Purchasing a ComputerPurchasing a ComputerIt is easy to get confused when shopping for a computer. . . too many numbers and acronyms to make sense of. Here are a few general rules of thumb when shopping:
Larger numbers on the computer specifications will usually mean larger numbers that begin with $. Buy the largest that you can afford. Specifically, look for the following as minimums when purchasing a $1000 system:
15-inch or 17-inch monitor. These are standard on computer systems. However larger screens are available and there are new types of technologies being introduced that provide users with flat screen monitors that take up very little space on the the desktop.
1 GHz higher processor speed. This numbers indicates how fast the computer will be able to complete instructions. The higher the speed, the better. Processor speed is important if you want your computer to run really fast.
Pentium III or Pentium IV Processor. These are the standard CPU's installed on most Windows-based computer systems. Also, if cost is a factor and you want to stay within a budget, you might consider buying a product with the Celeron CPU. This is a cheaper product manufactured by Intel to compete in the $1000-and-under computer retail market. Buy the the most current technology that you can afford.
20 or 30 GB Hard Disk Drive. You might be able to purchase a computer with a smaller hard drive (10 to 20) and it may be enough for your needs. Data and program storage requirement keep getting larger and larger. Graphics and photography are driving the need for more storage. If the cost difference between the smaller drives and the larger ones is not too great, go for the bigger one. Remember you can always add more HHD.
256 MB RAM. Extra RAM is one of the best investments you can make for your computer. If you can afford to get 512 MB RAM then go ahead and get it. You'll never regret having more RAM in your computer. RAM helps your computer to run faster and more efficiently. It is sometimes hard to add RAM as your computer ages.
Color Inkjet Printer. Color inkjet printers are being marketed for unbelievably low prices. In fact, you can buy a really basic printer for under $100. Be aware that the ink cartridges are expensive ($25 to $40). A standard black cartridge will do about one ream (500 sheets) of paper if you do only text printing. Many color inkjets require a black cartridge and a color cartridge. This can get into your pocket quickly. Learning to use the Print Preview function in most applications can save you a bundle in ink costs! Color Inkjet printers can be used to create very good photographic images taken with digital cameras.
Modem. You should make sure that your computer comes with a modem for connecting to the internet. You should get a 56bbs modem which is the current standard. If you are going to get high speed access to the internet you may need to get an ethernet card to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Check with your media provider to see if this service is available and the cost.
Most computers have an operating system installed when you purchase them. The most recent operating system installed on Intel-based machines is Windows XP. You can also buy computers that have Windows 2000 installed instead. On the Macintosh side of the world, all current Macs come with MacOS8 or a variant. You don't have much latitude when you purchase their products. Some computer distributors include additional software as a "bundle" when you purchase their product. Here is a recommended list of generic software that you might want start with:
Word Processor: There are numerous word processors available. Windows 95/98/NT comes with a nice little package preinstalled called "Wordpad". It is a scaled-down version of Microsoft's Word, a very powerful application. If you don't require spell-checking, grammar-checking, tables, columns, and the like, you might be able to get by with Wordpad. If you need something better, check our Microsoft's Word or Corel's Wordperfect.
Internet Software: Many computers ship with Microsoft's Internet Explorer and/or Netscape's Navigator. Both will allow you to explore the World Wide Web (www). Both packages also include an Email program. These are two of the most useful Internet applications.
Depending on your computing needs, you might want to acquire a database and/or a spreadsheet application, some games, financial packages, encyclopedias, and other useful applications. Many software packages are bundled together into a suite of applications. Although you may not use all the software that is included, it may be a more economical choice.
Exercise Seven (30 points):
You have a budget of $600 to purchase a home computer system. Your goal is to research computer systems on the internet and to identify the system that gives you the most performance and capability for your money. Listed below are some web sites that sell computers.
Write a paragraph describing the components of the computer system that you have chosen and why you feel that are important to meet your needs.
List all of the important components available in you computer system (disk drives and size, speed of the computer, size of the monitor, memory, etc.).
List the software (word processor, games, operating system, etc.) that comes with the computer.
Document the web-site that you used to select your computer. (Some sites provide you with an invoice of your computer, inlcude a printout if available.)
List all the costs associated with purchasing the computer including taxes and shipping.
Websites that you should visit as resources to researching computers and locating pricing:
http://www.zdnet.com/familypc/
http://www.samizdat.com/shopcomp.html
http://www.circuitcity.com/init.jsp