chapter 3: how to speak geek and make informed purchasing decisions

Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions

Chapter 3:How to Speak Geek and

Make Informed Purchasing Decisions

Computer Literacy


Introduction

• Performance: Speed, Capacity, and Sophistication

• The Right Tool for the Job: Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs

• Other Factors to Consider


Performance Issues

• Three factors affect performance:– Speed– Capacity– Sophistication


Potential Bottlenecks


Performance: Speed

• Measured in hertz– One hertz (Hz) = one cycle per second– One kilohertz (KHz) = 1000 Hz– One megahertz (MHz) = 1,000,000 Hz– One gigahertz (GHz) = 1,000,000,000

Hz

• Typical CPU today runs at 2.5+ GHz


Performance: Capacity

• Hard drive• RAM• Measured in bits and bytes

– One bit = either a 1 or 0– One byte = 8 bits– One kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes– One megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB– One gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB


Performance: Capacity

• Hard drive– Stores OS and programs– Stores data– Used by CPU for temporary storage

• RAM– Used by CPU for running programs


Performance: Sophistication

• Can the processor handle the job?– CPU variations– Video card processor variations

• Branding issues: How can you tell which CPU or card is better?– Web sites like Ars Technica can help– www.arstechnica.com – Look for “Guides”


Choosing the Best Computer for You

• Operating systems

Linux

Macintosh

Windows



• Form Factor– Desktop– Laptop



• Hardware needs– Any computer can handle office tasks– Specialized hardware required for

gaming and multimedia

• Software needs– Bundled software– Essential add-ons


Other Factors to Consider

• Warranty• Tech support• Compatibility with other computer

equipment


Other Factors to Consider

• Recycling


Summary

• Performance: Speed, Capacity, and Sophistication

• The Right Tool for the Job: Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs

• Other Factors to Consider

chapter 3: how to speak geek and make informed purchasing decisions

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