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Maine State Library. Purchasing a Computer. Before Purchasing the Computer. What are you going to use the computer for? Who in the house will also use the computer? What is the location of the computer set up?. Before Purchasing the Computer. Research the following:
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Maine State Library Purchasing a Computer
Before Purchasing the Computer What are you going to use the computer for? Who in the house will also use the computer? What is the location of the computer set up?
Before Purchasing the Computer • Research the following: • The important factors to do your research on: • Processor • (RAM) Random Access Memory • Hard drive space • Graphics card • (OS) Operating Software • Optical Drives • Warranties • This is an investment
Central Processing Unit (CPU) • The heart of your computer • AMD, Dual Core, Quad Core • Processor’s Cache
Random Access Memory (RAM) • The more Ram the faster it will run. • 64-bit OS • Minimum 4GB RAM • 32-bit OS • Only recognize 3GB (max)
Hard Drive (HDD) • Destination of all of your files and data. • Known as Hard disk or HDD • Can be as large as 3TB (terabytes)
Graphics Card (Video Card) • Handles all of your graphics, visuals, & videos • Motherboard Chipset • Dedicated graphics card
Operating Software (OS) • Consists of programs and data that run the computer. • Manages • Hardware resources • Runs application software • New computer • Windows 7
Optical Drives • Retrieve or store data: • CDs • DVDs • BDs (Blu-ray discs) • What type of discs will you need?
Computer Monitor • Choosing a monitor depends on many factors: • Application • Room on your desk • Resolution • Cost • LCD – (Liquid Crystal Display) • Most common • VGA input • DVI, HDMI
Warranties • Extended Warranties • Buyer Beware • Majority of problems: • Caused by: • Viruses • Spyware • Read the fine print • Find out what’s covered Warranty?
Where and how to purchase a computer. • Online • NewEgg.com • Dell • HP • Tigerdirect.com • Amazon.com • Wal-Mart • Best Buy • Staples
Peripherals for Your Computer • Surge Protector • Recommended • External Hard Drive • Backups • Webcam • If you intend to chat online (Skype) • Flash drive • Used to transfer data
Purchasing a Printer • Once again do your research. • Pros & Cons • What will you be printing? • Is quality your highest priority? • How many pages per minute? • What are the cost for ink replacement?
Anti-Virus Software • Sales Rep may try to sell you an antivirus program • Norton • Microsoft Security Essentials – Free online • AVG – Free online