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Buying A Computer

Buying A Computer. Agenda: What type of user are you? Computer Ad Review (Terminology) Service and Warranties Where to Buy Questions?. Steve Garwood Camden County Library 9/7/01. Buying a Computer. Don’t Forget…. You can’t know everything (and shouldn’t want to)

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Buying A Computer

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  1. Buying A Computer • Agenda: • What type of user are you? • Computer Ad Review (Terminology) • Service and Warranties • Where to Buy • Questions? Steve Garwood Camden County Library 9/7/01

  2. Buying a Computer Don’t Forget… • You can’t know everything (and shouldn’t want to) • It’s all a learning experience • Buy as much as you can (but try to avoid leasing) • In general the better the computer the higher the cost • The day you buy something something better will come out

  3. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • How Experienced are you with computers? • Have never owned one/don’t use one at work. • Own a system that’s more than five years old/rarely used • Own a system purchased after 1997/use it regularly • Own a two year old computer system that can’t keep up with present demands *From Consumer Reports

  4. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • How do you use your current computer or plan to use a new one • For basics like word processing, e-mail, and web surfing. • For all of the above, plus financial management andchildren’s software. • To manage and run a home office or home-based business • To play the latest online, CD, or DVD games and/or useit for digital imaging and photo archiving. *From Consumer Reports

  5. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 3. Who will be the primary user of the computer? • Yourself and/or your spouse. • Yourself and/or your spouse and young children. • Mainly yourself in a business capacity. • Yourself and your children, teenagers in particular. *From Consumer Reports

  6. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 4. How many hours per week will the computer be in use? • 5-10. • 10-25. • 25-40. • 40 or more. *From Consumer Reports

  7. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 5. How do you use or expect to use the Internet? • Occasionally, mostly for e-mail and research. • At least once a day, to check e-mail and news andto shop. • Several times a day to communicate for business andto access important information and files. • All the time, for entertainment and socializing. *From Consumer Reports

  8. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 6. What types of software are most important to you? • Web browser, word processor, and encyclopedia. • A productivity suite for home-office use. • All of the above plus games and financial programs. • The latest DVD-based action games and/or photo-editing software. *From Consumer Reports

  9. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 7. When you set up your new computer, you’d like… • Goof-proof instructions and color-coded cables. • Basic instructions and a user’s manual. • A user’s manual perhaps, but I sort of know what I’m doing. • Nothing – I can do it blindfolded. *From Consumer Reports

  10. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 8. How many years’ use do you expect from a new computer? • I don’t know how many I should expect. • A minimum of 5 years sounds good to me. • Three to Five years, and then I know I’ll need to upgrade. • Until the newest must-have technology comes along. *From Consumer Reports

  11. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • If your PC has technical troubles, what procedure wouldyou follow? • Call the store where I bought the PC and ask for service. • Call the manufacturer’s customer service number and beled step-by-step through diagnosis and repair. • Have a repair person come to my home, under warranty. • Consult the user’s manual and/or manufacturer’s web site and try to fix the problem myself. *From Consumer Reports

  12. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* • 10.What do you see yourself doing on your PC in the future? • Banking online and doing web shopping. • Sending e-mail photos to friends and relatives. • Running a small business and video-conferencing with distant colleagues. • Downloading MP3 music files, using cutting-edgemultimedia software, and perhaps doing some digital video editing. *From Consumer Reports

  13. Buying a Computer What type of user are you?* Answer Key: Mostly A’s – Novice User Expect to pay $600 to $1,000 Mostly B’s or mix A’s and/or B’s – Mixed Needs Expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 Mostly C’s or mix B’s and C’s - Experienced User Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 Mostly D’s or mix C’s and D’s – Power User. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,500 *From Consumer Reports

  14. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads: #1 Staples Advertisement 9/9/01 Intel Celeron Processor800mhz 128mb RAM 20 Gigabyte Hard Drive 48x Max CD-Rom Drive Compaq 15” Monitor Compaq Color Printer Free year MSN $899.94 - $200 in rebates = $699 #3 Gateway Website 9/9/01 Intel Pentium 4 1.6 Ghz 128mb RDRAM 40 Gigabyte Hard Drive 32x Max CD-Rom Drive 8x Max CD-RW Drive 17” Monitor (15.9 viewable image size)64MB NVIDIA™ GeForce2 MX400 AGP Graphics 56k modem Boston Acoustics Speakers Intel Pocket PC camera Free year AOL$1299 #2 Best Buy Advertisement 9/9/01 Intel Celeron 900Mhz computer package 128mb SDRAM 30 Gigabyte Hard Drive 48x Max CD-Rom Drive 8x CD-RW Drive Intel Direct 3D AGP Graphics V.90 high speed modem 15” HP .28monitor (13.8 viewable image size) Polk Audio Speakers HP Color Printer Free year MSN $1099 - $300 in rebates (4 rebates) = $799 Anyone else confused?

