Buying a home PC

Related tags: computer

Posted by admin 24 March 2004 (0 comments)

For Work: Word processing, spreadsheets, managing money, simple presentations, Internet access.
For Play: Games, sounds, Internet access.
For Educational: Language software/translation, Kid�s learning software, multimedia encyclopedia, possibly Internet access (with content filtering software).
For Desktop Publishing: Professional graphics and presentation software, desktop publishing software, Internet access (possibly HTML publishing and FTP software).
If you buy a high end computer, chances are it�s capable of all of the above functions and more that you will never understand or have time to figure out. However, if your needs fall neatly into one of the above categories, you'll probably save some money and hours of confusion by buying a computer with a configuration specific to the tasks you want to accomplish.
Work:
Many of the basic software applications associated with the office work nicely on most home computers. While many new computers are well equipped to handle software used in the office, don't get coaxed into buying more than you need. Suggestion: buy a basic PII system from brand name manufacturer.
Play:
If you intend to use your computer for entertainment purposes, processor speed, memory, video display, sound card and video memory needs will increase due to the software demands of such applications (game software, video and sound playback, etc.,). Suggested minimum configuration: PII 300, 64M SDRM, 4.3G HD, 16x CD-ROM, 16 bits sound card, 4M VRAM video card, 3d acceleration card, 17'' .26 monitor. 55.6kbps modem. Extra: DVD drive, game controller, sound amplifier with external speakers.
Educational:
Kid�s educational software programs have begun to demand more and more from the home computer. Low amounts of computer and video memory may hamper all the multimedia effects (sounds and videos) developers put into the educational software to keep children�s attention. Suggestion: you probably don't need high computation power, spend your money one multimedia component.
Desktop Publishing:
Desktop publishing software, including graphic manipulation programs, are particularly demanding on a computer�s resources. While Apple�s Macintosh computers are have the reputation as being the machine of choice for the desktop publishing industry, PC�s can handle the same tasks as well. The addition of MMX Technology in the Pentium processor serves to level the playing field a little more. If you do choose a PC for your desktop publishing chores, stock up on extra memory, for your PC and video cards. Higher quality monitors and printers will prove valuable also. High resolution computer graphic files can take up much of you hard drive space, so include a large capacity hard drive on your list.