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Objectives Purchasing a PC can be a difficult process full of complex questions. This Computer Based Training Module will walk you through important steps in the decision making process. After completing this module, you should be able to: 1.Understand the components that make up a computer 2.Understand some questions to ask yourself 3.Determine the best fit for your needs

Questions To Consider To better understand what type of computer to purchase, please ask yourself the following questions: What will I use the machine for? What are my hardware requirements? Which Operating System should I use? What is my budget? Let’s look at some of the important components found inside of a computer so you can better understand the components and what you will need in your new PC.

Components First, we must understand the components that exist inside a computer. Please click a component to learn more about it. After learning about the components, please take the short quiz. Processor Hard Drive Form Factor Component Quiz Memory (RAM) Video Networking

What Will I Use the Machine For? (After completing each Performance Module, please take the Performance Quiz) Performance Quiz Low Performance Word Processing, , Internet Browsing Medium Performance Multi-tasking, Entry-level Audio/Video High Performance High-end video games, Multimedia, Video Rendering

Low Performance Low Performance computers cost the least They contain slower processors, less memory, less capacity for storage, and less room for hardware expansion such as adding memory. – Single core processors, 1GB of RAM, 250GB Hard drive Can run single applications, such as , Word Processing, or Internet browsing. More economical solution based on budget, but as technology increases, will be difficult to run new applications. Typically range from $299 - $499.

Medium Performance Contains enough resources to multitask between applications, and allows for some additional expansion for future resource needs. – Dual core processors, 2-3 gigabytes of RAM, 500 gigabyte Hard Drive Allows for entry level games to be played Presentation/multimedia creation and entry level photo and video editing capabilities. Typically range in cost from $500 - $999

High Performance Contains high end components capable of playing intensive video games or creating 3D graphics. – Dual or Quad core processors, 4-6 gigabytes of RAM, 1 terabyte hard drive or higher Extreme multitasking capabilities Requires more power to run additional high end components Offers immense expandability so the machine can be upgraded as needed Typically cost $1000 and above. – Some can cost as much as $ $4000

Hard Drive Often called Permanent Storage – This storage dictates how much data you can store on your computer. – Data includes Music, Pictures, Documents, Movies, and Applications. Hard Drive capacities are from under 100 gigabytes to upwards of 1 terabyte Manufacturers include Seagate and Western Digital

Memory (RAM) RAM or Random Access Memory is temporary storage that allows a computer to store dynamic data to increase performance. Loses any stored data every time the computer is restarted Capacities are measured in gigabytes – Typical capacities are between 1 (low-end) to 6 (high-end) gigabytes

Processor (CPU) Processors or Central Processing Unit determine how fast your computer can compute or calculate information Two main manufacturers are AMD and Intel Measured in Hertz but current speeds are measured in Gigahertz (GHz) Newer computers have multiple “cores” or microprocessors within the physical processor unit

Video A video card allows the computer to render graphics and transition the image on your computer screen smoothly. A basic video card will work for low performance systems Gaming and multimedia will need a more high powered video card.

Form Factor The Form Factor is the footprint or size of the physical computer. Smaller, more streamlined systems reduce the amount of expansion possible Laptops are mobile devices that can be carried from location to location – Netbooks are smaller footprint laptops Tablets, such as the iPad, are used in ultra mobile scenarios and are often touch screen devices

Networking Networking is the ability for multiple computers to communicate with each other Networking also allows a computer to connect to a high speed Internet connection such as Cable or DSL. Networking is either Wired or Wireless – Wireless is generally used with laptops and tablets

Component Quiz Processor 1. Newer computers have multiple __________ within the processor unit. A. Wireless Networks B. Cores C. Form Factors D. Hard Drives

Component Quiz Memory 2. Memory, often called ________, is used as _________ storage. A. RAN, Temporary B. RAN, Permanent C. RAM, Temporary D. RAM, Permanent

Component Quiz Form Factor 3. People choosing a mobile form factor may purchase which of following? A. Laptop B. Netbook C. Tablet D. All of the above

Correct!! Newer processors have multiple cores, or microprocessors, inside the processor unit to allow the CPU to complete two or more tasks simultaneously.

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Correct!! Memory, or RAM, is used as temporary storage and is dynamically updated by the operating system and applications.

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Correct!! Laptops, Netbooks, and Tablets are all mobile form factor computers.

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Performance Quiz 1. _____________ computers typically offer the ability to play entry level games and perform entry level photo and video editing. A. Low Performance B. Medium Performance C. High Performance D. Mainframe

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Correct!! Medium performance computers typically offer enough resources to play entry level video games and perform basic photo and video editing.

Performance Quiz #2 2. _____________ computers offer immense expandability so the machine can be upgraded as needed. A. Low Performance B. Medium Performance C. High Performance D. Netbooks

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Correct!! High performance computers offers immense expandability to add components

Operating Systems  Operating systems are the software used to present the Graphical User Interface (GUI), manage your applications, and manage your hardware.  The two main Operating Systems are Microsoft Windows® and Mac OS®.  Let’s take a look at the difference between these Operating systems....

Operating Systems Microsoft Windows® Advantages Popular with consumers and businesses Sold by vendors such as Dell and HP Compatible with most hardware and software Disadvantages Stability concerns Security concerns Mac OS® Advantages Extremely durable and stable working environment Great for multimedia Better security and has limited viruses Disadvantages Only runs on Apple hardware which is generally more expensive Compatibility concerns with hardware and software

Operating System Quiz 1.Microsoft Windows® can only be installed on Microsoft® hardware? A. True B. False

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Correct!! Microsoft Windows can be installed on a variety of hardware from many different vendors, such as HP or Dell.

Budget  When purchasing a computer, a main deciding factor may be the budget.  Over the past decade, computer costs have declined at a high rate.  Medium to High level performance computers can be purchased for around $1000.  Your budget should align with what you are using the computer for.  FACT: Most consumers do not need a high performance computer for their every day tasks.

Summary Thank you for reviewing the Critical Factors of Purchasing a PC. I hope the information found in this Computer Based Training module was beneficial as you begin your PC purchase. Remember to ask yourself the following questions: What will I use the machine for? What are my hardware requirements? Which Operating System should I use? What is my budget?

Computer Manufacturers With this knowledge, you can now begin your PC search. Below are links to some of the primary computer manufacturers. Enjoy! Dell HP Apple © Steve Ebben, 2011 End Training Module