Buying A Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition (2005)

xBuying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition

Chapter 2: Basic Computer Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .21
Basic Parts .....................................................................................................	22
Console .................................................................................................	22
Monitor .................................................................................................	23
Keyboard ..............................................................................................	24
Beyond the Basic Parts ................................................................................	25
Mouse ....................................................................................................	25
Speakers ...............................................................................................	26
Modem ..................................................................................................	27
Printer ...................................................................................................	28
Scanner and digital camera ................................................................	29
Peripherals and other expansion alternatives,
various and sundry .........................................................................	30
Chapter 3: Computers from A to Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.31
What Is a Computer? .....................................................................................	32
The yin and yang of hardware and software ....................................	32
The traditional desktop computer ....................................................	33
The Macintosh personal computer ...................................................	35
Laptops for every kind of lap .............................................................	36
The Tablet PC .......................................................................................	37
Palmtop and handheld computers ....................................................	39
WebTV (MSN TV) .................................................................................	41
Gaming consoles .................................................................................	41
Workstations and servers ..................................................................	43
Mainframes ...........................................................................................	44
“How Much Will This Cost?” ........................................................................	44
Chapter 4: Introduction to Hardware and Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.47
Hardware: The Hard Stuff .............................................................................	48
The microprocessor (the main piece of hardware) ........................	48
The motherboard ................................................................................	48
Software: The Other Hard Stuff ...................................................................	50
The operating system .........................................................................	50
Applications and other software .......................................................	52
Putting It All Together ..................................................................................	52
Part II: Hardware and Software Overview ....................	53
Chapter 5: All about Mr. Microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.55
The Microprocessor Rules ...........................................................................	55
The name game ....................................................................................	56
The measure of power ........................................................................	58
Vroom, vroom! (Microprocessor speed) ..........................................	58
Popular PC Processors .................................................................................	60

	Table of Contents		xi
Beyond the Basic Microprocessor ..............................................................		61
The cache .............................................................................................		62
The front side bus ...............................................................................		62
The core design ...................................................................................		63
Socket to me .........................................................................................		64
Some Microprocessor Q&A .........................................................................		64
“What does ‘[blank] or greater’ mean when talking
about a microprocessor?” ..............................................................		65
“Are all Pentium processors the same?” ..........................................		65
“Should I buy an upgradeable microprocessor option?”		...............66
“Is the Celeron a good Pentium compatible?” .................................		66
“Should I buy a non-Intel CPU if it saves me money?” ....................		67
“Why not buy the biggest, baddest
microprocessor on the block?” ......................................................		67
“What’s the ‘heat sink’?” .....................................................................		67
“What is ‘hyperthreading’?” ...............................................................		67
“What is ‘overclocking’?” ....................................................................		68
“Do computers with dual processors run faster
than computers with single processors?” ....................................		68
Chapter 6: Memory Stuff (Temporary Storage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		69
Say Hello to Mr. Byte .....................................................................................		70
Take a byte ...........................................................................................		70
Take a bigger byte ...............................................................................		70
Memory Madness ..........................................................................................		71
Behold the chip! ...................................................................................		72
The size of the thing (capacity) .........................................................		72
Fast memory and faster memory ......................................................		72
Goodbye, Mr. Chips! ............................................................................		73
A flock of technical memory terms ...................................................		74
Main Memory versus Video Memory .........................................................		76
Banks o’ Memory (RAM) ..............................................................................		77
How Much Memory Do You Need? .............................................................		79
Chapter 7: Disks of Every Type (Permanent Storage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		81
Why Permanent Storage? .............................................................................		82
What Is a Disk, and What Is a Drive? ..........................................................		83
Types of drives ....................................................................................		84
Capacity ................................................................................................		85
Hard drive speed .................................................................................		86
CD-ROM drive speed ...........................................................................		86
Cache or buffer memory ....................................................................		87
The mystical drive controller ............................................................		88
Disk Driving Your Computer System ..........................................................		89
Picking a hard drive ............................................................................		90
Your shiny, removable storage ..........................................................		91
To floppy or not to floppy? ................................................................		92
Digital media or flash memory drives ..............................................		93

