Computers Are Your Future Tenth Edition Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall1

2 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall3

Getting Started the Right Way Selecting a computer system requires: Knowing computer terminology Understanding the relative value of system components Determining your software needs and which system runs those packages most effectively Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall4

Notebook or Desktop? Notebooks are a popular choice of computer among college students. Advantages: Size Portability Disadvantages: More expensive than desktops Easily stolen Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall5

Mac or PC? Two main computer system platforms exist: Windows (PC) Mac Users tend to be very loyal to the platform they use, rarely crossing over. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall6

Mac or PC? Differences between Macs and PCs: Software availability: Because more people use PCs, developers tend to focus more on that platform. Use PCs: Business and engineering areas Macs: Artistic areas Cost: Macs usually cost more than PCs. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall7

Choosing the Right Hardware Consider the hardware components you’ll need, such as: Processors Memory Hard disks and internal and external drives Monitors and video cards Printers, speakers, and modems Keyboards, mice, and power supplies Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall8

Choosing the Right Hardware To choose the best microprocessor (processor, CPU), consider: Brand Cost Key features Clock speed Number of cores Power consumption Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall9

Choosing the Right Hardware Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall10

Choosing the Right Hardware The more memory, the better. Two types of memory to consider: RAM (temporary storage): Affects the computer’s speed and responsiveness due to its effects on CPU processing and the running of applications Secondary cache: Quicker access, resulting in a faster, more efficient system Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall11

Choosing the Right Hardware Hard disk storage Relatively inexpensive Purchase as much as possible Drives Decide on internally or externally connected storage devices Should meet your needs Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall12

Choosing the Right Hardware When purchasing a monitor, consider: The computer’s video card, which controls the quality and resolution of the display Dot pitch—the smaller the dot pitch, the better the display Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall13

Choosing the Right Hardware Printers Color inkjet printers Monochrome laser printers Color laser printers Multifunction devices Consider: Print quality Speed Costs of printer and associated supplies Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall14

Choosing the Right Hardware Speakers Provide full advantage of the multimedia capabilities of the Internet Consider higher quality speakers if you purchase a lower-priced computer system Must have a modem or network interface card (NIC) to connect to a network Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall15

Choosing the Right Hardware Although most computer systems come with a keyboard and mouse, users can upgrade either or both to best suit their needs. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall16

Choosing the Right Hardware An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Supplies a computer with power for a small amount of time when electrical power is lost Is a wise investment Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall17

Shopping Wisely Shopping wisely for a computer system involves decisions such as: Top-of-the-line models vs. bargain models Local stores vs. mail-order and online companies Buying used vs. refurbished Name-brand vs. generic PCs Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall18

Upgrading Your System Things to consider when upgrading a computer system include: Whether upgrading will be in violation of the computer’s warranty Whether you have the knowledge and skill level to perform the upgrade Whether upgrading or buying a new computer is the most cost-effective option Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall19

Upgrading Your System Remove the cover of the computer only after it is unplugged and cable attachments are noted. The two main forms of upgrade are adding expansion boards and upgrading memory. The Internet provides valuable information regarding computer upgrades. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall20

Caring for Your Computer System Properly maintain your computer system, whether it is new or upgraded. Use surge protectors to protect your system against power irregularities. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall21

Caring for Your Computer System Purchase a UPS for protection against damage due to power losses. Never plug a computer into the same outlet as a refrigerator. Refrigerators tend to cause power fluctuations. Ensure sufficient air circulation around computer components. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall22

Caring for Your Computer System Turn the computer off before connecting or disconnecting computer cables; cables should not be stretched or crushed. Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning a computer and printer. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall23

Caring for Your Computer System When cleaning monitors: For light cleaning, gently wipe the monitor surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If stronger cleaning is required: Unplug the monitor. Use distilled water to dampen a cloth. Wipe the monitor surface with the damp cloth. Never spray any kind of liquid directly on the monitor. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall24

Caring for Your Computer System Never eat or drink near the computer. To clean a keyboard: Unplug the keyboard and lightly shake any dust or crumbs out of the keyboard. Use compressed air or vacuums developed especially for cleaning keyboards. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall25

Caring for Your Computer System Run a disk defragmentation utility on a regular basis to ensure faster retrieval of data and information. Install both antivirus software and antispyware. Never install and run software or open received files without checking them for viruses or spyware. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall26

Some Final Advice Doing your homework before buying a computer system is simple and results in an informed purchase. You can do research by reading newspapers and magazines and by searching the Internet. The more sources you use, the easier it will be to make an informed decision. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall27