by

1

• by
• Jaclyn Valentino

2

• Before you purchase a computer determine what
  software you want.
  
• May determine your operating system- Windows XP,
  Unix, Mac OS X
  
• Also will determine your Hardware- Do you need to
  have a CD or DVD drive?
  
• Look for Software packages, may be able to choose
  what software you want.
  
• May be less expensive if you buy computer with
  minimal software and add your own.

3

• RAM- you can increase the speed of you computer.
  If you want your computer to be faster plan on
  getting 1 GB RAM.
  
• Can get extras with you computer
• Scanner
• Printer
• Zip drive
• PC Video Camera
• Speakers

• Monitor- you can upgrade to a larger screen, most
  computers come with a 15 screen and you can
  upgrade to a 17 screen. You can also upgrade to
  a flat screen monitor.
• Hard disk- you can get more memory, or hard disk
  space. Most computers come with 60- 80 GB, can
  upgrade to 100 GB depending on what you are
  planning on doing with the computer.

4

• Dial Up
• Connects with a telephone line
• Slower than DSL
• Takes longer to download pictures and websites
• DSL and Cable Connection
• Is more expensive than
• dial up
• Faster to download pictures and websites
• Cable available through your cable company

5

• Both ISP and OSP provide internet access for a
  monthly fee usually between 6.00-25.00
  
• OSP
• Internet access as well as members only features
• nationwide
• ISP
• Has both local and national
• More services and larger technical support
• Uses local toll free numbers
• Compare
• Access hours
• Monthly fee
• Available services (e-mails, Web page hosting,
  chatting)
  
• reliability

National OSP and ISP companies
6

• School Book store- most book stores have
  agreements with computer manufactures and can
  offer discounts to students. Ask you school store
  exactly what you need to buy and what discount
  you will be getting. It might be cheaper to buy
  from some place else
• Local Computer store can provide more hands on
  support
  
• Large retail store also can provide more hands on
  support. Will have a larger selection of
  computers and different brands.
  
• Comp USA
• Best Buy
• Wal-Mart
• Work Place- Your work place might provide a
  discount with a certain computer brand. Ask your
  manager if you get it, and what the discount is.
  
• Ordering online often will provide a lower price
  but dont have as much customer service. Is good
  if you know exactly what you are looking for.
  
• Dell.com
• Apple.com
• Hp.com
• Gateway.com

7

• You may need to buy another telephone line to
  hook up to the Internet
  
• You may want to take a computer training class,
  to help you understand your computer and how to
  use it.
  
• Computer furniture, you may need to buy a desk,a
  desk chair, or a mouse pad
  
• May want to purchase extras for your computer
  (Speakers, bigger monitor, scanner, printer)
  
• May need to upgrade your computer (memory, RAM,
  DVD player, Zip Drive)

8
Apple Computer
Hewlett -Packard
Dell Computer
Gateway
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• If you are buying a used computer make sure you
  buy a brand name
  
• If you already have a computer try to sell your
  old one
  
• If you are selling your old computer make sure
  you remove all your personal files

• Write down on a paper the pros and cons of each
  computer
  

10

• Buying a computer is a great
• investment and takes time.
• Shop around till you find the
• best price and set up for you.
• There are many upgrades that
• you can get but choose the ones
• that will work for your lifestyle.
• Watch out for hidden costs. If you
• do these things you will be very
• happy with your purchase.

11

• Vermaat, Shelly C. Discovering Computers 2006.
  Boston, Massachusetts Course Technology, 2005.
  
• Dave. Daves Guide to Buying a Computer. 14
  September 28 April 2006. C-Guide/.
  
• Author(s). FCIC Buying a Computer. January 1998
  Revised December 2005 . Federal Citizen
  Information Center. 28 April 2006
  ter/buycomp.htm.