CA 4-H Computer Corps Workshop: Buying a Computer

Buying a Computer

What are you going to use the computer for???

Games
Word Processing (homework, letters, etc...)
Internet
Educational Software
Spreadsheets
Home Business
Finances
Graphics (pictures, video, etc...)

What computer Components are needed for what you will do???

Case
Monitor
Motherboard
Processor
Memory
Hard Drive
Floppy Drive
CD ROM
Sound Card
Video Card
Mouse
Keyboard
DVD
Modem
Microphone
Speakers
Surge Protector
Printer
Quick Cam
Zip Drive
Scanner
Tape Back Up

Determine the amount of money that you will spend.

Determine the price range you will be shopping in.
The price range will help determine what components will be purchased.
Software can be purchased with or without the computer.
You should purchase as much hardware as possible first.
Remember you get what you pay for.

Computer Terms

The following table lists the various terms and their associated values:

Term	Symbol	Value
bit	b	0 or 1
byte	B	8 bits
kilobit	Kb	1,024 bits
Kilobyte (1K)	KB	1,024 bytes
megabit	Mb	1,048,576 bits
megabyte	MB	1,048,576 bytes
gigabit	GB	1,073,741,824 bits
gigabyte	GB	1,073,741,824 bytes
terabit	TB	1,099,511,627,776 bits
terabyte	TB	1,099,511,627,776

Processor Speed
The speed of a computer or clock speed is built into the processor and is measured in megahertz (MHz). Since mega means million and hertz means times (cycles) per second, 200 MHz is 200 million times per second.

For example, if we had a computer than contained a processor that was running at 200 MHz it would process 2,000,000 instructions per second. If the computer had a 300 MHz processor it would process 3,000,000 instructions per second.
Operating System
If you buy a complete computer system the system will most likely come with an operating system preinstalled, such as Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.

What software is needed for the applications you will be using???

Operating System
Communication
Graphics
Financial
Virus
An Office Suite
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Business
Presentations
Internet Browser
Games
Educational
Hobbies (Home Design, Genealogy, Cosmetology, Gardening, etc...)

Most computer systems now come bundled with a suite of software applications, such as Microsoft Office® or Corel WordPerfect Suite®. These suites of applications typically contain all the programs that you would need to run a small business. Each package has its merits. Other than a personal preference for the layout of one application over another, all of these are fine programs.

Computer Hardware

Processor Speed
The overall speed of a computer is affected by several things, but most notably the clock speed of the processor and the speed and size of the instruction/data bus. The clock speed is the rate at which the processor processes information and this is measured in millions of cycles per second (MHz) or billions of cycles per second (GHz). Processor speed now is in the range of 1.5 to 5 GHz.

The way that this information gets to the processor is via the instruction/data bus. The bus is the pathway for data communications between the computer's processor and the various components in the computer The speed of the bus is also measured in MHz just like the processor and runs at either 400 or 1066 MHz.
Cache
The cache in a computer is used to store information temporarily so that the computer doesn't have to search around for it the next time that it is needed. There are two basic types of caches that speed up the computers overall performance, disk cache and processor cache memory.

The disk cache is used to store the most recently accessed information and also information adjacent to this that is likely to be accessed. This reduces the time that it takes to read and/or write information to the hard drive.

The processor cache memory simply remembers instructions and information that the processor has executed or accessed previously.
Processor
Processor is the brain of the computer. There are several models of processors that are offered by AMD and Intel. For more information about these processors, visit their websites, http://www.intel.com and http://www.amd.com.
RAM Memory

Hard Drive
There are many sizes and types of hard drives. Hard drives are the main storage devices for a computer. The storage is measured by Gigabytes. Two makers of hard drive are Seagate Technology and Western Digital Hard Drives.
Universal Serial Bus
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a new industry-wide standard that will eventually replace the hassle of connecting parallel and serial devices (printers, scanners, modems) to your computer. USB is Plug & Play with a twist, you never have to turn off the computer to connect or disconnect a device. You have virtually unlimited expansion capabilities without ever having to remove the cover off the computer.
CD (Compact Disk) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
A CD is a disk that can holds up to 650 MB of information. A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is an optical, high capacity version of the CD-ROM. Up to now the CD-ROM has been limited to a maximum storage capacity of 650 MB of data, the new DVD discs will be able to store all of the information on 25 CD-ROMs and then some. There are currently three versions of the DVD, a standard single-layer, single-sided disc that can store 4.7 GB of data, a two-layer, single-sided disc that can store 8.5 GB, and a two-layer, double-sided disc that can store 17 GB. Both the CD and DVD come in players and writers. Be sure you get what you want with your new computer.
Video Card
Video cards send signals to your monitor which gives you a picture. Video cards can have its own memory or it may use some of your RAM memory.
V.90/K56flex Modems
Modems are mainly used to connect to the internet. They can be used for data or FAX transmissions. 56K modem to connect at up to 56 Kbps over a standard analog telephone line. DSL or Cable use modems for an even faster connection to the internet. DSL or Cable modems are usually provided by the internet provider.
Case
Most computer systems, particularly the higher-end models, come in more than one configuration. The configuration you choose depends mainly on the amount of expansion you plan to do in the future. You will want to make sure there is room to expand if there are components you want to add in the future. Additional internal components are multiple hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and tape backup drives drives.

