CS120 Purchasing a Computer Making Informed Decisions

Computer Types Desktop Laptop Tablet Smartphone Not Mobile More powerful than mobile devices Peripherals are separate Most easily upgraded Laptop Mobile, with size considerations Becoming more powerful, but usually not as powerful as a desktop Two of the main peripherals are integrated (monitor and keyboard) More limited than a desktop in upgradability Tablet Very Mobile and small Not as powerful as a desktop or laptop The main peripherals are integrated and there is more emphasis on interaction through touch and voice Very limited ability to upgrade Smartphone Very Mobile, very small Limited Power Wearables, game consoles, TVs Purchasing decisions are made around functionality, size, cost, and upgradeability

Computer Hardware Options Input – Human Computer Input Keyboard Mouse Stylus Voice Touchscreen Scanner Microphone Camera Processing – Manipulate Data CPU (Central Processing Unit) Memory GPU (Graphical Processing Unit - Optional) Output – Store, Display, or Print Information Hard Drive Storage Printer Monitor Speakers Computer Hardware in terms of the computer processing model. Users will consider the options listed when buying a computer.

Feature and Functionality Decision What do you need to do with your computer General Use Browsing Homework Small Business Graphics Intensive Use Gaming CAD Video Computer Programming How mobile do you need to be Not at all - Desktop Somewhat – Laptop Completely – Tablet or Smartphone Device depends on mobility needs Shop for the best price among modern components HDD ok 4-8GB Memory ok Mid range CPU ok Graphics Intensive Most likely a desktop computer or a very powerful laptop Shop for the most powerful Memory CPU GPU SDD Most likely a laptop (great for demos) GPU if needed Users should determine what they want to do with the computer, and if they need to be mobile. If it’s for general use, they have a lot of affordable options and can buy a middle of the road computer in terms of price and power. If it’s for graphics or programming use, they will need to purchase as much power as they can afford.

Internal Computer Components Buying Decisions are usually based on the capabilities of the internal components Processor (Central Processing Unit - CPU) – Calculate, Analyze Information Called the Processor, the brain of the computer and its job is to carry out commands CPU speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz) or BILLIONS of instructions per second Memory (Random Access Memory - RAM) – Temporarily store information Short term memory RAM is measured in GigaBytes (GB) Hard Drive Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – Mechanical Hard Drive Solid State Drive (SSD) – Electronic Hard Drive (no moving parts) Expansion Slots - add components to boost performance Add a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) card to offload graphical processing from the CPU The main components will look different based on the size of the computer but will perform similar functions.

Computer Components Considerations Processor (CPU) – Speed Matters Clock Speed Architecture (multiple cores) Check Benchmarks at sites like https://www.cpubenchmark.net/ Memory (RAM) – More memory = faster computer Memory is relatively inexpensive to upgrade Check sites like http://www.crucial.com/ for upgradability and prices Hard Drive HDD (Hard Drive) Mechanical parts so they are slower and can crash, but they are less expensive SSD (Solid State Drive) No moving parts so they are faster, they don’t crash, but they are about 3 times as expensive Graphics Adapter (GPU) Offload graphics intensive processing Check space and heat management concerns The buying decisions are usually around the speed of the processor, the total amount of memory, and the size of the hard drive. Optionally uses will choose a computer with a GPU if that type of power is needed.

Purchasing Decision Process Research System Prices Consumer Reports Amazon Search Google Search Other online retailers Research Key Processing Component Prices CPU Trends Memory Prices Graphics Cards Research Storage Prices Hard Drive Solid State Drive Shop for Peripherals Add-on Deals Compare and Decide Buy a Configured System Buy less and Upgrade Now that you have an idea of what you need to compare, it’s time to go shopping

Compare Prices and Reviews Consumer Reports Cool site: https://www.productchart.com/ Amazon BestBuy Costco Walmart

Buy less and shop for upgrades! Can the memory be increased by adding more modules? Add an SDD SDD drives are so fast, they are like adding additional memory Can I add components such as a graphics card using expansion slots? Can the CPU be swapped out for a more powerful CPU? Add Memory  Memory (RAM) Inexpensive and easy to add You need at least 4GB but add as much as you can afford Check the speed - DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 - and most motherboards only support one. Use www.crucial.com site to scan your system and offer up the correct type. SDD Drive A solid-state hard drive is a big block of flash memory, similar to a USB drive or memory card, with no moving parts to slow things down or break. The benefits of an SSD are that it's much faster (it works in microseconds rather than milliseconds), lighter, cooler, uses less electricity and is harder to damage than a conventional drive Graphics Card Improves game performance Processor (CPU) It’s better to just buy a new computer, especially for laptops. The CPU has to fit your motherboard, or you have to also buy a new motherboard.  Add components Change the CPU 

Upgrade Information Crucial Scan Results Computer Specifications

Conclusion Decide how you want to use your computer in terms of power and mobility Research key component capabilities and prices Shop and compare prices for system bundles Look for add on deals like free printers Decide if it’s better to buy less and upgrade Buy it and ENJOY!