  15. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 1 - Processor Computer #1 – Celeron 800Mhz Computer #2 – Celeron 900Mhz Computer #3 – Pentium IV 1.6 Ghz • Processor – (also known as CPU) • The clock speed of the processor measured in Mhz and now Ghz determines how fast the computer can operate. • In general the faster you can buy the better • Some Different Processors: • Intel – Pentium (III, IV) and Celeron • AMD – Athlon, K-6 and Duron • Via Technologies – MII and Cyrix

  16. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 2 - RAM First, how computers understand size Byte = 1 Character Kilobyte = 1000 Bytes (1000 characters) Megabyte = 1000 Kilobytes (1,000,000…) Gigabyte = 1000 Megabytes (1,000,000,000…)

  17. Buying a Computer Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 2 - RAM Computer #1 – 128mb RAM Computer #2 – 128mb SDRAM Computer #3 – 128mb RDRAM • RAM – Random Access Memory • The memory the computer uses while operating • In general the more RAM the more programs the computer can run simultaneously • Computers will generally come with between • 64 and 256mb of RAM (Get at least 64, though 128 is better) • DRAM – Current Standard • SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) – Faster • (Set to work with computer clock speed) • RDRAM (Rambus DRAM) – Even Faster

  18. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 3 – Hard Drive Space Computer #1 – 20Gb Hard Drive Computer #2 – 30Gb Hard Drive Computer #3 – 40Gb Hard Drive • Hard Drive Memory • The computer’s long term memory • The place where computer programs are stored as well as the documents, images, sound files you create. • Desktop computers will generally come with 16 to 75Gb of hard drive space. • Think of Hard Drive space like closet space (Can you ever really have enough?)

  19. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 4 - Monitor Computer #1 – 15” Monitor Computer #2 – 15” Monitor 13.8” Viewable Computer #3 – 17” Monitor 15.9” Viewable • Monitor • General sizes: 15”, 17”, 19”, 20-25” • 15” Standard on low priced computers • Viewable area measured corner to corner • 17” has viewable area generally 33% bigger than 15” • Bigger the monitor the more space it takes up and the more it costs • Most computers use Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) like TV • Also Flat Screen (CRT) and Flat Panel (LCD) models • Flat Panel monitors newest, small • footprint, more expensive, picture not as bright • Beware of dot-pitch – you want .28mm or less

  20. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 5 – CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD Computer #1 – 48X Max CD-ROM drive Computer #2 – 48X Max CD-ROM drive; 8x Max CD-RW Computer #3 – 48X Max CD-ROM drive; 8x Max CD-RW CD: Plays CD music and installs programs from CD CD-R: Plays CD music, installs programs from CD, and allows you to record (burn) your own CD CD-RW: Plays CD music, installs programs from CD, and allows you to record and re-record CDs DVD: Plays CD music, install programs from CD, and Play DVD Note: DVDs will eventually totally replace CDs “Recordable” DVD is here but very expensive…price will come down

  21. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 6 – Printers Computer #1 – Compaq Color Printer Computer #2 – HP Color Printer Computer #3 – None • Printers are generally Inkjet or Laser types • Unless you run a small business get an inkjet • Ink costs are your greatest enemy • Printers are almost “given” with computers, if not included • a printer shouldn’t cost you more than $200 if you just want basics

  22. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 7 – Can you Upgrade? • Upgrade the Processor? • Memory Sockets • Expansion slots • Ports • Expansion Bays • Hard Drive or Storage

  23. Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads Step 8 –Internet Service and Modems Computer #1 – 56k; 1yr MSN Computer #2 – 56k; 1yr MSN Computer #3 – 56k; 1yr AOL • Your computer will either need a modem or network card • to connect to the Internet • Modem’s are most common and use your phone line to connect • Modem’s are standard equipment and most computers will come with a V90 56K modem • Network cards are used to connect to cable systems and LANs • Many computers will come with a year free service • Some come with rebates for signing up for long term service

  24. Buying a Computer Software • Software=Programs=Applications (Generally) • Most computers will come prepackaged with enough • software to get you started • In general you’ll get: • An Operating System (OS) – Windows 95/98/ME/XP • An “Application Suite” such Microsoft Works – Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database • Internet Connection Software • Some basic games

  25. Buying a Computer Warranties and Service • Most major companies will provide you with at least one year of service and parts warranties • Most retailers will try to sell you long term warranties (that’s how they actually make money) • Do you need a long term warranty? In most cases NO • IF the computer might get used (read abused) it might be a good idea (Read: if you have little kids, but the warranty) • Also, check into the credit card you use, you might get an additional warranty on purchases. • A note on service: if it’s not convenient for you, it’s no good

  26. Buying a Computer Where to Buy? • Computer Superstores – Perhaps best shopping; fairly knowledgeable staff; Decent Service; beware of long term warranties • Electronics Superstores – The person who sold stereos yesterday might be selling computers today; beware of long term warranties • Home-Office Superstores – Usually smaller higher end computers; salespeople not experts • Warehouse Clubs – Generally cheap, non-brand name computers • Mass Merchandisers – like Kmart and Walmart; Generally • lower end machines • Catalog or Online Retailers – Best prices but might have to • mail the computer in for service • Local Computer Stores – Can be good for service, but watch out for mixed components

  27. Buying a Computer Questions? ? ? Questions? ? ? Questions?

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