Computers Are Your Future Tenth Edition Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice.

Computers Are Your Future

Tenth Edition

Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 1

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice HallPublishing as Prentice Hall

Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System


Getting Started the Right Way

Selecting a computer system requires: Knowing computer terminology Understanding the relative value of

system components Determining your software needs and

which system runs those packages most effectively


Notebook or Desktop?

Notebooks are a popular choice of computer among college students. Advantages:

Size Portability

Disadvantages: More expensive than desktops Easily stolen


Mac or PC?

Two main computer system platforms exist: Windows (PC) Mac

Users tend to be very loyal to the platform they use, rarely crossing over.


Mac or PC?

Differences between Macs and PCs: Software availability: Because more

people use PCs, developers tend to focus more on that platform.

Use PCs: Business and engineering areas Macs: Artistic areas

Cost: Macs usually cost more than PCs.


Choosing the Right Hardware

Consider the hardware components you’ll need, such as: Processors Memory Hard disks and internal and external

drives Monitors and video cards Printers, speakers, and modems Keyboards, mice, and power suppliesCopyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 8


To choose the best microprocessor (processor, CPU), consider: Brand Cost Key features

Clock speed Number of cores Power consumption





The more memory, the better. Two types of memory to consider:

RAM (temporary storage): Affects the computer’s speed and responsiveness due to its effects on CPU processing and the running of applications

Secondary cache: Quicker access, resulting in a faster, more efficient system



Hard disk storage Relatively inexpensive Purchase as much as possible

Drives Decide on internally or externally

connected storage devices Should meet your needs



When purchasing a monitor, consider: The computer’s video card, which

controls the quality and resolution of the display

Dot pitch—the smaller the dot pitch, the better the display



Printers Color inkjet printers Monochrome laser printers Color laser printers Multifunction devices

Consider: Print quality Speed Costs of printer and associated suppliesCopyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 14


Speakers Provide full advantage of the

multimedia capabilities of the Internet Consider higher quality speakers if you

purchase a lower-priced computer system

Must have a modem or network interface card (NIC) to connect to a network



Although most computer systems come with a keyboard and mouse, users can upgrade either or both to best suit their needs.



An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Supplies a computer

with power for a small amount of time when electrical power is lost

Is a wise investment


Shopping Wisely

Shopping wisely for a computer system involves decisions such as: Top-of-the-line models vs. bargain

models Local stores vs. mail-order and online

companies Buying used vs. refurbished Name-brand vs. generic PCs


Upgrading Your System

Things to consider when upgrading a computer system include: Whether upgrading will be in violation

of the computer’s warranty Whether you have the knowledge and

skill level to perform the upgrade Whether upgrading or buying a new

computer is the most cost-effective option


Upgrading Your System

Remove the cover of the computer only after it is unplugged and cable attachments are noted.

The two main forms of upgrade are adding expansion boards and upgrading memory.

The Internet provides valuable information regarding computer upgrades.


Caring for Your Computer System

Properly maintain your computer system, whether it is new or upgraded.

Use surge protectors to protect your system against power irregularities.



Purchase a UPS for protection against damage due to power losses.

Never plug a computer into the same outlet as a refrigerator. Refrigerators tend to cause power fluctuations.

Ensure sufficient air circulation around computer components.



Turn the computer off before connecting or disconnecting computer cables; cables should not be stretched or crushed.

Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning a computer and printer.



When cleaning monitors: For light cleaning, gently wipe the monitor

surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If stronger cleaning is required:

Unplug the monitor. Use distilled water to dampen a cloth. Wipe the monitor surface with the damp cloth.

Never spray any kind of liquid directly on the monitor.



Never eat or drink near the computer.

To clean a keyboard: Unplug the keyboard and lightly shake

any dust or crumbs out of the keyboard.

Use compressed air or vacuums developed especially for cleaning keyboards.



Run a disk defragmentation utility on a regular basis to ensure faster retrieval of data and information.

Install both antivirus software and antispyware.

Never install and run software or open received files without checking them for viruses or spyware.


Some Final Advice

Doing your homework before buying a computer system is simple and results in an informed purchase.

You can do research by reading newspapers and magazines and by searching the Internet.

The more sources you use, the easier it will be to make an informed decision.


Computers Are Your Future Tenth Edition Spotlight 6: Buying and Upgrading Your Computer System Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice.

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