BU Y I N G A C OM PU TE R
GLENN DARMANIN
16576793
Table of Contents
Hardware...................................................................... 3
Desktop or Notebook?................................... 3
Mac or PC?........................................................ 3
How much memory? ...................................... 4
How fast?........................................................... 4
How much disk space?.................................. 4
What type and size graphics card? ............. 4
What size screen size? .................................... 4
Other onboard requirements? ...................... 4
New or second hand? ..................................... 5
Buy online or at a local store? ...................... 5
Potential peripherals and accessories? ...... 5
Software .......................................................................... 6
Windows 7 Professional................................. 6
Norton AntiVirus 2010 ................................... 6
Microsoft Office Professional 2010 ............. 7
WinZip 14.5 Standard ..................................... 7
Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard ............................ 7
MYOB Business Basics ................................. 7
Computer budget ............................................. 8
Glenn Darmanin ©
16576793
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HARDWARE
DESKTOP OR NOTEBOOK?
A notebook is preferred over a desktop for the following reasons:
 it is more portable, therefore it can be safely secured at work more easily
 it can be used away from the office, such as at home, or on a plane or in a motel,
which can allow a person to deal with work priorities as/when they occur, even
whilst travelling interstate.
 it can facilitate a better work/life balance, by enabling you to work from home at
times when you need to be working but can’t really afford to take the entire day off
to deal with a personal matter
 a high quality notebook can do everything a desktop computer can do
MAC OR PC?
I prefer PC over Mac for the following reasons:
 a PC is much cheaper to buy than a Mac
 I can more readily get the exact specifications I require for my computer in a PC, as
there is a far wider choice of computers and systems to choose from
 there is a greater selection of compatible software for PCs than for Macs
 more people own PCs than Macs, especially in business, therefore support processes
and networks are stronger and better developed, which is handy if/when my PC
doesn’t perform as it should
 PCs have more compatible accessories than do Macs
 PCs are more upgradeable than Macs
 there are more computer games available for PCs than for Macs
Glenn Darmanin ©
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HOW MUCH MEMORY?
I require a minimum of 4 GB of type DDR3 RAM , in order to operate Windows 7
Professional effectively whilst simultaneously accessing the Internet and operating other
Microsoft programs. DDR3 1600 RAM is one of the fastest types of RAM available.
HOW FAST?
I require an Intel Core i7 processor, type 720QM, operating at or around 2.66 GHz. This
processor is one of the more recent released by Intel and is likely to remain current for some
years
HOW MUCH DISK SPACE?
I require a hard disk with 1TB capacity. Ideally the hard disk should spin at 7200RPM. This
large capacity hard disk will enable me to retain a large number of downloaded and saved
video and picture files which I will require in my work.
WHAT TYPE AND SIZE GRAPHICS CARD?
I require a 1 GB dedicated memory video/graphics card to operate the videos that will be
saved onto my notebook. My preference of video card is either the ATI Mobility Radeon
HD5870 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280M, both of which are extremely powerful and
recent cards.
WHAT SIZE SCREEN SIZE?
A minimum screen size of at least 17” is required, preferably HD LED Backlit. This will
facilitate me using my notebook as my primary computer, with images and information
easier to see and read.
OTHER ONBOARD REQUIREMENTS?
I also require the following to be available on my notebook:
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 Blueray DVD Combo Drive
 VGA out, RJ-45 (NIC), 4 x USB 1.1, HDMI, 1 x eSATA
 LAN and 802.11 b/g/n
 Web/video cam
 Stereo speakers
 1 x SD Card Slot, 1 x Memory Stick Card Slot, 1 x MMC Card Slot, 1 x SmartMedia
Card, 1 x XD Card Slot
 IEEE Firewire Port x 1
NEW OR SECOND HAND?
A new notebook is preferred to a second hand one, because if the notebook malfunctions, a
claim can be made under warranty with the manufacturer. Also, an extended warranty can
be purchased on most new computers for a modest fee.
BUY ONLINE OR AT A LOCAL STORE?
I will probably look to buy via the internet online, as the prices there are typically much
cheaper. This could result in savings for my employer. Alternatively, some of the savings
could be used to purchase other peripherals and accessories.
POTENTIAL PERIPHERALS AND ACCESSORIES?
