3 E A S Y S T E P S T O B U Y I N G A C O M P U T E R B Y C O M P U T E R M A G I C Clifford L. Williams - Owner 110 Edelen Street Vine Grove, Kentucky 40175-1512 FORWARD It was around July of 1991 when I decided I needed to find out what computers were all about. You see I was like the many people who are, even today, afraid to turn on a computer. I didn't know what a megabyte was. I thought it was taking a big "byte" out of a hamburger. And then there was these things called modems, and drives that are hard and drives that were floppy. Oh yes, let's not forget all the acronyms; you know things like: EISA, PCI, BPM, DPI, MS, SX, DX and DLC, the list was endless. What made the situation worse is, I was about to change career fields and deep down inside my computer illiterate soul I just knew that computers and knowledge of the them were a must in order to get ahead. So, it was then that I decided to get a computer and get computer literate. The first thing I knew I had to do was find out what kind of computer I wanted and what "stuff" I wanted with it. I can tell you with a great deal of confidence that this was not an easy task. I spent hours that turned into days trying to figure out all the jargon, acronyms, terms, and abbreviations, and which feature or peripherals were best. I also had to determine which ones I wanted. After about three months of research and investigation I felt somewhat confident that I was ready to place the order. It was now time to check out the computer market place. Luckily, I was in El Paso, Texas and there was an abundance of computer outlets. However, in 1991 they did very little advertising and unless I took the time to physically travel to each store it was next to impossible to find out what my "dream machine" would cost. The agony and the time consuming process of traveling to each of these stores and repeating the specifications to each and every salesman was not only unattractive, but downright frustrating. That's what caused me to come up with my "brainstorm." I simply typed out the specifications for my computer and mailed them, along with a cover letter, to each and every computer outlet. Now, here is the shocking outcome: I mailed 28 letters to 28 computer outlets and I got a grand total of four replys! That's right only four replys out of 28. As if this wasn't discouraging enough, two of the replys quoted prices for a "clone" (a computer put together by someone or some company which may or may not be a reputable dealer). That left me with two good replies, right? Wrong, one of the quotes had a price tag that only Donald Trump himself could afford (he wasn't in trouble then). Now I was down to one good quote and I can tell you that the individual that put this particular quote together was really a "salesman." Included in the quote were three different machines with the specifications I stated. The most expensive on top, then one a little less expensive was next and then, there on the bottom of the stack, was the answer to my prayers. This quote was exactly one penny less than the maximum price I quoted and still had everything in it my little heart desired. It was now a week or two before Thanksgiving and I was still hesitant to put out $2999.99. Did I make the right choice? Do I have all the right stuff included? Most importantly should I spend that much money. Well, I took the plunge! The day after Thanksgiving I visited the salesman that send me the quote, discussed the order with him, made the down payment and then went home. The next few weeks brought still more anxiety and frustration. I still wasn't sure if I made the right decision. This frustration and anxiety keep building for the next three weeks. Finally, three days before Christmas, I had not heard anything from the store or salesman about my dream machine so, I decided I had to find out what the holdup was. He was considerate and compassionate; he told that most everything I ordered was in and the expected the rest of the order in that day or the next. It was the day before Christmas and all was well! The salesman called me and said he would deliver my machine that afternoon. Again, he was a good salesman! Not only did he deliver it, he set it up, and during the whole process he assured me I made the right choice and did everything he could to insure I did not suffer from post purchase depression. But, I figured that was the least he could do for what I was paying for that machine. All is well that ends well; right? Well this story doesn't end here! It's Christmas day and around one o'clock in the afternoon I turn on my dream machine and I get this message that made me feel I could cause a nuclear reaction if I just touch this computer. After getting up enough nerve to push a button, it still just sit there with that blatantly nerve racking message on it. I was frustrated, I was anxious, and I was mad! I just laid out $3000 for a machine that would just sit there and dare me to touch it. There was obviously nothing left to do but call the salesman on the phone. After all, if my Christmas was going to be ruined, so was his. Again, he was a salesman and, like most public servants, he was a salesman 365 days of the year. Approximately, an hour or so after I called he showed up at the house. He went in to the "computer room", turned it on, turned it off, turned it on, and again turned it off. Then he started to dismantle my 3000 dollar dream machine in front of my very eyes. At that point in time he could have done surgery on me and caused me a lot less pain. A short time after dismantling this computer he looked up and said, "I have some bad news and I have some good news!" He hesitated for a moment and finally told me, "I can't fix it here, but if you bring it in Monday (this was Friday) I can get it back to you in one day. I still thank my wife for being around that day for, if it had not been for her, I would have probably "ate this salesman for breakfast" and told him what to do with "his" computer. Monday finally came and at 7:58 a.m. I was standing at the door with the computer. I left it and told him where he could call me when it was fixed; I was really looking forward to some serious "putin" that night. Yap, you guessed it! He called and said it was going to take another day and that I could pick it up by 5 p.m. the next day. Well, to shorten this part of the story it would suffice to say it was four days before I regained possession of my rightful belonging. Now, all's well that ends well. I can happily tell you that today, three and a half years later I still own that dream machine. Yes, I have upgraded the memory and the hard drive and, I am presently considering one of these new "hi tech" Cyrix chip upgrades. But, it's not the only computer I own! That's right I have two of them now and they are both used extensively; one at home and one at work. Today, I have four shareware programs on the market, I have a 500-page manuscript at the publisher (about to be published) and another 250-page manuscript ready to send to the publisher, I maintained a 4.0 GPA through college (up to and including a Masters degree), I have taught other people how to operate their computers as well as set them up so they could use them with the ease-of-use for which they were intended. Why do I tell you this story? The most obvious reason is to remind you, as most of you know, there are "ups and downs" to any major change in your life. But, when it comes to technology, the "ups" far outweigh the downs. No, I won't try to tell you that technology will change your life like it has mine, but I will tell you it can improve the quality of your life even if you only use a computer to play solitaire (you don't even have to shuffle the cards; the computer does it for). However, the most IMPORTANT reason I share this story is to demonstrate how frustrating the very first step of buying a computer really is. Also, to tell you that there is someone here to help you make this decision and to "double check" your specifications as well as explain to you what all this jargon means. As you read the following pages you will find many choices that are obviously dependent on your present budget. However, it is also important to remember that the evolution of technology in the field of home owned personal computers is no longer a 4-lane highway. It is now a 16-lane highway and increasing as you read this very page. What was suitable for you yesterday may not meet your needs of today. It is for this very same reason that many computers owners are whether to upgrade an old hard drive or monitor OR just scrap it all and buy the machine they have wanted for years. So, keep this in mind when you make your choices. A little more money today may save you a lot of money tomorrow. Another very important point to remember in making your choices is that the one computer that's exactly right for you is a personal choice that is dependent on your exact needs in relationship to how you are going to use your computer. For this reason, we ask you, at the end of the Request For Proposal (RFP) form, EXACTLY what you are going to use your computer for. Please take your time and complete ALL the pertinent blocks. The strategy for finding the perfect PC for you is very simple. First you must determine the highest price you can afford, determine what hardware features you must have and compare the two. Finally, you must decide what corners you can cut without losing any of the main elements you desire. So, let's get started: the first step is to decide what hardware features you want. To make your choices simply follow the instructions on the next page.... Whether you just want someone to assist you in making the "right" decision, "double check" your decision, or assist you in the purchasing process, the procedure is the same. Simply follow the instructions below: HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL: 1.) Print out (or remove) the last 4 pages of this manual--the Request For Proposal Form. 2.) Read through this manual to get a clear understanding of each of the computer components and peripherals (extra stuff) you may want and complete the RFP FORM. 3.) Once the RFP form is complete you can use it to mail to the computer retailers or, if you are short on time, or need assistance, I can get the price quotes for you (a fee is required). That's all there is to it! I have made it as easy as I can. No more research, no more second guessing, and no more doubting yourself. If you desire, I will evaluate your decision based on your needs and make any necessary recommendations to you (a small fee is required). You have the final word about your "dream machine." BUYING A NEW COMPUTER -- ONE PIECE AT A TIME: The 486DX is today's computer dividing line between the computers of today and the computers of yesterday. Even though 386 class machines can run Windows (a multitasking program--two or more programs running at once) and memory management programs the price difference between 386- and 486-class computers is only a few dollars. However, the difference in processor speeds is the difference in an 4-lane highway and an 8-lane highway. In other words, the 486 computer will give you twice as much computing power as the 386 machine. The 286 class machines are just dinosaurs sitting around waiting to find a rest home. Today's high-end computer technology includes the new Pentium (80686) P6 processing chip with it's 5.3 million transistors and 4 processing chips built into ONE chip. It includes dynamic execution and anticipatory instruction analysis. But, as with all things new to a market, the prices are extremely high. It would appear that, at least for the time being, the 486DX2/66 will remain the workhorse of computer power-users. The 486DX/33 will remain the value choice of home owned computer-users. As far as laptop users are concerned, the technology of the 386 will probably stay around for some time yet. The primary reason for this is the low performance expectations and the obvious need to conserve battery power. The 386SL which comes from the 386SX technology includes the necessary features such as power-management and reduced speed in a "sleep mode" to conserve battery power consumption. Before we actually get into a discussion about the different models of CPUs and motherboards, you must understand some basic technical terms in relationship to computers: What's a Bit? Information, within the computer is handle as BITS and BYTES. A BIT is the most basic unit of information in a binary numbering system (a system of numbers having two parts). The term BIT comes from BInary digiT and it consists of two (parts) number--ones and zeros. Computers work entirely with binary numbers (sometimes referred to as binary code). This allows the internal circuits of a computer to be designed to detect and/ or represent one of the two numbers: 1 or 0. These basic either/or, yes/no units of information are called bits. Building a reliable circuit that tells the difference between 1 (represented by high current) and 0 (represented by low current) allows for a design that is easy, more economical, and reliable. What's a Byte? A BYTE (pronounced "bite")is made up of eight contiguous (adjacent, or placed one right after the other) bits. A byte is the fundamental "word" of a personal computer. Storing the equivalent of one character (byte) provides a very basic and understandable unit of measure for computer storage and design. Because a single page of double-spaced text contains about 1,375 characters (letters, numbers, commas, periods, etc.) it would require approximately 1,500 bytes to allow for the spaces, control characters and other information needed to return the page to it's original format. So, you can see that to store many large documents and programs a computer byte count can involve very large numbers. Many personal computers have millions of bytes of memory Well Then, What's Kilobytes and Megabytes? Because computers are designed based on this binary number system the bytes are counted in powers of two. The most frequently used units are KILOBYTE (K), or 2 to the tenth power or 2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2=1024 bytes. You can see that a kilobyte is NOT really 1000 bytes it's actually 1024 bytes. This may seem a bit misleading; however, for those of us who have dealt with the decimal system it provides a nice handle on the measurement of memory and storage in computer design. A megabyte (M) then, would be 2 to the twentieth power or 2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2=1,048,576 MOTHERBOARD \ CPU The motherboard and CPU (Central Processing Unit) serve the same purpose as your brain and neuro-muscular system. The CPU is the brain (the central part of the computer) and the motherboard is the neuro-muscular system. It carries out the instructions from the CPU much like your neuro-muscular system carries out the instructions of your brain. From this you can understand that the CPU (a chip containing over 3 million transistors) is the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF A COMPUTER. It directly affects how fast a computer runs a program, how much memory can be accessed, and just how complex a job can be. The CPU is installed (in a socket) on the motherboard. The MOTHERBOARD is the largest circuit board inside the computer. They are, for the most part, designed to accommodate the CPU installed on the mother- board. Motherboards are designed to accommodate the particular CPU chip that it will have installed. In other words, the more modern and more complex the CPU the more modern and more complex the motherboard. The number-letter combinations used to designate the different types of CPUs may, at first, seem like Greek to the you; however, they are relatively easy to understand. These number-letter combinations merely designate the architecture or the way computers are designed to handle information. 8088 - DESIGN: 16-BIT, BUS: 8-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 4.77 MHz One of the first computers made in 1978 was the IBM Personal Computer, it used an Intel 8088 microprocessing chip (CPU). These 8088s could only process two bytes or 16 bits (1 byte = 8 bits) at a time internally. This simply means the CPU had a 16-bit word length design. However, the external bus, (the pathway along which the computers signals were sent) was only eight bits wide. This bus design meant that this computer required 8-bit peripherals (devices such as printers and hard drives that are connected to the computer and controlled by the CPU). The original 8088 operated at 4.77 MHz, a speed which is now considered to slow for business and professional applications. Later versions of the chip increased its clock speed to 10 MHz and these chips were used in the 8086 CPU. It also had the capability to access 1 megabyte of memory. Although there are hundreds of used 8088s sitting around in homes and pawn shops and can be purchased extremely cheap it is wise to remember that very few computer programs will run on these CPUs. You may be better off to find at least a 80286 which is still relatively cheap, but will run most of today's software programs. 8086 - DESIGN: 16-BIT, BUS: 16-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 10 MHz In 1978 Intel later introduced the 8086 processing chip (CPU). The design was the same as the 8088 except the external bus was designed to accommodate 16 bits which made this computer a full 16-bit word length design. 80286 - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 16-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 20 MHz This microprocessor was introduced by Intel in 1984. It had a 32-bit design, and it was capable of accessing up to 16 megabytes of random access memory or RAM. However, the bus design was 16-bit word length which meant it required 16-bit peripherals. The 80286 also had a sort of split personality. Built into the chip was two modes of operation, a real mode and a protected mode. In its real mode this chip could run DOS programs imitating (emulating) the 8086 CPU, but could only use 1 megabyte of RAM (under DOS the limit is actually 640K). However, under its protected mode, the 80286 could use up to all 16 megabytes of memory but it required a special software program. 80386DX - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 32-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 40 MHz In 1986 Intel developed the 80386DX CPU. The major innovations in this CPU included a 32-bit word length design and data bus structure and the capability to access up to four gigabytes(G) (G=1,000 times 1,000,000) of main memory directly. The 80386, or "386," is fast becoming ancient technology. It is perfectly suited to word processing, but even it is generally considered slow for most applications today. The advantage is, obviously it's price. 80386SX - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 16-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 25 MHz In 1988 Intel developed the 80386SX CPU. This CPU also includes a 32-bit word length design, but the data bus structure was 16-bit. This allowed the use of the many 16-bit peripherals that were made for the 80286. If you are thinking of buying a 80286 computer, you should consider a 80386SX instead. The prices are comparable, and the 80386SX is designed to handle 386 software. SLC OR DLC The term (LC) merely designates a CPU designed for use in a laptop, notebook, or portable computer. The "S" means 32-bit design and a 16-bit data bus structure. The "D" represents a 32-bit design and a 32-bit data bus structure. 80486SX - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 32-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 33 MHz In 1989 Intel developed the 80486SX CPU. This CPU includes a 32-bit word length design, and a 32-bit bus structure. It also has the capability of addressing 64 gigabytes of main memory. It does NOT include math coprocessing capabilities--a separate chip can be purchased to add this function. 80486DX - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 32-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 33 MHz In 1990 Intel developed the 80486DX CPU. This CPU is identical to the 486 SX CPU above except that it has the math coprocessing capabilities. 80486DX2 - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 32-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 66 MHz In 1991 Intel developed the DX2 chip. This CPU is simply a faster version of the 486DX chip. Again, they have the math coprocessing capabilities. This chip uses what is referred to as "clock-doubling" technology. 80486DX4 - DESIGN: 32-BIT, BUS: 32-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 100 MHz In 1992 Intel developed the DX4 chip. This CPU is also a faster version of the 486DX chip and it also has the math coprocessing capabilities. This chip uses what is referred to as "clock-tripling" technology. PENTIUM (80586) - DESIGN: 64-BIT, BUS: 64-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 100 MHz In 1993 Intel designed and developed the 586 chip. It is sold under the trademark "Pentium." The Pentium is essentially two 486DX chips contained in one coprocessor and contains 3.1 million transistors. Although the Pentiums are the current speed demon of today's computer, it is the newest technology. This simply means it is in short supply and it carries the obvious premium price. A price tag that is NOT consistent with the additional performance it provides. PENTIUM (80686) - DESIGN: 64-BIT, BUS: 64-BIT, OPERATING SPEED: 133 MHz In 1995 Intel designed and developed the 686 chip. It is also sold under the trademark "Pentium." This Pentium is essentially four 486DX chips contained in one coprocessor. This computer will deliver superior performance through a technology innovation called "Dynamic Execution." Dynamic Execution is a combination of Multiple Branch Prediction, Dataflow Analysis, and Speculative Execution. Simply put this means the P6 (80686) will look ahead at what steps could be processed, analyze instructions and /or data to create a schedule of instructions, and carry out these instructions based on the optimized schedule. CPU Operating Speed The operating speeds shown above are the fastest speed for which each of these CPUs are designed to operate. Once you decide which CPU you want, you must then decide if you want a slower speed. Most of today's computers are available at speeds ranging from 20 MHz all the way through 100 MHz. However, 25MHz is fast becoming the minimum. Again, speed directly affects the price. If you are going to be using computer programs that require extensive calculations, or graphical animation, a faster machine will make it easier. It almost every case, faster is better. CPU AND Motherboard Compatibility The manufacturer will design and build your motherboard to match the CPU it will use. However, the recent trend, in leu of buying a new computer many computer users are buying motherboards that can be upgraded. If this is of interest to you, than you must insure that the retailer knows you want to upgrade your motherboard sometime in the future. Simply insure the motherboard has a "Pentium ready" ZIF (zero insertion force) socket. This means, when you are ready, you can purchase and install a Pentium chip, change a few switch settings, and you will have a Pentium computer. What type of CPU do you need? Shown below are the various types of CPUs with the applications that generally work the best with each CPU: ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º TYPE º APPLICATION º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º SX º HOME º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º DX º BUSINESS º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º DX2/4 º POWER USER º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º D/SLC º PORTABLE º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ Selecting a CPU As you move from left to right across this chart, CPU performance and cost both increase. Your final decision should be based on your budget and intended application. 80386 80486 80586 80686 SX DX SX DX DX2 DX4 PENTIUM PENTIUM ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ HOME BUSINESS POWER USERS ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ> FASTER ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ> CPU SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Although many 80286 and older computer can be purchased "dirt" cheap it is suggested as a minimum requirement a 80386SX with an operating speed of at least 33 MHz. Also, insure that you can upgrade it using a "clock doubling" CPU chip. The 386 CPU allows more freedom as far as memory management and use. The 386 also will run multimedia and multitasking software programs such as Windows a lot better than a 286. MATH COPROCESSOR Math coprocessors are support chips that perform math computations-- specifically those using binary-coded decimals and floating point calculations--at speeds up to 100 times faster than the CPU alone and software programs can run up to 500% faster. These math coprocessors are designed to work with 80 bits at a time and allow for extremely accurate calculations. The Intel numeric coprocessors (8087, 80287, and 80387) are designed to work with their CPU counterparts (the 8087 works with the 8088, the 80287 with the 80286, the 80387 works with the 80386, and the 80487 is for the 486SX computer). On 386 processors and SX-class 486 computers, you can greatly speed up math functions and calculations by purchasing and installing a math coprocessing chip. This is especially important for computer users who are going to be using CAD (computer aided design) and raytracing art software. The DX-class and Pentium computers have math coprocessors built into them. MATH COPROCESSOR SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS The only reason you need a math coprocessor is to work with very large spreadsheet programs, raytraced or extremely large graphics. If you are not in this category you do not need a math coprocessor. BUS INTERFACE Much of what computers do depends largely on moving data to and from the processing chip and the memory, getting data from the hard drive, and pasting picture and images to the screen. The primary limiter in most computers is the input/output bus interface. The BUS INTERFACE is what determines how your CPU will communicate with peripherals such as hard/floppy drives, printers, etc. Bus interfaces have one primary difference--how many wires they have--the more wires, the faster data can be transferred. The different types available are: XT, ISA, EISA, VESA Local, PCI, and PCMICA. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) LOCAL BUS has twice as many wires as an ISA and four more than the EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture). (Remember more wires -- more data transferred at once.) Therefore, a VESA LB can give you a dramatic 300-600% increase in data transfer. Also, ISA and XT expansion cards will work with a VESA LB, but if you want the increase in speed than you must also use VESA LB cards. An ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus interface will serve most needs quite well. Most computers designed with a VESA LB will have two or three VESA expansion slots and the remainder will accommodate ISA or XT expansion cards. VESA LB will give you the best results if you are going to be working with a large hard disk and/or a graphics adaptor. The PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / by Intel) enforces a mechanical design that is much more restrictive and allows for more expansion slots. The new design of the PCI also gives us some advanced features. These features include supporting multiprocessors and a multitiered approach to a bus. That is why you will find PCI interfaces in most Pentium processor with their two-and four-processor chip designs. PCMICA (Personal Computer Memory Card International) is used mostly for laptop and notebook computers. However, many newer model desktop computers are being designed to use these special credit card sized expansion cards. The most important thing to watch for here is portables whose expansion slots do not conform to this "standard" for expansion slots. If they do not conform to PCMCIA standards then you will only be able to use the manufacturers expansion cards. BUS INTERFACE SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS A VESA local bus is your best bet. A VESA-LB can give you a 300-600% increase in data transfer. However, if you are considering a Pentium processor you should insure you get a PCI (Personal Computer Interface) bus. Quite simply the PCI bus allows mutliplexing or sending data both ways on the bus. This multiplexing ability is also used to transfer 64-bit data and addresses. EXTERNAL CACHE MEMORY This CACHE (pronounced "cash") MEMORY is a special section of extremely fast memory chips known as SRAM chips located on a memory board. On many computers, you can increase the speed by using a second level cache memory board. (The first level cache memory is built into the CPU chip). Generally the more second level memory that is installed, the more cache-hits (information is obtained from the cache memory instead of the hard drive) you will have and the faster the computer will run. EXTERNAL CACHE SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Cache memory will have the most significant impact on a 80486DX2. It is recommended that you have at least 256K of cache memory. Although most of these computers are designed with a 256K cache memory it is advisable to insure they are before purchasing a 80486DX2. Also, it is good to remember that a small cache (64kb) is better than no cache. RAM RAM is nothing more than memory chips / boards inside many computers that temporarily hold data and program information. These chips are called RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is lighting fast compared to a hard drive; however, the CPU still has to slow down to wait for instructions from RAM. There is also another drawback to RAM. RAM is electronic memory and if the power is interrupted, even for a moment, your data and / or information is lost for ever. RAM is the computer's primary "working" memory. It is used to store data and program instructions so that they are immediately available to the CPU (central processing unit). To allow a computer to operate at high speeds, the computer's circuitry must be designed to allow it to obtain needed information from memory directly and quickly. Think of RAM as a checkerboard. Each square on the board holding a byte of data or instructions and, every square has an address similar to a post office box. Since each location has a specific and unique address the CPU can go to that location directly and get the information it needs. For purposes of understanding, consider RAM to be your desktop--the bigger your desk top, the more documents you can have spread out over it. The more RAM you have the more information your computer has to work with at once. RAM is also measured in megabytes (MB) and you can ask for the usual 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 megabytes (see SIMMs below) or if you want to pay a little extra, you can get any number from 1 to 128 depending on the design of the computer you choose. With the development of the "Windows" software program (a program designed to run more than one program at once) and the onslaught of "multimedia" programs (sound and visual) and the upcoming upgrade to the Windows program a good minimum to look for is 6MB. However, it is always cheaper to get it with the computer rather than add more later. The current method of packaging RAM is know as SIMMs or Single In-Line Memory Modules. SIMMs can be purchased in 1Mb, 4Mb, 8Mb, or 16Mb increments. The 4Mb modules are the most common today. There has been a great deal of debate about RAM, specifically: Is more always better? Experts have tested computers using Windows with 4Mb, 8Mb, and 16Mb of RAM. The greatest improvement was realized when they increased the RAM from 4Mb to 8Mb. This increase cut the processing time by more than half. Further increases in RAM only provided minor gains. RAM SPEED RAM SPEED is measured in nanoseconds (ns); it is a unit of time equal to one billionth of a second. RAM chips are manufactured to operate at 60, 70, or 80 ns. As was discussed in RAM memory, RAM is lightning fast compared to a hard drive; however, the CPU must slow down to access RAM. This simply means that if your budget can afford it: the faster the RAM the the faster the CPU can operate. Operating Systems An operating system could be described as the computer's master control program, or the traffic cop that keeps everything flowing smoothly and in the right direction. It also enforces basic rules that all your other programs must follow. The operating system is actually a collection of programs used to manage files (copy, move, etc.), deal with peripheral devices such as printers and to help you control the computer. The operating system also includes basic utilities that can help you create directories, check for disk errors, and prepare disks for use (format). RAM SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS These operating systems will also place requirements on the amount of RAM memory you will need. Different operating systems require different amounts of memory. Also, depending how much you use your computer will determine how much memory you will need. Shown below are the memory requirements for the various operating at various levels of use: ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º OPERATING SYSTEM* º MEMORY REQUIRED (MB) º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º MANUFACTURER º PRODUCT NAME º NORMAL USE º HEAVY USE º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º MICROSOFT º MS-DOS º 2 º 4 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º MICROSOFT º WINDOWS º 8 º 16 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º IBM º OS/2 º 8 º 16 º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ * - see OPERATING SYSTEMS The "average" computer today is being manufactured with 4 MB of RAM; however, a suggested minimum RAM memory would be 8 MB. The average price for RAM (if ordered when getting the computer) is about $50 per MB, that equals about $200 more. If you were to wait until after you had the computer it would probably cost upwards of $75 per MB or $300 AND you would have to pay an installation fee of usually $35 for a total of $335. With the expected release of the new version of Windows (multitasking and multimedia software) and with OS/2 Warp already on the market, 8 MB of 80 ns RAM would be the safest way to go. KEYBOARD 83-KEY OR 101-KEY Generally, there are two types of keyboards: "mushy" or soft touch and regular keyboards. Soft touch keyboards are almost silent when you touch them, and regular keyboards make a "click" when you press the keys. Which type of keyboards you use will obviously depend on your preference. One of the primary differences between the 83-key and the 101-key keyboard is the location and number of "F" keys or function keys. Function keys are simply a quick way of providing computer programs with special commands. The 83-key keyboard has ten function keys in a rectangular block (2 rows of 5) on the left side of the key board. The 101-key keyboard has one row of twelve functions keys across the top of the keyboard. ERGONOMIC DESIGN The recent trend in computer keyboard design has been "ergonomics." This simply means the computer keyboards are designed so that people find them easy and healthful to use. Most ergonomically designed keyboards are 101- key keyboards, but they have a large V-shaped space in the middle of the keyboard and all the keys that are normally used by the left hand are on the left side of the V. The keys used by the right hand are on right side of the V. Additionally, many manufacturers of "ergo" keyboards are placing wrist pads along the entire length of the base of the keyboard. The deciding factor in purchasing one of these keyboards should be the amount of use they will receive. If you are going to be "pounding keys" for hours and hours, you should strongly consider purchasing one of these ergonomically designed keyboards. KEYBOARD SKIN A keyboard is, by most standards, the most important part of your computer when it comes to data input and program commands; it is definitely the most used component. Also, the keyboard is the most "exposed" component of your computer simply because it must be readily available and within reach. It is just this exposure that makes them most prone to accidents such as spilt liquids (morning coffee, afternoon coke, and evening coffee). Most keyboards can be protected from these accidents by a protective skin. The skin is just that, a thin layer of extremely flexible, see-through plastic that feels and acts like a skin. However, because not all keyboards are manufactured exactly alike these skins must