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computers, only certain Apple branded peripherals are compatible. Without an operating system, the computer is nothing but a rather expensive doorstop. If you have chosen an Apple computer it will come with MacOS, a commercial product that only works on Apple computers, is well designed and simple to use, but is not compatible with as many software packages as Microsoft Windows. For IBM Compatible computers you will need to check with your supplier what operating system comes with it. Briefly surmised, the two operating systems that you may have to choose between are: Microsoft Windows, a commercial product, expensive to buy and upgrade but works well, especially the latest version of Windows XP, or Linux, a free or cheap operating system written and distributed by computer enthusiasts worldwide, not compatible with as many software packages as Microsoft Windows. Computers have been connecting to the internet since it was first formed in 1969, so it is difficult for me to say that you need a modern computer to access the internet. However, to view Pitchcare online properly, you need to run a reasonably modern web browser, which in turn will only be possible on


reasonably modern computer. If you are buying a new computer this won’t worry you as new computers will be able to do it all, but for used computers I would recommend nothing past four years old.


method of connecting to the internet. This will be achieved with a modem, and you need to have one. If you buy a new computer, you will be presented with a plethora of options to customise it completely. I’ve looked at the necessities to read Pitchcare online, but there are plenty of extras that you may or may not want. The most popular include:


The last tick on our checklist is a


Already online?


Al’s best of the net:


• Rather than trawl through lots of current affairs websites, read and search through automatically gathered and aggregated news at www.news.google.co.uk


• If you need to travel and don't know the way, the best free online driving directions are available from www.map24.com


• All the BBC radio stations now have “listen again” so you can listen to a large array of radio programmes that have been broadcast in the last 7 days. Look out for “listen again” on www.bbc.co.uk


Speakers, so you can hear your computer telling you things or listen to music on it. Printer, so you can have permanent paper copies of things you look at on the monitor (making them easier to read). Software bundles, the most common of which is an office productivity program, allowing you to write letters, CV’s and family announcements. Finally, TV Tuners, that let you use the computer as a TV and digital video recorder. I’ve not wanted to get too technical here, or too specific, but I wanted to provide some recommendations for what I think you should spend your money on. If you don’t mind the additional expense, the Apple Mini is a very impressive little computer, and very stylish too. For a full system you should expect to pay upwards of £600. If you want to spend less, I suggest a large supplier such as Dell, where £300 should be enough for a full desktop computer system. A desktop for the smallest budget should be available from a smaller retailer for £150 to £200. Ask them to install Linux to keep the cost down. For a laptop, Dell’s Inspiron range would set you back £500. If you need help


first steps, a smaller local specialist computer retailer should provide this service when you buy the computer from them. They may be a little bit more expensive than a large retailer but they will give you good customer service and will guide you through the process of choosing a computer without giving you the hard sell. I hope that I have provided enough


setting the computer up, and some tuition with the


Days OFF!


... or what Pitchcare readers get up to out of office hours


information for you to think about buying your first computer. If you decide to go for it, I’m sure you will not regret it. In the next issue I will tell you about different ways to connect to the internet, and ways to make the most of your time online.


DAVID GOLDSTONE, MD Tower Chemicals - Ever since I left school at 16 I’ve been in chemicals. Tower started in 1984 and I’ve been here since day dot. Being a naturally shy person! it took me some time to adjust to the industry, the characters and, particularly, the socialising, but now I feel totally at home. Likes within the Industry: the people, the constant challenge of being innovative, to see a product working to help solve a problem. Dislikes: committees, apathy, rumours and delayed planes. My quality time is spent with the wife and children, playing golf, going out for dinner and trying to catch up on sleep! On Sundays I am torn between watching William play rugby and Jack play football. I support both my local teams, Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos, and get to games whenever I can. I used to play both sports but now I have to be content with watching. My days of playing are over, except for golf, and some may say they never started! Social time is NOT going on a plane. I travel throughout Europe 3 weeks out of 4 so planes are not my idea of relaxation. Nor is using my laptop or mobile phone. All this modern technology is supposed to save time, not eat it away!


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