Do you want to buy a computer?If you do, then read this article. If not then go somewhere else.
A few necessities that you would need to consider when buying a computer are the key components. For example, the key compnents of a desktop computer are as follows:
Processor
o 2.8 GHz processor speed (not terribly relevant to most computer users – exceptions will be "gamers" or those folks who do lots of number crunching)
o Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon (stay away from Celeron – this is Intel’s "low end" processor)
o 2.8 GHz processor speed (not terribly relevant to most computer users – exceptions will be "gamers" or those folks who do lots of number crunching)
o Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon (stay away from Celeron – this is Intel’s "low end" processor)
RAM
o Random Access Memory or "desktop memory" o More RAM can significantly improve your computer’s performance
o Most RAM today is DDR RAM (good for video)
o Older type of RAM is SD RAM or just DRAM
o Cannot "mix" RAM types within the same computer
o When buying a new computer today, look for 256 MB of DDR RAM or even better, 512 MB DDR RAM
Hard Drive
o This device is where all of your programs are stored
o Look for 80 GB of HD
o To put things into perspective....
Floppy disk = 1.44 MB memory
Thumb drive with 128 MB memory = 80 floppy disks worth!
CD = 700 MB memory (about 420 floppy disks worth!)
1000 MB = 1 GB
Monitor
o CRT: "Cathode Ray Tube"
"Big and bulky" monitors
Labeled size is less than the viewable size: 17" labeled size is 16" viewable.
Very cheap. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for a 17" labeled size.
o LCD
Very thin
Fabulous resolution and color
Labeled size is the same as the viewable size.
Expect to pay $250 - $300 for 15" and $400 - $550 for a 17".
Look for a long (3 year) warranty.
o Decide if you want speakers "built-in" to the monitor or if you want separate speakers (which typically sit on your desk area).
o Random Access Memory or "desktop memory" o More RAM can significantly improve your computer’s performance
o Most RAM today is DDR RAM (good for video)
o Older type of RAM is SD RAM or just DRAM
o Cannot "mix" RAM types within the same computer
o When buying a new computer today, look for 256 MB of DDR RAM or even better, 512 MB DDR RAM
Hard Drive
o This device is where all of your programs are stored
o Look for 80 GB of HD
o To put things into perspective....
Floppy disk = 1.44 MB memory
Thumb drive with 128 MB memory = 80 floppy disks worth!
CD = 700 MB memory (about 420 floppy disks worth!)
1000 MB = 1 GB
Monitor
o CRT: "Cathode Ray Tube"
"Big and bulky" monitors
Labeled size is less than the viewable size: 17" labeled size is 16" viewable.
Very cheap. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for a 17" labeled size.
o LCD
Very thin
Fabulous resolution and color
Labeled size is the same as the viewable size.
Expect to pay $250 - $300 for 15" and $400 - $550 for a 17".
Look for a long (3 year) warranty.
o Decide if you want speakers "built-in" to the monitor or if you want separate speakers (which typically sit on your desk area).
Ports
o Look for 4 USB (2.0) ports on the backside of the computer with a minimum of 2 USB (2.0) ports on the front side
o If you have a digital camera with memory card, a card reader built in to the computer is handy (however, a separate card reader only costs about $20).
o Ethernet 10/100 LAN port: essential if you have cable or DSL modem
o 56K dial up modem (slooooooooooow but cheap internet access)
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Mouse
o Optical mouse
Excellent tracking
More pricey than the "roller ball" mouse ($40)
Many styles are ergonomic
Can be wired or wireless (both function the same)
Wireless function uses batteries which must be routinely be replaced (the mouse is "on" all the time and uses 2 AA batteries every 3 months).
o Roller ball (track ball)
Very cheap (<$10) Tends to clog with dust over time Keyboard o Can be wired or wireless. o Wireless keyboard and optical mouse combination costs about $80. o Most computers include a wired keyboard and wired track ball mouse at no additional cost. Office Program o The "standard" in the industry is Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, FrontPage) o Microsoft Office Basic has Word, Excel and Access. o Most new computer systems do NOT include this software – they may include Microsoft Works – this is NOT the same as Microsoft Word. o Free download: Open Office (compatible with all Microsoft Word documents). http://www.openoffice.org/
o Look for 4 USB (2.0) ports on the backside of the computer with a minimum of 2 USB (2.0) ports on the front side
o If you have a digital camera with memory card, a card reader built in to the computer is handy (however, a separate card reader only costs about $20).
o Ethernet 10/100 LAN port: essential if you have cable or DSL modem
o 56K dial up modem (slooooooooooow but cheap internet access)
1
Mouse
o Optical mouse
Excellent tracking
More pricey than the "roller ball" mouse ($40)
Many styles are ergonomic
Can be wired or wireless (both function the same)
Wireless function uses batteries which must be routinely be replaced (the mouse is "on" all the time and uses 2 AA batteries every 3 months).
o Roller ball (track ball)
Very cheap (<$10) Tends to clog with dust over time Keyboard o Can be wired or wireless. o Wireless keyboard and optical mouse combination costs about $80. o Most computers include a wired keyboard and wired track ball mouse at no additional cost. Office Program o The "standard" in the industry is Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, FrontPage) o Microsoft Office Basic has Word, Excel and Access. o Most new computer systems do NOT include this software – they may include Microsoft Works – this is NOT the same as Microsoft Word. o Free download: Open Office (compatible with all Microsoft Word documents). http://www.openoffice.org/
These are a couple of the components a computer needs. These will give you a great idea on buying a good quality computer that is worthwhile but still keeps your wallet full.
