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Prior to attending this class I thought I knew a lot about computers. What I’ve learned is that all I really knew was buzz words: megahertz, gigabyte, ram, megabyte, etc. I also assumed bigger was better, and there may be some truth to that statement. However, it is equally true that bigger is not always necessary.
I needed to purchase a computer that would satisfy all the needs and wants of the family. I needed a system that could run accounting software, my wife needed the ability to run graphic programs and the children needed educational software. In addition to having a system with sufficient power to handle these tasks, I wanted the ability to expand the system at a later date, if necessary. Finally, I needed a sufficient warranty. After listening to the advice of friends and sales people, I was no better off than when I started. So I decided to go out on faith and buy what I thought was the best deal for my money. I researched Compaq, Dell, Gateway and some no frills machines. The no frills systems were immediately ruled out; the price was right, the warranty was not. In some instances the warranty was ok, but I was not sure if I would ever see the person who built the system again.
I purchased a Gateway select 600 for $2273.00. The system had: 600 MHz Athlon chip, 128 MB ram, 20.0 GB hard drive, CD-RW, DVD, ZIP, 16 MB video, 17 Color monitor(15.9 viewable), HP scanner and Epson 740 stylus color printer(ink jet). All things considering I don’t think I did bad, but I now realize that all that hardware was not necessary. I could have forgone the ZIP drive, my main purpose for it purchase was storage, which I now realize that the CD-RW could have done the same job. Not to mention that the CD-RW can hold up to 650 MB, as opposed to the 100 MB on the ZIP. I could have also forgone the DVD, the CD-RW is sufficient. I figured that maybe one day I would watch movies on the system. Not purchasing these two devices I would have saved approximately $300.00.
If I were buying a system today, I would consider the following prior to purchase:
Memory: Main memory, Primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM), is the place where computers store information for immediate access. RAM is measured in millions of bytes or Megabytes, (MB). Most systems tend to come standard with 32-64 MB, and while still sufficient, I would pay the extra money for 128 MB. With video graphics and digital music becoming more popular, I feel the extra memory would be beneficial. I would also ensure that this memory is not shared with the video system, as this would decrease the memory available at all times. Systems generally have 8 MB for video, with the advancements in graphics and my specific need to run graphic programs, I would spend the extra $30-$60 to increase the memory to 16-32 MB.
Processor Speed: Computers process calculations in Megahertz (MHz); one MHz is one million calculations per second. The processor itself, CPU or Chip controls and manipulates data to produce information. The rate at which these functions occur, depends on the speed of the computers processor. To be honest for everyday home use it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the processors : Celeron chips, and Pentiums II & III. There has been a lot of hype centered around this feature of the computer. I have an old 133 MHz that runs most programs as fast as my 600 MHz Athlon. However, I think that 500 MHz is sufficient for home and small business use and if you have ample memory it does not matter whether you have a Pentium III, Celeron or Athlon chip. The speed will become more noticeable for those who utilize superior graphics programs, such as AutoCAD.
Monitor: There are two basic kinds of computer monitors: CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. CRT is the technology used in television sets, and it is by far the most widely used technology for computer monitors as well. LCD technology, which is also called or flat-panel display, is most often found in notebook computers, but it is becoming more popular in desktop monitors. Some differences between the two are as follows:
CRT Monitors:
· Analog signal, compatible with most VGA graphics cards
· Lower cost
· Wider viewing angle
· Better scaling to different screen resolutions
· Excellent color quality, gamma quality, and contrast
LCD Monitors:
· Digital or analog signal; graphics card with a digital port required for digital models
· Thin and lightweight, fitting easily in any work environment
· Less than half the power consumption of CRT monitors
· Images do not flicker
· Superior focus and screen brightness
Resolution is a measurement of the number of pixels (horizontally and vertically) used to form an image on the computer screen. The more pixels, the sharper the image. However, it takes a monitor longer to display the extra pixels in a higher resolution screen, so at higher resolutions the refresh rate of the screen image slows down. To avoid eyestrain monitor size should be at least 17’’, with a dot pitch of at least 28mm and a refresh rate of 75 or better.
