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The computer is an expensive technology beset with incomprehensible jargon and
instructions, and buying one is often an intimidating prospect for novices. Before
spending any money, get organized and do some research. If friends, co-workers or family
members are computer literate, ask for help. Look at their systems, ask for
recommendations and suggestions. Check ads for various computer stores and compare prices.
Many computer publications offer advice on purchasing a computer. There is a wealth of
information on-line, if access to the World Wide Web is available (see following
information "Computer Hardware Web Sites). Above all, don't feel pressured into
buying until you feel comfortable with the decision. Things to consider before purchase… What will the computer be used for? Is it for home or classroom use? A computer which
is only used for word processing requires less financial output than the one used for
surfing the Net, playing games or preparing graphics documents with draw programs. If you
are using a computer at home, will it be compatible with the ones at work? Do you want to
buy a laptop (notebook) which you can carry around, or a desktop, which is less portable
but also less expensive. Make a list of questions to ask the salesperson… Sales people want to make a sale. Simple, but true. That doesn't mean they are
dishonest, just that they are doing their job. If they can sell you more or better
equipment, odds are that they will. Define your goals and make a list, then take it with
you. If the sales person tells you something that you don't understand, ask to have it
explained. If you still don't understand it, maybe the sales person doesn't understand it
well enough to explain it. You are a first time buyer, and a good sales person should be
able to handle your questions without being condescending or mystical. If you are not
comfortable, go to another store and try again. Tell yourself that it's the same as buying
a pair of shoes. If you aren't satisfied with your purchases from the beginning, they will
always bother you. How much should I spend? The adage that "you get what you pay for" applies equally to computers. Brand name computers will cost more than "clones", but the brand names usually have better warranties, on-site service and support. These are important features when making a purchase, and should play a major role in the final decision on which is the best deal. The faster and more powerful the computer, the more expensive it will be. Do you want to buy top of the line now, or wait and upgrade when you can afford to? If you decide to buy a "clone", compare the warranty and service features to other brands to make sure you're getting comparable value. When deciding on the make and model, the type of microprocessor is of major importance. A Pentium is currently the most popular IBM version. The basic clock speed of a Pentium works at 90 Megahertz, while the fastest (currently) is about 200 Megahertz. Obviously, the latter is twice as fast, but it will cost a lot more. A Pentium 133 is fast enough for most programs, so the decision is generally based on what you can afford. Top of the line is nice, but not always necessary. Memory is a temporary holding space when the computer is turned on, and is essential to the operation of the computer. The more memory you can afford, the better. Most newer programs require a minimum of 8 MB RAM, but many require more. At least 16 MB of memory is recommended, 24 would be even better. If the decision rests between a faster clock speed or more memory, go for memory. Hard disk is the next priority. Again, buy the best you can afford. One gigabyte is the minimum recommended, a two gigabyte disk would be better. Spending the money now means not having to turn around and upgrade in the not-too-distant future. The monitor is another component which requires careful consideration. This is a good place to spend money on quality. The larger the screen, the easier it is to work with. Of course, it is also more expensive. Dot pitch (dp) refers to the distance between the dots of colour on the screen which make up the image. The closer they are, the sharper the image. The lower the number, the less space between the dots. Thus, .28dp is much better than .39dp to work with. Experts recommend NI SGA monitors, which are "non-interlaced", so there is less flickering, with supervideo graphics array. A mouse is usually included in the purchase of a new computer, but there are other components which can add to the computer's usefulness or capabilities. There are also trackballs and joysticks, although these are luxury features used mainly with games. Depending on the software applications being used, there are other devices to add to the cost of the computer package. A modem is necessary to connect to the World Wide Web. If the Internet is important to you, get a good quality modem. The faster the modem, the less time you wait (and pay for) when surfing the Net. Most newer software applications require a CD-ROM drive. Double speed is acceptable, but quad speed will probably be required for newer software releases. Sound cards are necessary to take advantage of newer multimedia software. Ask if this is included with the model you are considering purchasing. Headphones make it possible to work with sound without disturbing others, or you can opt for speakers if they aren't included. A printer makes it possible to have "hard" copies
of your work, whether in black and white or colour. There are laser jet, bubble jet, ink
jet and dot matrix printers. The laser jet is the most expensive, but offers the best
quality. The dot matrix gives the poorest quality copies, but is the cheapest. Other
options which aren't necessary, but are nice to have, are tape back-ups,
scanners, TV cards, and ergonomically correct workstations. Buying Software… Many computers will be sold with software already installed. For example, Windows 95 is usually pre-loaded on IBM/compatible computers. Find out what is currently available for your system, and whether it comes pre-installed. Decide on the type of programs you need to purchase. Ask the salesperson to install extra software for you. Many will do this when you buy additional software at the time of purchase. Watch it being installed, if possible, to learn how to do it yourself. Usually a word processing program is essential for most buyers. Some offer more features than others. Does it have sound and graphics options? Does it have tutorials or on-screen help? If it is for the classroom, will students be able to use it easily? How difficult is it to install? Again, ask for advice from friends or co-workers, or try out some software at the store. A keyboarding program can be very useful for the novice user, as well as for classroom use. Database and spreadsheet programs have business and classroom applications. Software is available for specific purposes, such as language acquisition. Some companies offer "Suites", or packages of software combinations, which offer numerous features to meet the needs of most users. Most users want software which gives access to the Internet, and many "Suites" now include this option. Again, research plays a major role in making an informed decision at the time of purchase. Some stores/companies will let the buyer try the software before purchase. Many
companies will send demos of their product on request. This is especially useful when
considering software for the classroom. Software can be purchased for standalone use,
which means it is for one computer, or in lab packs, network versions and with site
licences. A lab pack lets the user run it on several computers, while the network version
can be installed on a file server and used on many computers. A site licence means that
the program can be run on any computer at that site. Note: Check for hardware requirements before buying software. Make sure it will run on your system. Before you buy… Check around. Go to several stores without money in your pocket to avoid being pressured into buying before you're ready. Find out whether the system you want can be upgraded. Get the sales person to write down the item and its cost, and take it to other stores. Some locations will offer you the identical package at a lower price than the competitor when they know you are comparison shopping. And be prepared to find out that your computer is obsolete before you have it paid off. New releases make it next to impossible to have the latest equipment and software, unless you are purchasing on a daily basis! |
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© Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, 1998
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9 - Guidelines for Purchasing Hardware and Software