xii	Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition

Chapter 8: Monitor and Graphics Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .95
The Graphical System ...................................................................................	95
The Monitor Part ...........................................................................................	96
CRT or LCD? .........................................................................................	97
Judge me by my size, will you? ........................................................	100
I’ll take two, please ............................................................................	101
The Graphics Adapter Part ........................................................................	101
Video RAM ..........................................................................................	102
How it plugs in ...................................................................................	103
The GPU ..............................................................................................	103
Life on the high end ..........................................................................	104
When You’re Reading an Advertisement, Beware the Blech! ................	104
Chapter 9: Keyboard, Mouse, and Gamepad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Clackity-Clack-Clack Goes the Keyboard .................................................	107
Pointing Devices ..........................................................................................	109
Eeek! ....................................................................................................	109
Optical mice versus mechanical mice ............................................	110
Wireless mice versus wired mice ....................................................	111
The mouse wears buttons ................................................................	111
Nonmousy pointing devices ............................................................	112
Gamepads (Joysticks) ................................................................................	112
Chapter 10: Expansion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	115
Expanding Your High-Tech Universe by Using Ports ..............................	115
The USB port ......................................................................................	116
The FireWire, or IEEE, port ...............................................................	117
The Ethernet port ..............................................................................	117
The printer port .................................................................................	118
The serial port ...................................................................................	118
The monitor port ...............................................................................	119
Mouse and keyboard ports ..............................................................	119
Modem port .......................................................................................	120
A Full House of Cards .................................................................................	120
Why you may need expansion slots ...............................................	121
Types of expansion slots ..................................................................	121
Chapter 11: Modems and Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	123
Say Hello to Mr. Modem .............................................................................	123
Modems are measured by their speed ...........................................	124
Your typical, everyday dial-up modem ...........................................	124
Faster modems: broadband .............................................................	126
Do you really need a modem? ..........................................................	128
Sound Off! .....................................................................................................	128
The bleeping circuitry ......................................................................	128
Tweeting and woofing (speakers) ...................................................	129
Adding a microphone ........................................................................	130
Talking to your computer .................................................................	130

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Chapter 12: Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.131
Networking Overview .................................................................................		131
St. NIC (Networking Hardware) .................................................................		132
Going wireless ....................................................................................		132
Networking speed ..............................................................................		133
Other Networking Hardware ......................................................................		134
Networking cable ...............................................................................		134
The hub, switch, or router ...............................................................		135
Adding your high-speed modem .....................................................		136
Networking Software ...................................................................................		137
Chapter 13: Scanners and Digital Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		139
Scanning the Scanner Horizon ..................................................................		139
Price scanning ....................................................................................		140
Scanners big and scanners little ......................................................		141
The image sensor ..............................................................................		141
Resolution and image-quality issues ..............................................		142
How does the scanner connect to the computer? ........................		143
Optional scanner goodies ................................................................		143
Scanner software ...............................................................................		144
Getting a Digital Camera .............................................................................		145
What exactly is a digital camera? ....................................................		145
Things worth noting when you’re choosing a digital camera .....		146
Getting the image into the computer ..............................................		149
Chapter 14: Special Issues for Notebook
and Laptop Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		151
Laptop Considerations ...............................................................................		152
Special (expensive) microprocessors .............................................		153
Disk drives ..........................................................................................		153
A battery of issues .............................................................................		154
The skinny on laptop weight ...........................................................		155
The anti-mouse ..................................................................................		155
Laptop communications ...................................................................		156
Security issues ...................................................................................		156
Laptop Expansion Options ........................................................................		157
“I’ve seen these ports before!” .........................................................		157
The PCMCIA port ...............................................................................		157
Chapter 15: Your Computer’s Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		159
Understanding Operating Systems ...........................................................		160
Working with you ...............................................................................		160
Controlling the software ...................................................................		161
Controlling the hardware .................................................................		162
Operating System Survey ...........................................................................		162
Windows XP, Home and Professional ..............................................		163
Mac OS ................................................................................................		164
Linux ....................................................................................................		165
The antique, the immortal, and the dead .......................................		167

xiv	Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition

Chapter 16: Everything You Wanted to Know
about Software (But Were Afraid to Ask) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .169
Doing the Internet .......................................................................................	169
Browsing the Web ..............................................................................	170
Getting your e-mail ............................................................................	170
Doing AOL ..........................................................................................	170
Productivity Software .................................................................................	171
Word processing ................................................................................	171
Databases ...........................................................................................	172
Home-budgeting software ................................................................	173
Spreadsheets ......................................................................................	173
Graphics .............................................................................................	174
Recreation and Education ..........................................................................	175
Games .................................................................................................	175
Education ...........................................................................................	177
Utility Programs ..........................................................................................	177
Programming ...............................................................................................	178
Software for Nothing and Almost Free .....................................................	179
Public domain software ....................................................................	179
Freeware or open source ..................................................................	180
Shareware ...........................................................................................	180
Demo software ...................................................................................	180
Beware of Illegal or Pirated Software ........................................................	181
Part III: Finding Your Perfect Computer .....................	183
Chapter 17: Shopping for Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .185
How to Buy Software ..................................................................................	185
Taking a test drive .............................................................................	186
Other sources for test-driving .........................................................	187
How Helpful Is the Software? .....................................................................	188
Types of help you find in software ..................................................	188
Don’t forget support! .........................................................................	189
After You Find What You Want. . . . ...........................................................	190
Stuff you find on the software box ..................................................	191
Filling in the form: Example 1 ..........................................................	192
Filling in the form: Example 2 ..........................................................	193
At last: The software worksheet ......................................................	197
Chapter 18: Matching Hardware to Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .199
The Hardware Worksheet ...........................................................................	199
Filling in the worksheet (step by step) ...........................................	201
Choose an operating system ............................................................	201
Pick a microprocessor ......................................................................	201
Calculate your memory needs .........................................................	202
Calculate your hard drive storage ...................................................	203

