Computer application buying tips
Introduction
Purchasing a software application or program can be a big consideration, especially when purchasing advanced and usually expensive programs such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop. When considering purchasing these programs it is important that you or your staff be familiar with the program and are sure it's going to be capable of what you need it to do.
On this page we've listed several different considerations to think about before buying a computer software application
Considerations
Competition
Before buying any application make sure there is not a competing program that may be cheaper or even free. If available and something that's capable of doing what you want it to do this could save you hundreds of dollars.
A good example of such a program is OpenOffice and Corel WordPerfect that would be a competitor to Microsoft Word. Both programs are an excellent choice for a word processor but can be a considerable price difference. In the case of OpenOffice, it's 100% free.
Documentation
Make sure proper documentation is included. Many programs today will include on-line documentation that is more than sufficient. However, it is also useful to obtain a manual or user guide for the software program or application.
Licenses
If you are a company who plans on having software programs used by its employees (more than one person), you will need to consider licensing options. It is required that for each computer a product is installed onto that it have a software license. If a company purchases the program and shares it with all its employees without the proper licensing, this would be illegal and can cause your company to face a criminal lawsuit.
Price
Look at your overall price and shop around. Because a software price can change often, you can sometimes save hundreds of dollars on expensive software. If possible, do not purchase directly through the company; many times, the company's price doubles a retailers price.
Be cautious of OEM software. Many resellers will sell a program as OEM, which requires you buy a computer or motherboard. OEM software is software that is included with large manufacturers' computers and will only include either just a CD or a slim manual and CD. This is not what you would find at a retail store. This option is not a bad option, it is only important that you are aware of what you are getting.
Package
Look at the overall software package. How many CDs or diskettes are included, what inserts and documentation is included, and is there any bonus or extra software included?
Media
Today, the majority of software is included on CDs and DVDs. When looking at a program, make sure you have an acceptable drive that's able to read the media, While not common today, an example of why this is important is it's better to receive one CD instead of 32 floppy diskettes.
Computer battery buying tips
Main batteries
The main battery is the battery used to power laptop computers. When looking to purchase a new main battery from a third-party make sure you're getting the correct battery. Verify the below specifications either from the bottom of the battery or from the computer manufacturer.
The CMOS battery is used to store system information such as the time and date and should be replaced when receiving error "System battery dead", the computer does not keep the time or date, or if you are losing a dramatic amount of time over a period of time.
The main battery is the battery used to power laptop computers. When looking to purchase a new main battery from a third-party make sure you're getting the correct battery. Verify the below specifications either from the bottom of the battery or from the computer manufacturer.- Type - Get the right battery: Nicad, NiMH, or Li-ion.
- Manufacturer - Some portables may use a certain manufacturer of battery. Verify if a third-party manufacturer's battery was used. Also ensure that the battery is not proprietary and that it is possible to purchase from a third-party.
- Voltage - Verify the Voltage of battery, this amount can vary depending on the battery.
- mAH - Verify the mAH of the battery, this amount can vary depending on the battery.
Warranty
Before purchasing the battery, see if the battery comes with any warranty and how long the warranty may be. This will make things easier if it's defective that it is possible to return the battery for a new battery or for a refund.
Prices
| Battery | Estimated price |
|---|---|
| 1 NICAD Battery | $80.00 to $150.00 |
| 1 NiMH Battery | $100.00 to $160.00 |
| 1 Li-ion Battery | $100.00 to $180.00 |
Prices can vary depending upon quantity of batteries and how old the laptop is.
Where to buy
Your laptop computer manufacturer is the best first place to get a price quote on a replacement battery. After doing this check any of the below links to get a price quote comparison and find the cheapest solution.
Charge the battery properly
Once you have received the battery if it includes documentation for how to charge it for the first time make sure to follow those instructions exactly. Otherwise it's recommended that you charge the battery for at least 24-hours before use.
Recycle
See the battery recycling section for further information about properly recycling your old defective battery.
The CMOS battery is used to store system information such as the time and date and should be replaced when receiving error "System battery dead", the computer does not keep the time or date, or if you are losing a dramatic amount of time over a period of time.
Before replacing the CMOS battery you need to know what battery the computer is using. This can be done either by opening the computer and locating the battery or through the motherboard or computer documentation. We suggest visiting a local Radio Shack if you've got the battery but can't identify it or to purchase a new battery.
Prices
| Battery | Estimated price |
|---|---|
| CMOS coin battery | $1.00 to $10.00 |
| CMOS RTC battery | $2.00 to $20.00 |
Prices can vary.
The bridge battery is a small battery that holds a charge for a sufficient amount of time while swapping between main batteries. If you believe that this battery is defective or bad, it is recommended that you contact your laptop manufacturer for a replacement part.
Desktop buying tips
Introduction
Purchasing a home or business computer can be a big and sometimes costly decision. Below is a listing of helpful suggestions on what to look for and what to ask when purchasing a new computer.
If you're looking to save money buying a used or refurbished computer can save you a lot of money. A refurbished computer is a computer that has been returned to the company has been checked out as good but cannot be sold again as new. All major computer manufacturers will have a refurbished section showing all their available refurbished products. Buying one of these computers instead of a new computer can save you hundreds of dollars.
In addition to refurbished computers individuals and companies for various reasons will also sell their used computers. When buying these look out for the following.
- Verify it has no physical damage by inspecting the ports as well as the inside and the outside of the case.
- Make sure you're getting what you pay for. See the below scams section for additional details.
- Make sure computer comes with any CD's for the operating systems or programs that are promised to be installed.
- Realize that many computer manufacturers will not transfer the computer warranty from the old user to you.
The decision between buying a Macintosh and PC computer running Microsoft Windows is always a heated debate. See document CH001238 for a list of advantages and disadvantages of both of these systems if you're still not decided.
When purchasing a computer it is likely that you will have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.
| Device | Short recommendation |
|---|---|
| Case | The case or chassis is often overlooked when buying a new computer. Below are some things to think about regarding the case.
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| CD media | Most newer computers today have an included disc burner in the computer. If you wish to make your own CD's or DVD's make sure the computer supports it. |
| Hard drive | The hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information. Make sure you get a hard disk drive that will have plenty of available space and will run at speeds that don't slow the overall computer down. |
| Memory | Memory is one of the more important purchasing decisions on a computer. The more memory in the computer, the more efficient the computer will run. |
| Modem | Depending on how you plan on connecting to the Internet the Modem may not be that important of a buying decision. Most users today are using broadband Internet, which does not require a modem. However, if this is not available in your area make sure your computer includes a modem. |
| Network card | Almost all computers today have a network card or network option on the motherboard. The network card is what will allow you to share files between computers in your home and connect to a broadband Internet connection. |
| Processor | The computer processor is and will always be one of the most important considerations when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look at all options for computer processors. |
| Sound card | Today, the standard sound cards that are included with a computer are sufficient for almost all computer users. However, if you plan on doing sound editing or mixing make sure to look at the sound cards capabilities. |
| Video card | For computer gaming the video card has become one of the most important factors behind memory and processor. If you plan on gaming with your computer make sure your video card GPU and video memory meets the requirements. |
There is no such thing as a computer manufacturer who has a perfect history with all its users. Therefore when it comes to recommending one brand over another it would be impossible for us to say who's better than the other. Instead we'd suggest relying off the below considerations.
| Consideration | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Add-ons |
All computer manufacturers will give you the option to buy additional accessories when buying a new computer. Keep the below in mind before buying these add-ons.
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| Documentation |
Most manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with their computer and substituting that documentation for online documentation. Make sure the documentation found online appears to be sufficient and that software and driver downloads are available if needed.
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| Hardware |
As mentioned in the above above what to look for section, make sure the hardware included with your computer meets your needs.
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| Return |
If the computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned if unsatisfactory to that store or does it have to be sent to the computer manufacturer? If the computer is purchased online or through a mail order can it be returned if unsatisfactory?
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| Service |
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| Software |
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| Support | While you can always contact Computer Hope for support, manufacturer support is also a very important consideration as if an issue arises with the computer you must be able to contact a support representative.
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| Upgrade ability | While this option may not be considered at first when purchasing a computer, it is an important consideration. When purchasing a computer make sure the hardware you may want to upgrade can be upgraded. Common upgrades for most users today include: Memory, Video card, and Sound Card. |
| Warranty | Finally, does the computer manufacturer offer a warranty? How long is the warranty? Does the warranty cover both hardware and software issues?
We highly recommend that a computer only be considered if it has at least an one-year warranty. Many cheap computers will only come with a 90-day warranty. Meaning if a part goes bad, you will have to pay for the part as well as the service. This may not be an issue for users who just need a cheap computer and are willing to replace parts and service the computer themselves.
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Unfortunately, like anything, it is possible to be tricked or for computer companies to scam you. Watch out for the below common scams.
- Get what you pay for - Make sure you're getting what you paid for. A common tactic is to overclock the processor, memory, or other component. This can be done by anyone with a little computer knowledge. For example, you may buy a 733MHz processor but instead get a 500MHz.
To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked. - Legal software - When purchasing a computer, make sure it was legal purchased and the CD or other disc and its CD-KEY is included. Many end-users or small computer companies who build or sell computers may not provide you with legal copies of the software, which is illegal and may leave you with a fine or the inability to get updates.
Case buying tipsIntroduction
Purchasing a computer case is not an important consideration for users who are purchasing a computer from a computer manufacturer as most manufacturers do not offer different types or colors of cases. However, those building a computer may find it important to consider the below considerations.Color and case typeToday, there are a wide variety of computer case colors and case sizes for the PC. When looking at the case, consider the color of the case and its size. Most cases come in either urban white or white. Additional information about the computer chassis including the color and size can be found on our chassis definition.Location and sizeBefore purchasing a computer case you should think out where the computer is going to be placed.- Is it going to be on your desk or your floor?
- Is it going to have enough space at its location with the monitor and other peripherals possibly next to it?
- If it's in a bedroom will it be quiet enough if left on while you sleep?
Upgrade availability- Does the case have enough bays that will allow you to add additional hard disk drives or other drives?
- Does the case have the availability for slots for additional expansion cards to be placed in?
- Is the computer easy to work in or will it have to be completely disassembled to get to certain parts of the computer?
MotherboardIf you are assembling your own computer, make sure that the motherboard form factor you plan to purchase is going to be able to fit into the computer case. The standard motherboard form factor today isATX or microATX.Power supplyIf you are assembling your own computer, make sure that the computer case either comes with a power supply or that the power supply you plan on purchasing will fit into the computer case.Additionally, if you're building a gaming computer with an advanced video card make sure that the power supply is big enough to support the video card along with all other hardware in the computer. The video card will often have a the minimum power supply in its requirements, otherwise we'd suggest at least a 500W PSU.ServiceMany case manufacturers are creating their cases solely for computer manufactures and may not sell to end-users. If you are building a computer and able to order such a case, it is likely that service or support may be slim or not available as well as long distance. Take this into consideration when purchasing a computer case.CD buying tips
IntroductionPurchasing a CD-ROM drive is a relatively easy task but can involve some considerations when purchasing.Before considering purchasing a CD-ROM, it is also good consider the other available options.CD-R - CD-R, or CD Recordable, drives allow you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of doing with the added ability of creating your own CDs. An excellent solution for anyone that is in need of a CD-ROM and backup solution. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our CD-R and CD-RW buying tips page.CD-RW - Like a CD-R drive, a CD-RW, or CD Read/Write, drive allows you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of, as well as read and write to a CD-RW disc thousands of times instead of once like a CD-R drive. While a little more expensive, this is another great solution for backups. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our CD-R and CD-RW buying tips page.DVD - DVD, or Digital Versatile (video) Disc, allows a computer to not only do everything that a standard CD-ROM drive is capable of doing, but at the same time is capable of reading DVD Discs and DVD movies. For users who plan on playing games or watching movies on their computers, this is an excellent addition. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our DVD buying tips page.The first and foremost important consideration when purchasing a CD-ROM is the interface that the CD-ROM utilizes, such as IDE, SCSI, USB, Parallel or PC-Card.