Always try out the monitors before purchasing, make sure the picture is clear, crisp and not strenuous to the eyes.
Video/Graphics Adapter: The most expensive cards are geared towards power gamers and offer the highest level of 3D acceleration as their main feature. While other cards geared towards the budget PC market utilizes a more broad entertainment appeal, providing moderate 3D acceleration as well as DVD and MPEG video decoding, and the occasional extra feature such as TV output. When considering a new sound card one should consider: bus type, memory size, fill rate; and video decoding.
· Bus: Path data travels between devices. The PCI bus connects the PCI expansion card slots to the memory and the chipset on the motherboard. Data can travel at a fast rate along the PCI bus, up to 132MB per second. However, there is an even faster data bus that is designed specifically for graphics cards, the AGP bus. There are three types of AGP: AGP 1X, AGP 2X, and AGP 4X. AGP 1X, is twice as fast as PCI, with a transfer rate of 264MB/sec. APG 2X, is four times as fast as PCI; and with AGP 4X, data travels up to 1056MB/sec or eight times faster than PCI.
· Memory Size: A video card with more memory can store textures that are larger and more detailed. It can also reach higher resolutions in both 2D and 3D and display a sharper images and more colors. 32MB is becoming the standard for most graphics cards, and, if needed cards with higher memory can be purchased. .
· Fill Rate: Measures how many 3D pixels a graphics card can draw on the screen every second and is measured in Mega pixels (Mpixels -- one million pixels) or Megatexels (Mtexels). For every pixel, there can be several textures; a texel, which is simply a texture applied to a pixel. Multiple textures are used to create 3D effects such as reflective surfaces, transparent objects, and so forth. Graphic cards that have a high fill rate in both Mpixels and Mtexels perform well.
· Video Decoding: If you have a DVD-ROM drive and wish to play DVD movies on your computer screen. Your computer needs to be able to decode the video data on the DVD disc, and that can be done either with a software program or a special hardware-decoding chip.
Audio System: Although there is no official sound card standard, Creative Labs' Sound Blaster appears to be the industry standard. A Sound Blaster-compatible card should run on virtually any system and with any application. Sound cards have two common methods of creating sound: FM (frequency modulation) synthesis or Wavetable synthesis. FM synthesis creates sound by mimicking musical instruments according to preset formulas. This is more common and less expensive for the common consumer. However, better sound may be obtained from cards that utilize, Wavetable synthesis. Wavetable synthesis relies on recordings of actual instruments to create sound, rendering more accurate sound, and increasing the cost of the card. If you're serious about music and gaming, a Wavetable synthesizer is a worthwhile investment. Also available with sound card are: 3D Sound, multiple voices, speaks with subwoofers; and Digital Signal Processors (DSP): DSP’s add intelligence so the sound card can perform its own processing, which frees the computer from demanding tasks, such as file compression, and enables various effects, such as surround-sound.
Modem: Internal or external device which allows you to interface or link with other computers. The modem uses this link to send and receive data. When working with a modem, especially on the WWW) speed is very important. Modem speed is expressed in Kbps (kilobits per second), or K for short, the modem speed indicates the rate at which data is transmitted from one computer to another. The faster the modem, the less time spent waiting for Web pages to load. 56K modems are the fastest available today, the can achieve a top speed of 53,000bps, or 53K. 56K modems are more expensive than 33.6K or 28.8K modems, but they are becoming the standard in new computers.
