Buy computers

What we will cover

Types of computers

Parts of Computer

Computer Software

Tips for buying a computer

Computer repair

Learn more about computers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer Types of computers Desktop http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desktop_computer http://www.howstuffworks.com/flash/tower.swf Laptop http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lap_top http://communication.howstuffworks.com/laptop.htm Personal Digital Assistant (aka PDA) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant

Hardware:

Anything physical about the computer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware

Hard Drive

Main storage device for your computer

Has a finite amount of memory

Can have more than one drive

Can be external or internal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_drive

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/hard-disk.htm

Random Access Memory (RAM) Memory for your computer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAM http://computer.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm

Motherboard

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherboard

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/motherboard.htm

Central Processing Unit (aka CPU)

Processes the actions of the computer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question268.htm

Modem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modem

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/modem.htm

Wireless Fidelity (aka wi-fi)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_network_interface_card

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PC_card

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wifi

Internet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm

Storage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optical_disc

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cd-burner.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/floppy-disk-drive.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floppy_disk

Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard is used to type

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_%28computing%29

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/keyboard.htm

Mouse is used to move the cursor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_mouse

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/mouse.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursor_%28computers%29

Peripherals

Anything that you add to a computer ex. printer etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherals

USB port

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/usb.htm

Parallel and Serial

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_port_%28hardware%29

Graphics Card

Runs the graphics on your computer

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/graphics-card.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_card

Monitor

Displays what your computer is doing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/monitor.htm

Printer

Creates a hard copy of what is on the computer screen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_printer

http://home.howstuffworks.com/inkjet-printer.htm

Multifunction Printers have a scanner, fax, and copier built in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multifunction_printer

Software (aka computer programs)

Operating software

Runs your computer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/windows-vista.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_boot

Also can have software for word processing, spreadsheets, photography, internet, and more!

What to look for when considering buying a computer Make a list of all the things you will want to do with your computer. http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20070419/new-pc-hassles/ http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20070503/buying-a-laptop-means-more-attention-to-special-features/ http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20071018/some-basic-features-you-should-demand-when-buying-a-pc/ http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2164581,00.asp http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119386646091078144-DmK3p5zMI5cVEXCJc_ZtVGkSupQ_20081031.html?mod=rss_personal_technology http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20071115/heres-a-mac-faq-if-youre-looking-to-buy-a-computer/ http://www.mrmodem.net/cgi-bin/library.pl?action=view&article=158

Opinions on computers

http://www.epinions.com/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm

Computer Repair

Read manual

Go to manufacturer’s website’s faq or help section

Contact manufacturer of computer, software, or hardware

Do a Google search of the error message

Circuit City (Fire Dog)

Best Buy (Geek Squad)

Data Doctors – also have weekly program on 92.3 fm Ktar on Saturdays @ 12:20

Learn more about computers

Library Books Dummies, Idiots Guide, etc.

Magazines Smart Computing, PC World Etc.

Newspapers Brent Mossberg WSJ every Thurs.

Computer Classes

At Sunrise Mountain Library

Beginning Computers

Dec 6th, Jan 3rd, Feb 7th, and Mar. 6th @ 1:30pm Want to learn how to use a computer? Do a mouse and keyboard scare you? In this class we will learn how to turn on a computer, the names of the basic parts of a computer, computer lingo, how use a mouse and more. No experience necessary. Great for first timers and repeat participants alike.

Basic Internet

Dec 13th, Jan 10th, Feb. 14th, and Mar.13th @ 1:30pm There is so much information and fun to be had on the Internet. Come learn how to get on the information superhighway. Learn what the Internet and World Wide Web are in plain English. Learn how to find sites on the World Wide Web. .Great for first timers and repeat participants alike.

Jan 21st 7:00pm SML Electronic Classroom

Digital Photography

Did you recently get a digital camera? Are you planning on purchasing one? In this class we will learn how to get pictures off of your digital camera, do some fun things with them, including manipulate them, and then put them on the web. Registration Required.

Jan 28th 7:00pm SML Electronic Classroom

MP3 players

Did you recently get a mp3 player or an iPod? Are you planning on purchasing one? Learn about mp 3 players and iPods. We will also learn how to find podcasts, music, and electronic books and get them on to your mp3 player or ipod. Registration Required.