1. CS120 Purchasing a Computer
Making Informed Decisions

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Computer Components Considerations
Processor (CPU) – Speed Matters
Clock Speed
Architecture (multiple cores)
Check Benchmarks at sites like
Memory (RAM) – More memory = faster computer
Memory is relatively inexpensive to upgrade
Check sites like 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.

7. 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

8. Compare Prices and Reviews
Consumer Reports
Cool site:
Amazon
BestBuy
Costco
Walmart

9. 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 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 

10. Upgrade Information
Crucial Scan Results
Computer Specifications

11. 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!