Buying a New Computer Shawn Lupoli What are

Buying a New Computer Shawn Lupoli

What are computers used for n Major uses: ¨ Internet ¨ Office (Word, Excel) ¨ Gaming n Right out of box is fine ¨ Programming/Complex n Gaming Upgrades needed right out of box

Should I buy? n When to buy a new computer ¨ Age ¨ Change of purpose ¨ New users ¨ Upgrade vs. New

What does my current computer have now? n Control Panel ¨ System ¨ First n n screen Show Operating System, CPU, RAM, HD Space, etc… Operating System (OS) ¨ Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista

Memory n Two types: ¨ Hard n drive (GB) Where programs and files are STORED ¨ RAM (GB) How fast a program can run n CPU also helps n

Deciding on a Computer/Laptop Ask what is more useful n Items to think about n ¨ Costs -> laptops more expensive ¨ Power -> desktops are more powerful ¨ Portability

Specifications to Think about Speed of CPU (GHz) n Amount of RAM (GB) n Hard drive space (GB) n Monitor size (inches - diagonal) n Graphic card (MB) n Software on board n

Where to buy n Best Buy ¨ n Comp USA ¨ n n n n www. bestbuy. com www. compusa. com Apple Store Circuit City Craig’s List Gateways Stores Dell Costco/BJ’s Online

Strategies n Look and compare ¨ Look at a store ¨ Determine model number ¨ Then try to buy online or EBay n Watch SHIPPING COSTS!!

My thoughts Dell n HP n Toshiba n Gateways n Alien. Ware (Unbelievable but EXPENSIVE) n Apple/Mac n Others? n

Home vs. Professional Editions n Home is fine for the MAJOR uses ¨ Internet, n office, gaming, etc… Professional ¨ More n control, more specialized programs Great for graphics and programming

Internet Security n Norton Expensive ¨ Comprehensive ¨ Controls EVERYTHING!! ¨ Slows down the computers ¨ n Mc. Afee ¨ n Zone. Alarm ¨ n Better for us Free Verizon

Setting up internet n Connection types ¨ Phone (Dial-up) ¨ Phone (DSL) ¨ Satellite ¨ Cable n Companies ¨ Comcast ¨ Verizon ¨ Vonage ¨ Cavalier ¨ Concast

Questions?