Holiday Computer Shopping Guide!

Confused by all the technological Confused by all the technological jargon and lingo?jargon and lingo?

Processor???

Ram???

Optical Drive???

Wireless Network Card???

Operating System???

Hard Drive???

Wi-Fi???

3G Network???

Gigabytes???

MP3s???

eBooks???

LCD Monitors???

• Learn the basics of what to look for when purchasing computers and electronic equipment.

• Learn how to read and decipher computer and electronic equipment ads you see in the papers.

• Get safe online & in-store buying tips.• Find the right computer for you and

your family.• Find out about the different types of

computers, laptops, and other electronic gadgets.

How can I shop safely online?

How do you tell if the Internet connections are secure?

Many web sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the credit card information that you send over the Internet. These sites usually inform you they are using this technology.

You could also check if the web address on the page that asks for your credit card information begins with "https:" instead of "http:"; if so, this technology is in place.

You see the icon of a lock on the status bar (Microsoft Internet Explorer®).

Other Tips for Online Shopping• Know whom you’re dealing with.

– Check business info. at www.bbb.org/us or at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov

• Know exactly what you are buying.• Check the privacy policy.• Pay with a credit card.

– Most companies give the option to handle transactions over the phone.

• Print records of your online transactions.• File a complaint at www.ftc.gov if misled or deceived.• If the security alerts of Internet Explorer don’t bother you, leave

them turned on.• If you use a password to log on to your network or computer,

use a different password for online orders.

Desktops and Laptops

Basic Computer Terms You Should Know

• Processor• The RAM• Optical Drive• Network Cards• Operating Systems• Hard Drives• Gigabytes• RPM

Processors

• The “brain” of the computer.• Speed, measured in GHz (gigahertz), determines how

quickly it can process information. The higher the speed, the faster the computer will perform.

• Most computer advisors will recommend that you have a dual-core processor.

• Processors with multiple cores can process more data at the same time.

• The lower number of processors the longer the battery life on laptops.

• Intel and AMD are the dominant manufacturers of processors.

Which Processor is right for me?

• Single Core Processors ( Celeron, Sempron, Atom )– Low cost processors best for general web surfing and email. Ideal

for netbooks.• Dual Core Processors ( Pentium, Core 2 Duo, Phenom )

– If you plan to use your desktop or laptop for entertainment like watching videos or playing games.

• High End Processors ( Intel Core i7, Phenom II )– If you're a hard-core gamer or plan to edit high-definition video.

In conclusion: Make note of the type and speed of the processor and determine what is right for you.

RAM (Computer Memory)

• Used to temporarily store data while in operation

• Memory is measured in GB ( Gigabytes)

• Computers with more memory tend to be faster than those with less

• It is advised to have at least 1 GB of RAM but most computers come with 3 GB

• DDR2 (Double Data Rate) is the standard in memory interface.

Optical Drive

• Allows you to read and write CDs and DVDs.• A DVD can hold about 4 GB of data.• Newer formats like Blu-Ray and HD-DVD that allow

you to burn and watch high definition videos or store even more data.

• A Blu-Ray disk can hold a whopping 25 GB in a single layer and 50 GB if the disk is dual layered.

• If you enjoy watching movies on your PC. Make sure you get a Blu-Ray compatible drive.

Network and Wireless Cards

• Network Cards allow you to access the Internet. – Your computer should have an Ethernet port on it.

This port will allow you to physically connect to the internet or your internal network by plugging it into your router / modem.

– Speed is measured in megabits.• Wireless Cards can access the Internet without

a wire connecting you to a router/modem.– Wireless cards are rated by their speed.– The lowest speed starts from A and goes up through

N. You will want to buy a computer with a 802.11G or 802.11N wireless connection.

Operating Systems

• This is the software that makes your computer go.

• There are two main types of operating software: Windows and Macintosh (also known as “Mac”).

• The most updated operating systems are Windows 7 and Snow Leopard, respectively.

Hard Drive

• Where your programs, documents, music, photos, and videos are stored.

• Size measured in gigabytes (GB) and commonly range from 160 to 1,000GB.

