chapter 18 buying a pc. 2practical pc 5 th edition chapter 18 getting started in this chapter, you...

Chapter 18Buying a PC

2 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 18

Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn:−Where to begin −Where to find prices and specifications− How much computing power you need−Where to find the best deal−Whether it is OK to “mail order” a PC− About Hardware: Accessories and add-ons


So many options – where do I begin?

• A good deal on a computer means you pay a reasonable price to a reliable merchant for a dependable computer

• Successful buyers follow these strategies:– Choose a platform– Decide whether you want a notebook or desktop computer– Browse magazines, catalogs, and Web sites to get an idea of

current pricing and features– Make your final selection by comparing prices, features,

technical support and warranty– Buy It


So many options – where do I begin?

• A computer platform is a category of computers– PC platform includes computers that run Microsoft

Windows– Mac platform are Macintosh computers

• Decide between a desktop or notebook model– Notebooks are portable– Notebooks can be more expensive for the same

specifications– Desktop computers are more expandable because you can

swap out components inside the case


Where can I find prices and specifications?

• Research prices and specifications to get a handle on the current market in three ranges: under $1,000, $1000-$2000, and over $2000

• Make sure to look at– Microprocessor manufacturer and model– Microprocessor speed– RAM capacity– Hard disk capacity– Display screen size– Price

• Create a comparison table• Find info in ads, computer magazines, and online


Where can I find prices and specifications?

Creating a table can help organize your information


How much computing power do I need?

• PC priced higher than $2,000 is the equivalent of a luxury automobile– State-of-the-art components– Generous amount of RAM and disk storage space

• PC $1000-$2000 is the equivalent of a “four-door sedan”– Most popular and provides ample computing power

• PC under $1,000 is like a compact car– Technology is a few years old– Reduced processor speed and memory capacity

• Used computer is also an option


Where can I find the best deal?

• Conventional stores– Computer superstores allow you to see the PCs first hand and also

have trained sales people– Office and mass-market stores may provide a smaller selection at a

higher price and the sales staff may have little computer background • Independent computer resellers

– Likely to pay a premium price and may have to wait for the PC to be in stock

– Many also assemble generic PCs• Manufacturer direct sales

– You can place your order over the phone with manufacturer and customize features

• Computer catalogs are an option with competitive pricing and many brands and models


Is it OK to “mail order” a PC?

• “Mail Order” is one of the most popular ways of buying a computer

• On the phone, a salesperson can answer your questions• On the Web, you typically follow prompts on the screen,

provide a credit card payment, and receive an e-mail confirmation

• Make arrangements for someone to be home to receive shipment, or you can pick up the computer at the courier’s office

• Keep your purchase receipt handy for warranty coverage. You may also purchase extended warranties


Hardware: Accessories and add-ons?

• Notebook accessories and add-ons include:– Extra batteries, an A/C adaptor, a D/C adaptor, an external battery

charger, and a docking station– Buy these accessories why you buy your notebook to ensure that you

get the correct model and to avoid discontinued models later on– Add-ons include extra RAM or a larger hard disk

• Desktop computers tend not to offer accessories, but do offer add-ons– Faster processor, extra memory, larger display screen– Usually economical to get these add-ons at the time of purchase since

it includes skilled installation



An ad offering accessories and add-ons



• An add-on trend is task-related packages– Digital photo package would include camera, software,

printer, and CD/RW drive– Add-on packages can be great deals

• Bundled software is included with PC– Computers with bundled software are priced higher than

those without software, but at a discount over list prices– May be able to get similar software free of charge by using

freeware and open source applications– Some preinstalled software are trial versions that you will

have to buy to continue to use


Ethics and computer users

• What do you think?– Would you follow your boss’s orders to install

unlicensed software?– If you went ahead and installed the software, but it

was later discovered by the software publisher, do you think you should be held responsible?

– Have you read a code of ethics published by some professional organization?


Chapter Summary

• You should now:− Understand computer options− Know where to find prices and specifications− Know how much computing power you need− Know where to find the best deal− Know whether it is OK to “mail order” a PC− Know about Hardware: Accessories and add-

ons

chapter 18 buying a pc. 2practical pc 5 th edition chapter 18 getting started in this chapter, you...

Documents

practical office

computer platform

computer magazines

features computer catalogs

mail order

memory capacityused

research prices

higher price