posted
by Anonymous -
Fri, 09/12/2011 - 12:13
Buying a computer is a big investment. And with so many
different options available, it can be hard to figure out how to meet the
technical needs of your nonprofit and still stay within your budget.
This guide will help you understand the questions to ask
when shopping for a computer. It will also provide a quick reference checklist
with definitions of some basic technology terms (not too many!), as well as the
minimum standards we recommend for computers.
Things to Consider When Buying a Computer
1. Do You Need a New
Computer?
It's possible some basic maintenance tasks or a simple
hardware upgrade can boost performance and give your old computer new life.
2. How Will You Be
Using the Computer?
If you do need a new computer, one of the most important
things to consider is how you will actually use it.
A technology plan, technology budget, and technology
strategy are all helpful tools to make sure you understand your current and
future computing needs. What kind of work will your staff be doing? Basic
office tasks, like creating documents and spreadsheets, checking email, and
using the Internet? Or heavy-duty work with video, audio, or images?
Audio-visual work tends to be resource-intensive and will require a more robust
computer.
Will your staff be traveling, or only using the computer in
the office?
How does the computer fit in with your existing technology?
What operating system(s) do you use? Operating systems, like
Windows, use up a lot of your computer's resources. If you barely meet the minimum
hardware standards for using your operating system, you may not have the
computing resources to do a lot of other tasks at the same time (multitask).
What software do you use? Do you have software that only
works with a certain type of computer or only runs on a particular operating
system?
32-bit and 64-bit? The key thing to know is that hardware
and software come in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. If your computer has a 32-bit
operating system or hardware, you cannot run 64-bit software on it.
What are your future plans? Are you planning to upgrade
your operating system or add a new kind of software? Are you planning to do
different kinds of tasks in the next couple of years?
3. Mac or PC?
The choice between Mac and PC often comes down to personal
preference. Both types of computers have their merits. Macs and PCs use the
same kinds of internal processors, so they are equally powerful. The main
difference between Macintoshes and other computers is the operating system they
use: Macintosh computers run Mac OS X (the latest version is called Lion), and
PCs run Windows (the latest version is Windows 7).
A few things to keep in mind:
Macintosh computers are usually more expensive off-the-shelf
than a similar PC. However, some argue that the long-term cost for a PC is
actually higher, due to additional software and maintenance costs.
There is some software that will only run on Windows. Make
sure the software you depend on is compatible with your new computer's
operating system.
The more similar your computers are, the easier your
technology will be to manage. If you have different types of computers,
running different operating systems, and different software, troubleshooting and
maintenance become much more complicated. Consider whether you already have a
Mac- or PC-centric office and whether or not it’s worth switching some or all
computers.
4. New, Used, or Refurbished?
If you plan to use the computer for basic office tasks like
word processing, email, and web browsing, you probably don't need a
top-of-the-line or brand new computer. A used or refurbished computer may be
just fine. Used and refurbished computers are usually much less expensive than
new computers. They're also a greener option, since you're extending the life
of an old computer, rather than buying a brand-new one.
A refurbished computer may be a better option than a used or
donated one. Refurbished computers are older machines that have been carefully
inspected and updated by professionals. If you get your refurbished computer
from an authorized professional refurbisher (and you always should), you will
know it is in good working condition. Refurbished computers also often have a
warranty of some kind.
There are some additional things you need to think about
when buying refurbished equipment:
Fail and return rates. Check the refurbisher's fail and
return rates.
Warranty. You probably won't get a three-year warranty
for a refurbished computer, but a three month warranty is pretty standard. This
should cover any out-of-the box problems.
Peripherals, software, and documentation. Make sure you
know what is included with your computer. Refurbished computers, for example,
rarely come bundled with a monitor.
If you are buying a used (rather than refurbished) computer,
or accepting a donated one, make sure a knowledgeable person inspects the
computer thoroughly first. This will help ensure the computer is functioning
properly and that it will meet your needs. Remember that as alluring as a free
or very cheap computer might seem, an old one in poor condition can actually be
more trouble than it is worth.
5. Laptop, Desktop, or Tablet?
When deciding whether a laptop, desktop, or tablet
(hand-held) computer will best meet your needs, the key things to consider are:
Price. Laptops are usually more expensive than an
equally powerful desktop computer, even if you factor in the cost of a monitor
for your desktop. Parts and repairs are usually more expensive for laptops as
well.
