Planning for a New Computer
by Cate Eales
Appeared December 17, 2009 on castanet.net
If you’re looking for a new computer, there are several
things to think about before you take your wallet out of your pocket. This
week I have some tips that might save you from a “Migraine-in-a-Box”
weekend. Look over this information and make a plan!
Desktop, Laptop, or Netbook?
A desktop computer has a tower, a monitor, a keyboard, mouse and speakers.
Sometimes you buy a whole system, sometimes you buy separate components.
A desktop is a good choice if your computer is going to stay in one place.
You’ll be able to add and upgrade components more easily than on a laptop
or netbook, and you can get a large monitor.
If you want to move the computer from room to room or take it with you
when you travel, a laptop or a netbook is a better choice. Laptops are
portable, somewhat customizable, and still a little more expensive. In
general, a laptop isn’t as fast or powerful as a desktop and the keyboard
and screen will be smaller.
A netbook is smaller and lighter than a laptop. Netbooks work well for
checking email and browsing the web while travelling. Their small screens
and keyboards make them tough to use as a primary computer, but good
candidates for a “second” computer or for travel.
What’s inside?
Windows 7 is available now, and is most likely the Operating System
you will find on new desktop and laptop computers. Windows 7 Home Premium
is a good choice for most home users. Stay away from anything that says
“Basic” or “Starter” for a desktop or laptop. Most netbooks come with
Windows XP Home.
Get as large a
hard drive as you can. This is where your operating system, your
programs, and your files (documents, photos, etc) live.
Microsoft states the minimum
system requirements for Windows 7 here. These are the minimum
requirements. It’s technically possible to run Windows 7 on a bare bones
computer, but in my opinion, it is not going to be worth the aggravation.
Get a computer with at least a
dual core processor. The processor is the chip that determines the
speed of your computer. Windows Vista (and now Windows 7) will run best on
the more powerful processors.
Don’t even consider less than 4GB of
RAM if you’re going to run
Windows 7. You’re just not going to be able to take advantage of all
Windows 7 has to offer.
You will want a CD/DVD drive that plays and burns CDs and DVDs. Most
netbooks don’t have one built in. Consider an external drive. Although
there are other ways to install software, a common one is to install it
from a CD or DVD.
You’ll need an antivirus + antispyware program. If your computer includes
one, make sure you know whether it’s a trial version, and make sure you
either buy it or replace it before it expires.
You will probably need some kind of word processing/spreadsheet program.
If one is not included, plan to purchase a new one or install a free one.
If you use accounting software, photo/video editing software, or anything
else that you’ve paid for, check whether it is compatible with Windows 7.
You will have to reinstall it or buy a new version.
Windows 7 does not include an email program. You can download Windows Live
Mail, as explained on the video on
this page, or you can use other email programs such as
Thunderbird.
What else?
If you are upgrading from XP to Windows 7, your old printer or webcam
might not work. You should check the manufacturer’s website to Windows 7
compatibility, or budget for a new one.
Get a decent surge protector! And use it!
If you have files on an old computer that you want on your new computer,
you will have to transfer them yourself or budget to have someone do it
for you.
The computer you should buy is the one that works best for you, and the
one that fits your budget. Now that you have some idea what you are
looking for, you can proceed fearlessly into your computer store and start
pricing out your new system!
Links
Windows 7
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx
Windows 7 System Requirements
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx
Hard drive
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk_drive
Multi-core processor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core_processor
What is RAM and Why Do I Need More of It?
http://rlis.com/columns/column171.htm
Using Email and the Internet with Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/using-email-and-the-internet
Windows Live Essentials
http://download.live.com/
Mozilla Thunderbird
http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/
Computer Care Kelowna
http://computercarekelowna.com
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives
http://rlis.com/column.htm
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--
Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or
business computer get along!
Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna, a mobile service helping home users
and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment
phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and
suggestions. Send email to
help@computercarekelowna.com.
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©
Cate Eales 2009 – All Rights Reserved
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