Printer: The choice between laser and inkjet used to be pretty straight forward, if you were purchasing for a, you got a laser printer, and for home use you got an inkjet printer. No inkjet could provide the quality and speed that a business required, and no laser printer was cheap enough for ordinary home users to afford. That has changed. The quality of inkjet printers has increased and the price of laser printers has decreased
Laser Printers: Sharpest black & white imagesFaster printing speedsLess prone to smearing & bandingProduces higher volumeNetwork ready (check product documentationInkjet printers:Lower costLower maintenance costs (i.e. toner)Near-laser image qualityNear-laser speed with newer modelsNoisy
Printer resolution is measured in two directions horizontally and vertically, also known as dots per inch (dpi). Which shows how many dots of ink the printer can lay down in a square inch of paper. The more dots per inch means finer detail, which makes text appear sharper and cleaner, and color images more sharply defined. A resolution of 1440 x 720 dpi means that 1440 dots are placed horizontally across one inch of paper, and 720 dots are printed vertically down an inch. This gives a total of 1,036,800 dots in that single square inch of paper. Before purchasing any printer get a sample of various models to determine what is suitable to you. Don’t forget to check the printers memory size, cost of cartridges, interface connections (USB is the preferred connection); and duty cycle (dc), average number of pages printed per month.
Operating System(OS): While there are several operating systems, Unix, Linix, DOS, OS1, the desired system is Windows. The most common versions are 95 and 98, with or 2000 on the rise. Presently, Windows 98 is installed in most systems. For an extra cost you can upgrade to 2000 which is said to be more stable and reliable. However, if 2000 is chosen as the OS, users should be prepared to upgrade certain software and drivers. Personally, I wouldn’t purchase the 2000 version until all of the bugs have been worked out. For those whose systems are networked, windows NT offers a higher grade security measures.
Expansion: You want be sure that the system has at least 3 extra ports and slots to allow for additional devices. USB and firewire slots provide high speed access to and allow for multiple device connections, 127 and 63, respectively. Because of their speed and efficiency, these connections may also aide in fewer crashes.
I believe these are the basics needed to get you started, other equipment such as scanners, digital cameras, mouses, NIC’s, joysticks, keyboards; and microphones to name a few, can also be purchased to enhance your computer needs and wants. It should be noted that all systems come equipped with a mouse and keyboard. They are the standard issue which will suffice for most individuals, however, should you need something specific don’t be afraid to spend a few dollars more to accommodate yourself.
Lets see what I brought: See chart next page.
Even though I said that 500 MHz was the max one would need for a home computer system, I purchased one with 650 MHz, because the price was exactly the same. So in this case take the faster system. The upgraded graphics card and monitor allow for better graphic display. While the standard equipment would have been sufficient, these upgrades will assist my wife when running graphic programs. As is true with the increase in memory to 128K, graphic programs tend to be quite large and consume lots of memory, 128K will allow me to have more memory on hand. We will probably never use 20GB on the hard drive, but I just thought that $40 for another 10GB was a good deal. The printer was a tough choice, but we decided to go with one that would give letter quality and sharp color. It is still under debate as to whether a laser b/w should be purchased. We have enough money left over to purchase the Okipage 10E for $305.00. The tape drive is needed to regularly back-up the system. This function can also be done by utilizing the CD-RW but this external machine will also allow me to back-up information from my current system. The CD-RW and DVD were sold as a set. I felt that although not needed, the DVD might come in handy for movies, games or graphic programs my wife may utilize. The software; QuickBooks Pro will assist me with my accounting needs for various clients; CorelDraw will allow my wife the basics needed in her quest for interior design; and Kidbuilder 2000 will provide the children with some extra educational support, while simultaneously allow the to become familiar and comfortable with the computer. The scanner was to allow for input of documents we may have for school or work; and the joystick was to satisfy my dream of being an Air Force Pilot.
Dell, Compaq and Gateway all have similar, if not equal, quality and products. There are two main reasons why Gateway topped the others. First, Dell and Compaq were a few hundred dollars more for the same equipment. Second, gateway offered me the opportunity to trade in my system in three years and receive fair market value. The rate at which computers grow is so rapid, that the fair market value may be 0, but it was nice to know that the offer is available. Finally, I am affiliated with an outside organization that allowed to receive ad extra 10% discount on the purchase of any Gateway product. This feature alone would not have made me purchase the system, if I felt it was inferior to the others.
Word Count: 2525
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