Travel. If you will only be using the computer in the
office, a laptop probably isn't worth the added cost.
Upgrade, repair, and maintenance. Especially if you're
planning to do this yourself, keep in mind that fixing or upgrading a laptop
computer is usually much more complicated than it is for a desktop computer.
Size or "form factor." Desktop computers can
be the traditional bulky tower, compact models that are smaller than a loaf of
bread, or an all-in-one model (where the computer and the monitor are all one
piece). Laptops come in different sizes, too: from tiny netbooks with miniature
keyboards and 10 inch screens to ultra-thin or ultraportable models to giant
models with 17+-inch screens that don't even need a separate monitor. A few
things to consider:
If you will be traveling a lot, size and weight are
important considerations for laptops.
Smaller models are often more costly than a comparably
equipped standard size model.
There is often a trade-off between small size and computing
power. Inexpensive netbooks, for example, may not be powerful enough to serve
as your main computer.
Tablets (as handy as they can be and as popular as they are)
aren't suitable for heavy use for office productivity tasks. But they're great
for web surfing, checking email, and reading documents on-the-go.
6. Get to Know Your Technology
There are a few key things you should understand when you're
making a decision about which computer to buy. We'll define them and provide
the minimum standards you should be looking for to support performing basic
office tasks.
|
Component
|
Definition
|
Key Consideration
|
Minimum Standard
|
|
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Also known as:
processor
|
This is your computer's brain, and its function – as you
might imagine – is to process information.
Usually, a faster processor means a faster computer.
|
Performance, which is based mostly on:
Number of cores (single, dual, quad, and so on).
Processor speed or "clock speed," which is
measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
|
Dual-core processor, with mid-range clock speed (2.6 GHz)
|
|
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Also known as:
memory
|
RAM is used to temporarily store information while your
computer is running. More memory allows your computer to run more quickly, up
to a point.*
Confusingly, memory is not the same thing as storage (see
below for additional information). Storage is what allows you to keep files
and software stored long-term, while memory is what your computer uses
short-term to perform its basic functions.
*32-bit operating systems can't use more than 4GB of RAM,
so if you have a 32-bit OS, you don't need more than 4GB of RAM.
|
Amount of memory, which is measured in megabytes (MB) and
gigabytes (GB). There are 1024 megabytes in a gigabyte.
|
1 GB
|
|
Storage
Also known as:
Hard-Disk Storage
|
The amount of information (files, data, software, photos,
video, and so on) your computer can store.
|
Amount of storage, usually measured in GB.
|
See Hard Drive, below
|
|
Hard Drive
Also known as:
hard disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or internal drive
|
The hard drive is where most of the information on your
computer is stored.
There are two main types of drives:
Traditional drives are a spinning disk attached to a
platter. Because it has these rapidly moving parts, hard drives are
susceptible to mechanical failure. For example, when your drive
"crashes," it's because the spinning disk literally crashes into
the platter underneath it.
Solid-state drives do not have moving parts and
therefore are less likely to have mechanical problems. They are also faster
and quieter than traditional drives, but they are also significantly more expensive.
Note: an external hard drive is basically the same thing
as an internal drive. An external drive just has a case surrounding it and a
cable to connect it to your computer.
|
Disk size: the amount of storage space on the disk.
|
160 GB storage capacity
|
|
Networking
|
How your computer connects to the Internet or networked
devices.
An Ethernet port lets you plug your computer into a router
for "wired" access.
A wireless adapter or wireless card enables your computer
to connect to the Internet and other devices wirelessly.
Bluetooth is a technology that allows your computer to
wirelessly connect to other devices (but it doesn’t allow your computer to
connect directly to the Internet).
|
Wired and wireless connection capability.
|
Ethernet port and
A wireless card or adapter
|
|
Ports
Also known as:
Output Ports or Interface Ports
|
Device ports: how your computer connects to other devices,
like a keyboard, mouse, printer, digital camera, or external hard drive.
Different devices use different cables to connect to different kinds of
ports. The most common ports and cables are:
USB (Universal Serial Bus) – the current standard is USB
2.0, which provides a faster connection than the older USB 1.1 standard.
