© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 1 Lesson 6: Buying a Computer Hardware considerations Software considerations Price considerations Support or service considerations

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 2 Deciding What to Purchase Determining the Purpose − How will this computer be used and by whom? − Size and type of hard drive − Desktop or notebook or netbook? − Microprocessor speed, amount of RAM, quality of video card, size of monitor, and size of hard drive

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 3 Deciding What to Purchase Identifying Other Requirements − If computer for organization, consider company standards − If school, may purchase computers from designated vendor who can accommodate one set of standards for classroom computers and another set of standards for faculty − Adequate bandwidth to search databases for specific industries

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 4 Deciding What to Purchase Selecting the Operating Platform − Which is best for this environment and what is currently in use? − What application programs run and any compatibility issues − Versions for multiple platforms, or customized or specialized programs − Work with network administrator for decision-making process

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 5 Deciding What to Purchase Looking at Support Options − Warranty − Support agreements − Extended warranties − Useful life of new computer Best guideline is how much knowledge you possess to handle basic problems and who you can go to for help Research what you want and how you will use it, compare specifications and price at different locations Try to work with IT specialist who can provide advice and information

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 6 Deciding What to Purchase Disposing of Computer Equipment − Dealing with obsolete or unnecessary computer equipment − Can incur costs to dispose equipment