1.Conventional wisdom suggests you choose the application(s) you like and then buy the appropriate computer system. In many cases, there are compromises you must make between software and hardware; just try to make as few as possible. If you're like most people, you'll probably have to live with your system for quite a while. Make sure the applications you want to use will run on the personal computer you intend to buy. One way to do this is to obtain demonstration disks, when available. They can be ordered from the software company, but software stores often have a large stock of demo disks you can obtain for free or for just a few dollars.
2. Fill in the gaps in your knowledge about computers. Read magazines, periodicals, and specialty books on computers. The newsstands are filled with good magazines on PC-compatibles and Macintoshes. In addition, many larger bookstores have an entire section devoted to computer books. Look for magazines like Computer Shopper, which features articles on purchasing as well as a huge assortment of advertisements.
3. Talk to friends who own computers and solicit their opinions. A word of caution: Most personal computer owners are proud of their decision and their computer system, so you probably won't get unbiased information. For that reason, you might want to prepare a list of questions in advance that help you get the answers you seek.
4. Shop around. Personal computers are sold in retail computer stores, specialty stores, and electronics and appliance stores as well as by direct mail. Unless you are proficient with electronics, it's a good idea to avoid the "clones" with names you've never heard of. They often contain the least expensive parts and components, or require some assembly, and may not prove as reliable or easy to use as name brand machines. Several magazines now evaluate computers and make recommendations; check these brands first. Several mail order companies, such as Dell and Zeos, make very high quality computers and stand behind their products; look for their advertisements in most major computer magazines. In addition, mail order generally means more computer for less money than you'd pay retail.
5. Select your configuration with the future in mind. It's highly likely that you'll want to upgrade the RAM or the hard disk, or add certain peripherals; all these things can be accomplished without problems or penalties. However, it makes sense to buy a computer with a CPU, or microprocessor, that will serve you today and tomorrow as well. For that reason, buy as much CPU as you can afford. There are few things more chafing than having to use an underperforming computer.
6. Spend some time working with the computer. Make sure that you like the monitor and the keyboard, and that the CPU is fast enough to suit you.
7. Take notes; make a comparison chart. Be sure to record your impressions along with the price, features, and performance.
8. Think about service. What is the manufacturer's warranty? Where can you take the machine for service? Some retail stores don't service what they sell. Overall, remember that if a computer breaks down, it is most likely to do so in the first 30 days or less. During this period, in most cases, you can return it for a full exchange. Therefore, don't allow service to be a dominant factor in choosing a particular retailer or computer.
9. Don't let a salesperson snow you with jargon. Every time you hear a term you don't understand, ask for an explanation. If it isn't forthcoming, shop elsewhere.
10. Ask about setup, training, and support. If you buy from a computer store or mail order, your computer should arrive with the software installed, ready to use. Some may try to charge for this service, but they should not; they make it back in their software profit margins.. Summary
1. Identify the processing and peripheral hardware components in a personal computer. All computers have four hardware components: a system unit, input/output devices or peripherals, storage devices, and routing and control components. Processing components include the motherboard, CPU, and main memory. Peripheral hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, and floppy and hard disk drives.
2. Describe the steps involved in working with DOS. There are several ways to boot DOS and thus begin a work session: the cold boot and the warm boot. Booting works somewhat differently, depending on whether you are using a floppy disk or a hard disk. Commands are the way we issue instructions or perform tasks with the computer system. It is important to enter these commands in the proper syntax, or language, that DOS will understand. The key to working successfully with a personal computer is to take your time and do everything carefully.
3. List some of the commonly used DOS commands. DOS commands allow us to perform work and solve problems with the personal computer. Some commands list files; some start application programs; others prepare disks for use. Some commonly used DOS commands include DIR, FORMAT, DISKCOPY, COPY, DELETE, and RENAME.
4. Explain the way DOS organizes files and directories. The operating system provides the instructions that make personal computers perform tasks. DOS is an integrated set of programs that provide access to the CPU and the peripherals that allow us to perform a number of important tasks when working with applications. Files are the primary unit of data storage in personal computers. Files have filenames and are grouped into directories, such as the root directory or various subdirectories. DOS must be loaded into the computer; once it is, we can issue instructions at the prompt, which is found on the command line. The cursor shows us where the prompt is located.
5. Describe different types of personal computer configurations. Personal computers come in different configurations, which determine the complexity and sophistication of the tasks they are able to perform. The hardware elements that change a configuration include the monitor, the quality of the video display, the amount of RAM, the number and type of floppy and hard disk drives, and other devices such as the printer.
6. Identify the more commonly used types of personal computers. The most common personal computers are the IBM PC, the PC-compatible,the IBM PS/2,and the Apple Macintosh. Review Questions
1. What steps and components are dependent on human control and interaction? What steps and components are not?
2. Describe the manner in which DOS works with files and filenames. Why are there five types of files?
3. How is a command like an instruction?
4. What are the major differences between a simple configuration and a full configuration? Why is the configuration important?
