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 GarwoodCamden County Library 9/7/01

Buying a Computer

Don’t Forget…

1. You can’t know everything (and shouldn’t want to)2. It’s all a learning experience3. Buy as much as you can (but try to avoid leasing)4. In general the better the computer the higher the cost5. The day you buy something something better will come

out

Buying a Computer

What type of user are you?*

1. How Experienced are you with computers?

A. Have never owned one/don’t use one at work.B. Own a system that’s more than five years old/rarely usedC. Own a system purchased after 1997/use it regularlyD. Own a two year old computer system that can’t keep

up with present demands

*From Consumer Reports

Buying a Computer


2. How do you use your current computer or plan to use a new one

A. For basics like word processing, e-mail, and web surfing.B. For all of the above, plus financial management and

children’s software.C. To manage and run a home office or home-based businessD. To play the latest online, CD, or DVD games and/or use

it for digital imaging and photo archiving.


Buying a Computer


3. Who will be the primary user of the computer?

A. Yourself and/or your spouse.B. Yourself and/or your spouse and young children.C. Mainly yourself in a business capacity.D. Yourself and your children, teenagers in particular.


Buying a Computer


4. How many hours per week will the computer be in use?

A. 5-10.B. 10-25.C. 25-40.D. 40 or more.


Buying a Computer


5. How do you use or expect to use the Internet?

A. Occasionally, mostly for e-mail and research.B. At least once a day, to check e-mail and news and

to shop.C. Several times a day to communicate for business and

to access important information and files.D. All the time, for entertainment and socializing.


Buying a Computer


6. What types of software are most important to you?

A. Web browser, word processor, and encyclopedia.B. A productivity suite for home-office use.C. All of the above plus games and financial programs.D. The latest DVD-based action games and/or

photo-editing software.


Buying a Computer


7. When you set up your new computer, you’d like…

A. Goof-proof instructions and color-coded cables.B. Basic instructions and a user’s manual.C. A user’s manual perhaps, but I sort of know what

I’m doing.D. Nothing – I can do it blindfolded.


Buying a Computer


8. How many years’ use do you expect from a new computer?

A. I don’t know how many I should expect.B. A minimum of 5 years sounds good to me.C. Three to Five years, and then I know I’ll need to upgrade.D. Until the newest must-have technology comes along.


Buying a Computer


9. If your PC has technical troubles, what procedure wouldyou follow?

A. Call the store where I bought the PC and ask for service.B. Call the manufacturer’s customer service number and be

led step-by-step through diagnosis and repair.C. Have a repair person come to my home, under warranty.D. Consult the user’s manual and/or manufacturer’s web

site and try to fix the problem myself.


Buying a Computer


10.What do you see yourself doing on your PC in the future?

A. Banking online and doing web shopping.B. Sending e-mail photos to friends and relatives.C. Running a small business and video-conferencing

with distant colleagues.D. Downloading MP3 music files, using cutting-edge

multimedia software, and perhaps doing some digital video editing.


Buying a Computer

Answer Key:Mostly A’s – Novice User Expect to pay $600 to $1,000Mostly B’s or mix A’s and/or B’s – Mixed Needs Expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500Mostly C’s or mix B’s and C’s - Experienced User Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000Mostly D’s or mix C’s and D’s – Power User. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,500



Buying a Computer

#2 Best Buy Advertisement 9/9/01Intel 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

#1 Staples Advertisement 9/9/01Intel 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

Comparing Computer Ads:

#3 Gateway Website 9/9/01Intel 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

Anyone else confused?

Buying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads

Step 1 - ProcessorComputer #1 – Celeron 800MhzComputer #2 – Celeron 900MhzComputer #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


Step 2 - RAM

First, how computers understand size

Byte = 1 CharacterKilobyte = 1000 Bytes (1000 characters)Megabyte = 1000 Kilobytes (1,000,000…)Gigabyte = 1000 Megabytes (1,000,000,000…)

Buying a ComputerBuying a Computer Comparing Computer Ads

Step 2 - RAM

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

Computer #1 – 128mb RAMComputer #2 – 128mb SDRAMComputer #3 – 128mb RDRAM


Step 3 – Hard Drive SpaceComputer #1 – 20Gb Hard DriveComputer #2 – 30Gb Hard DriveComputer #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?)


Step 4 - MonitorComputer #1 – 15” MonitorComputer #2 – 15” Monitor 13.8” ViewableComputer #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


Step 5 – CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD

CD: Plays CD music and installs programs from CDCD-R: Plays CD music, installs programs from CD, and allows you to record (burn) your own CDCD-RW: Plays CD music, installs programs from CD, and allows you to record and re-record CDsDVD: 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

Computer #1 – 48X Max CD-ROM driveComputer #2 – 48X Max CD-ROM drive; 8x Max CD-RW Computer #3 – 48X Max CD-ROM drive; 8x Max CD-RW


Step 6 – PrintersComputer #1 – Compaq Color PrinterComputer #2 – HP Color PrinterComputer #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


Step 7 – Can you Upgrade?

• Upgrade the Processor?• Memory Sockets• Expansion slots• Ports• Expansion Bays• Hard Drive or Storage


Step 8 –Internet Service and Modems

• 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

Computer #1 – 56k; 1yr MSN Computer #2 – 56k; 1yr MSNComputer #3 – 56k; 1yr AOL

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

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

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

Buying a Computer

Questions?

Questions?

Questions?

Education

Buying a computer