Presented by: Andy Edited by: Amanda

 To buy a PC represents a major investment in both time and money.  You will use your computer for at least three years, perhaps even longer.

 Where will I use my new PC?  You should consider purchasing a notebook {laptop} computer weighing five pounds or less?  For what purposes will I use my computer for example will you use your PC to prepare letters and reports?  How long will I keep this computer?

 Ask yourself “how much you can realistically afford to pay for a computer”?  Prices of desktop personal computer’s, range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

 Every computer must have software: including system software, and applications software.  Most PCs come with the system software already installed.

 Hardware: refers to all of the equipment that makes up a personal computer system, the system unit input devices, output devices, secondary storage devices, and all peripheral devices.

 The system unit contains a microprocessor, main memory (RAM), and slots for installing a graphics board, sound board, modem or other peripherals.  Hard disk drives, and DVD drives are also housed in the system unit.

 PC architecture: refers to the design and construction of the PC and its system unit, not all architectures are the same.  The architecture of an Apple Macintosh differs from that of an IBM or IBM-compatible PC, therefore software written for Apple may not work on IBM.

 Selecting the right micro processor is extremely important.  Processing speed, typically is measured in gigahertz, would be the first consideration for the microprocessor.

 Newer desktop PCs typically come with 512MB of RAM, or more.  Make certain the PC has sufficient Ram to run the software you will be using.  For example, if you will be working with newer larger and more complex applications, such as video and graphics editing watching movies or listening to music consider buying a PC with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.

 Start with a hard drive with 80GB.  If you’ll be storing many photo and tunes, move up to 160 GB.  A standard compact disc can store up to 750 MB of data, and certain DVDs provide even greater storage capacity.

 External ports allow you it connect peripheral devices such as modems, printers, digital cameras, and mice.  Most PCs have at least one of the three basic types of ports: parallel, serial, and Universal Serial Bus (USB)

 Most keyboards and mouse operate similarly.  Some sellers will allow you to exchange the keyboards or mouse the comes with the computer for a different one of comparable value.

 Output devices produce output in either soft copy or hard copy form. ◦ Monitors: slim, lightweight, flat screen liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors have virtually replaced the older and bulkier cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. ◦ Printers: two popular types of printers are jet and laser. Both of these devices produce high quality output in color.

 Step one; unpack your computer system. ◦ Locate all items ◦ Keep them together ◦ Be sure not to loose any important items in case you need to return the computer. Step two: connect the components.  Locate the ports  Locate the important documents and carefully follow the directions.  Follow the directions on how to put the computer together and installing the software.  Step three: boot the computer  After connecting all the devices, plug the surge protector into the wall outlet  Turn it on  Check and make sure everything is working correctly  Read all the helpful hints  Enjoy your computer.