usually be purchased from the keyboard manufacturer. If you want to PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT then you should consider ordering a keyboard skin. KEYBOARD SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS A 101-key keyboard is suggested as a minimum requirement. It suits the needs of just about all of the average computer users. If you like the "click" of a typewriter it may be best to order the standard keyboard. As far as the ergonomic design is concerned; if you are going to use the keyboard for one hour or more everyday you should consider an ergo design. MOUSE/JOYSTICK A joystick is a pointing device much like a mouse except it provides a much more realistic control for many games (such as a flight simulator) than a keyboard or mouse. Joysticks attach to the computer using a cable connected to a game port. Most all computers come with a game port. JOYSTICK SUGGESTED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Joysticks are not used for business applications like spread sheets, word processing, or databases. They are used primarily for games. If your primary reason for buying a computer is to play computerized games or you feel you may spend some time with these games it is suggested you get a joystick with your computer. MOUSE Just about every software program written today is mouse "sensitive" (uses a mouse to make program instructions easier to give). Word processing, data base, spread sheet programs and computerized games--they are almost all designed to use a mouse to make them easier and faster to use. Also, operating systems such as Windows and OS/2 makes a mouse essential. A mouse is generally used to replace the very difficult-to-learn key combinations with a much easier "point and click" action. There are almost as many different types and designs of mice as there are users. Many software programs also give you the capability of reversing the mouse button functions for left handed users. However, a review of the basic similarities and differences will help you get the mouse you need. The "basic" mouse is an input device equipped with one or more control buttons, housed in a palm size case and is designed to roll about on a table usually next to the keyboard. As you move the mouse, it relays signals that move the pointer on the screen. The simplest of all mouse functions is to reposition the cursor (on-screen blinking character). You move the mouse pointer to a new location and click the mouse button and the cursor is relocated. You can also use the mouse to choose commands from menus, select text for editing purposes, move objects, and draw pictures on the screen. The mouse was developed to make computers easier to use. Instead of forcing you to memorize long lists of keyboard commands, a mouse allows you to display a menu on-screen. Then you can point to an item on the menu and click the mouse button to execute a particular command. BUS OR SERIAL MOUSE The basic difference between mouse designs is how they connect to computers. A bus mouse is connected to your computer by an adapter card inserted in your computer into an available expansion slot. A serial mouse is connected to an already existing serial port on a computer. If you plan on adding several cards (such as sound, scanner, or modem cards) you should consider a serial mouse since it will save the use of an expansion slot. 2-BUTTON OR 3-BUTTON MOUSE A 2-button mouse will work well with any mouse-sensitive program. A 3- button mouse simply gives you a third button that (depending on the mouse) gives you some added benefits, but it also adds to the price tag. One example of this is the Logitech 3-button mouse, when installed, it allows the third mouse button to be used to "double-click" when using Windows. This simply means that when you press the middle mouse button it is the same as pressing one of the buttons on a 2-button mouse twice. Though this may sound extremely simplistic it can save a lot of time and energy when using a program like Windows. MECHANICAL, OPTICAL OR WIRELESS? There are basically three types of mice: 1) mechanical, 2) optical, and 3) wireless. The mechanical mouse is the cheapest. This mouse has a rubber- coated ball on the underside of the case. Sensors built into the mouse detect the motion and sends the signals to the computer. You can use these mice on just about any surface; however, a mouse "pad" of any type gives the best results. The optical mouse is the next expensive mouse. This mouse registers its position by detecting reflections from a beam directed downward to the special metal mouse "pad." You must have this special pad and you cannot move the mouse off or beyond this pad. The wireless mouse is the latest technology in mouse design. Though there has been a wireless mouse out for three or four years, Logitech has refined and improved the technology. Their wireless mouse has a mechanical tracking device, but the signals are sent to the computer via radio signals. It works on basically the same concept as a remote telephone. ERGONOMIC DESIGN Another recent trend in mouse design in the mouse is its basic shape. Until recently most mice were either rectangular or oval in shape. These shapes are not conducive to long hours of use and many companies have not only realized this, but have changed the basic design to a much more comfortable or ergonomic design. An ergonomic design adds to the price tag of a mouse; however, if you are going to be using a mouse for several hours, it may be wise to consider purchasing a mouse with an ergonomic design. To get the best ergonomic design you need to insure that the mouse you purchase has three basic qualities: 1) a long body and higher back end to fit the shape of your hand, 2) a curve design that works well for the left- handed person as well as the right-handed user, and 3) a thicker middle that will offer more support to your wrist. TRACKBALL A trackball is an input device that generally replaces the mouse. It moves the pointer on the screen as you rotate a ball that is embedded in the keyboard or in a case attached to the keyboard. That is all a trackball does, it moves the pointer. To execute the command you must then push the ENTER button on the key board or a special ENTER replacement button located near the trackball. It does take a great deal of hand-eye coordination to use a trackball. However, a trackball does offer the perfect pointing solution for those who want the functions of a mouse without using as much desktop space. MOUSE MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS Considering the advantages of a mouse and the fact that almost every computer program written is mouse sensitive and easier to use with a mouse it is suggested that you consider purchasing at least a two button "budget" priced mouse. Additionally, if you are going to be using Microsoft Windows operating system you should seriously consider a mouse. The ease of operating Windows and Windows based programs far out weigh the cost. CASE There are three main types of computer cases: portable, desktop, and tower. Your choice of cases is best determined by where in the workplace or home you are going to position your computer, how much you can expand or add on in the future, and how easily it can be serviced. LAPTOP, NOTEBOOK, SUB-NOTEBOOK OR PALMTOP Portable computers include laptop (8-10 lb.), notebook (6-8 lbs.), sub- notebook (2-6 lbs.) and palmtop (under 2 lbs.) computers. Usually the price goes up as the size gets smaller. One exception to this rule is the palmtop computer; however, they are usually extremely limited in their capabilities. Portable cases have the obvious advantage of portability and the disadvantage of little or no upgrade capabilities. Some of these computers come with one or two expansion slots which allow you to extend the capabilities of your computer. You should insure that you know, before purchasing one of these computers, whether they use PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) cards or if you must use the manufacturers expansion cards. PCMCIA is the "standard" for expansion cards and if you must use the manufacturers cards instead you may have to pay more for one of these cards. DESKTOP Desktop designs have been around the longest. Also, they are more popular than other designs, and they cost less than a tower design. The desktop design is ideal for home use, as well as light-to-medium duty business applications. Typical dimensions for this case design are: (HWD) 6 x 21 x 16.5 inches. SMALL FOOTPRINT A small footprint case design saves space, but creates limitations on future expansion capabilities. This type of case design is primarily for home users or an individual workstation networked to a larger server. It can be expanded, but only occasionally. Typical dimensions are (HWD): 6 x 16 x 16 inches. SLIMLINE The slimline case generally has a more attractive case that appeals to home users. Usually this case design cannot be expanded, but they also make excellent individual workstations in an office where they can be networked to a server. The interior is cramped and this makes access to the drive bays and expansion slots (if there are any) extremely difficult. The average dimensions for this design are (HWD): 4 x 16 x 16 inches. DOCKING STATION If you require a full-sized computer and a portable you may want to consider purchasing a docking station, but remember that the portable computer and docking station must be from the same manufacturer. The docking station, aside from keeping the portable's battery fully charged, provides expansion slots, room for extra storage devices such as a CD-ROM, a full-sized monitor and a built-in power supply. TOWER CASE DESIGNS Tower cases are more often found in heavy-duty business applications, but again, they cost more than the desktop. Tower cases also allow for easy expansion since they usually have several expansion slots (places to add in expansion cards such as a modem or sound/VCR card). MINI-TOWER Mini-towers can usually sit on a desktop, but they cost more than a desktop computer. They are an excellent alternative for home power users who have limited desk space and want quick, easy access to expansion slots and drive bays. Mini-towers do have more drive bays and expansion slots than a desktop model. Typical dimensions for a mini-tower are (HWD): 17 x 6 x 17 inches. MEDIUM-TOWER Medium-towers are usually too large to sit on a desk, cost more than a desktop or mini-tower, but again they are usually more ruggedly built and have more expansion slots. They also cost more than the desktop or mini -tower. The typical dimensions for a medium-tower case are (HWD) 20 x 6 x 17 inches. FULL-TOWER Full-sized towers, like medium towers, are usually placed on the floor which makes it difficult to reach various drives and other storage devices (CD ROM, tape backup, etc.). However, they provide the maximum flexibility in expansion and upgrade--they have more drive bays and expansion slots than any other model. The full tower is usually used as a server; because of their size they are not practical for home or office workstation. Full- tower typical dimensions are (HWD): 24 x 6 x 17 inches. EXPANSION SLOTS MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS Although you can not order a specific number of expansion slots because they are based on the actual design of the case,it is important to consider the number of slots available (at least two)if you plan on expanding the use of your computer. It is also important to remember that the larger the case the more expansion slots you will have. A "full-sized" tower or desktop case offers you the most expansion slots at the best cost. Smaller cases will have less expansion slots which will limit your upgrade capabilities. In other words, by staying with the standard "full-sized" case, your upgrade options are maximized while your cost is minimized. MONITOR The monitor and video display card (below) are the second most important part of your PC next, only to the CPU itself, and should be chosen very carefully. Monitors are available in all different types and sizes. The perfect "dream machine" would include a 20-inch monitor and a high-end "accelerator" card; however, the price tag for this setup is usually also a dream. So, for a good, solid "Windows" work station a 17-inch monitor with and a good quality accelerator card are a perfect combination. Server video requirements, on the other hand, can usually be met with a monochrome monitor. The important basic requirements you should consider when purchasing any monitor include: SIZE What do you, as a computer user, do with a monitor? Of course, you look at it! But most people do not even consider this when purchasing a monitor. If you are one of those computer users who are going to be glaring at their monitor for hours and hours it is suggested you spend a little extra money on your monitor. The more expensive monitors will give you a clearer picture, flicker free motion, and sharper colors; all of which is better for your eyes. Also, it can prevent headaches, eyestrain, and possibly damage to your vision. The bottom line is: you communicate visually with your computer through the monitor. The better the quality of the screen, the longer you can look at it before your eyes get tired. The size of the screen will also create or reduce eye strain; generally, the larger the screen the less eye strain and the larger the price tag. Screens are available in a size range from 14 inches up to 21 inches. This includes: 14, 15, 17, 20, and 21 inches. What size screen you purchase should be determined by two basic factors--the work you are going to do with your computer and your budget. DOT PITCH Dot pitch will influence the cost of the monitor you purchase because it determines the resolution of the screen. Dot pitch is simply the size of the smallest dot that a monitor can display on the screen. The size of this dot is determined by a metal sheet with holes in it; it is called a shadow mask. The smaller the hole in the shadow mask the higher the resolution and the higher the resolution the more clarity you will get. The dot pitch range includes: .31, .28, .26, .23, and .17mm (millimeter). Most monitors are available in the sizes stated above and in any of these dot pitch sizes. However, it is important to remember that the larger the screen or the smaller the dot pitch the more expensive the cost. MAXIMUM RESOLUTION Resolution is a measurement--usually expressed in linear dots-per-inch (dpi) horizontally and vertically--of the sharpness of an image generated by an output device such as a monitor or printer. In monitors, this resolution is expressed as the numbers of pixels (dots) displayed on the screen horizontally and vertically. The maximum resolution you can get from a monitor is generally determined by the dot pitch and the size of the monitor; however, there are several software programs available that will change the maximum resolution of a monitor. Some common resolutions available include: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, and 1600x1280 dpi. ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º HOME º BUSINESS º DESKTOP PUBLISHING º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 14 inch º 14 or 15 inch º 17, 19, or 21 inch º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 640x480 º 1024x768 º 1280x1024 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º .31mm dot pitch º .28mm dot pitch º .26mm dot pitch or less º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ This general selection guide may assist you in your selection. MINIMUM REFRESH RATE The minimum refresh rate, simply put, is the frequency with which the monitor is updated or "refreshed". Most experts agree that a minimum acceptable refresh rate is 72Hz (72 complete frames per second)(or higher). Obviously a higher refresh rate will reduce eye strain, but increase budget strain. It is also suggested not to exceed a refresh rate of 90Hz or you may still end up with a "flickering" screen. ANTI-GLARE COATING Some monitors have an etched or coated glass to help reduce reflections. The reflections from light sources such as windows and overhead lighting can make viewing a screen extremely difficult. The anti-glare coating reduces these reflections thus reducing your eyestrain. External "anti- glare" screens can be added to monitors that do not already have an etched or coated glass, but it is better to have the etched or coated glass. TILT AND SWIVEL STANDS Let's face it; all computer users are not built the same and this creates the need for a different viewing angle from one user to another. A tilt and swivel base allows you to change the angle in which you view the monitor and; therefore, will make viewing the monitor much easier. CONTROLS Monitors are built with many controls for such things as brightness, contrast, and so on. You need to insure that these controls are grouped together on a particular monitor, are easy to reach and turn, and are clearly labeled. This generally means that the controls will be grouped together on the FRONT of the monitor, can be easily adjusted and are clearly labeled. MONOCHROME vs COLOR Monochrome monitors are basically black-and-white displays. They produce clear, sharp text that is extremely easy to read. However, they DO NOT produce graphics of any real quality. These monitors can only represent basically three colors--bright, normal and black. Monochrome means one color, and that is what you get--they are available in amber, white, and green. The best monitor to purchase to reduce eyestrain would be a paper-white monochrome monitor. This monitor is basically a black and white monitor and does not permit graphics. If you are only going to be working with word processing or other text-only applications it is the best way to go to reduce eyestrain. An amber monitor also reduces eyestrain, but stay away from green monochrome--it is extremely difficult to focus on green. If you are going to be working with graphics you need to consider buying the best SuperVGA monitor that you can afford. Qualities that you need to request include: a small dot-pitch (.28 or smaller), high resolution (1280 by 1024), non-interlacing, and a large screen (15 inch). DISPLAY Monitors are manufactured either with a concave (rounded) or a flat screen or display. Concave or rounded screens usually distort the quality of the image, whereas a flat display will cut back on image distortion. EPA AND VESA STANDARDS COMPLIANT