IDE/EIDE The most commonly used interface with IBM computers, IDE/EIDE/ATAPI interface is found on all IBM compatible motherboards. This interface allows for a total of four devices to be connected.When considering purchasing an IDE/EIDE/ATAPI CD-ROM drive it is important to verify that you have the available connections for the device.
SCSI The only method with Apple computers and commonly used interface with IBM computers, the SCSI interface allows for a total of seven devices to be connected to the computer and is a faster solution than the IDE/EIDE interface.If you are user of an IBM compatible computer, it is important that you ensure your computer has a SCSI interface already present in the computer. If not present, you will need to install a SCSI card before being able to install a SCSI CD-ROM drive.
USB The USB interface allows a user to install a device and supports up to 127 devices.Before you can install a USB CD-ROM drive, it is important for both IBM and Macintosh users to verify that a USB port is present on the computer. If not present, an interface card will need to be installed.
Parallel Solution available for PC computers, Parallel CD-ROM drives allow users that may not have the available resources or may have a portable computer to connect a CD-ROM drive.PC-Card (PCMCIA) Excellent solution for users utilizing an older laptop that does not have a CD-ROM drive to connect a CD-ROM drive to their computer.Transfer rates can sometimes be a misleading when looking at purchasing a CD-ROM drive. The transfer rate of a CD-ROM drive is how fast a CD-ROM drive may be able to access the data from a CD. This speed is only going to be noticeable when installing a program or copying large amounts of data from a CD.For a CD-ROM drive, not to be confused with a CD-R, CD-RW or DVD drive, the price can vary depending upon the speed and the interface the CD-ROM drive uses.Standard IDE/SCSI CD-ROM Drive $50.00 - $200.00 Parallel CD-ROM Drive $150.00 - $300.00 PC Card and PCMCIA CD-ROM Drive $200.00 - $300.00 *All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a CD-ROM is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency; prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are for standard CD-ROM drives and not CD-R, CD-RW or DVD drives.Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer CD-ROM, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the CD-ROM from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your CD-ROM, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.To help support Computer Hope, you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the CD-ROM section.Additional help and information about installing computer CD drives and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.CD-R buying tips
IntroductionBuying a CD-R or CD-RW drive can sometimes be a confusing task. Below we have listed important considerations to look at when considering purchasing a CD-R drive.Before considering purchasing a CD-R or CD-RW drive, it is also good to consider the other available options.CD-R - CD-R, or CD Recordable, drives allow you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of doing with the added ability of creating your own CDs. An excellent solution for anyone that is in need of a CD-ROM and backup solution. Tips on buying these drives is found on this page.CD-RW - Like a CD-R drive, a CD-RW, or CD Read/Write, drive allows you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of, as well as read and write to a CD-RW disc thousands of times instead of once like a CD-R drive. While a little more expensive, this is another great solution for backups. Tips on buying this these drives can be found on this pageDVD - DVD, or Digital Versatile (video) Disc, allows a computer to not only do everything that a standard CD-ROM drive is capable of doing, but at the same time is capable of reading DVD Discs and DVD movies. For users who plan on playing games or watching movies on their computers, this is an excellent addition. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our DVD buying tips page.The first and foremost important consideration is the Interface that the CD-R and CD-RW drive uses. If you are an IBM user, you have a decision between an IDE, SCSI or USB interface. Macintosh users will want to consider between SCSI and a USB interface.IDE Each IBM computer has the capability of having a total of four IDE devices connected to it. It is likely that one or two of these are already being used, one by the hard disk drive and one by the CD-ROM drive.
