Nado Don's
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164
Elkwood Ave #B, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 300-8485
Email: Don@nadodon.net
COMPUTER PURCHASE & SET UP GUIDE
STEP I : BUYING THE COMPUTER
The purchase of a new computer for personal, family or business use can be a relatively frustrating experience unless you take the time to establish your computer requirements, research computer capabilities & window shop in advance. Don’t be rushed into a decision by computer store sales flyers or enthusiastic store personnel. Everyone has an opinion on which make & model computer is best, but you’re the one who will be stuck with any decision made, so make sure you’re comfortable with the choice.
In all cases, never plan/purchase for the short term or you will be upgrading hardware/software far more often than necessary. The average computer user should plan for a computer life cycle of 5-7 years without the need to upgrade any hardware except for peripherals. Buy a computer with enough capability to allow for software & technology advances (usually 40 - 50% more than currently required to operate the average computer). Some peripheral hardware can help extend the computer’s life cycle such as a External Harddrive.
Establish the projected usage for your computer. The amount & type of software & hardware required for a computer depend on its primary function. A computer used for basic office functions (word processing, data basing & spreadsheets) would not require a good multimedia package (video card, sound card & speakers) or need a lot of video RAM. A computer used in a graphics application would need a lot of video RAM, hard drive space and a faster processor to handle the large files that graphics work entails. If kids PC games are to be used extensively, then a good multimedia package, faster processor and additional video RAM than recommended below are highly desirable. Multiple modem configurations are another issue that the small business may have to deal with especially if faxing is your lifeblood. These are just some of the possible permutations for computer usage.
Buy a name brand, and preferably buy it from a reputable computer store. A computer cobbled together in somebody’s garage, may be cheaper initially, but they rarely come with supporting software disks, hardware documentation or maintenance/tech support agreements. A first time computer user needs to be able to talk to the manufacturer or a local tech support service which most computer stores provide in their maintenance agreements. You may buy a cheap computer initially, but after a few breakdowns & expensive tech support service calls, the costs will easily exceed the cost of a name brand computer plus a three year maintenance agreement.
The argument of PC vs. laptop/notebook comes down to functionality & necessity. If a lot of travel is involved with your business and presentations /data are constantly in use, then a laptop/notebook is the obvious choice unless compatible Information Systems (IS) equipment is available at the sites you normally visit. In which case you can transport your daat on DVDs or Thumbdrives. You don’t need to have a separate PC at your home or office. A docking station enables your laptop/notebook to plug in & function with more user friendly PC keyboards, monitors & peripherals in your home or office.
The following steps will assist you in the successful purchase & setup of a new PC/laptop.
1. Determine your minimum computer requirements for yourself, your family or your business.
a. Software The software is always your first consideration, as its operating requirements will inevitably determine the type, capability & size of hardware needed. The following are the minimum recommended & optional (#) software for a new computer. All hardware should come with its own installation/setup software. Note: Most new computers come bundled with a software package from the manufacturer which include most of the below listed items in addition to games & other promotional software.
(1) Operating System. Windows 7
only DELL & HP still sell it (Windows 10 is out but has
serious compatibility
drawbacks with older software. Windows 8/8.1 was a disaster
(2) Word Processor (MS Word, Lotus, Word Pro, Word
Perfect) Most name brand PCs
come with Office 365
trial version which if purchased puts you on the hook to Microsoft
for $90 + dollars a
year for a subscription with no real benefit. You are better off
getting
Office Home &
Business or Office Home & Student
(3) Web Browser (Most new computers come with one installed and
Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) include one with their service along
with an e-mail address.)
(5) (#) All in One
Office System
(A)
MS Office, Lotus Works, Corel Word Perfect Suite - for small
businesses
with large inventory/personnel database
(B) Quick Books, MS Office
(Small Business Edition) - for small businesses with low
inventory/personnel database requirements.
b. Hardware The minimum hardware requirements for the average computer user should be as follows: Note: the following features on a laptop/notebook computer will cost 30% more than a PC. If looking for identical Apples with this loadout, the cost is at least 40% more BUT the software is at least one generation behind PC software in order for it to work With MAC OSX
(1) CPU
(A) RAM: 4-6 GB, DDR3 RAM (this is the active/short
term memory
that stores programs/files in use)
(B) Processor: Intel i3, i5 or i7 processors
Intel Dual Core
- low cost, good for beginners, but slower processor (not good w/
heavy graphics or
databasing applications)
(C)
Hard drive: 500GB - 1 TB (this is your long term storage memory)
(D) Video Memory/card: 512 MB (memory works with games, pictures,
graphics,
movies;
reducing the storage load on RAM)
Note: Computers without a separate video card are designed to share/allocate part
of their RAM
to video RAM; which gives you more flexibility, but slower
performance.
