Union Technologist #52 January 2001

The most important question to ask is what you intend to use the computer for?

As you determine what you need, it is important not to buy a lot more than you will use up. Because of the rapid developments in technology, the value of your computer drops dramatically in a short period of time. It may be more economical to replace your current computer sooner rather than to buy more than you will use in the next year or two.

Computers need to be used. They will have very little value in four or five years. If you purchase a $1600 computer this year and use it for four years, it will cost you $400 a year. If you purchase an $800 computer and budget it for two $400 years you could then consider purchasing a new computer in two years --when a new $800 computer might have features not even available for the $1600 computer of today.

If you are new to computers and unsure of what you will actually use it for, you might consider an inexpensive used computer to get your feet wet. Once you know what you want, you can make a more informed choice. It is important to buy a computer no more than a couple of years old that runs Windows 95 or 98. Older computers are more difficult to use and will only frustrate a new user. Often you can get a good deal from a colleague.

When budgeting for computers, remember that you will also need to buy software. These are the programs that make your computer useful for specific tasks. As an educator, you qualify for substantial discounts on many software products. Check with an education dealer before purchasing at regular prices. A number of software companies allow you to copy to your home computer the software purchased for the computer assigned to you at school.

Should I buy today or wait for the next model or price cut?

Although large discounts on hardware are no longer offered to educators, you can sometimes save a few dollars by ordering from the educational division of the larger manufacturers. If you will be using your computer for educational purposes, you also qualify for a state sales tax exemption. Be sure to bring a copy of the exemption form with you when you buy your computer. The Union web site has more information.

Will a computer actually save me time?

The computer also allows you to update last year's course material without having to start over from scratch. Computers connected to the Internet allow you to share ideas and resources and make contacts with people you might never have met otherwise. People with a passion and expertise in a topic often enjoy helping others learn about it.

You may also find that you make different choices for the use of your time with a computer. Surfing the Internet may replace some of the time you spend watching television. Using online reference sources might save you from driving to the library and allow you more opportunity to refine your graduate paper or lesson plan.

What features should I look for?

• Processor Speed - this is the brain of the computer and is commonly reported as running at so many MHz (megahertz). This is a way of roughly comparing the speed of the computer. Most computers today are 500 megahertz or higher. Processor design also affects the computer's speed, a Pentium is faster than a Celeron of the same Mhz.
• Internet Connection - Modems allow you to create a dial-up Internet connection using your phone line. A faster DSL or Cable connection needs ethernet capabilities on your computer. Ethernet is also used to create a home network connecting multiple computer together to share a printer or Internet service. (see the October 2000 Union Technologist)
• Monitor - The display will often outlast your computer. These days, a 17" multi-sync non-interlaced monitor is considered standard. Always try out the monitor to make sure you are happy with its image quality. You will be staring at it for many hours to come.
• Graphics/Sound Cards - speed and compatibility are important for games or multi-media creation.
• Inputs - USB is commonly used to connect printers and scanners. Digital video cameras and faster peripherals use an input referred to as either Firewire, i.Link or IEEE 1394. Having some input connectors on the front of your computer saves having to get in back to add or remove a connection. The ability to edit video and audio on a computer is transforming the multi-media field, the way graphic design software transformed the graphic arts field in the previous decade. These capabilities are now practical to improve your family movies.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is used while the computer is running. This memory is cleared when the computer is turned off. Multi-media intensive programs need plenty of RAM to load the graphics and sounds before they can be viewed. Every program that is run at the same time requires additional RAM. The minimum you should get on a new computer today is 64MB (megabytes). An additional 64MB (total 128MB) is a worthwhile investment.
• Hard Drive - stores programs and information until they are used. A new computer today has at least a 10-20 gigabyte hard drive. If you will be doing a lot with video or audio (or installing a lot of games), you should get a larger hard drive and be sure there is space to add a second drive in the future.
• CD/DVD Drives - Every computer includes a CD-ROM drive. Many computers have a combination CD/DVD drive that can play/read both CDs (audio & data) and DVDs (videos & data). Some computers also include a second CD-RW (Read-Write) drive which allows you to make ("burn") your own CDs. Creating a CD is an important means of backing up or transferring your work to another location. Floppies are no longer practical to store the larger files created by new applications. DVD-RAM drives, that allow you to burn your own DVDs, may begin to replace CD burners as prices drop and compatibility is improved.
• Printer - High quality color/black ink jet printers are available for $100 to $200. For typical home use, they are more than adequate. The more expensive ones generally print faster and make color prints that rival photographs.The paper and ink used to print photos can be expensive - you will probably spend more on supplies than you paid for the printer.
• Backup System - If you do not buy a CD-ROM burner, consider a zip drive to backup your work. Zip drives store as much as 70 to 200 floppy disks. Backing up (making a copy) of your work is extremely important - electronics do fail from time to time.
• Portability - A popular computer type is the laptop. These self-contained, battery operated computers can be used almost anywhere. Their main drawbacks are their increased cost and the limitations of compact size. Because they are moved around, they also tend to need more repairs.
• Warranty - Compare length of warranty and whether repair work will be done in your home or you must take or mail the item to a specific location. Most hardware problems occur in the early in the life of a computer or after many hours of use. Salespersons are often under pressure to sell you extended warranties because of the high profit margin for the store. Depending on your abilities and the quality of the original warranty, an extended warranty could still be of value.

This is an update of an article published in the March 1997 Union Technologist. (Check out what has changed in a couple of years!)

updated 12/21/2000