IDE devices are a great solution to consider when thinking about the interface you wish to use as the drives are easy to install and are relatively fast.SCSI Every Macintosh computer has a SCSI port built onto the Motherboard or has an Interface card for SCSI devices. IBM computers do not have a SCSI card already installed and will need to purchase this card before installing a SCSI CD-R drive.
SCSI devices are one of the more difficult drives to install but are the fastest solution of the three available interfaces.USB USB is a new interface available on newer IBM and Macintosh computers. USB is a fast solution but is the slower of the three interface possibilities. What makes USB a strong competitor is they are usually always easy to install and are a portable solution, meaning these drives will work with other computers with USB ports.The next important consideration to look at when purchasing a CD-R or CD-RW drive is the included software. The software is what allows the computer to interface with the CD-R or CD-RW drive and be able to copy files onto the blank CD. Poorly written software can hinder the ease of use of a CD-R or CD-RW drive and sometimes cause errors with the CDs that are created.The speed of the CD-R drive can also be an important consideration, as this will determine the amount of time this drive takes to create or read a CD. Users that expect to not burn many CDs may want to look at the slower, less expensive drives, while users that expect to burn several CDs may want to look at the faster, more expensive drives.Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer CD-R or CD-RW drive include:Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.For a CD-R and CD-RW drive, not to be confused with a CD-ROM or DVD drive, can vary depending upon the speed, the included software and the interface the CD-ROM drive uses.Standard IDE/SCSI CD-R Drive $100.00 - $200.00 Standard IDE/SCSI CD-RW Drive $160.00 - $300.00+ USB CD-R and CD-RW Drive $150.00 - $200.00+ *All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a CD-R or CD-RW is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are for standards CD-R and CD-RW drives and not CD-ROM or DVD drives.Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer CD-R or CD-RW, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the CD-R or CD-RW from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your CD-R or CD-RW, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the CD-R or CD-RW section.Additional help and information about installing computer CD drives and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.Processor (CPU) buying tips
IntroductionPurchasing a processor is an important consideration when building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing a processor directly or already installed into a computer.The processor can be a very important consideration for users who are building a computer. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When considering any of these processors verify the motherboard is compatible. For example, if an Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer, purchase a Intel Processor, an AMD processor will only work on a motherboard designed for AMD.Heat Sink It is highly recommended that all processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other issues.
When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being purchased is compatible with that heat sink.Additional information and help on computer heat sinks can be found on our heat sink page.Interface Today, there is a wide availability of interfaces the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them.
Slot
Slot AThe slot was first used and introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II processors. This slot was designed to allow users to install the processor into the computer. However, because of the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions of the Intel Pentium III.
The AMD processors use the Slot A interfaceSocket
FC-PGA
Flip Chip
CoppermineThe socket is the most commonly used and found interface for processors today. The socket has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or the Flip Chip. Slocket Slocket, which is a slot card, can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is not an actual interface but can be an option for users who have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a socket or FPGA processor. When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket. Additional buying tips on computer motherboards can be found on our motherboard buying tips page.Names The names of the processors can be very confusing and are used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them.
Intel family names:Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line.
Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software
Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor.
Pentium II and III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor.
Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III and IV.
Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine.
Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache.
Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors.Additional information and diagrams of each of the above can be found on our CPU help page.AMD family names:AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus.
AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU.
AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop.
AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed
AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.Speed The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall.
When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.Upgrading the computer processor may have the below effects on the computer.- Allow for programs that may require steeper processor requirements to be run.
- Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time. Note: In many cases this may not be noticed or will not be dramatic.
