Twelve Step Program for Relieving Computer Purchase Anxiety

  1. Most businesses today utilize the IBM compatible PCs as opposed to the Apple products so you will probably want to purchase an IBM compatible. Some examples are NEC, Hewlett Packard, Digital, Compaq, Gateway, Dell and IBM. Many other brands exist but as long as it is an IBM Clone they are all basically the same. You will pay more for the same system configuration in a laptop than in a desktop.
  2. The Microprocessor influences the speed of the computer. You will probably want to get a Pentium Processor of at least 350 megahertz (go to a higher megahertz if you can afford it). You can get them all the way up to over a gigahertz, so your budget should guide this decision. (Your computer will likely wait on you far more often than you wait on it!)
  3. In order to optimally run Windows 95/98, NT4.0, 2000 or XP and Office XP you should get at least 128 megabytes of RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory is what holds your programs and data while your computer is running.
  4. Most systems with the above specifications will come with several gigabytes of hard drive storage space. You will find that this allows you a great deal of growing room. The hard drive is where your programs and data are stored after the machine is turned off.
  5. The operating system you will want is Windows 95/NT 4.0, Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
  6. The application software you will be using is Microsoft Office XP Professional or Premium that includes Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. It also includes Outlook, and some configurations may include FrontPage and other programs. You should check the UT Microcenter (over behind Gregory Gym) for good deals on this software.
  7. Make sure your PC has a CD-ROM drive as software comes on CD-ROM and you will need a CD-ROM drive in order to install the software on your computer. You may also wish to get a zip drive (a high capacity floppy drive) if you are going to be transporting very large files.
  8. If you want to access the Internet and send and receive e-mail from home, you will need a modem, Ethernet card (if you have Ethernet access) or some other connector to the Internet. Unless you subscribe to an online service you may want to go to the Computation Center and purchase UT Connect Software for a nominal fee in order to access the Internet. Ask for some written information to help you with installation and set-up. Some dormitories and apartments now have Ethernet and other high-speed connections. You should check for this, as you will not need a modem if you are wired for Ethernet or another high-speed digital alternative. To take advantage of this type of connection, you may need to add an Ethernet card or some type of NIC (network interface card) to your computer.
  9. Buy a monitor that is large enough for your visual comfort (most people choose the 17-inch size). Get a high quality monitor to eliminate flicker.
  10. A system with the features described above will come with speakers to take full advantage of multimedia capabilities.
  11. See if you can get a free printer as a part of your deal. If not, a high quality, dependable black and white printer is preferable to a low quality color printer.
  12. Finally, if all of this seems like gibberish to you now, not to worry. It will all be crystal clear by the end of this semester. The process of buying a computer is a learning experience.