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Chapter 18
Buying a PC
Practical PC, 4e
Chapter 18
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XP
Buying a PC
• In this Chapter, you will learn:
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Where to begin looking for a PC
Where to find prices and specifications
How much power you need
Where to find the best deal
Whether to “mail order” a PC
How to buy online
About accessories and add-ons
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Beginning the process of
buying a PC
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• To make sure you get a good deal on your new
computer, you might try a shopping strategy:
– Choose a platform (PC or MAC)
– Decide on desktop or notebook
– Browse magazines, Web sites and catalogs to compare
features and prices
– Make final selection by price, features, technical
support and warranty
– Buy it!
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Finding prices and specifications
• Start by looking for specifications by sorting the
computers into three price ranges.
• Look at processor maker and model, speed, RAM,
hard disk, monitor size and price.
• Prices and features constantly change, so your
results will change every few months.
• Generally the results are the same in each price
range, no matter what vendor is selling it.
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Finding prices and specifications
• Once you have determined the usual specifications
in each price range, beware any that fall
dramatically outside. They may be reconditioned
or used.
• To find information, use magazines like Computer
Shopper or catalogs like MicroWarehouse or PC
connection.
• Web stores and sites are also an excellent source
of information.
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Finding prices and specifications
Average specifications
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How much computing power
do you need?
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• PCs over $2000 are the luxury end with state-ofthe-art components.
• They have a longer useful life than other models.
• They will likely work very well with all of the
modern software and peripherals.
• They probably have bigger and faster storage
equipment and RAM.
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How much computing power
do you need?
XP
• Computers between $1,000 and $2,000 are the
“mid-range” models that most people buy.
• They lack the flashy new components.
• They contain good, tested features.
• They do a good job of running current versions of
operating systems and application software.
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How much computing power
do you need?
XP
• Computers below $1,000 are the “compact car”
end of the range.
• They usually contain functionality that is a few
years old, is slower and smaller.
• They should run current software adequately,
although some of it may be slow.
• You probably will need to replace the PC sooner.
• Used PCs are a good cost saving option if you
make sure they work.
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How much computing power
do you need?
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Comparison
checklist
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How to find the best deal
• Computer superstores like CompUSA offer a large
array of options.
• Office supply stores or mass-market stores have a
smaller variety but offer good choices.
• Independent computer resellers sell brand-names
and often build generic PCs.
• Several computer manufacturers sell directly to
the customer at stores or over the internet or
telephone.
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Is it ok to “mail order” a PC?
• Telephone and Internet ordering of PCs and
components is becoming one of the more popular
options.
• It is handy and safe as long as you shop through a
reputable dealer.
• Be sure you order carefully and keep all of the
information about your order number, etc.
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Is it ok to “mail order” a PC?
• Make arrangements to be home when the PC
arrives or to have someone accept it for you.
• Keep your purchase receipt.
• Read your warranty information carefully and be
aware of what repair services are available.
• Install the PC and all of the accessories and try
them out right away to be sure they work properly.
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
• You have many options of customizing your PC
just like you can customize a new car.
• For instance, when you buy a notebook, you will
want to look at extra batteries, A/C adaptors and
docking stations.
• You can look at extra RAM, a larger hard disk, or
a CDR or DVD drive.
• If you buy add-ins at purchase time, they come
already installed and tested.
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
Notebook add-ons
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
• Many new computers offer options to build your
own computer which can greatly change the price.
• These options might include a faster processor, a
zip drive, a network card, better sound or video
card.
• The price of add-ons at purchase time includes
installation and ensures that all of the selections
are compatible.
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
Desktop computer ad with various features
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
• Installing everything you need at purchase time is
an advantage to both the buyer and the seller.
• Options are also now available to accomplish
various tasks – such as a game package that might
include software, a joystick and a special graphics
card.
• You will also want to look at the bundled software
that comes with the PC. This can be a large cost
savings if you need new software.
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Hardware – Accessories and add-ons
Sometimes accessories are not
included
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Buying a computer online
Shopping for a PC online
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What do you think?
Ethics and computer users
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Would you follow your boss’s orders to install
unlicensed software?
If you went ahead and installed the software, but it was
later discovered by the software publisher, do you think
you should be held responsible?
Have you read a code of ethics published by some
professional organization?
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Chapter Summary
• You should now be able to:
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Know how to prepare for buying a PC
Find current prices and specifications
Determine how much computing power you need
Find the best deal for you
Place a safe “mail order” for a computer
Buy a computer online
About the basic types of available accessories and addons
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