requests for more informative blog posts, so we’ve started a series called Blogging 101. In this series, you’ll find how-to guides, information, and tips from other 20sb members who might call themselves experts on these subjects. If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send a suggestion to blogs@20sb.net!
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There are a lot of different types of blogs and blog topics online. When you decide to start up your own blog, you’ll find out that there is more to it than just writing about your day, or some project you finished. Bloggers decide what type of blog they want, and what type of audience they would like to reach. Another thing they think about is what will make up the blog exactly. Will it just be text? Will it be text and photos? Will it be a video blog? Deciding what type of blog you want to have can also determine what type of lap top or computer that you might need. Having a video blog will require different processing powers than a blog that has only text. So, before you debut your blog, make sure you have the right equipment.
Video Blogs
When looking for a computer that will be able to handle your videos for you video blog. Computers that have a 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 Processor will have the speed and power needed to run any editing software you have. If the computer you are looking at doesn’t have a 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, an i5 Core Processor will work as well. Video editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Avid require at least 4GB of RAM, and Avid suggests 24 GB of RAM to run the higher performance workflows. Since video is all about the visual aspect, you will also want to keep in mind what type of graphics card you have installed. Having an nVidia Quadro 4000 or 4800 or an Intel HD 3000 will help you to view your HD or even 3D videos the way they were intended.
Something else that video bloggers may not think about is what type of camera they are going to use to make their videos. If you are going to use a DSLR like a Cannon or Nikon, or even a point and shoot like the Olympus Powershot, you will want to make sure your computer also meets the technical requirements for reading and storing those files. Some computers that would be good for video bloggers are iMacs, MackBook Pro, or an HP Envy 14 Spectre.
Picture Blogs
Blogs that are picture heavy, like travel, DIY, or fashion blogs will need systems that can handle large picture files and editing. Like with video bloggers, photo bloggers will need computers that have enough space for all of their pictures, and a power for quality performance and running editing software. Most computers that have at least 4GB of RAM should be able to easily run editing software. Of course, the more RAM you have the more programs you can run. Speed is always important, no matter how large the file is, so having an Intel Core i7 Dual Processor will help your computer start faster, and run any and all of your programs with ease. This will allow you to upload your blog post in no time. There are a lot of computers that can handle the needs for a photo blog, such as the Sony VAIO Z series, Ultrabook Ideapad, or MacBook Air.
Mixed Media Blogs
Having a mixed media blog may mean that some days you post a lot of pictures, some days you post a video, other days you may just type up a simple post. These computers should have graphic cards that can handle HD video, and enough space to save videos and photos, as well as be able to run different text programs and editing software. Computers with at least 16GB of RAM should be able to not only run your video editing software, but also your photo editing, and text programs. The RAM requirement for Office 2010 is only 256 MB, while the requirements for the video and photo editing software are at least 4GB of RAM each. If you want extra space or will be using your computer for more than just blogging, getting one that has 32GB of RAM will mean you have plenty of space to have games and other software.
Since for both video and picture blogs you need the same processor, it would be best to have a processor like the Intel Core i7 Dual Processor so that your machine can handle running the different programs you may be using. As for the graphics, you will want a card that can handle your videos, whether they are HD or standard. Having an Intell HD 3000 should be able to handle your videos as well as any gaming software you might have. Getting a computer that meets these requirements lets your blog be flexible for different types of posts. Computers that would be good for mixed media blogging would be an iMac, HP z1, or the Toshiba Qosmio.
Having a computer that is fit for your blog will help you have higher quality content for your viewers. Don’t forget that a lot of computers can be upgraded to have more memory, better graphics, and even more RAM. Something else that you may want to think about is backing up your computer regularly. You can buy external hard drives with 1 or 2TB worth of space to back up all of your information to just in case your computer does crash. Be sure to do your research before buying a new computer or laptop to make sure it meets your requirements. Also, look up the system requirements for sites like Flicker or YouTube if you are using them to upload your photos and videos.
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Nicky Elkins is a freelance writer from Pensacola, Florida. She attended the University of West Florida and earned her Graduate degree in Creative Writing. Nicky now uses her gift for writing and her love of all things technology to help others enjoy and understand consumer electronics, social media, and the coolest new gadgets.
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