Additional help and information about installing a computer processor and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation section.DVD buying tips
IntroductionBuying a DVD drive can sometimes be a confusing task. Below we have listed important considerations to look at when considering purchasing a DVD drive.Before considering purchasing a DVD drive it is also good consider the other available options.CD-R - CD-R, or CD Recordable, drives allow you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of doing, but at the same time allows you to create your own CDs for backup. An excellent solution for anyone that is in need of a CD-ROM and backup solution. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our CD-R and CD-RW buying tips page.CD-RW - Like a CD-R drive, a CD-RW, or CD Read/Write, drive allows you to do everything that a standard CD-ROM is capable of as well as read and write to a CD-RW disc thousands of times instead of once like a CD-RW drive. While a little more expensive, this is another great solution for backups. Tips on buying these drives can be found on our CD-R and CD-RW buying tips page.DVD - DVD, or Digital Versatile (video) Disc, allows a computer to not only do everything that a standard CD-ROM drive is capable of doing, but at the same time is capable of reading DVD Discs and DVD movies. For users who plan on playing games or watching movies on their computers, this is an excellent addition. Tips on buying these drives can be found on this page.DVD drives, like other technology, can be a confusing and sometimes be thought of as a non-important consideration. Below is some insight to why a DVD drive may be important as well as different considerations to look at when purchasing a DVD drive.Why DVD? DVD by many is thought as just a solution for users to watch movies on their personal computers. While for many individuals this may be enough, it is important to also look at the factor that DVD is now being used in games or data DVDs, such as an encyclopedia. DVD prevents the user from having to switch between different CDs and instead places all the data on one DVD.Software vs. Hardware For the purposes of watching DVD movies on the computer, you must consider the two below possibilities for decoding the DVD movie.- Hardware - Hardware decoding requires an additional card, called an MPEG card, be installed into the computer. This card allows for the movie to be mainly decoded with that card and not software or the CPU. This means other things can be done as you are watching the movie. However, this is the more expensive solution verses software, and requires additional system resources (IRQ/DMA).
In addition, MPEG cards will also give users the capability of connecting external video to the computer, allowing the computer to function as a DVD player for your home entertainment system. - Software - Software decoding requires a software program and the CPU to be used to handle the decoding of the DVD movie. This solution is a cheaper solution but requires complete access to the computer, and in some cases users with processors lower than 200MHz on an IBM computer to notice poor quality video.
Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer DVD drive include:Extras - Some manufactures of DVD drives will include extras such as a DVD movie or movies, cables, deals with DVD movie stores...Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.When looking at purchasing a computer with a DVD drive or a stand alone DVD drive, it is important to take into consideration that a DVD drive will be more expensive than a standard stand alone drive. The price of a DVD may vary depending upon its speed, included software and hardware, or its interface.DVD $100.00 - $300.00 *All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a DVD is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are for standard DVD drives and not standard CD-ROMs, CD-R, or CD-RW drives. Prices will increase for drives that include DVD as well as CD-RW technology.Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer DVD drive, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the DVD from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your DVD drive, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the DVD section.Flat panel buying tips
IntroductionFlat Panel is a relatively new technology when compared to the CRT or standard monitor technology and is now available for desktop computers. With new technology comes new important considerations to look at when purchasing a flat panel solution.Before looking at what configurations you need to look for when purchasing a computer Flat Panel, it is important to know if you want a CRT or a Flat Panel and LCD monitor.CRT Today, one of the most commonly used technologies for computer monitors. CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube, is a technology much like what you will find on most TVs. CRT monitors are an affordable solution but are bulky and very heavy.Tips on buying a monitor can be found on our Monitor buying tips section.LCD LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, monitors are similar to what is found on portable computers. LCD monitors overall display much sharper of an image, are lighter and more space efficient; however, they are much more of an expensive solution for desktop displays.Dimensional Size When looking at LCD and Flat Panel displays, one of the most noticeable and considerable reasons for purchasing a Flat Panel is its size. As