Welcome to the Guide to buying a Personal Computer (PC). Prince George’s Community College provides access to open computer labs and course-specific labs that support your academic needs. However, there are advantages to owning your own personal computer. If you're thinking of buying one, the Guide will serve as an excellent resource and offer some initial direction.
How will you use a PC?
Before purchasing a PC, ask yourself: "What do I want to do with it?"
A PC for use as a word processor is very different than one that will be used for playing the latest games. PCs are constantly being improved and very quickly become dated, so don't forget this when deciding what PC you want. To assist you in making a decision, refer to the two recommended specifications for desktops or laptops.
Desktop PC for Home Use
A "Desktop" PC should have:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Operating System
Microsoft Office XP Professional (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage)
Internet Access via modem (or network card if you have DSL or CABLE internet).
The minimum specification recommended is:
Pentium IV 2.0 GHz+
Memory - 256MB Ram+ (1 Dimm strongly recommended)
40 GB Hard Drive
3.5" Floppy Drive
Audio Card
32MB Video Adapter Card
CD-RW
DVD
10/100 Ethernet Card
56K Modem (optional)
15” Monitor
Inkjet or Laser Printer (4ppm+)
Warranty - 3 years parts and labor on-site
Laptop PC for Home Use
A "Laptop" PC should have:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Operating System
Microsoft Office XP Professional (including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage)
Internet Access via modem (or network card if you have DSL or CABLE internet).
The minimum specification recommended is:
Pentium IV 2.0 Ghz+ or Pentium M 1.3 Ghz+ (Centrino)
Memory - 256MB Ram+
40 GB Hard Drive
3.5" Floppy Drive
Audio Card
32MB Video Adapter Card
CD-RW/DVD Combo
802.11b Wireless
10/100 Ethernet
56K Modem
Warranty - 3 years parts and labor on-site
Desktop or Laptop?
You may be considering a laptop computer instead of a desktop style. Both configurations will do the same thing. However, a laptop PC with the same specification level as a desktop PC will cost considerably more. In addition to this, when it is time to upgrade your PC, a desktop style configuration will be less expensive to upgrade than a laptop.A laptop provides portability, and with a suitable network or wireless card, it could connect to one of the planned dedicated docking points within the college. Any purchases should take into account these future plans. One caution about portability is that because a laptop is easier to carry with you, it may also be easier for someone to confiscate it, so consider additional security measures in your PC budget.
Understanding the PC Specifications
It's important to choose the PC that you can afford. Specifications are the most important things to take into consideration when purchasing a personal computer:
Processor (CPU)
The processor (CPU) is the "brain" of the PC. Most machines nowadays use Intel Pentium processors, although there are other processor manufacturers. The frequency, (measured in megahertz, MHz, or for the latest processors, gigahertz, GHz) at which the processor operates, plays an important role in the overall speed of the PC - the higher the frequency, the faster the PC. Processor speed is critical if the PC will also be used as a games machine.
Memory (RAM)
The amount of memory installed in the PC (measured in megabytes - MB), also plays an important role in the overall speed of the system and the type of applications that can be run. A PC can have a fast processor, but if it has insufficient memory, it will run extremely slowly. Most new PCs are now supplied with 128MB of RAM as standard - this is adequate for running Windows XP and Office XP. Buy as much memory as you can afford. The more RAM installed, the better the system will run. But don't go "over the top" - it's not worth installing more than 128MB in a PC more than two years old or 256MB in a new machine.
Hard Disk
T he hard disk is the main storage medium within the PC and is used to store the operating system (such as Windows), applications (such as Microsoft Office), and any files that you may create. Modern hard disks are measured in Gigabytes (Gb) - the higher the figure, the bigger the hard disk. It's all too easy to fill a hard disk with applications and data, so buy the biggest disk size affordable.
Graphics Card and Monitor
The graphics card is responsible for delivering the output to the monitor. If the PC is used for office work such as word processing, the graphics card isn't as important as in a PC that is used for game play. However, for graphics intensive applications, the graphics card is an important consideration - choose a card containing a minimum of 32MB RAM. For many of the latest games, a 3D graphics card is often required.
Don't overlook the monitor when purchasing a computer - you'll be staring at it all the time you're working on your PC! Things to look for include the screen size (a minimum of 15 inches is recommended) and the dot pitch size (this determines how sharp the image will look on the screen). A maximum dot pitch of 0.28 is recommended.
Multimedia (CDROM / Sound cards)
Most software now comes supplied on CDROM, so try to ensure that the PC comes with a CDROM drive fitted. The speed that the drive can read information is usually indicated in the specifications, for example 32x, the higher the figure the faster the drive. If you'll only be using your PC for word processing / spreadsheets etc…, a sound card isn't that important. However, most software (especially games) provides feedback via sound. A sound card is relatively inexpensive, so it's often included as standard.
Software
Operating Systems
A PC must have an operating system installed in order for it to work. Most PCs now come with Microsoft Windows XP. Additionally, they also contain Internet Explorer, which can be used for internet access via an Internet Service Provider.
Applications Software
Unfortunately, the Operating System supplied with your PC doesn't include a word processing / spreadsheet / presentation package, and, unless it was sold with the PC, you'll need to buy an Office suite, and install it yourself. If you'll be using the PCs at the college and in your home, we strongly recommend Microsoft Office XP. This will minimize problems when transferring files from home to the college.
If you want to use a different package, ensure that it can save in Microsoft Office format, otherwise file compatibility problems will be encountered when transferring files from home to the college.
Anti-Virus Software
Installation of an anti-virus package is strongly recommended. Regularly update the anti-virus definition files (accessible over the internet) to minimize the risk of data loss. This is especially important if you work on a friend's computer or are accessing the internet. There are a number of anti-virus packages available to purchase or download via the internet.
It's important to remember that whenever you get a PC with software installed, you should always receive the software license and installation disks too. Without installation disks, not only may you encounter problems later on if you try to install some additional component of the software, but it's also very probable that the software is illegally installed.
Printers
In addition to the PC itself, you may be considering purchasing a printer. As with all PC equipment, the purchase price of a printer has also decreased over time, and it is now possible to buy a budget color printer for less than $100.
Don't forget to review the ongoing costs of the printer - it's not uncommon to pay more than $25 for a replacement black ink cartridge and $30 or more for a color cartridge.
What Other Accessories & Optional Equipment Will I Need?
Some accessory items are considered personal in nature, and as such, we did not configure them into our recommended configurations – leaving them instead, for you to select. You should consider the following accessories and optional equipment when configuring your system, and remember, most of these items can be purchased on-line.
PRINTERS: Dell, IBM, and HP have a wide variety of printers to choose from if you want a printer, and sooner or later, you will. We recommend an inkjet printer because of their lower cost. Be sure to check out the cost of replacement ink cartridges for the printer that you select.
MOUSE: You may want to upgrade to an optical mouse.
MOUSE PAD: You will also need a mouse pad.
SURGE PROTECTOR: You will want to purchase one of these power strips to protect your hardware from power surges.
PC SPEAKERS: You may want to add external speakers to your system, especially if you plan on playing a lot of music on your system (MP3 files, etc).
CARRYING CASE: If you are buying a laptop computer, you will need a carrying case to protect it. Make sure the one you choose has extra pockets for accessories. Excellent lines of carrying cases are available at most computer stores.
SECURITY: A good security cable is a must and can provide much-needed security with a laptop purchase. Cables are also available at most computer stores.
WARRANTY PERIOD: Warranty coverage can be increased to 3 years, at additional cost.