The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards on energy consumption. A monitor that meets these standards will save you money by using less energy. Like everything else that meets government standards, it will also increase the cost of the monitor. So, it's pay now or pay later! The VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) sets compatibility and performance management guidelines. A monitor that meets these compatibility guidelines will work with just about any computer system and will not create problems if you upgrade later on. MPRII EMISSION STANDARD COMPLIANT Sweden's MPRII standards mandates low radiation emission. If you are going to be sitting in front of your screen for hours on end it would be a wise investment to insure that your monitor meets these minimal acceptable radiation emission standards. MONITOR MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS In choosing a monitor, you should try to purchase the largest, highest resolution, multifrequency display that you can afford. Also, you need to shot for an accelerator card that matches up to the monitor you choose. If you are going to be using "Windows", you need to choose a setup that will deliver 1,024-by-768 resolution with 256 colors. Look for a noninterlaced model with a minimum refresh rate of 72Hz and a dot pitch of .28mm or less. Some other qualities to keep in mind include: MPRII, EPA And VESA standard compliant with a tilt/swivel base and video control panel located on the front of the monitor. VIDEO GRAPHICS ARRAY (Video Display Card) The video graphics adapter card that goes into your computer has but one purpose: to get video data from the computer and convert it from digital bits into a signal (like TV signals) that can be transmitted across wires to the monitor (which then converts the signals into an image the monitor can display). And just like monitors, they come in all sizes, shapes, and price ranges. BRAND If you are planning to do graphics intensive work, then video speed will become an important factor. Consider using a VESA Local Bus motherboard, and specify a video card brand name that will provide the necessary speed, such as Diamond System's Viper Video Card. TYPE Graphics cards come in several different types, but the major types are frame buffer, fixed-function accelerator, or programmable coprocessor. The FRAME-BUFFER CARDS is the oldest, cheapest, simplest, and most common design. This design requires the CPU to make all the calculations for each pixel on the screen and then send that data to the video card. Even though the frame buffer design does have some features that improve computer performance, they are generally slower than accelerators and coprocessors. ACCELERATOR CARDS (chips), on the other hand, recognizes that most proces- sing of display data makes heavy use of specific operations. These operations include drawing lines or line segments, and/or filling portions of the screen with colors or patterns. Accelerators are programmable coprocessors and are designed to take control of video processing from the computer's CPU chip. Because of this proprietary design these accelerator chips can process video data as fast as the CPU itself or faster in some cases. Another side benefit is that the CPU chip is relieved of this task and the CPU chip can process other information. RESOLUTION, COLOR, AND MEMORY VGA cards are available with 256Kb, 512Kb, lMb, 2Mb or 4Mb of memory. 256K and 512Kb cards usually go up to 640x480 (dots-per-inch) with 16 colors, 320x200 with 256 colors. The l- and 2-Mb cards, however will display up to 1280x1024 resolution with 256 colors, or 640x480 with 16.7 million colors available. The 4Mb cards will display 1280x1024 with 16.7 million colors or 1600x1280 resolution with 256 colors. DRAM OR VRAM MEMORY Dynamic random-access memory or DRAM is a memory chip that uses an electrical charge to store memory and; therefore, must be refreshed constantly; hence, the term "dynamic." DRAM chips are the "normal" video memory chips; however, they are single-minded. At any given time they can either read or write, but they cannot do both. This is because they are designed with only one port. Therefore, you have to wait to write new screen data while the DRAM chip is sending the image to the screen. Video RAM or VRAM breaks this bottleneck with a second port, allowing simultaneous reads and writes. Video display cards with VRAM and frame buffers are often times twice as fast as those using DRAM. The major draw- back is they are, twice as expensive. So, your budget will be the deciding factor here. This chart shows how many pixels (dots) are displayed in the five common graphics modes, and how much memory you would need to display images at 16 colors at 4-bit, 256 colors at 8-bit, and 16.7 million colors at 24-bit: ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º RESOLUTION º PIXELS º 16 COLORS º 256 COLORS º 16.7 MILLION º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 640X480 (VGA) º 307,200 º 153,600 º 307,200 º 921,600 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 800x600 (SuperVGA) º 480,000 º 240,000 º 480,000 º 1,440,000 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 1,024x768 º 786,432 º 393,216 º 786,432 º 2,359,296 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 1,280x1,024 º 1,310,720 º 655,360 º 1,310,720 º 3,932,160 º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º 1,600x1,280 º 2,048,000 º 1,024,000 º 2,048,000 º 6,144,000 º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ VIDEO GRAPHICS CARD MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS As a minimum, look for a VGA ACCELERATOR card that mates well with your monitor and will deliver the 1,024-by-768 resolution with 256 colors, and 72Hz refresh rate needed to reduce eye strain and "keep you computing and not waiting." HARD DRIVE The majority of your data will be stored on a hard drive. How much data can be stored, as well as how quickly that information can be retrieved, will depend on three factors: The interface type, the drive capacity, and the access time. Interface Type The type of interface your hard drive uses will determine how fast data can be transferred to or from your disk. The ESDI (Enhanced Small Device Interface) drives are all but extinct and very few companies manufacture them. The most common hard drives available are SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) and IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drives. SCSI interfaces are faster, but IDE interfaces are less expensive and, therefore, more common, especially since using VESA LB on an IDE can push its transfer speed close to that of a SCSI (that is, a SCSI drive without VESA LB--a SCSI with VESA LB, called "SCSI-2" is faster still). Drive Capacity Hard drives come in sizes ranging from 10Mb all the way up through l Gb (1.000 Mb!),although drives smaller than 100 Mb are becoming rare. A 340 Mb hard drive is usually plenty for word processing or a home/family computer, but for database management or graphics intensive programs, a larger drive, such as 420 Mb, might be necessary. It is not always necessary to purchase another disk drive if your current one is getting full. Several companies provide programs that will compress the data on a disk drive and permit almost twice the amount of data to be stored. Some programs, however are not compatible with disk compression. Access Time Access time refers to how quickly a drive can find a program on the disk. Most drives can find a program in 8-20 milliseconds(ms), but the need for a faster drive can become critical when doing intensive disk read/ writes, such as using a database. Also, some programs (like Windows) use disk space instead of computer memory to do large calculations. This virtual memory can slow your computer to a crawl with drives slower than 12 ms. Hardware Cache Simply put, hardware caches are memory chips added to the hard drive disk controller card. These hardware caches are high-end adapters that cost as much or more than the hard disk itself. Hardware caches read ahead outgoing --or short incoming--data requests and stores this data in memory until the drive is free. However, for you as a individual user there is a drawback to this type of cache. The cached (stored in memory) information still has to go across the input/output (I/O) bus which slows down the process. Also, software caches will, in most cases do just as well as a hardware cache, but the cost is dramatically lower for software caches. Software Cache Software caches also enhance hard disk performance. These caches intercept disk read and writes in system memory. During the disk write process, the cache will store write requests in memory until the cache memory is full or until the cache detects a empty clock cycle. When that happens, the cache program hands the information to the drive's device driver, which then writes the information to the disk. The only drawback to this type of cache is the amount of system memory or RAM you have available. If you only have 4Mb of RAM and you are using Windows multitasking program and you have six or more programs open at once it will drastically slow your system. HARD DISK DRIVE MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS If you are looking for a good "budget" hard drive, even using Windows, it is suggested you consider purchasing at least a 340 Mb hard drive with an IDE (Industry Standard Architecture) interface and an average seek time of 15ms (milliseconds). Also, consider a software disk cache program to speed up disk read and write processing. If you are going to be a power user or a network manager and performance will be extremely important to you, or you need a lot of storage and flexibility you should look for a 1-Gb (gigabyte) SCSI-2 drive with an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) interface. Look for average seek time of 12ms (milliseconds). Also, consider a software disk cache program to speed up disk read and write processing. FLOPPY / HARD DRIVE CONTROLLER CARDS (Input/Output, I/O Cards) Deciding which type of I/O card to use is largely determined by what type of hard drive and motherboard you will have. The I/O card is the interface between the hard drive and the motherboard and; therefore, must work with both components. If you will be using an SCSI drive then you need an SCSI I/O card, but if you are going to be using an IDE drive than you must have an IDE I/O card. The important point to remember is if you are going to be using a VESA Local Bus motherboard than the I/O card you use must be a VESA I/O card. You could use an IDE card, but it will not take advantage of the faster VESA speed. FLOPPY DISK DRIVE OPTIONS Floppy disks have been and will remain the mainstay of transferring data, files, programs, and information between computers users and program retailers. Most companies will allow you to chose which size floppy you desire; however, there is a vast array of information already "formatted" for a particular sized disk. In other words, a floppy disk drive is a necessity not an option. What type and size of floppy you decide on is an option. Almost every floppy disk drive available today are high-density drives. These drives are either capable of reading 1.44Mb 3.5-inch or 1.2Mb 5.25-inch disks. They are also "backwards compatible"--they will read the lower density disks as well--720Kb 3.5-inch and 360Kb 5.25-inch disks. You will need the 5.25-inch drive to ensure compatibility with older computers and the 3.5-inch drive to stay compatible with the notebook machines as well as the larger storage capacity of the 3.5-inch, 1.44Mb disk. There are a few 2.88Mb, 3.5-inch floppy drives on the market. These disks may assist in your storage needs, but the "other person" must have a 2.88Mb drive to be able to read these disks and very few computer users have invested in one of these drives. If drive bay space is important to you, you may want to consider purchasing a dual-media floppy drive. This floppy drive has, BOTH, the 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch disk drive built into one drive unit. Prices for these drives are usually ten percent higher than if you purchased single drives, but they do save drive bay space. FLOPPY DISK DRIVE MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS Consider purchasing BOTH sized floppy drives for maximum compatibility with ALL computer media. If drive bay space is critical consider purchasing a dual-media floppy drive. CD-ROM DRIVES CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drives read programs and data stored on removable CD-ROM discs. These discs hold large amounts of information, but they cannot be changed. The discs are plastic, silver-colored platters 4.72 inches in diameter. Although they are designed to last forever, finger marks or scratches can damage the disc's surface. CD-ROM drives are gaining in popularity in the computer world as fast as CDs made vinyl records extinct a few years ago. The disadvantages of CD-ROM players (they are read-only and they are 20 times slower than hard disc drives) are far outweighed by their advantages. These players can be purchased for as little as $200, and one, single 4.72- inch disc will store over 680Mb of data. That translates to over 300,000 pages of text per disc, as well as sound and graphics. The CD-ROM marketing is also growing extremely fast. These marketing agents now offer everything from entire encyclopedias and phone books to home medical references on CD-ROM discs. Also, with the purchase of a small "Windows" utility, a sound board, and speakers, you can play all of your favorite audio CDs on your computer. EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL CD-ROM drives can be installed internally, just like a hard disk drive, or externally with a cable connecting it to your computer. CD-ROMs are controlled externally via your parallel port and a parallel cable, or internally through a SCSI interface controller card. Most sound cards have CD-ROM controllers on them as well, and using a sound card to control your CD-ROM enables you play music CDs on your computer. CD-ROM DRIVE SPEED CD-ROM drives are available in four different speeds: standard single speed with a transfer rate of 150 kilobytes per second (Kbps), double-speed drives have a transfer rate of 300 Kbps, triple-speed drives are 450 Kbps, and the newest models are quadruple-speed with a throughput of as much as 600 Kbps. The double speed drives are the most common and most reasonably priced on today's market. If you know in advance that you will be working with several CDs it would be advisable to consider purchasing a triple- or quadruple-speed CD-ROM drive. DESIGN Some CD-ROM drives are designed to use a disc caddy each time a disc is placed into the drive. Although this may seem like a lot of trouble, the purpose of this caddy is to protect the CD disc surface from scratches and oily fingers. How many CDs and how much you are going to handle your CDs will determine if you need a CD drive designed for using a caddy. If you desire you can purchase additional caddies for your favorite CD titles; however, they usually sell for $11 to $15 each. The other design for CD-ROM drives is commonly referred to as the "drawer" or tray design and is usually a little easier to handle. This is especially true if you are going to be switching CDs frequently. The drawer or tray design is just that, a drawer or tray on which you place the CD disc then close the drawer and the controller takes over from there. The drawer design runs the risk of allowing dirt and dust to get in and disable the drive. Either design works well, but whether you want to be required to place your disc in a caddy or a drawer is the simplest way to determine which design will meet your needs. It may be important to remember that taking a disc out of the caddy, then placing another disc in the caddy may be some what awkward and take a substantial amount of time. DOUBLE-DOOR DESIGN Some CD-ROM drives are designed with double-door door system on them. The primary purpose of having a two-piece door is to protect the internal components of the CD-ROM drive from dust and other contaminants. Where you are going to position your computer in relationship to possible dust or contamination sources will help you decide whether to get this design as an option. CD-ROM DRIVE FORMAT There are several CD-ROM formats; however, there are only three that are personal computer compatible. These three formats are: CD-ROM XA (Extended Architecture), CD-I (CD-Interactive) and Kodak Photo CD. Also some drives may be of a multiformat, or one drive may have a CD-I and CD-ROM XA format. The Kodak Photo CD is the most expensive format to purchase and unless you know your going to be working with CDs that are Kodak Photo CDs it may be wise to forgo this option. CD-ROM drives that are compatible with Kodak Photo-CD, enables you to show your photographs on your computer if you have converted them to Photo-CD, a service available through most photo developing stores. JUKEBOX CD-ROM DRIVES Remember the "good ol' days" when you could walk up to the jukebox and select the record you wanted to play, well, it's back again. Only this time it is part of the new CD-ROM technology. Often referred to as "CD-ROM changers", these jukebox drives provide the best alternative to all-thumbs disc swapping. There is one restriction to the use of these changers--they can still only access or "play" one disk at a time. These changers are available in models that will allow for from 3 to 18 disks to be inserted initially. MPC STANDARD COMPLIANT According to the MPC (Multimedia PC) Marketing Council, a multimedia CD-ROM player must have a minimum sustained data transfer rate of 150 Kbps (Kilo- bytes per second for each speed (i.e. a double speed drive must have 300 Kbps). They must also have an average seek time of one second or less and require no more than 40 percent CPU utilization. The MPC Marketing Council only licenses its logo for complete upgrades and PCs, so, even though you won't see their sticker on the CD-ROM drive it should be on the computer itself. One last point of interest--the Council does not test or certify the products that bear the MPC logo. This means you must take the manufacturers word that the drive is MPC compliant. CD-ROM DISK DRIVE MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS When purchasing a CD-ROM drive it is suggested, as a minimum, to consider purchasing a double-speed drive