Although computers change quickly, and this information will soon be out of date, these general – and very basic – guidelines may help you to understand what to look for when you decide to purchase a computer.
NOTE: I am not recommending a computer configured for a power user or for someone who expects to play a lot of sophisticated electronic games. The configuration I am describing below is for average users, or for people who are purchasing their first computer.
Let me caution you first - Don’t even consider buying a computer at a garage sale unless you really know what you’re looking at. Garage sale computers usually make great doorstops. They’re NOT “good enough” to learn on, and you will probably be very frustrated if you buy someone else’s junk. A 5 year-old computer that “works like new” doesn’t work like a brand new computer. Period.
Another word of caution - Good used computers may be available in your area if you know of a large company that frequently updates computers, but that’s not usually the case. Most companies are on a three-year depreciation schedule, so you won’t get anything newer. If you do decide to purchase a used computer, make sure you have the option to return it if it doesn’t meet your needs. Generally, you’re probably buying trouble if you buy a used computer that is more than three years old. If in doubt, ask a knowledgeable friend for help.
Buying new computer hardware is challenging, especially if you don’t know the lingo. Here are a few of the basic terms you should learn before you start shopping seriously:
1. Hard Drive – A hard drive, usually located in the tower, is a storage area (like a file cabinet) in your computer, where most of your programs and personal files or documents live.
2. RAM – Random Access Memory – RAM is temporary storage for things like documents that you are working on but have not saved to the hard drive. The more RAM you have in your computer, the more projects you can work on at one time. (It’s like having a small desk versus a large desk. An appropriate amount of RAM gives you sufficient “work space.”)
3. Processor – The processor is a chip that determines how fast your computer can handle information. You may recognize the names of two chip manufacturers: Intel and AMD.
4. Monitor – The monitor provides a display area (screen) for the programs you use. See below for more specific information.
5. “Burner” – Most computers can create (burn) CDs and/or DVDs if they have a writable CD or DVD drive.
6. Modem – A modem is a telephony device that is used to connect your computer to another through your phone line for access to the World Wide Web or e-mail.
7. Network card – A network card, also known as a “NIC” (Network Interface Card), is another device for connecting to other computers and the World Wide Web.
8. USB port – A USB port is a rectangular plug (about ½” tall and ¼“ wide) on the front or rear of a computer, where you can connect a printer, scanner, digital camera or other “USB” device to your computer. USB ports usually come in pairs.
For a NEW computer, consider the following minimum requirements:
Hard drive: 40 – 80 GB (gigabytes)
RAM: 512 MB (megabytes)
Processor: 2.4 GHZ (gigahertz) or higher
Monitor: 17” flat screen or flat panel
Printer: Color inkjet printer or multifunctional 3-in-1 device
New computers may have both a network card and a modem so you can use either one for Internet access. If you purchase a new computer, make sure you get 4-6 USB ports, and at least 2 of them should be easily accessible on the front of the computer. Most new computers are not equipped with a floppy drive. If you want one, you may have to have it installed as an option.
For a GENTLY USED computer, consider the following minimum requirements:
Hard drive: 8 - 10 GB (gigabytes)
RAM: 128 - 256 MB (megabytes)
Processor: 600 MHZ (megahertz) or higher
Monitor: 17” standard CRT (cathode ray tube)
Printer: Color inkjet printer
Other Terms You Should Understand:
Any term that includes “hertz” = speed (Newer processors run at 2.4 – 3.0 gigahertz or faster.)
Any term that includes “bytes” = capacity (Newer hard drives can hold 40 - 250 gigabytes of data.)
1000 megabytes = 1 gigabyte (Therefore, a 40-gigabyte hard drive is bigger than a 540-megabyte drive. Think about it in terms of measuring food - 2 gallons is more than 6 quarts.)
If you purchase a standard CRT monitor, look for a lower number on the “dot pitch.” .23 dot pitch is better than .27 dot pitch. (Don’t let a sales person try to convince you otherwise.) You will pay more for a monitor with lower dot pitch, but your eyes will thank you. Brief non-technical explanation: A monitor is made up of a group of tubes with one end at the front of the monitor (behind the glass). When you look at the monitor, you are looking at the ends of the tubes where the little points of light display light and color. The measurement of “dot pitch” tells how far the light travels sideways from the little point of light. If the light travels too far, it will interfere with the light from an adjacent point, and the picture on the screen will not be as clear. A lower dot pitch means that the light is not thrown so far; therefore, the image will be clearer.
When buying a printer, look for higher resolution.
600 dpi (dots per inch) is better than 300 dpi, etc.
Hopefully, this information will be helpful as you begin shopping for a computer. I have tried to give you the configuration for a typical computer for an average user. Rather than write for all audiences, I am assuming that you may be shopping for your first computer. Good luck!
Sue Manley