Factors to consider when buying a personal computer

Shopping for a personal computer (PC) can be enjoyable, or it can be frustrating. Unfortunately, some shoppers believe all personal computers are alike, so their main objective is to find the cheapest one. Doing so can be a mistake. The old saying you get what you pay for is true. Many buyers have later discovered that the computer they bought/purchased lacked important components and features. Avoid making this mistake! The following section helps you in your search for the right PC.

Plan before you buy

Before spending your money, prepare a written list of your computing needs and how and where you will be using your new system. The following is a list of questions that will help you identify your computing needs:

1. How much can I afford to pay for a computer?

Prices of personal computers range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Faster and more feature-rich PCs are usually more expensive. Also personal computers soon become obsolete; within a few years you may want or need one that is faster and more versatile.

2. Where my new PC would be used?

If you would be using it only in your home or office, a desktop computer would be suitable. However, if you would want to take it with you, you should consider purchasing a laptop (notebook) computer weighing 4 pounds or less.

3. Which applications would I run on my computer?

Make a list of applications for which you plan to use your PC. For example, will you use your computer to prepare letters and reports? Or Analyze numeric and financial data? Or prepare visual presentations? Or access the internet? Or listen to music? Or create and work with graphics?

4. How long will I keep the computer?

Try to estimate the length of time (years) you will use the computer before buying the next one. If you expect to use your PC for several years or if you think you may later want to add new applications, consider one that is expandable, so you can add new components, such as the modem, printer, or add-on boards. Make sure the PC has expansion slots so you can connect these devices to your PC.

5. Check out the manufacturers and sellers reputations and warranties and become familiar with various brands and models.
Talk with friends, co-workers, classmates, teachers, and significant others about their PCs. Ask about the performance of their PCs and get recommendations from persons you trust. Eventually you may need to have your PC serviced. Ideally, the vendor has a service

department that can repair your PC. If not, you may need to locate a third-party to provide this service.

6. PC architecture
PC architecture refers to the design and construction of the PC and its systems unit, and all architecture not are the same. For example, the architecture of an Apple Macintosh PC differs from that of an IBM or IBM compatible PC. Therefore, software written for an Apple Macintosh PC may not run on an IBM or IBM compatible PC. Although some users prefer a Macintosh PC, much more software is available for IBM and IBM-compatible PCs.

7. Microprocessor
Selecting the right microprocessor is extremely important. Processing speed, measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) is probably the first consideration. The higher the number of MHz or GHz, the faster the processor will manipulate data. If speed is important, consider choosing a processor with a speed measured in GHz. PCs containing microprocessors with speeds up to 1.5 GHz and higher are available (dual core).

8. Main memory
Main memory (RAM) is needed for the temporary storage of programs and data while data is being processed. Some application software requires a considerable amount of RAM to function properly, and newer software versions usually require more RAM than older versions. Typical PCs now come with 1 GB or more of RAM; older versions may have 64MB, 128MB or 512MB of RAM. Be sure the PC has sufficient RAM to run the software you will be using.

9. Secondary storage
What type(s) and amounts of secondary storage are you likely to need? Typical old computers come with floppy disk drive and hard disk drive already installed. A standard diskette can store up to 1.44MB of data, although other types of diskettes are available that provide greater storage capacity. A hard disk drive contains one or more rigid storage platters and provides for the permanent storage of considerably more data. However, the disk itself cannot be removed from the drive. The storage capacity of a hard disk is an important consideration because it is used to all the systems and applications software. Typical hard disk capacities are 20, 40, 60, 80, 350 GB and more. Be certain the PC you considering has sufficient secondary storage capacity for your needs. Other secondary storage media are available. DVD-RAM drives provide for high storage capacities. Most software publishers store their programs on CD-ROM because of the high storage capacity and because CDROMs operate faster than floppy disks. (Diskettes are almost obsolete). If you will use your PC to play movies, your computer should include a DVD (digital versatile disk) drive. If you will work with large files, consider purchasing a computer that includes a CD-RW drive. A CD-RW disk is a reusable high capacity disk that allows you to store huge amounts of data and to erase data that is no longer needed. USB disk drives have gained popularity as of late.

USB disk drive is a portable storage device that has much more storage capacity than the almost extinct floppy disk, but is small and light weight enough to be carried (transported) on a key chain or in a pocket.