that is MPC compliant. If you know you are going to be working with, or using several CDs it would be advisable to consider additional caddies if you chose a caddy design or even a jukebox drive to eliminate the need for changing CD discs. Also, if you know you are going to be working with Kodak Photo CDs you need to insure the CD-ROM drive has that format. MODEM The choice you make in relationship to what kind of modem to purchase will have no effect on the operation of your computer. Also, today's communication technology gives you the widest range of choices that has ever been available. You can mix and match your choices of these features and select a modem that matches your needs specifically. A modem can enable your computer to use telephone lines to communicate with other computers. They can be used to pay bills, transfer bank funds, send electronic mail, or use computer bulletin boards which permit you to do everything from book flights to trade recipes. When considering a modem, six factors should be considered: internal/external hardware, protocol, modem speed, modem standard, fax capability, and Hayes compatibility. Internal/External Hardware Modems can be installed inside your computer or outside the computer in its own case. Since the price on each is usually fairly close, the hardware choice for a modem is pretty much up to each user. Internal modems will occupy a card slot, and external modems will tie up a serial port. Internal modems are more popular because there are usually five to seven card slots and only one or two serial ports. However, for those who plan to use the modem occasionally, an external modem would only tie up the port when it is in use. Protocol The very first thing you should understand and decide on is which protocol you will want to use. These modulation protocols are what determines the scheme and speed for your communication sessions and they are the very basis for ALL of your connections. There are basically two types of communication protocols: 1) error control protocols and 2) data compression protocols. Error Control Protocols (ECP) Error control protocols do just as their name indicates: they attempt to control transmission errors. This protocol is important if you are going to be using a transmission speed of 9,600 baud or higher. At this speed even a short burst of noise on the phone line can garble a great deal of data. However, if you are going to send just short electronic mail messages and short files this protocol is just a luxury. Data Compression Protocols (DCP) These purpose of these protocols are also indicative of their name. Data compression protocols will shorten (compress) the data being transmitted by detecting patterns in data being transmitted, code them as short tokens and send these tokens in the transmission translation dictionary. If you are going to be doing some "heavy-duty" communications--transferring large files or using a remote operations program--you will want as much speed as you can get. Compressing transmitted files will obviously add to the overall speed of a transmission. Modem Speed The higher the speed of the modem, the less time it takes to transfer files, mail letters, or communicate data, resulting in less computer time tied up and lower phone bills. The faster the modem, the higher the price. Modem speed is measured in "baud;" common speeds are between 1200 and 57,600, although currently 14,400 baud is the most common. The most common speeds include: 1200, 2400, 9600, 14,400, 16,700, 19,200, and 28,800. Modem Standard Each modem standard has a maximum speed for transferring information. There are three modem standards available. They include: V.22bis, V.32, and V.32bis. However, faster transfer speeds require telephone lines which are "noise" free. On noisy telephone lines, some modems "fall-back" to a slower transfer speed. In other words, the modem slows down the transfer speed to that which the noisy lines and modem standard will allow. The V.32bis modem standard is the only standard that will allow a modem to "fall-forward" or increase transfer speed if telephone line quality improves during a transmission. There are faster modems available, though they are not a set "standard" as of yet, but some time in the near future they are supposed to become a standard. These modems include the V.42 which has error correcting protocols, and the V.42bis which has the data compression protocols. (The V.42 type modems sell for approximately $500.) The modem standards, their corresponding speeds, fall-back and fall forward capabilities and protocols are shown below: ÉÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ» º MODEM MAXIMUM º FALL-BACK SPEEDS º FALL- º º STANDARD SPEED ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍÍËÍÍÍÍÍ͹ FORWARD º º º 24,000 º 12,000 º 9600 º 7200 º 4800 º º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º V.22bis 2400 º º º º º º º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º V.32 9600 º º º º º X º º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º V.32bis 14,400 º X º X º X º X º X º X º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º V.42 28,800 º X º X º X º X º X º X º ÌÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÎÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ͹ º V.42bis 28,800 º X º X º X º X º X º X º ÈÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÊÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍͼ Note: bis modems use data compression protocols and NON bis modems use error correcting protocols. Fax Capability Fax modems can send your document directly to a fax machine rather than another computer. This can be very useful, especially when placing orders, or communicating with people who don't have a computer or modem, but do have access to a fax machine. Fax transfer speeds include: 2400, 4800, 9600, and 14,000. Hayes Compatibility Hayes-compatible modems have a special communication system that enables them to communicate at higher speeds with other Hayes-compatible modems. Hayes is more or less the "standard" in modem communications. A modem that is not Hayes compatible will still be able to communicate with them, but not the higher data transfer rate. For maximum compatibility with software, you should avoid purchasing a modem that uses unusual command sets. MODEM MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS As a minimum you should consider purchasing a Hayes compatible fax / modem card with a 14,400 baud data transfer rate and 9600 fax transfer rate. If you know you are going to be doing a great deal of communications through your modem or fax you should consider purchasing a Hayes compatible fax / modem card with a 28,800 baud data transfer rate and 14,000 fax transfer rate. TAPE BACKUP DRIVE Hard drive "disasters" do happen, and they happen to everyone--sooner or later. These failures can range from one simple, important file, becoming corrupt or being overwritten by a newer version, to a complete and unrecoverable hard drive failure. You must protect against these catastrophes and the only way to accomplish this is backup (make copies of) the files on your hard drive. Tape drives are a simple way to protect your data. If you know you will only have a small amount of files (generally 200Mb or less) that need backed up then you can copy these files to floppy disks using a good backup program such as Central Point Backup. However, if you will have more than 200Mb to backup you should consider purchasing a tape drive. With a tape or disk cartridge drive, you can save vast amounts of infor- mation and store it away from your computer. While tape drives are used almost exclusively for backing up data for safety, disk cartridge drives can be used very easily as portable hard drives, enabling you to transfer vast amounts of information between two computers, or protect sensitive data from prying eyes and theft by simply removing it from the computer when you are not using it. INTERNAL DESIGN Tape drives normally install in your computer where a floppy disk drive would go and connect to the floppy drive controller or they can be connected to their own accelerator expansion card. EXTERNAL DESIGN There are several tape backup drives available that are designed for external use--these units do not have to be installed inside the computer; however, they do have to be connected to the floppy drive controller or accelerator card inside the computer case with the I/O cable that comes with the tape drive. Also, they are usually a few dollars more than the internal designs. TAPE DRIVE INTERFACE Regardless of the design you choose you should insure that the tape drive uses an SCSI interface since it offers the best data transfer rate. Also, "accelerated" expansion cards can reduce the time it takes to backup your files by as much as 50 percent and since the backup process is time consuming, this is a great way to speed up the time-consuming process. TAPE BACKUP If you decide on the tape backup method and you want to backup or restore information, simply insert the tape cartridge in the drive and transfer the necessary data. Tape drives are not useful as an "extra hard drive" because in order to read a file, the computer must fast forward or rewind the tape until it reaches the file. Once the file is found, however, files transfer about as quickly as files transfer with floppy diskette drives. Tapes can store virtually any amount of information--common tape sizes range from 250Mb all the way up to 4Gb (4,000Mb). REMOVABLE DISK CARTRIDGE BACKUP Removable disk cartridges are basically hard drives in which you may remove the disk and exchange it with other disks. They may be obtained in purely magnetic media, magneto/optical media, and purely optical media. Each media type offers different capacity, speed and price range. MAGNETIC DISK CARTRIDGES The least expensive of the removable drives are purely magnetic media. These are essentially hard disk platters in cartridges that can be removed. (The notable exception is the Bernoulli cartridges which uses a specially stabilized floppy diskette.) Magnetic disk cartridges have the fastest access times and are the least expensive, but their storage capacities are usually limited to the 50Mb to 90Mb range. MAGNETO/OPTICAL Magneto/Optical cartridges use a hybrid of magnetic disk and optical technology. They are slightly more expensive and slower than magnetic cartridges, however, they can store slightly more information (120Mb-250Mb) and are usually much smaller physically. (Currently, a magneto/optical drive called the "Floptical" drive reads and writes to 3 1/2" floppy diskettes just like a regular disk drive, but inserting a special magneto/optical diskette will permit you to store up to 160Mb of information.) PURELY OPTICAL For large storage needs, consider purchasing a WORM drive. WORM stands for "Write Once, Read Many." It is vasically a CD drive that permits you to write once to the disk. Once the disk is full, it cannot be reused, changed, or deleted. WORM drives are very slow and the most expensive of the storage media, but they offer storage capacities over 650Mb--excellent for making permanent archives of important information. TAPE FORMAT Basically there are two tape formats available, they are QIC or "Quarter- Inch Cartridge" and DC-xxxx (the once standard Data Cassette). The basic difference in these formats is how the data is placed on the tape. The QIC format is the most commonly used format today. Also, the QIC format will generally allow more data per inch of tape than the standard DC format. TAPE SIZE Simply put, you should insure that the capacity of your tape cartridge is at least the same capacity as your hard drive. This prevents you from having to purchase additional tapes. BACKUP SOFTWARE PROGRAM There are as many backup software programs available as there are tape backup drives. However, some of the important points you should remember when ordering a specific program are: is it "bundled" with the tape drive, in other words, if you buy the tape drive the backup program comes with it. This is usually a good way to save some money for other options. You should also insure that the backup program provides at least a 2:1 data compression ratio. This capability would allow you to put 200Mb's of data on a 100Mb tape cartridge. TAPE DRIVE MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS As a minimum, when purchasing a tape drive backup system you should consider a tape drive with an SCSI interface that uses an "accelerator" expansion card and a "bundled" software program that provides at least a 2:1 data compression ratio and a tape capacity that matches the hard drive capacity you are purchasing. SOUND CARD Computers are capable of playing music, creating sound effects, and even speaking clearly in any language. However, to make it happen, you need a special piece of hardware called a sound card. Sound cards plug into one of the expansion slots inside your computer and once installed, you can attach speakers, CD-ROM drives, microphones, and MIDI instruments. Then your computer can be used to record, edit and play back virtually anything you want. Whether you need a high-end, sophisticated sound board or a lower priced option will depend primarily on the purpose for which you need a sound card. If you want to compose music you should consider a high-end, quality sound board. If you just want to listen to some occasional sound effects or a game you should look at the cheaper alternatives. TYPE Sound cards are available in 8-bit and 16-bit versions. The difference is noticeable. The 8-bit sound is great for sound effects and music, but playing back speech and recorded sounds is much clearer on a 16-bit card. The reason is all sound information is stored digitally, and the volume of every sound is represented by a number. On an 8-bit card, the sound can be played at 256 different volumes. The difference between, say, volume 127 and 126 is noticeable to the human ear. On a 16-bit card though, sound can be played at any of over 65,000 different volumes, and the ear cannot distinguish (very easily) between volume 24,321 and 24,322, etc. DESIGN Stereo will give you the best sound reproduction, but not all sound boards can produce stereo sound. So, it is important to insure that the sound board you request has this capability. Also, insure that the sound card has record and playback capabilities as well as the ability to use speech. Whether or not you decide on a CD-ROM drive it is suggested that you require an SCSI connector for a CD-ROM drive on the sound card, then, if you decide later to add a CD-ROM drive, you will not have to change sound cards. The latest technology in sound boards is the Digital Signal Processor or DSP. The DSP takes the processing of sound away from the CPU which speeds up the process and allows the CPU to do other things. It is also suggested to request a sound board with reprogrammable DSPs. This insures your sound board will not become obsolete so quickly. The last technical point to look for are reprogrammable IRQ (Interrupt ReQuest) settings. The primary problem most computer users have when installing a sound board is the initial configuration settings. The interrupt request settings are part of this initial configuration and they cause the most problems when installed. If the settings are reprogrammable most of the configuration problems can be resolved simply by changing these settings. COMPATIBILITY The only major consideration with sound cards--besides price--is the compatibility of the card. Currently, the most software programs support is offered for "Sound Blaster" and "Adlib" compatible cards. "Roland" is also a common sound card standard, although the trend toward Sound Blaster is growing. Once compatibility is established, any brand name will do--Sound Galaxy, Thunder Board, Gallant Sound, Disney, or anything else. But let the buyer beware--if you want to ensure 100% compatibility, buy the real thing. It will probably cost $10 - 20 more, but one good game with no sound effects will have you ruing the money you saved. MIDI INTERFACE MIDI or Musical Instrument Digital Interface is a standard interface that enables you to connect a computer to a wide variety of musical synthesizers and instruments. Once connected you can than create, edit, store and play- back music from any MIDI keyboard or instruments. SOUND CARD MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS Whether you decide on a high-end sophisticated sound board or a lower priced option should be determined by your intended purpose. A high quality board is needed for composing music and using a MIDI keyboard with your computer, but if you just want to hear an occasional sound effect or video game then you should opt for a lower priced alternative. Other technical points you should insist on include: EXTERNAL stereo AND microphone input jack, an EXTERNAL volume control, and an EXTERNAL MIDI/ joystick connector. Regardless of which type and design of sound board you desire it is suggested to insure it has stereo sound reproduction, record and playback capabilities, speech capabilities, an SCSI connector for a CD- ROM, and reprogrammable Digital Signal Processors and reprogrammable Interrupt ReQuest (IRQ) settings. SCANNER Scanners enable you to enter a photograph, drawing, or page of text directly into a computer and process that information on the screen. Three factors determine the quality--and price--of a scanner: scanning method, color vs, grayscale, and resolution. SCANNER TYPE Scanning method is how the picture is acquired by the scanner. There are three types: Handheld, Sheetfed, and Flatbed. Handheld Handheld scanners acquire data as you drag the scanner mechanism over the page of text or picture to be scanned. They generally offer fair resolution and are relatively low-priced. Handheld scanners do not take up any desk space and can be easily stored out of the way. Handheld scanners also have the advantage of being able to scan things that aren't easily placed on your desk, or things that aren't flat. Sheetfed Sheetfed scanners acquire an image as you feed a page into a slot at one end. They have good resolution and are more commonly used for OCR (Optical Character Recognition - READING TEXT) projects, where large amounts of documents must be entered into the computer quickly. Sheetfed scanners are more expensive than handheld scanners, and only accept images on flat pieces of paper that can be fed into the machine. Flatbed Flatbed