Buying A Computer By: Evan Cloud How to Buy Your Own Microcomputer System

Four Easy Steps in Buying a Computer Step 1 Step 1 -What needs do I want a computer to serve? Step 2 Step 2 -How much $ do I have to spend? Step 3 Step 3 -What kinds of software will best serve my needs? Step 4 Step 4 - What kind of hardware will best serve my needs?

What Needs do I want a Computer to serve? What do I want a computer system to do for me today? What do I want a computer system to do for me today? What will I need it to do for me in another year or two? What will I need it to do for me in another year or two?

Needs Writing Papers, letters, or memos Writing Papers, letters, or memos Business Applications Business Applications Record Keeping Record Keeping Graphic presentation Graphic presentation Online information or the internet Online information or the internet Video Games Video Games

How much $ do I have to spend on a computer system? How much money am I prepared to spend on a computer today? How much money am I prepared to spend on a computer today? How much am I willing to spend in another year or two? How much am I willing to spend in another year or two?

Budget How much can I spend??? How much can I spend??? Under $500 Under $500 Up to $1000 Up to $1000 Up to $1500 Up to $1500 Up to $2000 Up to $2000 Or above Or above

What kind of software will best serve my needs? What kind of software will best serve my needs today? What kind of software will best serve my needs today? What kind will best serve my needs in another year or two? What kind will best serve my needs in another year or two?

Software Word Processing Word Processing Spreadsheet-Excel Spreadsheet-Excel Database-Access Database-Access Presentation Graphics-Powerpoint Presentation Graphics-Powerpoint Browsers-Internet explorer Browsers-Internet explorer System software System software –Windows 98 –Windows 2000 –Windows XP –Mac OS –UNIX

What kind of hardware will best serve my needs? What kind of hardware will best serve my needs today? What kind of hardware will best serve my needs today? What kind will best serve my needs in another year or two? What kind will best serve my needs in another year or two?

Hardware Figure what you need for Figure what you need for –Microprocessor –Memory –Monitor –Floppy Disk Drives –Optical Disk drive (CD-Rom) –Hard disk drive –Portable Computer –Printer

Places to Look Some great places to look are Some great places to look are –HP-Compaq HP-Compaq –Dell Dell –Apple Apple

Remember the 4 Q’s to ask My Needs My Needs My Budget My Budget My Software My Software My Hardware My Hardware