2010

Section 1 (What Can I Do With A Computer):
As a student in this technological era there are many needs I associate with computers. I primarily use my computer to surf the net during which I perform various tasks such as, downloading music, images, and video, making purchases and research for school assignments. My assignments, memos and other important info are normally saved using a word processing program and other mediums of electrical presentation. Hence, my computer needs a reasonable amount of hard disk storage space.
Also, in order to obtain hard copies of the stored digital data I use a printer and the accessories associated with this piece of equipment. Once in a while I am required to create a CD or DVD for school or recreational purposes, also. When wanting to exchange data, and messages, in its digital form with peers I use e-mail software. Usually, I resort to syncing my mp3 device with my music library however; sometimes I will use audio playback software to listen to music. In my spare time I also enjoy playing simple flash games such as, solitaire and free cell.
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Section 2 (What Computer Configuration Do I Need):
1.
HARDWARE:
 LCD Monitor: a unit to display the visuals generated by the computer...composed of thin film transistor liquid crystals
 Wireless Mouse: to initiate and direct different tasks without being restricted to a specific location
 Standard Keyboard: to allow easy input of characters and relatively quick performance
 Wireless Modem: to provide a simple and fast network connection
 RAM: to give the computer space to allocate various programs and a ‘waiting room’ for information waiting to be processed
 HDD: stores data (i.e. files, third-party utilities, programs etc.) in a volatile and permanent manner
 Motherboard: the main circuit board in a computer which houses chips and other electronic components
 CPU: the portion of the computer which does most of the data processing; sort of like the brain
 Microprocessor: an integrated circuit whose main job is to process data
 Video Card: the component which allows the computer to send visual to an external output device
 Sound Card: computer expansion card that helps the I/O of signals to and from an external device
 Optical Disc Drive: a drive used to read and write CDs and DVDs
 Cache: a type of computer memory which has a fast access time for frequently used data
2.
SOFTWARE:
 Windows 7 Operating System: an updated OS used to control hardware
 MS Office: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Publisher, MS Outlook
 Windows Media Player: allows audio playback
 Internet Explorer: a commercial browser
 Itunes: needed to sync ipod with data on the computer
 Adobe: necessary to open the much-used pdf file format
 Antivirus Software: to protect the computer from viruses, worms and other programs that could potentially be harmful
 WinZip: a compressor
3.
ACCESSORIES:
 Colour Laser Printer: prints digital data on paper…ideal for black and white documents
 Speakers: an output device that releases audio
 Flash Drive: a convenient SDD which allows a user to save and transport dat
 Section 3 (What Kind of Computer Can I Afford)
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Section 3 (What Kind of Computer Can I Afford):
Computer #1 Computer #2 Computer #3
Hardware
LCD Monitor
Processor Type
Processor Speed
Touch-Enabled 20"
LCD Display with
Bright view
AMD Athlon II 235e
Dual-Core Processor
2.70GHz
23" Touch screen Not Included
Intel Core 2 Quad 8200 Intel Core i7-860
2.33GHz
2.8GHz
RAM
Cache
USB Port(s)
Pointing Device
Keyboard
Video Card
Sound Card
Operating System
Speakers
4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 8GB DDR3 SDRAM
Hard Disk Capacity 500GB 7200RPM SATA 1TB GP SATA
Optical Drives
2MB L2 Cache
Slot-load SuperMulti
DVD Burner
2MB L2 Cache
8X DVD+/-R/RW
SuperMulti
6 USB Ports
HP Wireless Optical
Mouse
HP Low-Profile
Wireless Keyboard with
Hide-Away Ba
ATI Radeon HD 3200
Graphics
AMD RS780MN
Windows 7 Home
Premium 64-Bit
Integrated High
Definition Audio with
2.0 Sound
6 USB Ports
HP Wireless Optical
Mouse
HP Low-Profile
Wireless Keyboard with Hide-Away Ba
Integrated Intel GMA
X4500HD
AMD RS780MN
Windows 7 Home
Premium
High Definition Audio with 5.1-Channel Audio
Support
8 GB PC3-10600
DDR3 SDRAM (Exp.
To 16 GB)
1 MB L2; 8 MB L3
1 TB SATA
Super Multi
LightScribe DVD
Burner
HP Optical Mouse
HP USB
NVIDIA GeForce
GT230
Intel H57 PCH
Windows 7 Home
Premium 64-Bit
Not Included
Software
Software 1
Software 2
Microsoft Works 9
HP Total Care Advisor
3.2
Microsoft Works 9
3.2
HP Total Care Advisor
Microsoft Works 9
HP Total Care Advisor
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Software 3
Software 4
HP TouchSmart Video HP TouchSmart Video HP MediaSmart
Software Suite
Cyberlink DVD Suite
Deluxe
$999.99
Cyberlink DVD Suite
Deluxe
$1099.99
Cyberlink DVD Suite
Deluxe
$1299.99
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Section 4 (My Choice)
Out of all three choices, I believe that computer # 2 best fits my computer needs. To begin with it is packaged, and resultedly reduces the addidtional effort required to assemble one from scratch. The computer has a very fast processing speed and a sufficient amount of
RAM. These two entities will allow me to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and rapidly.
The terrabyte of hard disk capacity is undoubtedly enough for the data files I wish to save. I can create these documents using Microsoft Works, an application software which consists of a word processing program, spreadsheet program, calendar and more. CDs and DVDs can also be created using the desktop’s internal components and software. The internet will allow me to complete my research, e-mail, play flash games and execute other micellaneous activities. Another perk is the computer’s OS, Windows 7 Home Premium. This computer includes endless features, is available for a reasonable price and consists of everything I need.
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