This article is more technical than most, for that I apologize in advance. Deciphering the specifications of a new computer can be confusing at best. I hope to empower you to know how to interpret the ‘tech geek speak’ on the information tag when you select a new computer. I want you to get the best computer at the most affordable price. Here goes…
Hardware: the physical box and what is in it.
- Type of computer: you have choices – Tower – a stand-alone box that needs a monitor, keyboard and mouse to operate – Laptop – a portable computer with the keyboard, monitor and mouse built in – All-in-One – the computer is built into the monitor, needs a keyboard and mouse to operate – 2-in-1 – a combination laptop and tablet – the screen can fold to become a tablet – Tablet – a screen where your finger acts like a mouse and the keyboard is virtual touch
- Manufacturer: – Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Microsoft and Acer manufacture computers – I recommend Dell or HP
- Motherboard: – Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 – the latest is 10th generation – the higher the number the more processors and the faster the speed – AMD or AMD Ryzen (Ryzen is newer, faster technology)
- CPUs (Central Processing Units) – the workhorse of your computer – speeds range from 1.2 Ghz to 3.2 Ghz – higher numbers give faster computing experience – multiple processors range from 2 to 8 – more are faster
- Laptop display – based on diagonal measurement – larger ones are easier to see and increase the price of the laptop: 14”, 15.6” or 17” – touchscreen – your finger can act like a mouse by touching the screen – adds to price
- Keyboard – backlit keys are easier to read
- Memory – temporary fast storage – more memory increases the speed, and adds to the price – 8GB is recommended minimum
- Storage – where your files and programs are permanently stored – HD – spinning hard drive with capacity to store 500GB to 2TB of data – SSD – Solid State Drive – digital storage with increased speed and performance 128GB, 256GB or 500GB – 256 GB is sufficient for most personal use
- DVD drive – for playing music, videos, and installing programs – most laptops have eliminated DVD drives – an external USB connected DVD drive can be purchased if you need one – most software installers can be downloaded from the internet
- Ports – allow external devices to be connected to the computer – USB 3.0 (faster), USB, USB-C (small USB), HDMI, SD Card Reader, VGA or DVI (monitor) may be built in\
- Wi-fi – wireless connection to your internet service modem – most computers today have wi-fi and Bluetooth adapters built in – an external USB wi-fi adapter can be purchased to add wi-fi to a tower that does not have wi-fi built in
Software and Up-sells: software makes your computer functional and protects it
- Operating Systems – Google Chromebook or Android Tablet – Microsoft Windows – new computers are being built with Windows 11 – Windows 10 may still be available
- Office Software – Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Slideshows – Microsoft Office 365 – this annual subscription software provides Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – WPS and Open Office are low-cost alternatives for office software – Google apps – Docs, Sheets and Slides provide Office capability from your Google account
- Anti-virus Software – protects your computing from virus and malicious software attacks – manufacturers pre-install 30-day trial anti-virus products that need to be renewed in a month – retailers want to upsell their favorite anti-virus software – I suggest that you decline – Ask me to install low-cost, robust protection software that I recommend for all of my clients
- Extended Warranties – an insurance policy to extend the time beyond the one year guaranteed by the manufacturer – these add to the cost and may not be needed if your computer remains in one place
That’s it! Buying a new computer can be daunting. Understanding the terminology can make you a more informed buyer. If you need advice when selecting a new computer, call Linda.
I am committed to protect your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, or if you need help selecting your new computer. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, December 6, 2021 https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us
