BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER - General Information:
Familiarize yourself with some of the computer language
and terminology then shop at several different computer
stores and test some of the hundreds of different models
being offered. Most of the computers and programs are
simple to operate and you can perform many valuable tasks
as well as play games.
Keep in mind that the cost of the system you purchase will
usually include only the basic "software" needed and you
will probably have to purchase more later in order to do
everything you want your computer to do for you. Most
software is not cheap...
The basic system consists of the Central Processing Unit,
a Keyboard, Screen (Monitor) and Printer. A "mouse" is
used on some brands and a cassette recorder can also be
used, mostly for games and short programs. A flexible
disk (floppy disk) similar to a small phonograph record;
or a hard disk, together with an instructional manual,
contain the programs that tell the person... and the
computer, what to do.
A component that changes electric signals into audio
tones, called a "Modem" is used to link your unit with
others over the telephone.
Across the country are located large computer systems
which store a great amount of information on various
subjects. You can hook the computer into one or more of
these systems with a "Data-Base Management" program, and
by paying a monthly user fee.
The smallest unit of information for the computer is the
"Bit". 8 Bits make a "Byte". "Memory" takes two
forms...RAM which means Random Access Memory, is a
temporary memory picked up when you enter information into
the keyboard or from a disk...ROM means Read Only Memory
is measured in "K's" with 1,024 Bytes-1K.
The software program will display a "Menu" on the screen.
You choose what you want the computer to do and press the
proper keys specified in the menu in order to perform the
task.
One of the greatest uses of the computer is "word
processing", which is merely "glorified" typing, using the
keyboard with the copy appearing on the screen as you
type. You can correct or change your copy in just about
any way imaginable and perform many other time saving
functions before the copy is "sent to the printer" or to a
disk to be stored for future processing or printing.
Before you make a decision on the purchase be sure you
have a good idea of what computer applications you want.
Are you going to use it extensively for word processing?
For Accounting? Budgeting, Education, Entertainment, or
perhaps a mailorder newsletter which requires fancy
pictures and a good deal of art work, etc.
Pick up the brochures and booklets explaining the various
computers and the software programs so you can review and
study the various functions and make comparisons of ease
of operation, price refund policy, etc.
When you shop for a computer system ask to operate the
various computers yourself so that you will get the feel
of each different brand.
Find out about the warranty and service, the availability
of added hardware and software.
Does the dealer offer instructions with the purchase? Get
the total cost for the unit and the software which will be
required to perform the applications you want.
Purchase only the minimum software you need to get started
and learn each program as you proceed. You will have a
much better knowledge of just what additional software you
will need after you have had the computer for a short time
and have become more familiar with what it will do for
you. However, since you will have substantial funds
invested it will pay to purchase all the software
necessary for your various needs so that you will get full
value from your investment, but be certain you are not
getting substitute programs or partial duplications of
ones you already have.
What do you need a computer for?
You can now purchase a computer that will run thousands of
different programs. You can do just about anything; from
games and entertainment to instruction, mathematics,
engineering, managing any kind of data, to desk top
publishing, business inventories and accounting. Those
old timers in the accounting profession and in business
management now look back over the many years of working
without a computer and wonder how it was possible to
accomplish what they did without a computer. Printers can
now purchase a desktop publishing system for $10,0000
sufficient for many typesetting jobs that previously cost
$60,000 just a couple of years ago. The computer-laser
system is much faster thus saving on labor costs and by
using plain paper at less than 1› a sheet instead of photo
paper at 30› to 60›, they can cut operating costs
extensively.
What kind of computer do you need?
First look at the ease of use. Is it "user friendly"? Is
the instruction manual easy to follow? Is there adequate
software available for it? Does it give you a large
enough screen to fit any work you will require? Can you
"import" other compatible programs, images, etc., and
merge with existing work? Does it give detailed realistic
and high resolution results? How about color? Will you
need color now or in the future? Is it easily expandable
so that more memory or circuit boards, etc., can be added
as your need grows? What type of printers will the
computer handle?
Can you get questions answered and help when you need it.
What about repairs, guarantees and service contracts? How
much memory comes with the basic computer and is it going
to be sufficient to handle all your projects? Considering
the type of software being produced today you should
purchase a system with no less than 256K and preferably
much more. Also get a computer with at least two disk
drives that will handle 2 sided, double density disks.
The keyboard can be an integral part of the computer or
detached. Detached is generally preferable because it
gives you more flexibility. Pick a computer that uses a
keyboard you feel comfortable with. Most computers now
are built with standard keys. Be sure it is easy to
control the "cursor", graphic keys, escape, repeat, break,
reset and return keys.
As to the display window (monitor) you will need, if you
are going to be doing a great deal of word processing
(typing) a monochrome with green color is much easier on
the eyes than black and white. If you are going to be
doing color work or graphics you will need color monitor.
| It is of course not full article. You should login first to show full article. If you have not account, please register. It is FREE!!! |
|
