Processor | Memory (RAM) | Hard drive | Battery Life | Screen Type/ Size | Operating system

Other accessory items

Processor

What it Does:

The processor is one of the most crucial elements of a computer. The faster the processor, the faster the computer will run. It is the first thing in determining how fast a computer will run.

Different processors:

There are two main brands for processors; Intel and AMD. Intel processors usually have better battery life and better graphic performance, thus most computers with AMD processors have a separate graphics card to improve screen performance.

• Basic – Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium / AMD Athlon
• Average – Intel i3 – i5 / AMD Dual Core
• Best – Intel i7 / Quad-core processors

Key Facts:

• The processor is the most important fact in determining computer performance
• Intel and AMD are just different brand names
• There are a wide variety in models for Centrino, Core 2 Duo, AMD 64, and Dual Core processors
• Generally, the higher the model number for the processor, the faster it is.
• Processing speed is measured in Ghz, but a computer with a 2Ghz processor is not necessarily faster (can usually only be compared within the same brand of computer…Apple’s to Apple’s .
• The processor is one of the only parts of the computer you can’t upgrade later

Other things that determine computer speed are:

• Operating system
• Memory
• Hard Drive Space
• Software

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Memory (RAM)

About RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM, or random access memory, is pretty much exactly what it’s called; temporary memory. The amount of RAM determines how much the computer can be running at a single time without slowing down (not necessarily computer processing speed although that can make a difference).

Most laptops will have 3-4GB (gigabytes) of RAM. For a Windows computer this is plenty. Apple computer’s require less RAM to run most programs because they do not do as much at a single time compared to a Windows computer, ex: Windows operating system uses close to 1GB of RAM to operate, usually close to 1GB is tied up for antivirus protection (a must if on the internet), and then you’re left with room to run programs (iTunes, Firefox, Windows Movie Maker, etc.).

Types of RAM:

• Basic – Windows: 2-3gb DDR2 / Apple: 2gb DDR2
• Average – Windows: 3-4gb DDR2/ Apple: 2gb DDR3
• Best – Windows: 6gb DDR2 or 4gb DDR3 / Apple: 4gb DDR3

Key Facts:

• RAM determines the amount of stuff you can do on the computer, not necessarily the speed of the computer.
• RAM can usually be expanded, but there are limitations based on the computer.
• Background computer processes (anti-virus, operating system, etc.) effect how much RAM is necessary
• DDR2 RAM is not as fast ast DDR3 RAM, be sure that if you’re comparing two computers with 4gb of RAM, they are both the same (DDR2=667Mhz DDR3=1333Mhz …the speed that it processes the operations being run…the size of the RAM (ex.2gb) determines how much while the type (ex. DDR3) determines the speed)

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Hard Drive

About Hard Drives:

The Hard Drive is where all of your information is stored, kind of like that shoebox in your closet that is storing something you will want to access later.  The greater the hard drive space, the more things you can save.  The amount of Hard Drive space will depend on what types of files you will be saving on your computer.  For example, word processing and spreadsheets usually take up very little space on a hard drive, while pictures, music, and videos take up a whole lot more.  Here’s a quick breakdown on the amount of space needed to store certain items.

1 page word processing document  20kb
4 minute 30 second song  4.4Mb
picture from digital camera  2Mb
1 second of uncompressed video, 27Mb

As you can see, the types of files you plan on saving will determine how much hard drive space you need.  The hard drive also stores everything else on your computer, such as software programs and operating systems.  It would be hard to find a computer with less than a 80 Gb hard drive, with many coming with more than 160Gb.

One thing to remember with hard drive space, is that you are not limited to what the computer comes with.  It is very easy to get an external hard drive with quite a bit more memory that would plug into your existing computer.  Many people do this when they have one thing they would like to keep separate from the rest of their files.  For instance, someone who takes a lot of photographs, may get a 500Gb external hard drive, and just use it for their pictures.

It is important to keep important information backed up on a second hard drive, or online, in the case that one hard drive crashes. Hard drives can crash for various reasons, the most common is that they are overworked, or overfilled. Keeping a hard drive at least 20% freed allows for it to function better, and it is less likely to crash. Solid state memory, such as a flash drive, can be filled completely and still function properly. Solid state drives (flash drives/thumb drives/etc.) are also significantly less susceptible to physical damage.

The cable used to connect the hard drive to the computer can determine speed. Hard drives have a certain pre-determined speed usually between 5200-7200RPM (rotations per minute). USB cables are a common connection because nearly all computers have a USB port. USB speed is usually 200mbps (megabytes per second). Firewire is a faster connection, but less computers offer this connection. Firewire speed is 400mbps, and 800mbps for Firewire 800. A newer connection is eSATA, which is similar to the connection inside of a computer. This is the fastest connection, but most computers don’t offer this connection externally.

Key Facts:

• The bigger the hard drive, the more information you can store on it
• Solid state drives are more reliable than hard disk drives, but do not offer as much storage space
• External hard drives are a good idea to keep important information backed up
• There are backup programs available for most computers, and on many hard drives, but online data backup is an easy alternative

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Operating System

The operating system, commonly referred to as an “OS” is the software that runs your computer, allowing you to access files, save them, add other software, and more.  There are two main competitors in this field; Microsoft Windows, and Macintosh OS. Windows 7 and Mac OSX are the current operating systems that come pre-loaded with computers.  The operating system will define which brand of computer you may be able to get.  Windows is the current dominant system in the marketplace and has been for some time.  If you own any major brand of computer other that Macintosh, you most likely have a computer with a windows based operating system.  (Toshiba, Dell, Gateway, Sony, HP, etc…).  The type of OS you get will depend on how you use your computer.  Macintosh markets their computers to be focused more around the “fun” side of computers, focusing on music, movies and photos.  But Microsoft Windows 7 can do these as well.  If you are planning on using your computer for work, you may want to check the compatibility of the software you will be using, as some programs will only work with Windows or Mac.
Our recommendation is to talk to other people that have tried and/or own these systems.  Find out what they like and don’t like.  You’ll find that people will have a very strong opinion on which is better, so make sure to talk to a few people on both sides of the aisle if possible to find out which one is best for you.

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Other Accessories

There are plenty of other items that can come into play when purchasing a computer that are more feature based and may make your use more enjoyable.  One of those is the type of disc drive the computer has.  The current standard is to have a DVD-/+R/RW.  (DVD recorder).  On top of being capable of recording DVD’s, some allow you to “burn” and image or picture on the top of the disc to make it more personalized.

For security purposes, some computers, mainly laptops, will have a fingerprint reader so only you can access your files.

Some computers may come with a wireless mouse and/or keyboard.  These items can easily be purchased as well and added on to most computers.

Speakers.  Most desktop computers will come with speakers, and laptops will have them built in.  There may be quality differences, which will matter more with a laptop, as they are not easily be upgraded.

Connectivity- how many USB ports does the computer have.  You will need one for your printer, and most any other peripheral or device you will hook up.  (webcam, wireless keyboard/mouse, camera, cell phone, external hard drive, etc…).  You may want to hook your computer up to an HDTV.  In that case, look for a computer with a DVI or HDMI output.

Should I get the extended warranty?  In some cases, the extended warranty can be a great deal.  Don’t count out the extended warranty until you understand what it covers.  Some places offer an accidental damage clause that covers physical damage to laptops.  Also check to see if it covers only hardware, or software.  With computers, problems can be hardware related, in which a physical component is failing or not working properly.  The problem can also be software related, such as a corrupt operating system.  Find out what the warranty covers, and decide from there.  It may be expensive, but if you keep your life in your computer, it may be worth it.

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