Buying a computer of your own ... Part II
Jargon busting
Laptop or Notebook
A computer that can be easily carried around and has an integral battery for ultimate portability. Can easily be used on your lap whilst sat down!
Desktop
A computer that is too large to carry around, has a separate monitor and peripherals. Will make indents in your leg if used as above! Al is pictured with one below.
Hardware
Physical things that make up a computer system, eg the computer itself and the peripherals - the keyboard being a good example
Software or Program
A list of commands that tells your computer to do something, eg Display a picture on the monitor
Operating System
The software that tells the computer how to work. The three main types are currently Microsoft Windows, Linux and MacOS
Pitchcare Online, for those who are Offline
Hello, me again, Alastair, Pitchcare’s Web Developer and IT expert. I’ve been asked to write a simple, concise and informative article to help you read the online version of this magazine, as well as provide tips for those of you who already have experience with this kind of thing. In part one, last issue, I showed you how to get online if you don’t already have a computer of your own. So in part two I’ll be focusing on buying your own computer. I’m not going to pretend that computers are
cheap to buy, unless you decide upon something second hand and old, but ongoing maintenance is usually inexpensive. There are many different types of computer, and an array of options when choosing one. It can be quite confusing, even for someone as geeky as me! I estimate that you would have to spend a minimum of £300 for a new computer. You can buy one from a big electrical retailer such as Comet, Currys or PC World, from a smaller specialist computer retailer, or you could buy through mail order. There are many computer magazines available, and the one that I know is bursting with special deals is Computer Shopper. It’s usually very thick, costs £3.50 and should contain all you need to make an informed decision.
For used computers I would estimate you would need to spend a
minimum of £150 to £200. Newspapers such as Bargain Pages or Loot, local newspaper classifieds are filled with adverts for used machines, or if you know someone that is upgrading to a newer model, they may sell you their old one. However you get a computer, there are some basic things that it needs to have for you to be able to read Pitchcare online. It needs to come with an operating system, be modern enough to be able to run a web browser, and needs to have some method of connecting to the internet. You also need to make sure it comes with a monitor, mouse and keyboard. There are two styles of computer, desktop and
laptop, the only difference being portability. A laptop is designed to be used anywhere (on your lap being a very good place - but not underwater). They are very lightweight, compact and have an internal rechargeable battery. A desktop sits on your desk and doesn’t move easily. Laptops are more expensive because they have to be well engineered and contain more expensive components. Each style of computer can be bought in one of
two types. By far the most popular is the IBM Compatible. The (traditionally) more expensive, but more user friendly option is an Apple. You have to make the decision to have one or the other, but the arguments for and against each are too long to go into here. Which type you choose dictates some other things. Apple computers come with their own MacOS operating system, while IBM compatible computers can use Microsoft Windows or Linux. Software you buy or use will only work with the chosen operating system, and also for most of the Apple
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