INFS 214: Introduction to Computing Session 3 How to Purchase a computer System Lecturer: Dr. Ebenezer Ankrah, Dept. of Information Studies Contact Information: eankrah@ug.edu.gh College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017
Session Overview There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a new computer system. Whether you need it for home, school or your business, a new computer can be a major purchase. This session provides direction to students on how to purchase a new computer system and how to maintain a computer system. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 2
Session Overview At the end of the session, the student will Understand and explain the purpose underlining a purchase of a computer system Be able to identify the steps to consider in purchasing a new computer system Be able to identify different types of computer systems for different purposes Be able to identify different computer specifications for different needs and purposes Be able to know the important factors to consider when purchasing a computer system Understand relevance and importance of maintaining a computer system Be able to maintain a given computer system DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 3
Session Outline The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows: Introduction to Purchasing a Computer Steps in Purchasing a Computer Factors to consider in Purchasing a Computer Maintaining a Computer System DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 4
Reading List Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The user perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill. (Chapter 1) DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 5
Topic One INTRODUCTION TO PURCHASING A COMPUTER DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 6
Introduction to Purchasing a Computer Whether you need it for home, school or your business, a new computer can be a major purchase. There are a lot of factors to consider like price, reliability, warranty, memory, CD drives and pre-installed software packages. If you are buying a computer for the first time, you should choose your application after you have carefully identified your processing needs and the purpose of the computer system. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 7
Introduction to Purchasing a Computer One needs to consider whether what the computer will be used for. For instance may be for home use, work, gaming, or even art? Work computers have different uses and different needs, from cash registers to high-end computers capable of performing real-time 3D animations. For example, you need to ask yourself the following questions: What will be the major uses for the computer system? What is the volume of data involved? Do I need to print in colour? Will other people use the computer system? DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 8
Questions Individual Assignment: What are the steps to consider when purchasing a computer system? Forum Question: How can a computer system be maintained? DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 9
Topic Two STEPS IN PURCHASING A COMPUTER DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 10
Steps in Purchasing a Computer The following steps are considered any time there is the need to purchase a new computer system: Step 1 - Decide what you need the new computer for Step 2 - Check the Specifications Step 3 - Choose the right Operating System Step 4 - Get the right monitor Step 5 - Get the right accessories DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 11
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Step 1 Decide what you need the new computer for. If you need one for work, a simple, but high-quality system with Microsoft Word or Open Office will work out (Open Office can also be downloaded for free, if it doesn't come with the Computer). If you need a home computer, or a family computer, a simple, but decent quality system is what will work. If you're a huge media fanatic, and you work with media, a decent to high-end quality computer is right for you. And as for gamers, you'll want a gaming PC. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 12
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Step 2 Check the Specifications. You should look at the specifications of a computer to see if it's for you. The following are Recommended specifications for the purchase of computer systems. Average "Home User" - 1-2 GHZ Processor (Intel or AMD), 2GB of (DDR2/DDR3) RAM, 40-160 GB Hard Drive, Decent Graphics Card, DVD/CD-ROM Drive (All in One - read/write DVDs and CD's), 3+ USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 13
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Average "Corporate User" (Businesses) - 2 GHZ Processor (Intel), 2+ GB or DDR3 RAM, 320+ GB Hard Drive, Integrated Graphics Card, DVD/CD-ROM Drive (All in One - read/write DVDs and CD's), 3+ USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi Average "Media User" (Home/Work Use - Video Editor/Photo Editor/Music/Video/HD Content) - 2.5-3 GHZ Processor (Intel), 4 GB+ of DDR3 RAM, 500+ GB Hard Drive, Decent Graphics Card, DVD/CD-ROM Drive (All in One - read/write dvd's and cd's), 3+ USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 14
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Average "Gamer" - 3+ GHZ Processor (Intel or AMD), 4+ GB (ideally 6GB) of DDR3 RAM, 500+ GB Hard Drive, High End Graphics Card DVD/CD-ROM Drive (All in One - read/write DVDs and CD's), 3+ USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 15
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Step 3 Choose the right Operating System. Linux and Windows XP are much less demanding on your processor and RAM. Windows Vista and 7 can be quite demanding from your system resources, so choose an OS that fits your budget. So if you want to save money, it might be better to get an XP or Linux computer to get the same level of speed of a more expensive Windows 7 computer. (XP is not available anymore, but you can install it by yourself. As well, you most likely have to install Linux by yourself.) DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 16
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Step 4 Get any kind of monitor you want. Get one that's at least 17" or you can't see. CRT monitors range from 17-22". LCD Widescreen monitors are now getting cheaper and larger. LCD Monitors range from 14-30". LCD monitors, usually cost around 100-300$, but are worth it, due to the screen technology and the less space it uses than a CRT monitor. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 17
Steps in Purchasing a Computer Step 5 Get the right accessories. When you buy a computer, accessories can be a very important concept. Will you need a specific mouse for gaming? Does your keyboard need pre-made buttons for stopping and playing music? Do you need a printer? Speakers? External Hard Drives? Secondary Monitor? Webcam? You must always plan this out as well, when you're buying your computer, so you can be twice as happy, when you're actually using it. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 18
Topic Three FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN PURCHASING A COMPUTER DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 19
Factors to consider in Purchasing a Computer The following factors may influence where and how a computer is purchased: The company s reputation (avoid buying computers from individuals) The warranty agreement (Repair agreement between seller and buyer for a given period) The price (through extensive market survey) DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 20
Factors to consider in Purchasing a Computer Determine the minimum amount of money you can afford Buy all parts of the computer system at one place Ensure that the seller set up the computer for the first time Provide good security and protection for the computer system including backup DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 21
Topic Four MAINTAINING A COMPUTER SYSTEM DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 22
Maintaining a Computer System Purchasing a computer system is similar to any other investment. Therefore, there is the need to take certain steps to avoid computer abuses and failures. The following measures must be observed after the purchase of a computer system: Regular maintenance Clean, dust free and air conditioned environment DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 23
Maintaining a Computer System Do not plug any electrical item into one socket with the computer system Provide good chair and lighting system Backup your complete system regularly Computer system must be kept under lock and key Password requirement must be enforced DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 24
Maintaining a Computer System Electronic or manual log of computer operation must be maintained Avoid stress from continuous use of computers without break Avoid noise in the computer room No food in the computer room DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 25
References Hutchinson, S. E., & Sawyer, S. C. (2013). Computers: The user perspective. Boston: Irwin McGraw-Hill. O Leary, T. J., & O Leary, L. I. (2014). Computer Today. Boston: McGraw Hill. Williams, B. K., & Sawyer, S. C. (2014). Using Information Technology: A practical introduction to computers and communications (11 th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. DR. EBENEZER ANKRAH Slide 26