	Table of Contents		xv
More storage decisions ....................................................................		204
Other hardware stuff .........................................................................		205
A Sample for You to Review .......................................................................		206
Chapter 19: Surveying the Shopping Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.209
Reading a Computer Ad .............................................................................		210
Finding computer advertisements ..................................................		210
Dissecting an ad .................................................................................		210
Recognizing common tricks used to make
an advertised price look really cheap .........................................		212
The myth of the free (or almost free) computer ...........................		213
Some Q&A before You Rush Out to Buy ...................................................		213
“Should I get a quote?” .....................................................................		214
“Can I haggle?” ...................................................................................		214
“Should I get a discount off the manufacturer’s
suggested retail price?” .................................................................		214
“Isn’t there any way to get a deal on a computer?” ......................		214
“Is it better to buy from a noncommissioned salesperson?” .......		215
“What about buying a used computer?” ........................................		215
“What about refurbished stuff?” ......................................................		215
“You didn’t say anything about the swap meet” ...........................		215
Where to Buy ...............................................................................................		216
Your locally owned and operated computer store .......................		216
National chains ..................................................................................		217
The megastore ...................................................................................		217
Mail-order brand names ...................................................................		218
Mail-order pieces’ parts ....................................................................		219
What about Building Your Own Computer? .............................................		219
Chapter 20: Tips for Online Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		221
Buying on the World Wide Web .................................................................		221
Finding a place to buy .......................................................................		222
Placing your order .............................................................................		223
Comparison shopping .......................................................................		225
Sleazy tricks used by online retailers .............................................		225
Tracking Your Order ...................................................................................		226
Chapter 21: Searching for Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		227
How to Find Service and Support .............................................................		227
Service Questions .......................................................................................		228
“How long is your warranty?” ..........................................................		228
“Do you fix the computers at your shop?” .....................................		228
“Can you fix my computer at my home or office?” .......................		229
Support Questions ......................................................................................		229
“Can I phone someone to ask questions?” .....................................		230
“Do you offer classes?” .....................................................................		230
Support Issues for Buying on the Internet ...............................................		231

xvi	Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition

Chapter 22: Buying the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .233
A Review of the Five Steps .........................................................................	233
What to Spend “Extra” Money On .............................................................	234
“When Do I Get My Computer?” ................................................................	235
Don’t Ever Put a Deposit on a Computer! ................................................	236
Hey, Bud! You’re Ready to Buy ..................................................................	236
A few last-minute buying tips ..........................................................	237
The final step is to . . . .......................................................................	237
Part IV: Living with Your Computer ...........................	239
Chapter 23: Helpful Hints for Computer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .241
Check the Shipment ....................................................................................	242
Setting Up the Computer ............................................................................	242
Open the boxes ..................................................................................	242
“What can I toss out?” .......................................................................	244
“What do I do with all this stuff?” ....................................................	244
“Should I keep the boxes?” ...............................................................	244
“Do I have to read the manuals?” ....................................................	245
Putting It Together ......................................................................................	245
Where will Mr. Computer live? .........................................................	246
Preparing to plug things in ...............................................................	246
Setting up the console ......................................................................	247
Attaching the mouse and keyboard ................................................	247
Attaching other devices ...................................................................	248
Setting up the monitor ......................................................................	249
Plugging in other stuff .......................................................................	249
Finishing up ........................................................................................	249
Turning the Thing On .................................................................................	250
What to turn on first? ........................................................................	250
Turning it off ......................................................................................	250
Breaking It In: The Burn-In Test .................................................................	251
The desktop burn-in test ..................................................................	251
The laptop burn-in test .....................................................................	251
What’s Next? ................................................................................................	252
Dealing with software .......................................................................	252
Dealing with other hardware ...........................................................	253
Understanding Your System ......................................................................	253
Chapter 24: Time to Get a Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .255
Different Printers for Different Printing ....................................................	255
Printer speed .....................................................................................	256
The print quality ................................................................................	256
How much? .........................................................................................	257
Laser Printers Go “Fwoom Pkt Shhh!” ......................................................	258

