When we purchase a computer
Computer, with its tremendous popularity plays a vital role in changing the world around.Once unaffordable and unaccessable computer, now has become affordable and accessable to ordinary people. Modern technology and its development have played a major role in producing computers that are affordable and at the same time has retained its utility value for ordinary users.
Today, owing a computer is not a luxury. It has gradually become a necessity owing to the technological developments of the last century. In the market various computer brands are available. IBM, Intel and Macintosh are a few prominent brands among them. The USA and Japan are the leading manufacturers of computers.
The utility value and the price factor go hand in hand while buying a computer. The purchase of a computer involves considerable amount of money. Therefore while purchasing a computer, one should be cautious and have some prior knowledge of ocmputers and its applications
Note, the following points carefully while purchasing a personal computer.
Central Procesing Unit (CPU)
The processor used in a CPU evaluates and controls the efficiency of a computer. Mega Hertz (MHZ) is the unit that denotes the work efficiency of a computer. Higher the MHZ unit, higher is the efficiency and so is the price. Hence, depending on your requirement, opt for a computer with a MHZ unit that best suits your needs.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The software is recorded in the main memory, RAM, which forms a part of the hard disk. RAM is measured in Mega Bytes (MB). The memory can be increased by increasing the number of mega bytes. But it has its limits. An ordinary computer must have 64MB RAM. Among the various types of RAMs available, the Synchronised Dynamic Ram (SD RAM) is considered ideal. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a computer with a SD RAM.
Cash Memory
It is a super speed memory used for increasing the speed of the main memory. Normal measure of cash memory is 256 KB. As we increase the capacity of cash memory we get better performance.
Mother Board
All the above - mentioned items are connected to the motherboard for better performance. It is advisable to have a motherboard with a minimum 100 MHZ speed. This increases the efficiency of the computer.
Secondary Memory
Floppy disk and hard disk come under this title. Floppy disk arrangement is denoted by 'FDD' and Hard disk by 'HDD'.
Monitor
Normal size of a computer monitor is 14 inches. It is available in colour and black and white. The hardware of a screen is availble in various types viz. EGA, VGA,SVGA, etc. and SVGA is considered to be the best. A colour monitor costs substantially more than the black and white monitor.
Key board
Number of keys on a key board ranges from 101 to 106. Normal set of operations require 101 keys.
Printer
Dot matrix, Inkjet, and Laser are the three types of printers available in the market. Dot matrix is the cheapest and Laser printer is the most expensive among the three. It depends on ther user's requirement to choose the one that is best suited.
Attention should also be paid on the video - card, sound card etc. As you gain a basic idea of the technical aspects of a computer, you can select a computer that best suits your needs.