How to Speak Geek and Make Informed Computer Purchasing Decisions

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How to Speak Geek and Make Informed Computer
Purchasing Decisions
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Performance

• Speed
• Capacity
• Sophistication

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Speed

• Hertz measurement of a single CPU calculation
  cycle.
• The number of times per second each component can
  do things (cycle).
• One hertz one cycle
• One kilohertz (KHz) 1,000 cycles
• One megahertz (MHz) 1,000 KHz or 1 m Hz
• One gigahertz (GHz) 1,000 MHz or 1 b Hz

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speed

• Increase CPU speed
• Faster system RAM
• Faster hard drives
• Higher quality video card

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Capacity

• Computers store everything in strings of binary
  1s and 0s, called binary numbers
• Bit smallest binary unit, of storage a 1 or 0
• Byte 8 bits
• Each single computer character is stored as a
  single byte of data.
• One kilobyte (KB) 1,024 bytes
• One megabyte (MB) 1,024 KB
• One gigabyte (GB) 1,024 MB most hard drive
  cpacities
• One terabyte (TB) 1,024 GB

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Hard Drive capacity

• If you run low on space, your computer will start
  slowing down dramatically.
• Everyone has different needs
• OS
• Applications
• data

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System Memory Capacity

• CPU uses system memory to store actively running
  programs and data temporarily.
• RAM the amount directly affects performance.
• More RAM means you can have more programs and
  processes running at the same time.
• Minimum to run Windows XP is 256MB
• Generally, the more the better!

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Sophistication

• CPU
• 32-bit processor
• 64-bit processor
• Dual core
• Video card
• Refresh rate of your monitor
• If the refresh rate is set too low, it can cause
  eye strain and fatigue.
• Gaming
• Number of monitors

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The Right Tool for the Job Choosing the Best
computer for Your Needs

• Windows, Mac, or Linux?
• Availability
• Compatibility
• Support
• Cost

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Windows

• Available almost everywhere
• Windows computers
• Windows compatible hardware components
• Windows compatible software
• Support readily available
• 300 - 3,000
• OS upgrades around 99

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Macintosh OS X

• Simplest, most intuitive operating system
• Available only from Apple and authorized Apple
  resellers
• Not as many products available for Mac systems
• OS X works well on a network to share printers
• Support is very good Genius Bar
• Cost is more expensive than Windows

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Linux

• Powerful and sophisticated OS
• Open source
• Limited audience, require custom built systems
  available on internet
• Software compatibility is an issue
• Linux integrates well with Windows and Macintosh
  systems

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Desktop or Laptop?

• Desktop systems
• Status quo for most schools and businesses
• Cheaper than comparable laptops
• More upgradeable than laptops
• Take up more space
• Laptop
• Portability
• More and more wireless internet connections
• Costlier
• Limited upgradeable
• A Docking station gives a portable computer extra
  capabilities, such as a full-size keyboard and
  extra drives.
• Easier to damage, lose, or have stolen

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How much computing power do you need?

• You do not need a top of the line system if you
  are just playing solitaire, surfing the web, and
  receiving e-mail.
• Or do you expect to play the latest 3-D games,
  mix music CDs, and edit digital video?

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What Kind of software do you need?

• Bundled software packages
• Come pre-installed on most new computers, may
  include productivity software, trial versions of
  programs, and so on
• Big computer retailers get cheaper licensing from
  software vendors
• But much of the software comes as 30 day trail
  versions

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Essential Add-ons

• Anti-virus software
• McAfee, Norton, Symantec
• Freeware Avast!
• Anti-spyware software
• Spyware - Programs that moniotr your activities
  and act as an entry port for pop-up ads, browser
  hijacking, and malicious programs
• Spybot SD and Ad-aware

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Other Factors to consider

• Warranties and Service Plans
• Warranties Whats covered? Whats excluded
• Manufacturers warranty from 1 to 3 years
• Factory refurbished computers 90 days
• Most warranties include
• Repair or replacement of hardware components that
  fail because of manufacturing defect NOT
  accidents or mistreatment
• Extended warranties

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Taking It Back

• Before you finalize the purchase find out about
  the retailers return policy
• Most stores have very limited return policy

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Compatibility with Existing Environment

• Know the specific hardware required for your
  network
• Wireless Internet adapter
• What software will be available for your computer

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The Circle of Computer Life

• The life cycle of computer products is about 3-5
  years
• The maker will phase out sales and support for
  the product

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Retiring Your Computer

• Software utilities that help you back up your
  data files and user settings and then transfer
  the files to another computer
• It may be illegal to throw out your computer with
  the garbage
• Old monitors are considered hazardous waste
• Some cities have recycling programs for old
  computers