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Chapter 3: How to Speak Geek and Make Informed Purchasing Decisions. Computer Literacy. Introduction. Performance: Speed, Capacity, and Sophistication The Right Tool for the Job: Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs Other Factors to Consider. Performance Issues. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Chapter 3:How to Speak Geek and
Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Computer Literacy
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Introduction
• Performance: Speed, Capacity, and Sophistication
• The Right Tool for the Job: Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs
• Other Factors to Consider
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Performance Issues
• Three factors affect performance:– Speed– Capacity– Sophistication
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Potential Bottlenecks
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Performance: Speed
• Measured in hertz– One hertz (Hz) = one cycle per second– One kilohertz (KHz) = 1000 Hz– One megahertz (MHz) = 1,000,000 Hz– One gigahertz (GHz) = 1,000,000,000
Hz
• Typical CPU today runs at 2.5+ GHz
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Performance: Capacity
• Hard drive• RAM• Measured in bits and bytes
– One bit = either a 1 or 0– One byte = 8 bits– One kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes– One megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB– One gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Performance: Capacity
• Hard drive– Stores OS and programs– Stores data– Used by CPU for temporary storage
• RAM– Used by CPU for running programs
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Performance: Sophistication
• Can the processor handle the job?– CPU variations– Video card processor variations
• Branding issues: How can you tell which CPU or card is better?– Web sites like Ars Technica can help– www.arstechnica.com – Look for “Guides”
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Choosing the Best Computer for You
• Operating systems
Linux
Macintosh
Windows
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Choosing the Best Computer for You
• Form Factor– Desktop– Laptop
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Choosing the Best Computer for You
• Hardware needs– Any computer can handle office tasks– Specialized hardware required for
gaming and multimedia
• Software needs– Bundled software– Essential add-ons
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Other Factors to Consider
• Warranty• Tech support• Compatibility with other computer
equipment
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Other Factors to Consider
• Recycling
Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
Summary
• Performance: Speed, Capacity, and Sophistication
• The Right Tool for the Job: Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs
• Other Factors to Consider