• Speed is equally important and is measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute).

• For desktops, make sure it has a 7,200RPM hard drive. For laptops, make sure it has a 5,400RPM hard drive.

Basic Computer Components

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Speakers

• Monitors– CRT Monitors, LCD Monitors, Touchscreen

• Printers

• Scanners

• Webcams

There are 4 main types of desktops

• All-in-One Computers

• Compact Computers

• Full Size Computers

• Gaming Computers

All-in-One

Prices range from $550 to over $3000.

Compact or Slim Desktops

Prices range from $300 to over $1400.

Full Size Computers

Prices range from $250 to over $1500.

Gaming Computers

Prices range from $800 to $3000.

Owners often build computers with new parts over the years.

Laptops

• The only main difference remains portability, size, and price.

• Has a smaller keyboard and monitor. It can be more accident prone and therefore more expensive to upkeep.

• Laptops come in a variety of different sizes.

• Laptops are becoming more and more powerful and functional.

12-13 INCHES

14-16 INCHES

17-18 INCHES

MacBook Pro

Comes in 13, 15, and 17 inch

Netbooks

• Inexpensive and portable with screens that range from 5 to 12 inches.

• Weighing in at around 3 lbs.

• Price ranges from $200-$500.

• Mostly used for Internet use and light word processing.

• Does not play CDs or DVDs.

Laptop or Desktop?

Laptop• Portability• Obtrusive-free • Less Wires• Energy efficient• Great for students on

the go.

Desktop• Affordable• Easier to upgrade• More memory and

space• Multimedia system• Essential for gamers

or movie lovers.

Refurbished Computers

• Refurbishment is the process of maintenance or major repair of an item.

• Refurbished items may have scratches, dents or other forms of cosmetic damage which do not affect the performance of the unit.

• Stores and manufactures sell these computers at a discounted price. Some as much as half the price.

• Many refurbished computers do come with some type of warranty as well as a limited service contract.

• Buyer Beware. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Other Electronic Gadgets

• Portable Music players – IPods, Zune, MP3 players

• Tablets – IPads, Tablet PC, Galaxy S Pad

• eReaders– Nook, Kindle, Sony eReader)

• Video Game Systems– Playstation 3, Ninteno Wii, X-box 360

Portable Music Players

• Come in a range of shapes and sizes, use different types of memory, and support different formats.

• Most support MP3 files. • Not just for music, many can play audio books

and even videos. • Price usually depends how much you can store

on device. It can range from 4gb to 160gb.• For every 5gb you get about 1000 songs.

So 160gb is equal to about 40,000 songs!

Apple iPod Touch (32GB)

Zune HD (32GB)

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (4GB)

Sony X-Series Walkman (16GB)

Apple iPod Nano 2010 (8GB)

Tablets

• A complete computer contained entirely in a flat touch screen.

• Uses a stylus, digital pen, or fingertip as the primary

input device instead of a keyboard or mouse.• Mostly used for surfing the web, viewing pictures and

videos, light gaming, and reading eBooks, magazines, and newspapers.

• Relatively new to the market, therefore, prices are high and bugs are still being worked out.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

As low as $600

Apple IPad

As low as $499 - $829

HP Slate

Price TBD

eReaders

• Primarily for the purpose of reading digital books and periodicals and uses e-ink technology to display content to readers.

• Capable of reading outdoors.• Different eReaders open different files. Not all

ebooks are compatible with all eReaders.• Most eReaders allow access to the Internet

through Wi-Fi or the 3G network.• Download audio books, eBooks, and other

downloadable media for your device from the Chicago Public Library website for free!

Amazon Kindle

$129-$329

Sony eReader

$179-$299

Barnes and Noble Nook

$149-$249

Video Game Systems

• New advancements over the years.

• Play and communicate online via Wi-Fi.

• Store music, video, and pictures on your Video Game System’s hard drive.

• Motion sensor technology allows for more active interaction.

• Playstation 3 allows you to view Blu-Ray DVDs.

Playstation 3

$299

X-Box 360

$299

Nintendo Wii

$199

Have fun shopping!