	Table of Contents		xvii
Ink Printers Go “Thwip Sft-Sft-Sft Clunk!” .................................................		259
The All-in-One ..............................................................................................		261
The Photo Printer .......................................................................................		261
Buying the Printer .......................................................................................		261
What does your software say? .........................................................		262
Printer shopping ................................................................................		262
Printers don’t come with cables! .....................................................		262
Printers don’t come with paper, either! ..........................................		263
Buy some extra ink ............................................................................		263
Setting Up the Printer .................................................................................		263
Printer pieces’ parts ..........................................................................		264
Connecting the printer cables .........................................................		264
Telling your computer about the printer .......................................		265
Chapter 25: From the Old Computer to the New One . . . . . . . . . . . .		.267
Moving Over Hardware ..............................................................................		267
Antiques: Don’t bother .....................................................................		268
Monitors .............................................................................................		268
Disk drives ..........................................................................................		268
Memory ...............................................................................................		269
Expansion cards ................................................................................		269
Printers ...............................................................................................		269
Modems ..............................................................................................		270
Other peripherals ..............................................................................		270
Transferring Your Software ........................................................................		270
Reinstalling applications ..................................................................		271
Moving over data ...............................................................................		272
Eliminating the preinstalled bonus crap ........................................		273
Chapter 26: Selecting an ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		.275
What You Need in Order to “Do” the Internet .........................................		275
What you need ...................................................................................		276
What the ISP gives you .....................................................................		276
How much should it cost? ................................................................		278
Finding an ISP ..............................................................................................		279
The S Means Service ...................................................................................		280
Chapter 27: When to Buy, When to Sell, When to Upgrade . . . . . . .		281
Unlike Wine and Cheese, Computers Don’t Age Well .............................		281
Should You Upgrade? ..................................................................................		282
Which hardware to upgrade first ....................................................		282
My $.02 on upgrading your microprocessor ..................................		283
Upgrading software ...........................................................................		284
Upgrading your operating system ...................................................		284
Should You Sell Your Beloved Computer? ...............................................		285
Buying a Used Computer ............................................................................		286

xviii Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition

Part V: The Part of Tens ............................................	287
Chapter 28: Ten Common Mistakes Made
by First-Time Computer Buyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .289
Buying Hardware before Software ............................................................	289
Dropping Brand Names ..............................................................................	290
Shopping for the Cheapest Computer System ........................................	290
Being Unprepared for the Sale ...................................................................	290
Forgetting Some Extra Items ......................................................................	290
Not Paying by Credit Card .........................................................................	291
Not Reading the Setup Manuals ................................................................	291
Forgetting That Software Can Be Expensive ............................................	291
Buying Too Much ........................................................................................	292
Not Counting Learning Time ......................................................................	292
Chapter 29: Ten Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .293
Industry “Standards” versus the Ads .......................................................	293
Out-of-Date Stock ........................................................................................	294
Money Down Required ...............................................................................	294
Missing Pieces .............................................................................................	294
No Address in the Mail-Order Ad ..............................................................	295
Salespeople Too Busy to Help ...................................................................	295
Salespeople in the Store Ignore You .........................................................	295
No Classroom ..............................................................................................	296
No Software Documentation ......................................................................	296
Chapter 30: Ten Other Things You Should Buy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .297
Mousepad and Wristpad ............................................................................	297
Power Strip ..................................................................................................	298
Surge Protector ............................................................................................	298
UPS ................................................................................................................	299
Printer Cable ................................................................................................	299
Printer Paper ...............................................................................................	300
More Inky Stuff .............................................................................................	300
Removable Disks .........................................................................................	301
CD Caddy ......................................................................................................	301
A Roll of Paper Towels ................................................................................	301
Chapter 31: Ten Tips and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. .303

Your Computer Has a Clock .......................................................................	303
Get a Second Phone Line ............................................................................	304
After a While, Reread the Manuals ............................................................	304

	Table of Contents	xix
Put a Timer on That Internet .....................................................................	304
Get Defensive Software ...............................................................................	305
Subscribe to a Computer Magazine ..........................................................	305
Join a Computer Users’ Group ..................................................................	305
Buy a Great Book .........................................................................................	306
Remember That You’re in Charge .............................................................	306
Don’t Let the Computer Run Your Life .....................................................	306
Index .......................................................................	307