Tech Talk : Help In Buying A Computer?
Introducing Tech Talk. Think “Dear Abby†but instead of relationship advice the topic is technology. If you have any questions about software, hardware, internet, programming, web pages, blogs, video games, video consoles, cell phones, money saving technology, local tech resources, security, error messages, virus, spyware, or any other topic concerning technology that you would like answered write to Tech Talk.  The questions and answers will be printed and available on “The Contemplation”.
Evergreen Country Shopper
Attention: Tech Talk
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417 9th Ave. W.
Ashland, WI 54806
Email: techtalk@soketnetto.com
Looking to buy a computer? Â This is a basic overview of computer components that will give you the buying power you need to make a good computer purchase. Note: It is not every single detail, but it will help you understand a little bit more. If you have any specific questions, please contact Tech Talk.
Processor (CPU) is the brain. The CPU tells your computer what to do and when to do it, it decides which tasks are more important and prioritizes them to your computers needs. The CPU speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz) – 1000 MHz = 1 GHz. The higher MHz or GHz the faster the computer. **
Memory is the middleman. Everything goes through the middleman and I mean everything. In most computers, data/instructions going through the memory millions of times every second. Memory is the busiest element of any computer. Basically, memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB) – 1000 MB = 1 GB. The more MB or GB the faster the computer. **
Hard drive (HDD) is the storage area and logically bigger is better. HDD are measured in capacity by Megabytes (MB), Gigabytes (GB) or Terabyte (TB) — 1000 MB = 1 GB and 1000 GB = 1TB. The more MB, GB or TB the more capacity your HDD will store. As far as capacity, you should not get a computer with a HDD with less than 80 GB (anything less re-negotiate the price). But, it is not always about capacity. The other factor is RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), refers to how many times the HDD spins a complete 360º turn in any single minute. The faster the RPM, the quicker the data can be read from the HDD, which increases overall performance. **
Keyboard and Mouse are a convenient ways to enter information and control the computer. Connecting the keyboard and mouse can be done via wireless, Bluetooth, PS2 or USB. On a portable computer the mouse is usually replaced with a finger functioning device (i.e. touchpad). Test-drive the keyboard and mouse, especially if buying a portable computer. You need to feel comfortable typing and moving the cursor around with the mouse device. The “wrong†device cause serious hand stress.
USB Ports are essential part of any computer. We are buying more and more external devices that share data with our computers. How many is needed for a computer? You need at least two (2) USB ports free for devices at USB 2.0.  Note: If the new computer is using USB 1.1 or less most of your external USB devices will not work properly. ++
Audio is available in various formats 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. This is only important if you are going to get a gaming computer or a television replacement computer, if so the higher the better.
Webcam are becoming a standard internal device on many computers. If you need a webcam, I would suggest investing in an external webcam that can be disconnected from the computer.
Video components are either integrated graphics (built into the motherboard or monitor of laptop) or a separate card that is installed. The video component will connect the computer to your monitor or visual device (i.e. projector or television). If you are gaming your video is essential to have 256MB in the video memory. **
CD/DVD – If you are someone who wants to create DVDs or CDs you need to make sure the computer has the capability to do those things. Not all DVD and CD devices are the same. Look at all the Read/Write speeds, the faster ##x speed the better.
Basic Overview
Easiest way to buy a computer is to set a budget and look at the following components to find the right combination:
- Processor: Faster MHz or GHz
- Hard drive: Biggest GB/TB and Faster RPM
- Memory: Bigger MB/GB and fastest MHz/GHZ
- USB Ports: 2 minimally and USB 2.0 or greater (anything less skip it)
- Keyboard/Mouse: If these are USB then make sure you still have 2 USB ports left to use for other external devices.
Don’t forget to do the math: 1.6 GHz is better than 1400 MHz as 2 TB is better than 360 GB.
Side Note: Under the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, taxpayers who buy computers for their college-aged children in 2009 and 2010 can claim those computers as qualified higher education expenses.
** This is an upgradable component that can be done on most computers.
++ You can get a USB hub or card to add more ports, as needed.
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