The right personal computer
Approach the process of buying a computer like
you would buying a car - there's lots of options out there. Like
the fact that no one really needs a new car - or a computer with the latest, greatest
technology. This is more an ego thing than a necessity. You're
actually paying more to be a guinea
pig. On top of that bleeding-edge technology is expensive, and because its new,
many times it hasn't been thoroughly tested.
Whether buying a first computer or looking for a replacement,
get a system powerful enough to last four years. You may think you're buying a computer for basic word processing, spreadsheet,
internet browsing, and e-mail duties, but with ever-changing
technologies, chances are you'll be recording music and working
with digital photos before long. You can get a powerful system that
supports this kind of use for around $1000, while you can get a
low-end computer for around $500.
Bottom line - before calling DELL, Gateway or
me, do a little homework. Make a list of what tasks
you want your computer to perform. Go to their web sites and
compare these kinds of components:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) - where most calculations take
place in a computer. The higher the number (measured in megahertz
or gigahertz), the faster the computer handles instructions.
Although the Intel Pentium 4 processor is now the industry
standard, most programs work fine with a Pentium 3 or less.
- RAM
(Random Access Memory) - a temporary holding area for programs
to store data while your computer is running. Turn off the
computer and RAM is flushed - nothing is saved. That's why
it's important to save a file you're working on from
time-to-time. Generally, the more RAM you have the faster your
PC will run. I recommend at least 128MB RAM.
- Hard drive - permanent storeroom for
information residing in your PC. All programs and data are
warehoused between the times you use the computer on your hard
drive. Get at least a 40GB IDE hard drive for a new computer;
if you're upgrading 20GB is a good option. For the minimal
difference in price, the larger the better.
- Sound Card
- enables a computer to send sound through speakers connected to the board, to record sound input from a microphone, and manipulate sound stored on a disk.
Newer PCs have a built-in sound card which is fine if you are
playing games, listening to file attachments or CDs. Upgrade
if you are going to be working with digital sound.
- NIC
(Network Interface Card) - allows a networked computer to communicate with the other
networked devices. Newer PCs have built-in NICs; 10/100 mbps
are now an industry standard.
- Modem
(Modulator Demodulator) - connect to the Internet using a
phone line. A modem converts data (1s and 0s) to analog
signals (sounds) modulation and sends it over telephone
lines. On the other end of the phone line, a modem converts
analog signals back to data demodulation. 56K - V.92 is
the industry standard.
Deciding whether to buy pre-built computer or custom-built one can be a tough question to
answer. Building a computer is actually a misnomer. Assemble or
integrate is a better description of what is actually done. Just
like choosing options on a new car, you or someone else can choose
the components that make up your computer. There are advantages to buying a pre-built computer and there are
disadvantages.
Advantages of buying a pre-built computer
back to top
Software Galore - Today’s OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vendors like Dell, Gateway, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard specialize in mass-producing
personal computers at a very competitive price. A pre-built computer for as little as
$600 complete with everything an average user needs (and so much
more that's overwhelming).
As part of the marketing deal, the computer giants bundle software
with the computer so you get lots of flashy programs and
"free stuff" right out of the box.
Restore - buy a pre-built PC and you
receive a recovery CD, essentially a quick method to restore the
operating system and other programs - an original snapshot
of your PC in the state it was in when it left the factory. A recovery CD provides simple problem resolution when things go
wrong and you need your PC up and running ASAP. While this may
seem like a great idea to some, it also has some overwhelming
disadvantages
Disadvantages of buying a pre-built computer
back to top
Software Galore - OEMs bundle lots of software
that you really don't need. When a problem does occur with your
computer - and eventually one will - the more needless software
you have on a computer, the harder it is to isolate & fix a
problem.
Proprietary - hardware is specially made
for the OEM - not a problem until its time to replace or upgrade
hardware. OEM's often charge double the cost of conventional replacement parts.
For example, I had to replace a Dell motherboard. Because of the
way the power supply was hooked-up, I had to use the Dell
motherboard - tree times the cost of a conventional motherboard.
Often, the failed proprietary part is no longer available. Parts fail after the warranty has expires. Support is generally provided through the OEM and some 3rd party support vendors will decline repairs depending on the proprietary sub-systems on the computer.
Integrity - OEMs frequently buy refurbished hardware and integrate
the parts into their computers. As long as the computer pass the OEM's benchmark and quality test the machines will ship to the end users with the defective part.
OEMs provide well built cases, but internally they frequently
contain low quality motherboards, hard drives, etc. Since computers have
few moving parts, failure rates are minimal. If you plan to buy a pre-built computer make sure the OEM has a reputable reputation and avoid their lowest cost configuration.
Restore - Should you initiate a restore
with a OEMs recovery CD, it will completely ELIMINATE ALL
FILES on your C: drive. Any applications or data stored there will
be lost and need to be re-installed after the recovery. In
addition, any added hardware like printers, scanners, modems, etc.
will have to be re-installed with the appropriate drivers.
Advantages of buying a custom-built computer.
back to top
Make to order
- you get exactly what you pay for;
specify brand name components, type and size of the case,
type of modem, etc. Every part in it is standard so repair and
upgrade is easy and cheaper.
Fits your budget
- you can get less expensive components when they don't affect
performance. Use a cheaper network card if your PC infrequently
uses network access. If your work is critical or you are using graphic intensive application, or online gamming software, you will be better served by buying a custom built computer. Whether you buy or build your computer support should be available from the system integrator. The standard warranty for any new computer is 1 year.
Disadvantages of buying a custom- built computer.
back to top
Other than the operating system, software is
purchased separately. Specialized software can add a significant price to
a computer system. A little more time is required for the initial
installation and configuration of software.
If you want help deciding what type of system is right for you, contact
me.