Firewire (also known as IEEE 1394, iLink) provides an even
faster connection for high-speed data transfer.
Audio and video ports: How your computer connects to
speakers and external displays, like a monitor or television screen. There
are different kinds of outputs, including:
VGA (analog) output is included on almost all desktops.
DVI (digital visual interface) carries only video, not
audio.
HDMI (high-definition multi-media interface) carries both
audio and video. Mini HDMI ports are often used on portable devices.
Like HDMI, DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort carry both
audio and video.
|
What devices you will connect to your computer.
|
Device ports: Several USB 2.0 ports
Audio and Video Ports: VGA port
|
|
Graphics Card
Also known as:
graphics processing unit (GPU)
|
The graphics card or chip is what allows your computer to
process and display visual information (text, images, video, and basically
everything you see on your computer screen).
There are two main types of graphics processors:
Integrated or on-board graphics cards are built into your
computer, and they share your computer system's main memory.
A dedicated graphics card has its own, separate memory.
|
Amount of system memory (RAM), and tasks you are
performing:
If you have at least 2 GB of RAM, integrated graphics
should be sufficient in most cases.
If you work with a lot of digital video, you will probably
need more RAM and/or a dedicated graphics card.
|
Integrated graphics: fine for most everyday office
functions.
Dedicated graphics card: only needed if you're planning to
work with a lot of digital media.
|
|
Optical Drives
Also known as:
removable media
|
Optical drives let you read and record (or write) to CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-Rays. A "burner" or "recorder," usually
labeled "RW" allows you to record or write information to discs.
Most drives are labeled with the type of discs they are
compatible with, as well as whether they can record or write to a disc or
only play or read it.
Devices labeled "ROM" can only play discs; they
cannot write to them.
Devices labeled "RW" allow you to write
information to discs.
For example, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW can play DVDs and can both
play and record to CDs.
|
What media you are using (CD, DVD, and so on).
What devices can and need to read that data.
|
Functioning DVD-ROM/CD-RW device
|
|
Peripherals
|
Electronic equipment connected by cable (or wireless
integration) to your computer’s CPU.
Monitor or screen.
Keyboard.
Pointing devices (mice, trackballs, touchpads).
Printers, scanners, and other optional devices.
|
For monitors, the key considerations are:
Screen size.
Display Resolution is based on the number of pixels (the
little dots that make up the image you see on-screen) that can be displayed;
more pixels means a sharper display.
|
Desktop monitor: 15" monitor (measured diagonally),
1024x768 screen resolution
Laptop screen: size will depend on organizational needs;
1024x768 screen resolution
Fully functioning keyboards and pointing devices
|
|
Battery and Power Consumption
|
When not plugged in to an outlet, laptops use a
rechargeable battery for power.
Some laptops can have an extended battery added. This
makes the laptop bigger and heavier, but significantly extends battery life.
Some laptops have batteries that cannot be removed, which
makes them more costly to replace when the battery wears out.
|
Battery life: how long the battery retains power after
charging.
|
No specific recommendation
|
|
Size or "Form Factor"
|
Desktops, laptops, and tablets come in different sizes.
Some desktop terms you may hear:
Full-size: these computers are encased in a standard
(sometimes bulky) "tower" case.
Compact: smaller than full-size towers (sometimes called
"minitowers").
All-in-one: the computer and the monitor are all one
piece.
Laptop terminology:
While we use the term "laptop" in this guide,
"notebook" means the same thing.
A netbook is a very small, lightweight, (and less
powerful) laptop computer.
|
Unless you will be traveling a lot, size is not usually a
major factor when choosing a computer.
|
No specific recommendation
|
7. Do Your Research
When doing your research, keep your organization's needs,
budget, and the minimum requirements in mind, and ask yourself:
Will this product meet our needs?
What do you know about the company that makes the computer?
Do they have a good reputation? What about the particular computer you're
looking at?
What kind of warranty do you get, and how long does it last?
How good is the company's technical support, and how long
can you use it?
What other hardware comes bundled with the computer? A
monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables?
What software comes with the computer?
By: Ariel Gilbert-Knight Original article taken from http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/hardware/page13390.cfm