(E) DVD RW:
(50+) spd that reads all CDs & DVDs as well as write CDs or
DVDs
(F) Sound Card:
Most integrated cards are sufficient unless you do a lot of Audio/Video
work
(G) Speakers:
Most computers come with a decent set of speakers, but a true sound
afficianado will want
to get a set with a sub-woofer (JBL, Harmon Kardon) to
maximize
the true quality of digital sound.
(#) (H) 2nd Internal Harddrive or External Drive: 500 MB - 1 TB (allows you to store
large
files out side of your C Drive where the operating system reside & also can
act as a backup)
Most new desktops come with
4-6 USB ports, an ethernet port, VGA, DVI oe HDMI
video and audio jacks
(2) MONITOR Recommend a min 19” flat panel monitor capable of 1920 X 1080 resolution in 64 bit true color (~$130). However, if you are using your computer a lot (6-8 hrs/day) or as a business tool; recommend a 23” flat panel monitor capable of 1024 X 768 in 32 bit true color (~$200). Get an LED vs LCD screen as it reflects less light & is more enery efficient.
(3) PRINTER Recommend a mid quality color/BW inkjet printer (HP, Canon) for most unless business quality print is required then a laser jet printer is necessary. If you only do high quality prints once in a while, then saving the file to disk & have the prints done at a Kinko's or equivalent. Note: Printers are NOT sold with printer cables! Those must be purchased separately.
(#)(4) ALL IN ONE FAX/COPIER/PRINTER/SCANNER This is primarily a business tool and most provide 600 X 600 dpi resolution. They do provide an exceptional value.
(5) POWER STRIP-SURGE SUPPRESSOR/BATTERY BACKUP This is absolutely essential to protect your computer from unstable power surges.
(6) COMPUTER ACCESSORIES As you can imagine, there are always some other little things, that while seemingly minor, are still required to run & maintain your computer, but aren't included with the initial hardware packages. I've already mentioned that printer cables don't come with the equipment, but what about a mouse pad, printer paper, cleaning materials, storage racks/travel wallets for disks, extra DVD-RW, DVD-R disks? There are several companies that sell computer starter kits which include a printer cable, 1/2 ream of printer paper, CD storage case, a mouse pad & cleaning supplies (dust sponges & cleaning dusters (CO2 sprayers). These cost around $30 & are usually available at most computer stores & will help you expedite your computer set up.
2. Determine the location for
your computer.
a. Find a place in your home or work area
where there is good air flow & lighting, but not in a major traffic area. Ensure the
average room temperature in the computer’s area is around 70 degrees so the unit will
not overheat in normal operations. If that is not possible ensure some type of cooling
source is available in the computer’s location.
b. Ensure there are power & phone line
or cable connections in easy reach of the computer station. Ensure the phone line/cable
outlets are activated before you install your computer to insure minimal delays in the
setup phase.
c. Measure the area to ensure it will be
adequate to support your computer, all of its peripheral equipment & the furniture it
will reside on.
(1) Personal
Computers come in one of three configurations; stack/tower, desktop & laptop/notebook.
While laptop/notebook computers do not use a lot of space, their peripherals will still
require some room.
(2) Carefully
consider the type of furniture that will be used to operate the computer. Ensure your
computer will fit on or in it and have adequate ventilation & room to run all the
computer’s cabling. DO NOT place your computer,
especially the CPU on the floor in a high traffic area, as it will accumulate dust
quickly and could cause unnecessary overloading of the cooling fan(s) and lead to computer
overheating & faults.
OTHER TOPICS
- SETTING UP YOUR COMPUTER & GETTING STARTED
- GIVING OLD COMPUTERS TO FAMILY & FRIENDS
- UPGRADING VS. BUYING A NEW COMPUTER
- CHOOSING YOUR ISP
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