you will see, a Flat Panel display is about 1-2 inches deep.Screen Size - When looking at Flat Panel displays, the screen size is measured differently from a standard monitor. Standard monitors are measured from the bottom left of the screen to the top right of the screen, plastics and all. However, when measuring an LCD, the actual viewable area is measured. The below chart is a comparison of an LCD sizes and the general comparison to CRT (standard monitor) displays.LCD CRT 13.5" 15" 14.5" - 15" 17" 18" 21" Resolution The maximum resolution is the amount of pixels that can be displayed horizontally x vertically. Be cautious when purchasing a monitor at any size that advertises a large resolution size, such as 1,600 x 1,200 for a 15" monitor.Some monitor manufacturers may allow for such high resolutions at a high cost but the user will never utilize such a resolution. As the monitor increases in size, the image display will decrease; below is a listing of a usable resolution limit by the size of the monitor.15" 800 x 600 or 1,024 x 76817" 1,280 x 1,02419" 1,280 x 102421" - 1,600 x 1,200Refresh rate When purchasing a Flat Panel or LCD, the refresh rate is not important.Display angle With an LCD you will find that it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to see from any other angle besides straight on. If you plan on using the display for DVD movies where other people may be watching the same screen, you may want to consider a CRT instead of a Flat Panel display.Backlight Unlike a good CRT, a Flat Panel LCD is backlit and the light must past though polarization filters and other layers before emerging from the display. This is why most LCD are not as bright as a CRT.Flat display A flat panel, unlike any CRT, is truly flat. Some manufacturers may advertise a CRT as being a flat display, but they will always have some curvature.Controls When purchasing a Flat Panel or LCD you may find that there are not many controls to adjust the display. This is normal to expect very few and sometimes one or two buttons used to adjust the display.When purchasing a Flat panel or LCD you should expect to pay more than a Monitor (CRT) as this is a new and improved technology. Below is what you should expect to pay by size of display.14" $600.00 or less 15" $900.00 - $1,200.00 18" $2,500.00 - $3,000.00 22" $3,000.00 or more *All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When the flat panel is first introduced, the price will be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. All above prices are Flat Panel or LCD and not standard CRT monitors.Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a flat panel, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the flat panel from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your flat panel regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the flat panel section.Computer game buying tips
IntroductionComputer games are most often used for an entertainment value, but can also be educational. Below we have listed several considerations to look at when purchasing a computer game.Demo Today, a large majority of computer games that are released are also released as a demo and are available through computer game magazines or off of the Internet. If you are purchasing the game for yourself and have not seen or played the game, you may consider playing the demo (if available) before purchasing the game. The demo is found from the developer's web site. Mass multiplayer Mass Multiplayer games are an excellent choice for any advanced or new game player. These games are games where the player joins thousands, sometimes millions, of other players from all over the planet and build up their character, fight creatures, develop skills, fight other players, talk, and much more. While these games are fun and can be played sometimes for years, they do require a small monthly fee. This fee can be anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 a month and help to maintain the servers, help with updates and maintain your account.
These games are also only available when connecting to the Internet and do not offer a single player option.Multiplayer Multiplayer is similar to Mass Multiplayer; however, these games allow the players to play with a few players (2 - 20 players). These are still fun and excellent games, and are games where you must either shoot and frag other players, or develop an online character by fighting creatures.
Unlike the Mass Multiplayer games, these games are quick and do not require hundreds of hours of game play and can be played as Multiplayer or Single Player.Piracy Piracy, unfortunately, is very commonplace in the computer gaming industry and Computer Hope highly recommends that it not be considered. While it has been easy in the past, gaming piracy has become more difficult. Users who pirate games may be forfeiting the ability to play with their friends online, not be able to receive updates for the games, and more importantly are not supporting the company of the game.
Users who let their friends pirate their games may also be forfeiting the same above rights. If you share your serial or ID number with a friend you may be giving up your right to play on-line as your number will likely become invalid.Rating The ESRB rating of a game determines how violent the game is; below is a listing of several of the ratings found on the majority of all games today. See the ESRB definition for additional information on ESRB and a listing of each of the ratings.
