1. © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 4A Choosing the Right Computer

2. 2 2 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Learning Objectives 4.1Briefly explain the process of choosing a computer configuration to purchase 4.2 Describe the three basic categories for data storage devices, and explain the relevance of each category for a new computer configuration 4.3 Identify three ways that you can acquire a new computer, and briefly discuss pros and cons of each method

3. 3 3 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Determining Computing Needs Yourself as a computer user:Yourself as a computer user: –Casual or heavy user –One task or a variety of tasks –Power user –Business user Technology alreadyTechnology already used in your environment

4. 4 4 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Determining Computing Needs Existing devices/programs that must be compatibleExisting devices/programs that must be compatible –Printers –Video camera –Hard drives –USB devices –Wired vs. wireless network –Software

5. 5 5 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Reviewing Requirements Optimal device typeOptimal device type –Game consoles –Mobile devices –Tablet computers –Conventional PCs Operating systemOperating system CPUCPU RAMRAM StorageStorage GraphicsGraphics

6. 6 6 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. CPU If the CPU is a :If the CPU is a : –High priority: at least four cores (quad-core processor) –Medium priority: dual-core processors –Low priority: single-core processors Electric frequency measured in gigahertz (GHz)Electric frequency measured in gigahertz (GHz) –High and medium priority: fastest processor you can afford –Low priority: speed is less important Major manufacturers: AMD and IntelMajor manufacturers: AMD and Intel

7. 7 7 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. RAM and Monitor RAM:RAM: –Look for at least 2 gigabytes –Medium or high priority: 4 gigabytes will meet most needs –Latency: Delay between request and completed task MonitorMonitor –Video and photo editors should place a high priority on both image quality and size –Gamers should focus on response rate –To watch full-screen movies, consider a wide-screen monitor

8. 8 8 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Graphics If graphic performance is a:If graphic performance is a: –Low priority: use the video output from the on-board processor –Medium priority: Consider upgrading to a card that has more memory and a faster graphics processor –High priority: Add at least one video card to handle the processing load

9. 9 9 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Networks and Peripherals Networking hardwareNetworking hardware –Standard hardware: a wired connection to a location network and the Internet –Standard in mobile devices: wireless networking hardware –Wireless capability can be added with an internal card or an external USB antenna USB portsUSB ports Other types of peripheralsOther types of peripherals

10. 10 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Case and Power Supply Case:Case: –Always a low priority relative to price and performance –More choices if you build your own computer Power supply:Power supply: –Generally a standard feature –Converts AC power into precise amounts of direct current –Monitors and regulates the power it provides

11. 11 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Storage Devices and Options Hard disk drivesHard disk drives Optical drivesOptical drives Removable mediaRemovable media

12. 12 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Hard Disk Drives Used for permanent storageUsed for permanent storage Generally the computer’s primary storage deviceGenerally the computer’s primary storage device If storage is a:If storage is a: –High priority: biggest drive affordable –Less critical: 500 gigabytes to 1 terabyte –Casual users: can go under 500 gigabytes Solid state drives: Use less power than a hard drive and operate silentlySolid state drives: Use less power than a hard drive and operate silently

13. 13 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Optical Drive For multimedia, software installation, and backupFor multimedia, software installation, and backup An optical drive that uses a laser to write to and read from a plastic disk is a type of removable mediaAn optical drive that uses a laser to write to and read from a plastic disk is a type of removable media Types of disks:Types of disks: –CD –DVD –Blu-ray Choosing an optical driveChoosing an optical drive –If you can afford it, include a Blu-ray writer –If not, choose a DVD read/write drive

14. 14 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Removable Media For portability and backupFor portability and backup Includes:Includes: –External hard disk drives –USB flash drives –Readers for solid state memory cards Risks of portable media devicesRisks of portable media devices –Extremely easy to drop or forget –Easy to steal

15. 15 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Building a Computer Yourself Among the least expensive ways to acquire a computerAmong the least expensive ways to acquire a computer Greatest control over which components are usedGreatest control over which components are used Hardest part is ensuring:Hardest part is ensuring: –That motherboard, CPU, and memory are compatible –That power supply is sufficient –You have all the needed components and accessories

16. 16 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Buying a Ready-Made Computer Brand-name computersBrand-name computers White box computers: computers constructed by the store instead of a by a major manufacturerWhite box computers: computers constructed by the store instead of a by a major manufacturer Advantages:Advantages: –You immediately get a working, tested computer –Often you get a list of exact components The main risk is that it may not perfectly match your needsThe main risk is that it may not perfectly match your needs

17. 17 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Customizing a Purchase Buyer chooses from a basic range of capabilitiesBuyer chooses from a basic range of capabilities Price of the system changes with each selectionPrice of the system changes with each selection System matches the buyer’s preferencesSystem matches the buyer’s preferences Buyer can choose the computer and peripheral devicesBuyer can choose the computer and peripheral devices Can have the complete system deliveredCan have the complete system delivered

18. 18 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Support and Maintenance Building your own computerBuilding your own computer –The maker of each part typically provides a limited manufacturer’s warranty –Duration of warranties is typically short Local computer storesLocal computer stores –Warranties may be more generous –Local stores may offer relatively fast repair services Major retailers and online configuration companiesMajor retailers and online configuration companies –Typically sell warranty packages in addition to the computers

19. 19 © 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Taking Your Computer Home Set up a workspace that meets the conditions for ergonomicsSet up a workspace that meets the conditions for ergonomics Minimize power fluctuations in the power supplyMinimize power fluctuations in the power supply –If possible, purchase an uninterruptible power supply, a unit that contains a battery backup system along with power delivery Keeping the computer clean:Keeping the computer clean: –Clean the system unit –Cleaning the monitor –Removing the unwanted software