scanners look like small photocopiers. To scan an image you lift the lid, place the picture on the glass, and scan. Flatbed scanners offer the highest resolution and sport the highest price tags. Because the lid can be lifted out of the way, objects that are not paper-thin can be scanned, though, they must lie flat on the glass to generate a good image. Computers users that will be using their machine for artwork, image processing, or photograph recording should consider a flatbed scanner. COLOR VERSUS GRAYSCALE Simply put, color costs more. If you buy a color scanner, you can still use it to scan in grayscale. If you do decide on a color scanner insure that the scanner is capable of scanning the original's colors. If you buy a grayscale scanner, realize that some handheld scanners only recognize 32 or 64 different shades of gray. A good grayscale scanner should recognize 256 shades of gray. A good quality color scanner should be capable of recognizing 16 million colors. RESOLUTION Resolution really shows the quality of the scanner in question. It refers to how sharply an image can be rendered. Low resolution scanners make images that look grainy, like a poor-quality fax. High resolution scanners produce images that are clear and crisp, with smooth curves and almost no grain. Hand scanners start at about 150 dpi (dots-per-inch) and high-end flatbed scanners can recognize up to 1200 dpi. 400 dpi (horizontal resolution) is a good, all-round resolution for photos and text, and would be a good minimum to require in a scanner. TWAIN COMPLIANT TWAIN is merely the standard for scanning mechanisms much like Hayes is to modems. It is a standard used to insure maximum compatibility with software programs. Requesting TWAIN compatibility insures your scanner's maximum flexibility for use with software programs. BUNDLED OCR SOFTWARE OCR or Optical Character Recognition (the ability to read text as text and NOT as a graphic) programs come bundled with many scanning mechanisms. A good OCR program gives you the capability of scanning pages of text and import them into your favorite word processing program as text. An average priced OCR program can cost you $300. If it comes bundled with your scanner it gives you a great cost savings and the ability to scan text. SCANNER MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS First, you must decide if you want a color or grayscale scanner. Then you should decide on either a handheld, flatbed or sheetfed scanner. Your intended purpose for the scanning mechanism will be the deciding factor. However, once those decisions are made you should, at a minimum request at least a 400 dpi horizontal resolution, TWAIN compliance and bundled OCR software. PRINTER BLACK AND WHITE PRINTERS Black and white printers come in many different types and styles and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of printers that are available are: dot matrix, inkjet, thermal transfer, and laser. Impact Printer (Letter-Quality) This type of impact printer simulates the fully formed text characters that are produced by a high quality office typewriter. The print technology is basically the same as that of an office typewriter. Most of these printers use "daisywheels" which are printing mechanisms with letters and punctuation positioned on the ends of spokes of plastic or metal that rotate as the printing occurs. You can change fonts (types of print) by changing the daisy wheel. The major disadvantage of the letter-quality printer is that they CANNOT print graphics. Impact Printer (Dot Matrix) This type of printer is the cheapest; however, they are also the slowest. These printers print each character (letters, symbols, graphics, etc.) by pushing tiny pins through a ink ribbon onto the paper. These individual characters are made up of several dots made by the pins and this is what gives them the "dot matrix" designation. Dot matrix printers are also noisy and they are NOT capable of printing in true letter-quality. They do make good printers to use in a educational or family setting. These printers can be purchased with a 9-pin or 24-pin print head. The 9-pin print head is good for very basic word processing. Although most of the 9-pin printers will print graphics, the graphics will be a very poor quality. A 24-pin print head will give you extremely good quality letters and graphics, but not letter quality. Inkjet Printer This type of printer works by "spraying" liquid ink directly onto the paper using tiny dots. Most of these printers are extremely quiet and reasonably fast. The quality of the print is much better than a dot matrix printer and the cost is only slightly more than a high-quality dot matrix printer. This type of printer is ideal for use in a school setting or anywhere a nice looking report is needed. Inkjet printers are not as sharp as a laser, but the quality of print is better than that of a dot matrix printer. The major drawback to most inkjet printers is the cost of the inkjet cartridges and some of these inkjet printers also require special paper which is also expensive. The major advantage is the quality of the color. Inkjet printers such as the original Hewlett Packard PaintJet use special paper which is expensive; however, the quality of the color is extremely impressive. An important point to remember about inkjet printers is the ink will run if it gets wet. Laser Printer Laser printers use a laser beam to transfer an image to a piece of paper. They provide publisher-quality print and high speeds. The draw back to a laser printer is price, although recently their price has been dropping into the personal computer range. Fonts, or types of print, are also a drawback to some laser printers. Laser printers such as the Hewlett Packard LaserJet series use bit-mapped fonts rather than outline fonts that can be scaled to any size. Therefore, lasers that use post-script fonts such as the Apple Laser Writer are more versatile for desk-top publishing (DTP). Most laser printers that use bit-mapped fonts can be upgraded by adding a font cartridge or a internal adapter so they can use post-script fonts. Like the computer itself, printers contain electronic memory called RAM. The amount of memory determines how complex a page the printer can output. A laser printers memory should be at least 2Mb; however, 4Mb is highly recommended. Laser printers are a high-cost printer because they require this memory for efficient operation. The cost and the amount of memory is determined primarily by the density for which they are designed to use. The older models use 300 dots-per-inch (dpi); the more recent lasers use 600 DPI and the newest models on the market use 1200 DPI. The higher the resolution, the higher the cost and the more memory they will require for efficient operation. Thermal Transfer Printer Thermal transfer printers work somewhat like fax machines-they use special heat-sensitive paper to produce print copy. These printers form an image by moving a heated stylus over the specially treated paper. Although these printers are quiet and fast, the major disadvantage is the specially treated paper--it has an unpleasant and waxy feeling. COLOR PRINTERS Color printers come in many different types and styles also, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages just like the black and white printers. The most common types of color printers that are available are: dot matrix, inkjet, and laser. Color Impact Printer (Dot Matrix) This type of printer is the still the most affordable, but the color option will add some additional cost to the printer. They have all the same characteristics as the B&W dot matrix (above). Several of the available color dot matrix printers are designed as black and white and the retailer gives you the option of purchasing a color printing adapter. These adapters change the operation of the print head and allow it to move up and down to the different colors on the colored ribbon. These printers are the most economical to purchase since you can print in black and white OR color. Printers that are designed strictly as a color dot matrix can use only a color ribbon. Color ribbons are a lot more expensive than the standard black ribbon and having the option to print B&W OR color will save you money. Most of your printing will be standard text which uses only black; when you want to print in color you simply remove the black ribbon and install the color ribbon. Color Inkjet Printer Again the characteristics of the color inkjet printer are the same as the black and white inkjet printers (above). The major difference is each printer has two or more ink cartridges--a black ink, and either another cartridge with yellow, red, and blue ink OR three other cartridges with the same yellow, red and blue ink. Also, some inkjet printers require specially coated paper to bring out the color in the ink. Standard paper absorbs too much ink and the resulting print job appears very "jagged" and faded. The cost of the ink cartridges and, if needed, special paper is usually very high. Cartridges usually run from $15 to $30 and the paper can cost between $20 and $30 for 250 sheets. A lot of printing with an inkjet printer can mean a lot of money. Color Laser Printer These printers are the latest in printing technology. They have the same characteristics as B&W lasers except they print color. However, they are the absolute high-end in quality and cost as far as printers are concerned. The technology and the special color toners all add to the cost of purchasing and using this type of printer. Also, most all of these printer require the printing drum to be replaced after a specific number of copies. These drums are extremely expensive. If you want color and quality and can afford the purchase price and maintenance fees color lasers are your choice. PRINTING SPEED Printing speed is measured in PPM or Pages Per Minute, or by CPS Characters Per Second. The higher the value, the faster the speed, although the complexity of a particular page will affect this speed. In other words, if you are printing a page with several graphic images the printing will be slower than a page of text. PPM and CPS usually refer to pages with pure text, so keep this in mind when selecting a particular printer. Also, the higher the PPM or CPS the more the printer will cost. This is especially true with laser printers since they would require more memory for higher page-per-minute outputs. DOTS PER INCH The quality of output you get from printers is measured in "dots-per-inch" or dpi. The higher the number, the more detailed and better quality output. Generally, 300 dpi is acceptable for office output or high quality home use. 150 dpi is usually acceptable for normal home use. The dpi generally available in today's printers include: 150, 300, 400, 600, and 1200 dpi. INTERFACE Printers are available in basically three different interfaces--serial, parallel, or Ethernet for networked printers only. A serial printer is connected to the already existing serial port. To use a serial port a MODE command must be issued to the printer each time you turn the system on. Although this is not a major problem, doing other things with this type of printer such as issuing a command to compress the print size can be a problem. Serial printers are not very commonly used because of the disadvantages they create. Parallel printers are the most commonly used printers. This is due primarily to the ease with which they can be installed and used. The parallel printers are connected to the computers parallel port. The only reason for purchasing a serial printer would be the absolute need to place the printer MORE than 15 feet from the computer itself. As the length of a parallel cable increases the risk of "crosstalk" (interference between parallel wires). An Ethernet interface is only for printers that are connected to a network. EMULATION There are probably as many different types and models of printers available on the market as there are computer users. This creates many problems for computer users and software program designers. To use a particular printer with a specific program there must be a "printer driver file" (a simple computer file that allows your printer to work with a program) with each program. These printer driver files are usually designed by the printer manufacturer and distributed to the various program distributors. If they do not come with a specific program you purchase they can, sometimes, be obtained from the printer manufacturer. However, often times these printer drivers are not available from either the printer manufacturer nor the program developers. This is exactly why it is important to insure that your printer will emulate (pretend it is) another model of printer. Dot matrix printers most common emulation is that of the EPSON printer family and lasers printers most commonly emulate the HP LASER. It is extremely important that, when purchasing a specific printer, it will emulate another printer to avoid many compatibility problems between programs and printers. PRINTER MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS The type of printer you choose will be entirely dependent on the specific purpose for which you purchase the printer. However, as a minimum, it is suggested you insure that it will emulate the EPSON if it is a dot matrix printer and the HP LASER if it is a laser printer. Also, if you decide on a laser printer it is suggested that you strongly consider a 4Mb memory. NETWORK CARD If you have more than one computer, or are planning to have, you will often face the problem of having software on one machine that you need on another. One solution is to trudge back and forth from one computer to the other clutching stacks of floppy disks (the SneakerNet). Another is to install a network--a baffling web of cables connecting your computers and enabling PC's to share hard disk drives with one another. Local area networks or LANs are used to connect computers together in one small physical location such as one office or building. A WAN or wide area network is used to connect computers in a large geographical location. Networking--the Cons Think hard before you buy--installing a network is not a Sunday afternoon project. It requires planning, patience, and a little bit of "know-what- you're-doing." Networks cards are often incompatible with other pieces of hardware or software. Installing cable for the network is also time- consuming and puzzling. If you enjoy a challenge, give it a try. Also, for every computer installed in a particular network you must purchase the appropriate network hardware and cables. This usually includes a network adapter card (an expansion card specifically designed for adapting the computer to a network) for each computer and sufficient cable to attach the cards to the network. Networking--the Pros Although the cons are considerable, the pros of a network almost always out weigh them. Many vendors, such as LightSpeed Micro, sell computers with networks "Pre-installed," saving you the hassle of doing anything more than connecting them together. Also, in a business situation, a network is nearly essential, because a database of inventory, clients, etc. could be kept on one computer and updated from all the computers on the network. Networking also increases communications by means of electronic mail or email. Common email features include "auto-replies", time and date "stamps" and the ability to forward mail to more than one person at a time. Networking also allows several computer users to share just one printer to reduce costs. Other peripherals such as modems and scanners can also be shared on a network. The use of passwords on a network can insure that only authorized people are using the computers on a network. Do I really need a network? Before buying a network, think about how many computers you need to connect. If it's just two machines, consider using a linking program such as Microsoft's INTERLINK (Which comes with MS-DOS 6.0 and higher.) The draw- back to INTERLINK and other linking programs is that it is not a true network--if you want to transfer files, both computers must stop what they are doing and transfer the files, and the computers have to be close enough to each other to connect a data cable between them-usually less than 25 feet. If you want to access files without the other computer stopping to transmit for you, then consider a true network. Network Types While networks are available in many brands, cabling systems, and even radio-wave communications, networks still basically boil down to two types: Client Server and Peer-to-Peer. Client/Server Networks Large networks are usually set up as Client/Server networks. In a C/S network, one computer is dedicated completely to managing the network. This computer is called the file server, and contains all the software and data used by the computers on the network. The other computers, called clients, access the programs and data of the file server. This system is handy when networking many computers together, and also when changes in data made by one computer must be immediately updated on all the other computers, such as changing an address in a customer database. However, networking less than 5 machines together would probably be more efficient with a Peer-to-Peer network. Peer-to-Peer Networks The other type of network is called a Peer-to-Peer network. In a P/P net- work, there is no file server. Each of the computers in the network has full access to all the drives in all the other computers. This is extremely useful with small networks, and can actually be used effectively with as many machines as you want--as long as you can remember which machines hold what data. Database maintenance similar to that of a client/server network is still possible, but all the database programs on the network must be configured to use the database on one computer's hard drive and not keep their own private records. Network Compatibility Many networking systems exist, and if you want to add a computer to an existing network, you must ensure that the network interface card (NIC) you purchase is compatible with you're existing network. Two common network systems are Ethernet and Novell's NE2000. Check your existing network and then purchase accordingly. Network Hardware Networks require two pieces of hardware to work: Connecting cable and network interface cards. Network cards install in each machine that will access the network (or be accessed by it), and these cards must be connected to