Computer Hope has no place in giving recommendations to parents on what games they should or should not purchase for their children and believes that it is up to the parent to decide what is OK or not OK for their children to play.Type There are several different games. These games can vary from first person shooter to sports. Visit our game page for a listing of computer games and game types as well as a description on each of the game types. Upgrade When purchasing a software game, ensure that it is not an upgrade to an early version of the game. Many of the available updates will require that the previous version of the software be already installed on the computer.
Hard drive buying tips
Introduction
When purchasing a hard drive, it is important to understand and verify the hard drive is suitable for your uses and has or does not have the options you may or may not need. Unfortunately, with hard drive technologies changing every day, it is can be sometimes confusing and frustrating when looking to purchase a hard drive.When looking to purchase a hard drive the first and foremost important consideration is the Interface the hard drive uses to communicate with the computer. Below is a listing of each of the available interfaces with information how thy may or may not apply to your computer.- IDE/ATAPI/ATA One of the more commonly found hard drives and used with IBM compatible computers, IDE is an easy to install and customize interface. Each IBM computer has the availability for a maximum of four IDE devices, these devices can range from hard drives to CD-ROM drives. If considering purchasing an IDE/ATAPI/ATA hard drive, verify that there are available locations for the drive to be connected to.
- SCSI Another commonly used interface, SCSI devices are found in Apple computers as well as some IBM computers. The SCSI interface is a faster solution when compared to IDE/ATAPI; however, in some cases, they can be more difficult to install. To install a SCSI hard drive you must have a SCSI card and an available connection on the SCSI cable connecting to the SCSI card. It is important to remember if you have a Proprietary SCSI card, such as a SCSI card included with the Iomega Jaz drive, this SCSI card may not always allow your hard drive to work.
- External (USB, Fire wire, or Parallel)Several external solutions are also available; these include but are not limited to USB hard drive, Fire wire hard drive and Parallel hard drive. When considering an external hard drive, it is important to look at the speed difference for transferring data to and from the hard drive. In addition, for these external drives to function properly, you must also have the available connection for the drive to be connected to.
In addition to the interface, it is also important to look at the transfer rates of the hard drive; long transfer rates can considerably slow down your computer when transferring larger files. When looking at the hard drive, look for specifications listing the RPM (Rotations Per Minute). An example of this would be a speed of 7,200 RPM.Below is a listing of some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer hard drive.Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.Support Is the technical support number a free number is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.Included components Verify that the hard drive that you are purchasing comes with the needed components to install the drive. Hard drives included from the manufacturer will include an IDE or ATA/66-100 Cable, standard drive rails, instructions and diskette for installation.Internal and External Transfer rates The Internal transfer rate is the rate the hard drive can take the data from the platter to the internal cache or read buffer. The External Transfer rate is the rate the hard drive can then take the data in the internal cache or read buffer to the computer memory.S.M.A.R.T. S.M.A.R.T. is a new technology used to help warn the computer user of possible problems with the hard drive.ATA, ATA/33, ATA/66, ATA/100 Another new and sometimes confusing interface is the ATA interface. Developed by Quantum in 1996, the Ultra ATA/33 interface allowed for computers to transfer up to 33 MB per second; later in 1998 this standard was upgraded to the ATA/66 standard with the availability of transferring up to 66 MB per second.When purchasing an ATA/66 drive, the computer must support ATA66 as well as have an ATA/66 cable in order to support the transfer rate of 66 MB per second. If the computer does not have this cable, the drive will automatically be decreased to a transfer rate of 33 MB per second.The price range can vary depending upon what interface the drive uses (SATA, IDE, SCSI, or USB), capacity of the drive, and the RPM (Speed) of the drive. In general, drives can range from $100.00 to $300.00 (US).Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a new hard drive, verify that the source you are purchasing the hard drive is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your hard drive, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.To help support Computer Hope you can purchase directly through our well-known associate, Amazon. Click the below browse button to begin browsing through the hard drive section.
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