|
|
Print-friendly version
buy a computer
OK we have covered the types of machine available in the computer information section so lets look at what the numbers in the adverts mean, and what should you be looking out for on your machine.
example one -
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4600 Processor
Upgradeable to E8200/E8400 + more
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
2GB Memory - 667MHz DDR2
500GB Hard Drive - SATA 2 with 16MB Buffer
Integrated Intel® GraphicsMedia Accelerator 3100
Super Format 20x DVD Writer
Multi Format Memory Card Reader
example two -
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8300 Processor
(2.83GHz ,6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz)
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
with Service Pack 1 - Latest updates
DOUBLE MEMORY was 2GB NOW 4GB!
FREE Hard disk upgrade was 500GB now 750GB
256MB nVIDIA Geforce 8400GS Direct X 10
22" Widescreen TFT LCD Display w/speakers
Super Format 20x DVD Writer
Plus Additional Features
What does it all mean -
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4600 Processor - this is the devise that processes the information, dual core means two processors on one chip therefore the machine can deal with more information quicker, which is great for photos. In the second example the Processor number is bigger, E8300 an indication that this is a faster processor
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium - this is the operating system, the code that tells the computer what to do, in this case Microsoft Windows Vista Premium. There are a number of alternative operating systems one of the most popular being the Apple MAC OX operating system more later >
2GB Memory - 667MHz DDR2 - often referred to as RAM or desktop memory, the higher this number the more space to open big files on your desktop which is important for photos which are Big files. Aim for at least 2GB (giga byte) you will see the second example has 4GB which is an advantage for those needing a more powerful machine
500GB Hard Drive - SATA 2 with 16MB Buffer - this is the amount of storage space for your photos and files and the larger the better though it is not un-usual to have two hard drives with the operating system and program files on one drive and the other used for storing photos
Integrated Intel® GraphicsMedia Accelerator 3100 - the graphics card is the device that displays the images on the screen and the Integrated device on the first example means the circuits are built into the main circuit board and therefore is not really suitable for photo and image files. The second example has a 256MB nVIDIA Geforce 8400GS Direct X 10 - this is a seperate specialist graphics card with its own seperate memory and is much better for photos, the important number is the 256MB and again the higher the card number 8400GS the better it is likely to be
22" Widescreen TFT LCD Display w/speakers - you will notice the first example does not list a screen, this is not un-usual and does allow you to choose your own perhaps a bigger size of a different make to the computer. You may also have noticed that the screen has built in speakers, though they will not be wonderful quality they may be perfectly ok and keep your desk tidy, look out for deals with included screens being great value when sold with a computer box
Super Format 20x DVD Writer - remember that everytime you click save on a photo you are filling up your hard drive, also if you only have one hard drive and only one copy of an important photos or file it may be wise to save copies to an external memory storage device such as a DVD disc. You can also copy photos and files to a DVD to send to relatives etc.
Multi Format Memory Card Reader - this is a great feature for digital camera users as you simply pop the memory card from your camera into the card reader to transfer your pictures
Comment - Using the two examples shown an good choice would be the processor from example one and the hard drive and graphic card from example two.
Operating System - what is it
The operating system is the framework of code that allows the user to give the computer instructions there are many operating systems but for home use there are two main players which are -
Windows or MAC ?
The Windows - MAC which is best debate has been raging on for many years and has only recently become less of an issue as it is now possible to use Windows on the very latest MAC intel based machines, giving you a machine that has two operating systems with the benefits of both.
The Windows operating system is used by the vast majority of computer users worldwide and if you are likely to be communicating regularly with other computer users you may decide that Windows is for you. It must be said that the range of computers both laptops and desktops that are available with windows is far beyond anything Apple MAC has to offer. It has to be said however that windows does not enjoy a great reputation for reliability particularly the latest Vista incarnation.
MAC's have their background in the professional graphics industry and have over many years movied into the consumer market with great success by taking a completly different approach to the way tasks are carried out, and a measure of how successful this approach has been is Windows Vista is an attempt to copy the MAC's way of doing things.
It is worth mentioning that MACs also come preloaded with iLife ’08: Home of your life’s events. With the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand included, you can create a photo book, make a movie, build a blog, compose a song, and much more. So buying a MAC may give you all the software you will ever need. IPhoto is a very good easy to use photo program, which will keep track of the photos on your computer, allow you to index them in a really easy fun to use way and even modify them in a relatively sophisticated way. The other software will most likely allow you to do most of the things you will want to do for example send emails, write letters make DVD slide shows even create a website.
Ask for a demonstration on both machines though be aware that there is a fair amount of descrimination amounst windows users, but most people that use a MAC would never consider using Windows again. However if you have experience with using a windows based machine at work for instance you may find the MAC's completely different approach a little difficult to grasp, if your new to computing you may appreciate the MAC way of doing things. Take a look at both and make up your own mind.
Comment - In many ways an ideal machine would be an iMac 20 inch screen with Windows and MAC OX Leopard and an all in one printer for a not too intrusive yet powerful computing solution.
|
|