Computer Basics

What is a Computer?

Computers have the following components:

• memory to store temporarily data and programs.
  
• a mass storage device to permanently store data. Common mass storage devices include disk drives and CD-ROMs.
  
• input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, so you can enter data and instructions into a computer.
  
• output devices such as a monitor (screen), printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
  
• central processing unit (CPU): The part of the computer that executes instructions (does the computing).
  
• operating system: a program that lets you access the computer's contents and that runs programs.
  
• applications: programs that accomplish a specific purpose to help you get your work done (such as word processing or calculating formulas).  

How to Choose Computer?

PC or Mac? Which Operating System?

If you're not sure whether you want a PC or a Mac, this is the first decision you have to make. Both types can do just about anything. Here are some pointers, but for each point you'll find people arguing differently. (Some people get pretty emotional about this issue.)

• Think of all the uses you will have for your computer and check out the software programs available for those uses. There is more software available for PC's, but still a lot available for Macs.
  
  

• Ask people you will be working with what they use. A major consideration is being able to share information with others. For example, if you need to share data from a database program with people using Microsoft Access, you will have difficulties if you are using Filemaker Pro on the Mac. ( Microsoft doesn't make Access for the Mac.)
  
  

• About 95% of businesses use PC's. The niches for the Mac are graphics and education. Therefore, if your main uses are for business and you need to share information with people at other businesses, you probably want a PC. On the other hand, if you will be doing desktop publishing or graphic design and sharing files with others in the same field, you probably want a Mac. Again, ask others in your field what they use.
  
  

• If you're buying the computer for your child's use, see what kind of computer is used in his or her classroom. .
  
  

• The hands-on difference between the two is not great. Both use a GUI, or graphical user interface. That means they have menus that drop down, windows that open and contain programs and documents, the ability to run multiple programs at the same time, and a standard user interface for the programs they run, which makes it easy for a user to move from program to program.
  
  

• If you're new to computers, try out both kinds. Ask friends to show you how they work.
  
  

• The advantages of a Mac are its ease of use and its graphics capability. More speed, superior software, and better color matching make Macs better for desktop-publishing, web page design, video rendering, and other graphical applications. The major disadvantages are its incompatiblity with the PC world even though there are some ways around that. (You can buy software that emulates Windows.)
  
  

• Don't forget that your decision isn't cast in stone. In 3-4 years, you will probably be buying a new computer, and you can change then.
  
  

• Compare costs for comparable computers and check out student or educational discounts if they may apply to you.
  

How Will You Use Your Computer?

How will you use the computer? Do you plan to write papers for a class using word processing software, keep track of your finances or business on a spreadsheet, send electronic mail (e-mail) to relatives across the country, surf the World Wide Web, design Web sites, or just play computer games? Knowing how you'll use your computer will help you determine what type of minimum requirements the computer needs to have.

How Much Memory Do You Need?

Keep in mind that the size of the software you plan to run will dictate how much memory your computer should have. Consider how you will use your computer, then ask about the software you'll need. A sales person should be able to tell you how many megabytes (MB) of memory you'll need based on your planned computer use. Typically, you'll need a minimum of 32 MB of memory to adequately run most programs. Most computers today come with a minimum of 64 MB. If you will be using more than one program at a time, you should probably get more.

Most computer systems come with preloaded software. Be sure to check the inventory of what's on the computer, so you know what you're getting. A good software offer can make a big difference in the final price of your computer. You may be able to purchase additional software when you buy your computer, preloaded, at significantly less than if you bought the software separately.

How Much Should You Spend?

With computers, it's a good rule of thumb to buy as much as you can afford. Depending on your needs, be prepared to spend between $1,000 for an entry-level computer to $3,000 and up for a higher-end computer. You don't have to buy the biggest, fastest or most powerful computer on the market, but you should buy the best system you can -- that includes monitor, microprocessor, memory, hard drive, keyboard, printer, etc. You might want to hold off buying any software until you've had a chance to take a look at the software which comes with your new computer.

If cost is a problem, consider buying a used computer. Of course, you won't have a warranty or service contract. Try the computer out before buying.

Laptop vs. Desktop Models

After you've made all the decisions about what you want in a computer, you also can choose what type of model you'd like: laptop or desktop. Laptop models are portable, and if you travel a lot and need to bring your computer along, this is the obvious choice. Desktops have larger screens (although you can use a larger screen with a laptop model) and are more easily expandable (to add more peripheral gadgets). Laptops are generally regarded as companion computers to desktops, but they are now powerful enough to be your primary computer. There are some laptops, called notebooks, that weigh less than five pounds. Laptops are quite a bit more expensive than desktops for the same features, so you pay for the convenience.

Next - Understanding Computer Terms