NCompass Live: Computers: What to Know Before You Buy

Computers: What to Know Before You Buy Diane Wells & Michael Sauers Nebraska Library Commission NCompass Live 4 March 2009

Desktop recommendations

Processor
Intel Core™2 Duo or Core™2 Quad or compatible. Processor clock speed: 2.40 GHz or higher.
CPU Comparisons (from Tom's Hardware)

Operating system
For workstations, the Library Commission recommends Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Ultimate edition.
The 64-Bit version of Windows is a reasonable option. Check your mission-critical software for compatibility issues.
Vista Versions

Memory (ram)
2GB minimum, 4GB if feasible
(more is better, but 32-bit workstations can only fully utilize approximately 3.5GB)

Hard drive
120 GB or larger

Monitor
17 inch or larger LCD

Video
If the workstation will be used for gaming or Second Life, be sure to specify a compatible video card.
Video Benchmarks (Tom's Hardware)
Second Life System Requirements

Sound
Be sure to include speakers and/or headphones as appropriate.
Microphones are not a bad idea any more.

Removable Media
DVD-RW
DVD - Specifications, Terminology, History, etc. (from Wikipedia)
Have plenty of USB ports on the front of the computer.
You really don’t need floppy drives any more.

Media Reader/writer
Provides access to memory cards from cameras and other portable devices.

Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard and mouse may use either PS/2 or USB ports. If you are planning on re-using an existing keyboard or mouse, be sure your new computer includes the necessary ports or adapters.
Note: the same caution applies to barcode readers, trackballs, and other input devices.

Network Card
Gigabit Ethernet card

Printer
Ink-jet or laser printer
[Higher resolutions are better: 600 dots per inch is better than 300 dpi, for example. Higher pages per minute ratings are better: 8 ppm is better than 4 ppm, for example.]
A 24-pin dot matrix print may be required for continuous feed forms.

Laptop recommendations

General considerations
Weight
screen size
battery life (# of cells)
keyboard touch & size
also a bag to carry it in and its accessories.

Wifi
802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n integrated wireless network card.
How Stuff Works: WiFi

Optical Drive
Laptops generally come with at least DVD/CD-RW drives at a minimum; extremely light-weight laptops may not include an optical drive.
Consider having a USB optical drive available for laptops that don’t include one.

Odds & Ends

Support & warranties
Purchasing a technical support agreement is up to the user depending on cost and how much the user feels they will need help.
Warranties are recommended on mobile workstations tend to take some abuse during travel. If you are especially hard on such equipment, check out your options for "no-fault" warranties that will repair or replace your laptop no matter how your laptop was damaged.

Software
The Nebraska Department of Education negotiated a contract for purchase of Microsoft software products with Softchoice located in St. Louis, Missouri. Interested public libraries and school media centers should contact them for pricing and availability.
TechSoup Stock now serves U.S. public libraries . TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits with donated and discounted technology products in the supportive environment of the TechSoup Website. Choose from over 240 products from the 25 providers including Cisco and Microsoft.

Additional resources
NLC’s Purchasing Recommendations http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/comp/ recommend.html
Computer Maintenance & Security Checklist http://www.stls.org/it/computer%20maintenance-new.htm
Computer Maintenance Checklist http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp? tipsheet=78

Any questions?
Michael Sauers [email_address]
Diane Wells [email_address]
800-307-2665

NCompass Live: Computers: What to Know Before You Buy

by Nebraska Library Commission on Mar 03, 2009

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NCompass Live: Computers: What to Know Before You Buy — Presentation Transcript