each other via connecting cables, usually resembling telephone wire. "No-Hardware" Networks If you want to establish a simple network and don't want to spend a lifetime stringing wire and tinkering with compatibility, consider purchasing a "no- installation required" network kit. These kits plug into one of the ports on the back of your computers--you don't even have to open the cases-and you then simply connect the network plugs with a piece of telephone wire. One company currently offers a money-back guarantee if you cannot install the network in under five minutes. The draw back of this ease is speed-or rather, lack thereof. Fully installed networks tend to run 10 to 50 times faster than "No-Hardware-Nets." INTERFACE AND CONNECTOR TYPE Ethernet, is clearly the worldwide standard for installed networks. There are more Ethernet networks installed worldwide than any other system. So, our discussion of LANs will center around Ethernet network installations. What type of LAN you are going to set up will depend primarily on the type of network interface card (NIC) you choose. The network interface card will also dictate the type of wire and connectors you will need to use. Therefore you must first decide on the type of network interface card (NIC) you are going to use. THICK ETHERNET As its name implies, Thick Ethernet, or ThickNet runs over a cable which is approximately one-half inch in diameter. The thicknet is required for networks which are going to connect workstations which are located long physical distances apart. Attachments made to the network bus (main) cable use either "vampire" taps, a clamp-type device that punctures the cable and makes contact with the center core without requiring a splice. If a physical splice is required then you would use N-type connectors. Each network bus cable attachment has a small transceiver, a small device that provides the interface to the thick Ethernet cable. It connects to the NIC with a drop cable, also known as a transceiver cable. THIN NET The second type of Ethernet also has the facetious name of "cheapernet." Thin Net, actually RG-58 coaxial cable, is very much like the coaxial cable used for cable television, but slightly smaller in diameter. Devices designed to work with Thin Net typically connect directly to the cable with a T connector and a BNC fitting. BNC connectors are small bayonet-type connectors. In the PC world, virtually all Thin Net interface cards have an on-board transceiver to eliminate the need for the relatively expensive transceiver cable and external transceiver. LATTISNET The third semi-de facto standard for Ethernet provides a method that allows standard unshielded twisted pair (UTP) telephone wire to handle the Ethernet transmission rate standard of 10 megabyte-per-second. The Lattisnet uses a device called a concentrator connected to each NIC, which makes Ethernet function like a traditional Star-type network ( a network where ALL work- stations are connected directly to the file server which reduces wait time). NETWORK MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS The methods of installing a network discussed here, though extremely common and a well accepted standard throughout the world may not be the best way of networking your computers. It is suggested, as a minimum, to get an experts opinion on the best and most economical means of networking your workstations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION There are as many uses for a computer as there are users and to get the computer that meets your exact needs it is important to know what those needs are. Generally, all the uses you come up with can be included in the following categories: BUSINESS Appointment scheduling, time management/scheduling, client contact management, employee management (including records, attendance, evaluations, job descriptions, work schedules and employee handbooks). Also, business plan development, developing business forms, maintain safety records / accident reports, and designing employee certificates. All of these applications require specialized software programs and basic processing power. CAD/CADD Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Design and Drafting is basically using the computer and a computer-aided design program to design a wide range of industrial products, ranging from nuts and bolts to modern homes. CAD programs are used in the architecture, civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and interior design fields. These programs require huge amounts of processing power, costly, high- quality software programs, huge amounts of memory and hard disk space. COMMUNICATIONS Communicating with other computer users, clients and companies, through electronic mail, computerized ("home") shopping, fax services, information searches, file transfers to and from online information services such as Compuserve, Prodigy, and America Online. Also, advertising, distributing information, playing games such as chess, paying bills, filing taxes over the phone lines. All of these functions require a modem, a communications program, and basic processing power. If these functions are going to be done on a consistent basis a high-speed modem and basic processing power is required. DATA BASE A database is any collection of information. Some of the more common "paper databases" that you see and use everyday includes: phone books dictionaries, recipe cards, television guides, and baseball cards. Electronic databases are used to keep track of records and information. This can include: keeping track of inventories, payrolls, invoicing, or just about any other collection of information. Creating and maintain mailing lists. Using the standard tools in a database program you can target your mailing list to specific groups of people, for example those who are over forty years old. You can also use a database to analyze information. Some examples are: which product lines are losing money, or which employees are selling more. You can use this information to make quick and accurate decisions. "Over- the-counter" database programs for home use require basic processing power and are priced relatively inexpensively. Large database programs and relational database programs that can take information from two or more databases are powerful, expensive and complicated and need a lot of processing power, large amounts of hard disk space and large amounts of memory. DEVELOPMENT Development activities are primarily oriented to computer programming. However, it also includes developing software program solutions through the use of "macro" key strokes (recorded key strokes that can be replayed by a specific program). Macros are used in most of the major word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. Macros can be used to design menus, carry out specific actions within a program, and, generally, make a program much more user friendly. The programming portion of development includes programming solutions to computer and computer software problems. Writing batch files (files that computers will execute) to create menus and get computers to do many things much easier and make the operating system much more user friendly. Development also includes writing solutions and full scale programs in computer languages such as BASIC, C, FORTRAN, VISUAL BASIC and many more. Specialized computer program software, large amounts of hard disk space, large amounts of memory and large amounts of processing power are needed for programming activities. DESKTOP PUBLISHING Desktop publishing functions are carried out through the use of either large scale word processing programs or specialized "publishing" programs. These activities include developing camera ready copies of flyers, brochures, newsletters, business cards, pamphlets, booklets, books, advertisements, reports, and many other published items. Desktop publishing activities using large word processing programs require large amounts of memory, hard disk space, and processing power. Desktop publishing using specialized publishing programs need only basic processing power. EDUCATION/CAI Educational functions could include any of the other applications discussed. For example you may be trying to learn how to use a CAD program or you may be teaching the CAD program. If your educational uses include any of the other application stated here review them for the system and program requirements. Education can also refer to your use of the computer to get through school or college. If this is your primary reason for purchasing a computer you will need the obvious word processing program to complete the many written assignments you will have. Also, depending on what field your education is in you may need other requirements. For example if your are taking computer programming in college you would need to review the Development activities explained above. The last portion of educational uses are those functions that deal with Computer Aided Instruction (CAI). Computer Aided Instruction merely refers to using the computer to allow students to learn a specific subject. This type of instruction has been growing in use over the years and is now used in businesses as well as the home. This purpose will require specialized computer software, a high quality word processing, a graphics presentation program and basic processing power. ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment has its price. If you really want to be entertained by your computer you must include: playing games, recording and composing music, working with photographic type programs (still and moving), listening to music, and drawing. There are as many hobbies and entertainment uses for a computer as there are computer users and the more specific your purpose is the easier it will be to determine what your needs are. Most of these uses will require extremely specialized software programs, several will require a good-quality sound board, and some will require a CD-ROM drive. If your purpose is sound or graphically oriented, you will need huge amounts of hard disk space and memory. Also, if your entertainment needs involve graphics you will need good processing power. MULTIMEDIA Multimedia is a combination of text, graphics, sound, animation and video that is becoming extremely popular. Computers come equipped with the visual media (screen). To add another media, such as sound you must add a sound board. To expand on the visual media you must add animation and video. The last medias, text and graphics, require specialized software programs. Multimedia programs are used primarily for entertainment and/or education. There have been a multitude of CD-ROM discs released lately that are oriented to education and entertainment. The primary purpose of multimedia is to add a little realism to what is being presented to the computer user. Let's face it reading about the gorillas in Africa is one thing, but to hear the growls that they make is a whole other story. Multimedia programs require a good quality sound board, a CD-ROM drive, large amounts of hard disk space and memory, and multimedia programs. If you want to develop multimedia programs you will need a high-quality sound board, CD-ROM drive, huge amounts of hard disk space and memory and extremely specialized software programs. NETWORK/SERVER This purpose is a very specialized purpose. Computers that are linked together to share data, information and peripherals can save some money since they share peripherals such as printers and scanners. However, experience has taught us that, rather than each network user having their own "private copies" of information and data files, it is best to use one computer as a server where all files are maintained. A network/server setup creates the need for network interface cards and the cable needed to connect the interface card as well as specialized network software to allow the computers to share information and gain access to the network. If you are going to use one computer as a server you will need one computer with gigabytes of disk space and huge amounts of processing power to push the files around on the net. SPREADSHEET Before the electronic spreadsheet, calculations were tedious and time- consuming. If you changed just one piece of information, all of the calculations on that worksheet had to be redone. With the electronic spreadsheet, the computer does all the calculations for you. Electronic spreadsheets can help you organize data, perform calculations and analyze the results. They are faster, more efficient and produce less errors than manual worksheets. Electronic spreadsheets automatically recalculate results when any data changes. Spreadsheets can be used for financial reports and tracking personal financial information to include balancing your checkbook, following your budget, comparing your investments, and doing your taxes. Electronic spreadsheets can help you create graphs to visually illustrate relationships between different items. They can also do "what-if" analysis which will let you look into the future by changing data on your spreadsheet. Spreadsheet programs can be as simple as a personal tax or budget program or as complex and large as a corporate accounting program. Aside from the specialized spreadsheet programs you will need hard disk space to accommodate the size of the program and basic processing power. For the larger programs you will need more disk space and large amounts of memory for the analysis and calculations. WORD PROCESSING Word processors are the 90s equivalent of "souped-up" typewriters. Compared to a typewriter, a good-quality word processor produces better quality documents with more accuracy and in a lot less time. Using a word processor you can enter text, edit it by cutting and pasting words, sentences, paragraphs, pages and even multiple pages. You can spell check your documents, save them and print them. Today's word processors even profess the ability to "read" your document and highlight possible mistakes. Word processors can be used for desktop publishing (above), to generate home and business letters, generate and maintain mailing lists, reports and manuals. Good quality word processors allow you to add page numbering, create indexes and outlines. They also allow extensive use of colored and black and white graphics, and attractive large, small and colored typefaces in your documents. A good quality word processing program such as Word Perfect or Word for Windows require about 30Mb of hard disk space and 6 to 8 Mb of memory. Word for Windows requires the Windows (multitasking) program already installed on you computer and it takes the same 6-8 Mb of memory and 30 Mb of hard disk space. Both of these programs will run on a 386 processor, but they will work much better on a 486 class machine. WHAT DO YOU NEED? Now take some time and write down all the uses you have for a computer. Then "lump" them together into categories by placing tick marks beside each of the following categories: ___ business ___ CAD/CADD ___ communications ___ data base ___ development ___ desktop publishing ___ education/CAI ___ entertainment ___ multimedia ___ network/server ___ spread sheet ___ word processing One of these categories will emerge as your primary purpose, the one with the most tick marks beside it. However, any other categories with marks beside it will be your secondary uses. Again, it is important to know what you are going to be using a computer for so that it has "all the right stuff." OTHER CONSIDERATIONS! UPGRADE ABILITY Today's computer are designed one of two ways: they can be upgraded to a better computer OR they can't. This can be compared to buying a car that is manufactured so that the engine cannot be replaced when it wears out. It would not make sense to put out large amounts of money on a car that was built like that. It is no different with a computer. Computers that are designed to be upgraded will advertise this point. They will say: "upgrades available", "upgrades available with the purchase of a system", "upgradeable to...", "Pentium ready", "Pentium Overdrive Processor upgrade available", or "upgradeable to Pentium Overdrive Processor". If you don't see it DON'T BUY IT! Today's racehorses in the computer world will be tomorrow's workhorse and the next day...well, probably obsolete. If this sounds far fetched let me remind that the day I bought my newest computer, it was the third fastest in the world. One year later, it is seventh in line. When you are going to invest the amount of money it takes to get a good quality computer it is best to safeguard that investment, so when the time comes and "the engine wears out" you can simply replace the engine. WARRANTY This is another investment SAFEGUARD. As with any item you buy, you want to make sure the manufacturer is going to "stand behind their product." A good warranty will cover the free (excluding labor and shipping) replacement of any defective part for one year. A better warranty will cover the same for two years or free replacement including onsite repair or labor for one year. The BEST warranty will cover free replacement and onsite repair for three years. 