Buying a computer is an investment in your future. It makes sense to buy the hardware and software that is most commonly used and supported at GSC. You don't want to waste time coping with incompatible systems when you are busy studying or working. We are assuming that you want to write assignments, surf the World Wide Web and use email. If you want to play games, you will need to buy a more powerful (and expensive) computer. This page lists minimum requirements, but try to look to the future - the minimum may not be good enough next year.

 

Section 1: Computer Components

These are the general elements which are most common in computers. Some of them are absolutely necessary, like a processor or operating system, others aren't required, but are generally included.

Operating System

Microsoft Windows is the most common operating system and is fully supported by Gainesville State College. Recent versions include:

• Windows XP (Home and Professional)
• Windows Vista (to be released in the near future)

Other operating systems include Unix and a variety of flavours of Linux. These are typically only for experienced uses, but on the plus side many Linux distributions can be obtained free of charge.

Processor

• The processor is what does the "thinking" in a computer.
• Processor speeds give a metric of how quickly a processor can act. These speeds are measured today in Gigahertz. Any processor of 2 gigahertz or faster is more than sufficient for word processing, internet access, or similar uses. It is unlikely you will run into speeds lower than that, except perhaps when buying a laptop or used computer. Those of you interested in using your computer to play video games will want a processor running 3 gigahertz or faster.
• There are two main designer/manufacturers of processors, Intel and AMD. Both are equally capable of running Windows and any software you may need to use for education, business, or teaching purposes.
• There are other metrics for the capabilities of a processor, such as on-chip cache size. These can be confusing, so in general, just go with the speed.

Memory

• Memory is a temporary storage area for the computer to use while it is working. Think of it as infinitely reusable scratch paper. The more of it there is, the less often the computer has to stop to erase a page so it can put something else there, and the more it will be able to give to each program running.
• As a base rule, more is better. Memory is measured as a quantity and usually comes in either megabytes or gigabytes. Most users will be fine with 512 meg of memory.
• Memory is also measured by its speed, which is how long it takes the processor to communicate with it. This is probably only important for you when adding more memory. Make sure any new memory you get is the same speed as any which is already in your computer, and you should be able to avoid any problems. Again, those interested in games will want more and faster memory.

Hard Drive

• The hard drive is where the programs and other information, such as music, movies, or photos, on your computer will be stored.
• Bigger is better is your best rule. 40 gigabytes should be as small as you would want to go. Drives of 300 gigabytes and upwards exist as well. Get the biggest you feel comfortable spending the money on.

CD/DVD Drive

• These will be needed for installing most store bought software onto your computer. They can also be used to listen to CDs or watch DVDs on you computer, depending on the type of drive you have.
• The standard versions of these drives are not writable, meaning you can't save anything to a CD or DVD. These are referred to in computers as ROMs, which means Read Only Memory.
• There are other versions that can write to these media, but only if the media is the writable type. These are often referred to as burners.
• You'll want at least a CD-ROM or CD-Burner. DVD ROMS and Burners are no longer much more expensive than their CD counterparts, and so these are excellent choices as well.

Monitor

• Monitor's come in two varieties, LCD and CRT
• CRTs are big, somewhat clunky and usually less expensive. If you're on a budget this may be the way to save a few dollars.
• LCDs are generally the optimal solution. They take up much less desk space for the same screen size and generate less heat. If you can afford it, this is the way to go.

Video Card

• Video cards are able to create and transmit an image to the monitor.
• Choices for video cards can vary just like anything else. Ranging from 64mb-512mb, the more memory a video card has the better video intensive programs will perform.
• Most computers come with at least 64mb video integrated right into the motherboard. For most users that is more that enough unless they are planning to play videogames. For video games I recommend getting the highest amount of memory that you can afford for the video card and doing more research into video cards, as they are a very expensive, and fast evolving component.

Sound Card

• Sound cards allow the computer to generate music and sound, much as the name would imply.
• Sound cards, like video cards, are usually integrated into the mother board. The default sound card you get with computers should be fine for most users. There are more expensive alternatives that can give you movie quality surround sound, high fidelity recording, and more.

Thumb Drives

• These are an excellent additional item if you would like to transfer data from one computer to another. Very useful if you want to work on something at the college and take it home to work on it there as well.
• They come in a large array of sizes, from 32 meg to a gig and larger.
• Be careful to ALWAYS keep backups of the information on these because they can easily be lost. Also take care what information you decide to store on them, for the same reason.

Internet/Networking

• If it is available in your area, you'll probably want to look at a broadband internet connection. Broadband can run through coaxial TV cables, telephone lines (DSL), or via satellite link. Of these cable or DSL are recommended. If you think you may not be able to afford a broadband connection, check out the prices first. You may not be able to afford the fastest broadband connection, but you probably don't need the fasted broadband connection either, and even the slowest versions are many times faster than the alternative.
• To use any of the above connections, you'll need a Network Card or a USB Port. Most new Computers have a Network port built in and more than enough USB ports to accommodate the connection. Just make sure you have one of these free, and let the person you order your Broadband service from know how you'll be connecting.
• Low bandwidth connections can be used to connect to the internet as well. These will be much slower, but in some places are the only option. This will require you to have a modem. 56.6 Kbps is the recommended speed. You will not be able to use your telephone while connected to the internet unless you have an additional line.

Software

• You will want to have some word processing software. This pretty much means Microsoft Office. In addition to Word, it also comes with a host of other software such as: Excel, for spreadsheets, Access, for simple database applications, PowerPoint, for making presentations, FrontPage, for simplified web page editing, and Outlook, for email.
• Antivirus software has become a mandatory part of any computer connected to the internet. GSC uses Symantec AntiVirus on all its computers.
• Firewall software can also help protect your computer. Windows XP comes with a built in simple firewall, which it will likely prompt you to turn on. If you want more, there are many software firewalls available, some already bundled with antivirus software.

Warranty and Support

• Make sure you understand the terms of your warranty, and who you should contact if your computer has a problem.
• Find out if support is available, either from the place where you are buying your computer or from the company who manufactured it. Also understand whether you will be paying for support on a per use basis, or if support is included in the purchase.

Section 2: Sample Specifications

 
 
* A note on Laptops: Most laptops feature integrated Audio and Video built directly onto the motherboard, instead of being included as add-ons. These cannot be upgraded. If you're interested in any sort of 3D games on your laptop make sure it includes 3D capable onboard Video component. Otherwise, you don't really need to pay much attention to the audio and video aspects, just check to see that they are there.