How to buy a personal computer?The 2-4-9 Method!

A SeniorNet Workshop

SeniorNet is a service program of the Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennsylvania

The 2-4-9 Method

Answer 2 key questions

Make 4 critical decisions

Consider 9 additional options

Key question #1

What do I want to do with my computer?

Everyday user – Internet, e-mail, word processing, basic software programs

Home entertainment – all the above plus digital video and image editing, moderate gaming

Cutting edge – all the above plus graphics & processing power for home business & competitive gamers.

Ultimate technology – high end business applications, multi-media, intense video gaming, video editing and large graphic files

Key question #2

How much can I afford to spend on my computer?

$_____.00 to $_____.00

You must do your homework!First – Talk to everyone! Family Friends Co-workers SeniorNet members LSS staff Minister Children or grandchilden teacher Strangers

You must do your homework!Second – Do the research! Consumer Reports PC magazine PC World magazine Smart Computing magazine Web searches with Google What about “How to Buy” books?

Critical Decision #1Laptop or Desktop? Laptop

(+) Portable(+) Convenient(+) Uses much less space

(-) Difficult to upgrade and expand(-) More expensive to repair(-) Less ergometric(-) Can be easily stolen(-) More expensive

Critical Decision #1Laptop or Desktop? Desktop

(-) Stationary

(-) Uses more space

(+) Easier to upgrade and expand

(+) Easier to repair

(+) Better ergometics than laptops

(+) Less likely to walk

(+) Less expensive

Critical Decision #1Laptop or Desktop? Computing Power: Laptop vs. Desktop

Laptops can have as much or more computing power than desktops. It’s not a matter of external size but rather what’s “under the hood.”

The Bottom Line

Strongly recommend the desktop for your basic home PC.

Critical Decision #2 The Processor/CPU

The processor is the “brains” of your computer. In general terms, the faster the processor

speed, the faster your computer can work. Processor speed is measured in gigahertz or

billions of cycles per second (GHz). Currently processors run at speeds of less than

1.0 to greater than 3.0 GHz.

Critical Decision #2The Processor Differences in processor speeds are not always

noticeable.

Currently there are two major processor manufacturers: Intel

Celeron (good) Pentium (better)

AMD Duron (good) Athlon (better)

Critical Decision #2The Processor

The Bottom Line

For most everyday users, an Intel Celeron or AMD Duron processor will work just fine. If you can afford the upgrade to the Intel Pentium or an AMD Athlon, do it.

Critical Desion #3RAM RAM is short for Random Access Memory RAM is your PCs working memory – the place

where information and instructions are temporarily placed while programs are opened and running.

When the computer is turned off data stored in RAM disappears.

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) Most PCs now have at least 128 MB of RAM

Critical Decision #3RAM

The Bottom Line

RAM is probably the single most important factor in determining how well your computer performs. Generally speaking, the more RAM, the better.

Consider 256 MB as a minimum.

If you can upgrade to 512 MB RAM, do it.

Critical Decision #4The Hard Drive The hard drive (C:) is the PC’s central

warehouse – the place where the startup files, operating system, and software programs are stored.

The capacity of the hard drive is measured in gigabytes (GB).

Most modern PCs have hard drives of 40 to 100 GBs

Critical Decision #4The Hard Drive

The bottom line

Bigger is better

Get at least 40 GB; more to give you room

to grow with your computer

Option #1Display Monitors

Monitors are prices by Size – measured diagonally Type

Box (CRT*) Flat screen (CRT*) still a box but reduces glare & display distortion Flat panel (LCD**)

The Bottom Line

“Seeing is believing!”

(*Cathode ray tube) (**Liquid crystal display)

Option #2Additional Storage Devices The selections

Floppy disk CD-ROM DVD CD-RW Zip Drives USB Memory Keys Combination Drives

The Bottom Line

Be sure to get at least the CD-ROM Upgrade to a CD-RW if possible Floppies will soon be obsolete Consider memory keys

Option #3Video Cards/Sound Cards Video cards are the interface between the PC and the display monitor. Sound cards interface between the PC and the audio hardware

including speakers and microphones.

Consider a more advanced cards if you are using programs that feature sophisticated video or graphics or high quality sound reproduction.

The Bottom Line

The video card and sound card that comes standard with the PC is usually a high-end product with all the capabilities and features you will need.

Option #4Multi-Media Hardware Multi-media hardware lets your PC play

music and video. Consider adding a DVD drive for watching movies.

The Bottom Line

At a minimum, you need a CD-ROM drive, a sound card and speakers.

Option #5The Operating System

Current standard is Windows XP

XP comes in home and professional versions

The Bottom LineFor everyday users, the home version of XP will meet your needs.

Option #6Productivity Software Choose from various bundles for software like

Works Suite Microsoft Office XP Small Business Microsoft Office XP Professional Edition

The Bottom LineWorks Suite with MS Word is a good choice.

Option #7Internet Access

You can connect to the Internet using dial-up, broadband (DSL or cable) or wireless connections.

The Bottom LineMake sure your PC has a modem and a network interface card (NIC) so you can opt for a broadband connection.

Option #8Peripheral Connections Peripherals are external devices such as printers,

scanners, digital cameras, etc. Peripherals connect to your PC by

Serial/parallel ports USB (universal serial ports) Wireless connections

The Bottom Line Plug-n-Play peripherals are quickly becoming the industry

standard. Make sure your PC has enough USB ports in addition to the standard serial/parallel ports.

Option #9Input Devices Input devices allow you to give the computer

instructions and enter data. The two main input devices are the mouse and keyboard

The Bottom Line The mouse and keyboard sold as part of your PC

package will meet your basic needs. To upgrade, select an optical mouse and an ergometric keyboard.

Other considerations

Brand choice Mom-n-Pop purchases Warranties Protection software with purchase ISP with purchase Obsolete so soon Place of purchase: store or phone or online Build your own