800 TOLL FREE SUPPORT This selling feature should last at least one year. However, you will find excellent companies today that offer lifetime toll free support through technicians that can connect to your computer through a modem, diagnose your system to include your configuration files, make any necessary changes, transfer any needed files and have you "up and running" in minutes; even if it's ten years after you bought the computer. Lesser companies offer toll free support as long as you are buying something from them. Once you have purchased the item, whether it be a computer or component, you must then pay for any support calls. Again, it is strongly suggested to avoid these companies. OPERATING SYSTEMS This is probably the most controversial decision you will have to make concerning purchasing a computer. There are basically three camps as far as operating systems are concerned. There are those that support DOS (Disk Operating System) by Microsoft. There are those that relish the new multi- tasking graphically interfaced operating system known as Windows. However, there are also those select fewer that do not want anything other than their OS/2 Warp (Operating System 2) which supposedly puts you into warp drive. There are many advantages and disadvantages to all three of these systems and some of them will obviously influence you as a computer user. A detailed look at all three operating systems may help you decide which one is right for you. First, we need to understand what an operating system is and what it does. An operating system is the computer's master control program, or not unlike a traffic cop at an intersection that keeps everything flowing smoothly. It enforces basic rules that all other programs must follow. In other words, your computer will not compute without an operating system. The operating system is a collection of programs to manage files (move, copy, delete, etc.), check for hard drive errors, and format disks (prepare them for use), and allow you to use peripherals such as printers, scanner and so on. Generally, the operating system allows you to control your computer and it controls how a program interacts with you. Also, all programs you install on a computer such as a word processing program looks for the operating system files. When a program inputs and outputs data it does so under the control of the operating system. The programs you install must be purchased for the type of operating system you are using. So, if you decide to purchase Word Perfect and you only have DOS on your computer you will have to get the DOS version of Word Perfect. When you first turn on a computer, the operating system checks to insure that the computer's internal devices, electronic memory, and peripherals are functioning properly. Following these tests, the operating system loads itself into memory. MS-DOS MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) is, by far, the most popular personal computer operating system. It has been around since the very first personal computers where sold. However, To use this operating system you must type in commands at what is referred to as the "command prompt". This command prompt is basically an empty screen with a few symbols on the screen that will look like: C:\> or A:\>. You are required to type in commands to perform any function or to start a program. Until recently, these commands had to be memorized which is what made this operating system so difficult to use. Within the last few years Microsoft has been working hard to eliminate this problem by adding the ability to type in a command with a question mark, such as COPY/? and it would reveal all the command switches (i.e. /A, /B, /V, /Y) and an explanation of how to use them. Also, Microsoft has developed and greatly improved an easier way to use its commands. This method is called the MS-DOS SHELL and it is basically a text oriented interface with menus, options, and commands pre-printed on the screen. To use them, all you have to do is "click" on them if you have a mouse or use keystrokes to highlight a specific command and press the "ENTER" key on the keyboard to execute them if you do not have a mouse. So, obviously a mouse will make this operating system, as well as all others, a lot easier to use. Like all shortcomings, someone is always sitting around and waiting to take advantage of them. Well, the shortcomings present in the MS-DOS operating system are no different. Many computers users and software developers have developed programs, mini-program, and utilities to overcome the problems with MS-DOS. Some have went so far as to completely replace it. PC-DOS is an example of one of these replacements. Disadvantages Some of the major drawbacks to the MS-DOS operating system is its severe limitations in the area of multitasking (running more than one program at the same time), its lack of a graphical interface (icons or small pictures that represent a specific program or function) and, as already mentioned, the requirement to memorize commands unless you use the DOS shell. Advantages Some of the advantages include the price (it costs the least of all operating systems), if requested, it comes already installed on your computer, the large number of utilities and programs available that work with MS-DOS and these programs generally cost less than the equivalent programs for other operating systems. WINDOWS Windows is also developed by the Microsoft Corporation, but it is an operating system that works WITH MS-DOS. In other words, to use Windows you must also use MS-DOS. The primary selling point of this operating system is the extreme ease of use and the powerful features that are not available with DOS. Windows is, among other things, a true multitasking operating system. It is designed to allow you to have many programs running at the same time. This operating system also allows you to run programs that are designed to run only with the MS-DOS operating system. Icons, which can represent files, programs, or functions, are used as a graphic interface. An example would be a picture of a clock--when you want the time you simply click on the clock icon and it "pops" up with a real time clock. Icons are all organized within windows (a box framed in with the name of that bos or "group" of icons at the top of the box. Some examples include: "My desk top", "Communications", "Word Processing", and so on. These windows can be moved around on the screen, they can be "sized" (made large or smaller), and opened and closed as desired. Also, the color scheme of the windows can be changed to your liking. This allows you to set up your "desktop" in what ever manner you desire. Disadvantages Windows is not without its drawbacks. Price is one of them--the newest version (referred to as Windows 95, sometimes called "Chicago"), to be released in 1995, has reported an anticipated cost of approximately $250. The amount of memory it takes to use Windows is another disadvantage. It takes at least 4 Mb of memory to just use it, 6Mb to make it work better, and 8Mb to make it "sing", and memory costs money. For effective use of this operating system you need a mouse which adds even more to the cost of using it. Advantages Some of the major advantages to using Windows include: its ease of use, its consistency in appearance (all windows programs function generally the same, i.e. keystroke combinations all do the same thing from program to program), DOS programs can be run from "inside" Windows, and Windows can, by request, be pre-installed on your computer. Also, they can program your computer so Windows will start when the computer is turned on. OS/2 and OS/2 WARP IBMs OS/2 (Operating System 2), and its newest version OS/2 Warp is extremely similar to Windows. It is a graphical interface that uses "windows" and icons. The "windows" can be manipulated the same as in the Windows program and OS/2 can run DOS and Windows programs. Also, all OS/2 programs have the same appearance, pull-down menus, and keystroke combinations. OS/2, as reported by some present users, is far superior to Windows because of its multitasking capabilities, the large number of extremely useful applications and utilities such as a chart maker that ships with OS/2 Warp, and and it is ideally suited for mission-critical applications. Disadvantages OS/2 does of some drawbacks. If you want to use a CD-ROM drive with OS/2, it must be OS/2 compatible. Also, installation of this operating system is a complex operation. Many computer advertisers suggest you have an "expert" install it. OS/2 will work on a 386 based PC, but they "strongly recommend" a 486 based computer. It also has the same memory requirements as Windows. It will work with 4Mb, 6Mb is better, and 8Mb will make it "sing." Advantages Price is actually an advantage in the case of OS/2 Warp. It is advertised for approximately $80, yet this operating system offers a more stable environment than Windows, it offers access to the INTERNET, a chart program, and other features not offered by Windows. OPERATING SYSTEM MINIMUM SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS Although the advantages and disadvantages of each operating system has been explained along with a synopsis of each, it is strongly suggested that you ask one of your local computer retailers to give you a demonstration of each operating system. This demonstration will better equip you to make an intelligent decision about which operating system(s) you desire. However, regardless of which one(s) you decide on, if you get them preloaded on your computer, always insure that you receive the original program disks. PRELOADED SOFTWARE Software that is already loaded on your computer when you receive it is referred to as "preloaded software." It has been a major selling point of many computer retailers. Price ranges for preloaded packages have ranged from the requisite DOS and Windows for free up to software and CD "bundles" that, if purchased separately, would cost as much as $900. If there are specific programs that you have heard about or are familiar with and desire those programs, it would be wise to "bargain" with a computer retailer for those programs. Regardless of whether you bargain, or a set of programs comes with the computer you purchase it is strongly suggested that you INSIST on getting the original disks. PRICE RANGE The last determination you must make before sending out your RFP (Request For Proposal) is a price range. Your particular budget will serve as the primary factor influencing this decision. Although many retailers offer financing, financing will increase your actual cost, but it will lower monthly payments. If you decide to finance a computer purchase it is strongly suggested that you find out ahead of time what the finance charge and interest rate will be. Many of the computer retailers will charge a higher interest rate than credit card companies such as VISA and Master Card would charge. So, approach this option with caution and understanding. One method of understanding how much a new computer will cost with specific options is to obtain a copy of a personal computer magazine such as: PC Magazine, PC Computing, PC World, PC Shoppers Guide (an excellent source for price checking and inexpensive), or Windows Sources. Compare these prices to what you have determined as a workable price range to see if you are somewhere "in the ballpark." STILL NOT SURE? As I stated in the introduction, buying a computer can be a mind boggling decision. Even after extensive research and study and 30 RFPs you may make a decision that was not in your favor. If you still need assistance in: - reaffirming your decision,* - double checking your "dream machine" specifications,* - suggestions for improvement,* - or someone to mail out your RFPs ($49.95) *=$9.95 then give us, at Computer Magic, a call at 1-502-877-0575, ask for Cliff. If you have a fax, you can send your questions or RFPs to us at the same phone number. Also, you can send them to us via Compuserve Information Service attention: Clifford L. Williams CIS user ID# 76066,3566 or you can mail your questions, comments, or RFPs to us at: COMPUTER MAGIC ATTN: RFPs 110 Edelen Street Vine Grove, KY 40175-1512 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Name: Address: Address: Phone (voice): (fax): Business Name: Business Address: Business Phone (voice): (fax): The following are the specifications I desire: ___________________________________________________________________ MOTHERBOARD: Brand: ___ generic ___ other: ________________________________ ___ 386SX-19 ___ 386SX-25 ___ 386DX-33 ___ 386DX-40 ___ 486SX-25 ___ 486DX-33 ___ 486DLC-40 ___ 486DX2-50 ___ 486DX2-66 ___ 486DX4-75 ___ 486DX4-100 ___ other: _____ ___ P5/60 ___ P5/66 ___ P5/90 ___ P5/100 ___ P6/133 ___________________________________________________________________ MATH COPROCESSOR: Brand: ___ Weitek ___ Intel ___ Other: ________________ Type: ___ 387SX ___ 487SX ___________________________________________________________________ BUS INTERFACE: ___ XT ___ ISA ___ EISA ___ VESA LB ___ PCI __________________________________________________________________ EXTERNAL CACHE MEMORY: ___ 64kb ___ 128kb ___ 256kb ___ 512kb ___________________________________________________________________ RAM (MB): ___ 1 ___ 2 ___ 4 ___ 8 ___ 16 ___ 20 ___ 32 ___ 64 ___ 128 ___ other:____ RAM SPEED: ___ 60ns ___ 70ns ___ 80ns __________________________________________________________________ KEYBOARD: ___ 83-key ___ 101-key ___ ergonomic design ___ skin __________________________________________________________________ MOUSE/JOYSTICK: Brand: ___ generic ___ other: ________________________________ ___ joystick ___ mouse ___ serial ___ bus ___ 2-button ___ 3-button ___ mechanical ___ optical ___ wireless ___ ergonomic design ___ trackball __________________________________________________________________ CASE: ___ laptop ___ notebook ___ sub-notebook ___ desktop ___ small footprint ___ slimline ___ docking station ___ mini-tower ___ medium tower ___ full tower ___ expansion slots: ___ 2 ___ 3 ___ 4 ___ 5 ___ 6 __________________________________________________________________ MONITOR: Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _______________________ Size(inches): ___ 14 ___ 15 ___ 17 ___ 20 ___ 21 Non-interlaced dot pitch at max. resolution: ___ .17 ___ .23 ___ .31 ___ .26 ___ .28 Max. resolution: ___ 640x480 ___ 800x600 ___ 1024x768 ___ 1280x1024 ___ 1600x1280 ___ other:__________ Minimum refresh rate: _____ Hz (72Hz min.) Antiglare coating: ___ yes ___ no Tilt stand: ___ yes ___ no Swivel stand: ___ yes ___ no Front controls: ___ yes ___ no Color: ___ yes ___ no Display: ___ flat ___ concave EPA and VESA Standards Compliant: ___ yes ___ no MPRII Emission Standard Compliant: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ VIDEO DISPLAY CARD: Brand: ___ generic ___ other: ________________________ Type: ___ ISA ___ VESA-LB ___ PCI Resolution: ___ 640x480 ___ 800x600 ___ 1024x768 ___ 1280x1024 ___ 1600x1280 ___ other:__________ Max. colors: ___ mono ___ 16 ___ 256 ___ 32k ___ 64k ___ 16M ___ 16.7M Memory type: ___ DRAM ___ VRAM Memory amount: ___ 512k ___ 1MB ___ 2MB ___ 4MB ___________________________________________________________________ HARD DRIVE: Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _______________________ Interface: ___ IDE ___ ESDI ___ SCSI Size: ___ 150MB ___ 170MB ___ 210MB ___ 250MB ___ 340MB ___ 420MB ___ 540MB ___ 1.2GB ___ 1.7GB ___ 2.0GB Access time: ___ 11ms ___ 12ms ___ 13ms ___ 14ms ___ 15ms ___ 17ms ___ 20ms ___ 25ms ___ 30ms Hardware cache: ___ 256Kb ___ 512Kb Software cache program: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ HARD\FLOPPY DRIVE\CONTROLLER (FDD\HDD): Brand: ___ generic ___ other: ________________________ Type: ___ 8-bit IDE ___ 16-bit IDE ___ SCSI ___ SCSI2 FLOPPY DRIVE OPTIONS: dual-media drive: ___ yes ___ no ___ 5.25: ___ 1.2MB ___ 360k ___ 3.5: ___ 2.88MB ___ 1.44MB ___ 720k ___ Serial (COM 1 & 2): ___ Printer port ___ Game port ___________________________________________________________________ CD-ROM: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _________________________ Type: ___ internal with SCSI interface card ___ external with SCSI interface card and parallel cable Speed: ___ single-speed ___ double-speed ___ triple-speed ___ quadruple-speed Design: ___ caddy ___ drawer or tray ___ double-door design Format: ___ Kodak Photo CD ___ CD-I ___ CD-ROM XA Jukebox drive design: ___ yes ___ no MPC standard compliant: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ MODEM: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _________________________ Type: ___ data ___ data/fax Design: ___ internal ___ external ___ PCMCIA Protocol: ___ error correcting ___ data compression Data transfer speed: ___ 1200 ___ 2400 ___ 9600 ___ 14,400 ___ 16,700 ___ 19,200 ___ 28,000 Fax transfer speed: ___ 2400 ___ 4800 ___ 9600 ___ 14000 Modem standard: ___ V.22bis ___ V.32 ___ V.32bis ___ V.42 ___ V.42bis Hayes compatible: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ TAPE BACKUP DRIVE: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _______________________ Design: ___ internal ___ external Interface(SCSI):___ floppy controller ___ accelerator card Backup method: ___ tape cartridge ___ magnetic disk cartridge ___ magneto/optical cartridge ___ optical cartridge Tape format: ___ QIC ___ DC Tape size: ___ 120MB ___ 250MB ___ 2.4GB ___ 4.0GB Backup program(with 2:1 data compression): ________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ SOUND CARD: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _____________________ Type: ___ 8-bit ___ 16-bit ___ 32-bit Design: ___ stereo ___ mono Record/playback: ___ yes ___ no Speech Capability: ___ yes ___ no SCSI CD-ROM port: ___ yes ___ no Reprogrammable DSPs: ___ yes ___ no Reprogrammable IRQs: ___ yes ___ no Compatibilty: ___ Sound Blaster Pro ___ Sound Blaster ___ Ad-Lib MIDI Interface: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ SCANNER: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: ___________________________ Type: ___ hand held ___ sheetfeed ___ flatbed Design: ___ color ___ grayscale (B&W) Resolution: ___ 150dpi ___ 300dpi ___ 400dpi ___ 600dpi ___ 1200dpi TWAIN compliant:___ yes ___ no Bundled OCR: ___ yes ___ no ___________________________________________________________________ PRINTER: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: _________________________ Type (B&W): ___ laser ___ inkjet ___ dot matrix Type (color): ___ laser ___ inkjet ___ dot matrix Type (B&W): ___ thermal wax Page per minute:___ 4PPM ___ 8PPM ___ 12PPM ___ 18PPM or more Dots-per-inch: ___ 150 ___ 300 ___ 400 ___ 600 ___ 1200 Interface: ___ serial ___ parallel ___ Ethernet Emulation: ___ EPSON (dot matrix) ___ HP LASER (lasers) ___________________________________________________________________ NETWORK CARD: ___ yes ___ no Brand: ___ generic ___ other: __________________________ No-Hardware Network: ___ yes ___ no Interface: ___ Thick Ethernet ___ Thin Net ___ Lattisnet Connector type: ___ Vampire ___ N-type ___ BNC ___ UTP ___________________________________________________________________ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The main function of this computer will be (please place a 1 on the line beside the primary purpose of this computer and place 2s beside ALL other secondary purposes): ___ business ___ CAD\CAM ___ communications ___ data base ___ development ___ destop publishing ___ education ___ entertainment ___ multimedia ___ network/server ___ spread sheet ___ word processing I require: ___ upgrade ability ___ a warranty for ___ months. ___ on-site repairs for ___ months. ___ 800 toll free support for ___ months. ___ DOS ___ Windows ___OS\2 ___ preloaded software including: _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ ___ a price range of from $_______ to $_________.