10. Ports
The number of ports (slots) available inside the systems unit determines the number of addon boards that can be installed inside the systems unit. For example, you cannot connect a printer to your computer unless your computer is equipped with an appropriate port (slot). Be sure the PC contains the necessary slots for the add-on boards and peripheral devices you will be using with your computer.

11. Input devices

Typical input devices are the keyboard and the mouse, although other kinds of input devices are available. Most keyboards and mice operate similarly. However, there are slight differences on how each feels to the user. Before buying a PC, you may want to test the keyboard and the mouse for comfort and ease of use. Some sellers will allow you to exchange the keyboard or mouse that comes with the computer for a different one.

12. Output devices

Output devices produce output in either soft copy or hard copy form. Most PCs come with a monitor (for soft copy output), but you may purchase a hard copy output device, such as a printer separately.

13. Monitors
There are wide differences among PC monitors, perhaps with resolution being the most important variable. Resolution refers to the clarity of text and images being displayed. Before the purchase, carefully evaluate the monitors resolution. Many vendors allow you to choose from monitors of varying resolutions. A resolution of 1024 by 1024 is considered high resolution, in which text and images display exceptionally clearly. High resolution monitors are typically more expensive. Monitor size is another important consideration. Viewing areas range form 15 diagonal inches to 21 inches and higher. Larger monitors are usually more expensive, but may worth the extra cost. For example, an individual with weak vision may prefer a larger monitor. If your desktop space is limited, consider purchasing a flat-panel monitor which occupies less space. However, flat-panel monitors are more expensive than standard monitors of the same size.

14. Printers
Two popular types of printers are inkjet and laser, both of which are versatile and capable of producing high quality output in color. Examine a variety of printers and models and check the price and output quality of each type and model. Most inkjet printers are quiet, produce high quality output and are relatively inexpensive although the ink cartridge they use can be

expensive. Print resolution is an important factor to consider. Some offer impressive resolution and can produce output of amazing color. Laser printers are fast and can produce high quality output in both black and color tones. Color laser printers are more expensive than those using only black toner. The color laser printers cost range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Choose printer to match your needs list. You have been delegated the task of selecting a new printer from a range of different options currently on the market. The machine has to serve a small network of microcomputers in your office. Software used includes a word processing package, database, spreadsheet and a presentation packages. Assuming that cost is not a major constraint, list 10 features of the printers which you would evaluate in your investigation. 1. Print quality, for example the print from a dot matrix printer varies with the number of pins and even the best are inferior to laser printers. 2. Character formation, whether made from dots as in matrix printers or full characters as with daisy wheel or laser printers. 3. Multi-part, i.e. whether several copies can be printed at once as with impact printers. 4. Fonts or typeface, early computer users were satisfied with any quality whatsoever, but the advances into areas such as word processing and desktop publishing have stimulated a demand for varying type faces or fonts within the same document. 5. Letter quality, whether the quality is equivalent or superior to that of a good typewriter and so acceptable for the word processing of mail. Some printers have a choice of two print modes, draft quality and letter quality. 6. Speed in terms of characters per second 7. Graphics capabilities 8. Flexibility, for example, is it suitable for one task only, such as good letter quality but not graphics, as with daisy wheel printers, or good graphics but slow speed and indifferent letter quality as with some of dot matrix printers. 9. Sheet feeding, in terms of single sheets, friction or sprocket feed. 10. Capital cost or what it costs to buy 11. Running cost or what it cost in ribbons, print toner, ink cartridges, special stationery and maintenance. 12. Compatibility with standard packages; many programs support a range of printers by generating the correct control character fonts, features like italics and underline, and for graphics. 13. Robustness; some very cheap printers are ideal at home but would not last very long in an office. 14. Reputation of the manufacturer as a supplier of printers.

Necessary conditions for an ideal computer room environment

1. Cleanliness: books, manuals not encouraged because they bring with them dust and caught fire easily 2. Air conditioners, which control the rooms temperature and humidity levels

It should be dust free; dust is the biggest killer of hard drives No carpets for they caught fire more easily You are not allowed to eat, smoke or drink in the computer room No magnetic material should be in the computer room The computer room should be located in such a way that the computers are not exposed to direct sunlight or hot environments; use curtains if otherwise. 8. The computer room must be fitted with burglar bars, alarm systems, and/or guarded 24 hours to ensure security. 9. The computer room should have surge protectors or suppressors to guard against electrical faults and high voltages 10. The computer room should have uninterrupted power supply (ups) in case of power failures which may be fatal. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.