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Suggested PC
Specifications for Basic Home Use
| Computer technology keeps getting
better and better, and prices keep coming down. However, typical home
users who mainly want to do email, word processing, internet surfing,
spreadsheets, etc. may have a hard time finding an affordable system because
what's being sold in stores today is often much more than they need.
Store salespeople may encourage you to buy the latest and greatest, but a
complete desktop system including monitor, system unit, keyboard, mouse, speakers,
and printer can be found for $500 or less (after rebates).
If your vision is good enough to use a 14" -
15" monitor and your hands are nimble enough to use a more compact keyboard,
a laptop or notebook computer is a nice solution. They cost somewhat
more, but have several advantages: you can use it around the house, it
doesn't need a dedicated desk, it can travel with you, you can play movies on
it (if it has a DVD drive), and if anything goes wrong, it is easy to take in
for repair.
Following
are some general guidelines.
|
System
Unit:
| Processor |
Any of the current processors
being sold in stores or by reputable online outlets will be fast enough for basic home use |
| RAM (memory) |
At least 1 GB (gigabyte) for decent
performance when viewing graphics or multi-tasking...even
more if your budget permits. |
| Hard Disk |
The capacity of today's hard
disks is much more than the typical home user needs. Go with the
smallest available, unless you plan to save many sound or video files. |
| USB Ports |
Make sure a desktop system unit
has at least two USB ports on the front, for easy access, and preferably
at least two more on the back. |
| DVD/CD |
Get a system with a CD
or DVD burner, which will be designated by CD-RW or DVD-RW, or a combo
DVD/CD-RW drive. |
| Software Bundle |
A program such as Microsoft
Works will provide home users with the basics needed needed for word processing,
spreadsheets, simple databases, and more |
| Communication Ports
|
For high-speed internet,
you'll need a built-in ethernet port, USB port, or built-in wireless
network adapter (if you already have a wireless network/router). For dial-up internet access,
you'll need a built-in modem that connects via a phone cord to a
traditional phone jack. |
|
| Monitor:
The system packages for $500 or less will normally
include one of the older-technology 17" monitors. They are heavy,
require a lot of desk space, and consume more power than the new flat
panel LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. If your budget allows,
upgrade to the LCD monitor.
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| Printer:
Again, the system packages for $500 or less will
normally include a very basic but decent color inkjet printer. It may
be just fine for your needs. However, if your budget permits, I highly
recommend getting one of the "all-in-one" units that functions as a printer,
copier, and scanner. Some even have fax capability. It is
so convenient to be able to make a quick photocopy of something, even a color
copy for a reasonable price. |
For advice about your specific situation, please contact us.
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