Complete System Bundles

Most stores, including mail order outlets and online stores, bundle various types of computer systems with a set of software applications. If you are thinking about purchasing a bundled system, find out what exactly is included in the bundle as well as the manufacturers and models of the various components, such as the hard drive, modem, monitor, CD/DVD drive and speed, etc. Make sure the software included is the latest versions.

Sources for Information

To find out what types of systems are available, the first place to start is by picking up a copy of one of the many computer magazines on the market or visiting their Web site, such as PC World, PC Magazine, or BYTE Magazine. These magazines usually have articles comparing the various types and brands of computers as well as other components, such as monitors, modems, printers, and software.

One of the best sources for information is your friends and family members. See if any of them have a system similar to what you want to buy. Check to see if they have had any trouble with their system or have ever tried to get technical support from the system's manufacturer. Also see if they have ever had any compatibility problems with any software applications or hardware.

Another good place to check for information is the Web. Try sites, such as www.Computers.com, Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, or Dell. Usually these hardware manufacturers, as well as most of the software and component companies, will have a complete listing of their line of products as well as the specifications.

Purchasing a Computer

Once you have decided on a particular system, you just need to find out where you can get that system the cheapest. New computer stores seem to be springing up every day and stores that never dealt with computers before are suddenly offering their own brands of in-house systems and components.

If you plan to purchase a computer system from a local store as opposed to one of the mail order superstore outlets or the internet, there are some things that you need to consider. When you talk to a salesman, here are some basic questions that you should ask about the computer you are interested in, whether it is of the in-house variety or a brand name:

What brand name computers do they carry?
Do they sell any high-end models or just the low-end?
Do they have a complete line of peripherals and accessories?
Do they have a repair shop?
Are the salesmen knowledgeable?
Are they a certified repair facility for any brand name computers or components?
Do they offer training?
Do they offer any types of discounts to students, seniors, etc.?
Is there a 24-hour technical support line?
What brand of processor does the computer have, type and speed?
What brand and type of hard drive is in the computer?
What brand and speed of CD-ROM drive does the computer have?
Can you upgrade the computer's memory and how hard is it?
If the computer system comes with a tape drive, what brand, type, and capacity it is?
What type of monitor does the computer come with, if any?
Does the computer have a USB connector?
Does the computer come with software?

When you are ready to buy your computer price it at various stores and on the internet. Watch for adds in the newspaper and in magazines. If you have a store that you want to buy from but they are high in price then show them your price and see if they will meet it.

Computer Buying Guide

Questions:

What will I use the computer for?

What components will I need?

What software do I need?

What is my budget?

Buying Assistance on the WEB:

Places to Buy a Computer on the WEB:

Tips:

Do your homework and show it to the salesman, many times they will meet a competitors price. Beware of vendors who charge a "restocking" fee. That's a 10 to 15 percent charge for returned items. Top-tier firms have no restocking fees.

Never buy a PC without a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy. That's your insurance against any problem. When your PC arrives, turn it on, set it up, and leave it running for a few days. If everything isn't as it should be, put it in the box and send it back.

Always use a credit card. Credit card companies will battle for you if anything goes wrong. Checks and money orders are simply too risky and too time consuming to straighten out.

Questions to Ask:

What brand of processor does the computer have, type and speed?

What brand and type of hard drive is in the computer?

What brand and speed of CD-ROM drive does the computer have?

Can you upgrade the computer's memory and how hard is it?

If the computer system comes with a tape drive, what brand, type, and capacity it is?

What type of monitor does the computer come with, if any?

Does the computer have a USB connector?

Does the computer come with software?

Notes:




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