Computer Concepts Projects 3 and 4Dozer’s Quintessential Guide to

Computer LiteracyCSIT58

Choosing a SystemThink about the following:Who will be using the system? Family,

student, professional, art, hobbiesHow much can you spend and do you need

financing?What kinds of applications will the

computer be used for?Schoolwork with Office and InternetArtwork using Adobe SoftwareGamesVideo and photo editing

Desktop System Price RangesLow End <= $800

Fine for student work using Microsoft Office and browsing the Internet.

Mid Range <= $1500Good for professional use

with some web authoring and graphic production.

High End > $1500Serious gaming, video

and art editing and publishing.

Low End:HP Pavilion p6280 for $699

Processor & Memory: Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor

 Q8300 2.5GHz 4MB L2 cache 1333MHz Front Side Bus 6GB DDR2-800MHz SDRAM

memory (3 Dimms)

Drives: 640GB (7,200RPM) SATA 3Gb/s

hard drive LightScribe 16x max DVD±R/RW

SuperMulti drive 

Graphics & Video: HP w2338h 23" diagonal

widescreen flat panel monitor with integrated speakers

Integrated Graphics

Communications: Integrated 10/100/1000

Gigabit LAN Audio: Integrated 7.1 channel

capable sound w/ front audio ports

Keyboard & Mouse: HP Multimedia

Keyboard  HP Optical Mouse Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 7

Home Premium (64-bit)Additional : Microsoft Works 9.0 Power Supply: 300W

High End SystemsA higher priced system might have:More memoryA larger hard drive (RAID system)A faster processorA graphics card with a large amount of

memoryA Blu-Ray driveTouch screenWindows 7 Ultimate

Notebook Computers

Notebook prices are always higher than desktop for similar power.

Use different processors to conserve power.

Price varies based on:ProcessorScreen size (diagonal)Amount of memoryHard drive size

After the PurchaseProtect your investment with:Surge Suppressor – absorbs power surges or spikesAnti-Static Mat – if floor is carpeting, you can build

up static electricity in your body by walking to the computer

UPS – battery powered backup in case of a power failure

Anti-Virus software – protects computer against malicious software that will delete files or use your computer to infect others.

Backups – Have CD’s, DVD’s or USB drives that you back up your important files to regularly

Health Problems from Computer UseComputer Vision Syndrome

Dry eyesBlurred visionHeadachesUse artificial tears, change office lighting,take

breaksCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist and hand pain)

Use wrist restErgonomic keyboardWrist BraceMay require medication or surgery

Others: neck, back and shoulder pain, weight gain

End of Presentation.