The following items could also be purchased to assist me to undertake my work:





Cordless/wireless keyboard & mouse
Notebook stand
Combination colour laser printer, fax, copier, scanner
Power surge protector
Spare battery pack (for use when travelling)
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The following two brands of computer have most of the specifications that have been
outlined above:
 HP Pavilion DV7-3105TX; Best online price $2171; Retailer: mwave.com.au
 Toshiba Satellite P500/01G; Best online price $1999; Retailer: wireless1.com.au
However, the following computer has all of the specifications outlined above, plus comes
with a 3 year warranty and computer bag and mouse and headset and Windows 7
Professional:
 ASUS G73JH-TZ008X; Best online price $2499; Retailer: logicalblueone.com.au
The ASUS brand computer is my preferred choice, even though it costs a little more than
the other two notebooks. The terms of the 3 year warranty allow me to have the computer
repaired at a local computer repairer if it breaks down. The 3 year warranty period suggests
to me that this computer is likely to be more reliable than the other brands.
SOFTWARE
The following software will need to be acquired to support me in my work:
WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL
This program comes pre-installed with my PC of choice, therefore there will not be an
additional $ cost involved in acquiring this highly current and effective operating system.
Inbuilt within this program is software that supports internet connection, CD/DVD drive
access and sound operation. It also contains a range of additional security features, such as a
‘Firewall’ to prevent unauthorised accessing of the computer via the internet.
NORTON ANTIVIRUS 2010
This program is needed to prevent my computer from being hacked and/or exposed to
internet borne viruses or spyware which could destroy or inhibit my operating systems
and/or steal personal information from me. A complete virus protection suite can also
reduce the amount of spam email I receive by protecting personal information from being
unnecessarily distributed across the internet. This program is also highly compatible with
Windows 7 and can be purchased (online) from itsdirect.com.au at a cost of $44 and also
from Harris Technology at a cost of $42.
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MICROSOFT OFFICE PROFESSIONAL 2010
This recently released program is required by me to perform all the usual tasks I am required
to undertake in my work, including writing documents, preparing/delivering presentations,
maintaining/storing data and sending/receiving email. This program is highly web
compatible and can fully support the modern day worker. It can be purchased (online) from
Australian Technology Corporation at a cost of $499 and from braeworks.com.au at a cost
of $831
WINZIP 14.5 STANDARD
This program, which is highly compatible with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office
Professional 2010, enables me to reduce the size of files and documents by around 20%, as
well as open files and documents sent to me via the internet in a zipped format. Reducing
the size of a (larger) file or document can reduce the time taken to send this via the internet
whilst also reducing internet usage and costs. This program can be purchased (online) from
the manufacturer, winzip.com at a cost of $36.
ADOBE ACROBAT 9 STANDARD
This program will enable me to open and create PDF documents. PDF is a format used
throughout the world and is often preferred due to the inbuilt security features that can be
attached to a document to prevent unauthorized changes being made by recipients. It is a
particularly useful format for legal documents, such as contracts, invoices or plans. When
used this format also prevents another person from copying/pasting information into
another document. This program can be purchased (online) from buytec.com.au at a cost of
$330 and from einfotech.com.au at a cost of $440.
MYOB BUSINESS BASICS
This program will facilitate the running of my business, as it will keep track of my income,
expenses and taxation obligations and maintain records of my accounts in an appropriate
format for both myself and for my tax agent. This program can be purchased (online) from
itsdirect.com.au at a cost of $156 and from barnsaustralia.com.au at a cost of $158.
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COMPUTER BUDGET
Summary of Proposed Expenditure
Hardware
Supplier
Cost
ASUS G73JH-TZ008X Notebook
Computer
Logicalblueone.com.au
$2,499
Logitech Mk300 Wireless Desktop,
Keyboard & Mouse Set
Mwave.com.au
$60
Adjustable notebook stand
Belkin 8-Way Surge Protector W/
TEL/AV F9G823AU2M-GRY
OTA.com.au
Tammex.com.au
$92
$113
Supplier
Cost
Norton AntiVirus 2010
Microsoft Office Professional 2010
Harris Technology
Australian Technology
Corp
$42
$499
WinZip 14 Standard
Adobe Acrobat 9 Standard
MYOB Business Basics
Winzip.com
Buytec.com.au
Itsdirect.com.au
$36
$330
$156
- Postage
Various suppliers
Total
Software
$173
$4,000
Wishlist
Item
Supplier
Cost
Brother MFC-9120CN Combination
Colour Laser Printer/Copier/Scanner
Penta Group
$555
Spare notebook battery pack
Western Digital 500GB Elements
Portable HDD
AUbattery.com
$84
Binglee.com.au
dicksmith.com.au
$89
$34
Kingston USB thumb drive -8gig
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