How to Buy a PC: Glossary and Tips
Choosing the right system for your lifestyle
Computers have become an essential part of our lives, but somehow many of us still have no clue how they work, or what to look for when shopping for one. So when we are forced to go computer shopping we have to put our faith (and wallet) in the hands of a teenage sales associate, and trust the he knows what he his talking about. Would you do the same for a $2000 fridge? I think not!
Equip yourself to take matters into your own hands! Now, I am not suggesting you start a new life as a computer geek; just that you get informed. Learn basic terminology so that you know what the sales associate is talking about. Then, figure out what you think you need. To do that, you need to identify how you will be using your computer – a gamer will need a very different machine than the home business owner, for instance.
In the end, being informed will not only make sure you don't overspend, but also that the sales associate recommends the right system for your needs.
Keep reading for a glossary of basic computer terms, followed by a quick overview of systems to meet different user needs.
Glossary of terms you will come across when buying a computer:
Bytes: tiny pieces of information - so small - that it takes massive amounts of them to compose a file. That is why they always have either a kilo (thousands), mega (millions) or giga (billions) attached to them.
Disk drive: used to read or write data on a disk.
Drive: device that is used to read or write information onto storage media e.g. CD ROM, floppy drive, CD burner etc.
Hard drive (also called the Hard Disk): stores most of your information, programs and operating system. Its size is measured in gigabytes.
Megahertz (MHz) & Gigahertz (GHz): identifies the amount of information (or instructions) that can be processed per second - MHz means millions, and GHz means billions.
Modem: allows 2 computers to communicate together using phone lines.
Optical Drive or Disk: can store large amounts of information and reads using a laser.
OS (Operating System): Program (or software) that manages the computer's resources. It gives you images to click on (instead of having to type in code) in order to tell your computer to open a program. Windows Vista, Solaris, Linux & Intel are all examples of OS.
Peripheral: any other device you might want to add to your computer set-up like a printer, monitor, scanner etc.
Ports: jack or connection to plug into your computer like USB ports, Ethernet port etc.
Processor (CPU or Central Processing Unit): the brain of the computer. Its speed is measured in megahertz or gigahertz. The faster your processor, the faster it will be able to translate instructions and data. Processors are made by 2 companies:
AMD – you can find brands like Athlon and Duron
Intel – you can find brands like Celeron, Pentium...
RAM (Random Access Memory): your computer uses RAM to temporarily store information related to what you are doing at the time, so that it doesn't have to search through everything stored on your hard drive. It is quicker than a drive, but the information stored there will be lost in the case of a power outage. Its size is measured in megabytes and gigabytes, and having a lot of RAM is definitely handy.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): typically a disk that stores information that can be read, but not modified in any way.
Sound Card: allows your machine to recognize and play sound or music.
Video Card: allows your machine to recognize and transfer images to your monitor.
What is a basic computer system and what can it be used for?
A basic computer system can be used to surf the web, create office documents, and download music. It should be affordable (under $800 without the screen), have a DVD burner, at least 2GB of RAM, and 160GB of hard drive. Finally, look for a computer with a Processor of at least 1.6GHz.
What features do you need?
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Gaming
If computer games are your thing, you will have to spend a little more money getting set up. Laptops are usually not preferred because you will have to spend additional money to get the power you will need.
As for numbers, your processor should have a processor of at least 2.0GHz, 3-4 GB of RAM, and at least 500GB of hard drive. You should also make sure that your computer is equipped with a really good graphics card (over 512MB) and a large screen - you want to enjoy the action after all!
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Laptop Computers
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$999.00
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Dell Canada
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Desktop Computers
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$549.00
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Dell Canada
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Traveling
For most people, a traveling computer should be light, tough and have a really long battery life. If it is for business, you shouldn't need much software on it, mostly office suites, email and a calendar.
This is why, in many regards, the traveling laptop is generally very similar to the basic computer, although you could opt for a little more RAM and hard drive depending on the line of work you're in. Fingerprint security and wireless networking are convenient add-ons.
** Make sure that the computer you buy is compatible with the programs that you use at work if you want to be able to transfer or share files.
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Travel Laptops
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$509.00
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Dell Canada
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Travel Desktops
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$509.00
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Dell Canada
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Multimedia
In this case, many would automatically recommend a Mac, but these days there are really good options in the PC world as well. You need a computer that has a fast disk drive, a LOT of storage space and a really good quality graphics card. You shouldn't look at less than a 2.0GHz processor. A large monitor, multiple ports and CD/DVD drives will also all be practical.
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Multimedia Laptops
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$949.00
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Dell Canada
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Multimedia Desktops
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$549.00
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Dell Canada
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Student
Unless your studies involve programming, really big programs like autocad, or image files like graphic design, you could start with the basics. A laptop is a convenient choice, if you need take it with you to school.
You'll probably want to upgrade to something different once you enter the workforce so there is no sense in spending your much needed budget on a computer that will be obsolete by then anyways.
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Student Laptops
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$639.00
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Dell Canada
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Student Desktops
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$1,348.00
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Dell Canada
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Family
If you are looking for a starter computer for a family, and no one has any really big programs to install on it, the basic system should be enough for now. You can always upgrade later.
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Family Laptops
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$389.00
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Dell Canada
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Family Desktops
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$1,348.00
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Dell Canada
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