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COMPUTER INFORMATION SERIES NO. 1
This is the first in a series of reports to help you understand the world
of computers and to determine how they can bring many benefits to your
personal life and home business. So, if you want to read the entire series
and learn along with us _ you'll need to contact THE PUBLISHER right away
to make sure they mail you copies of the entire report series.
Getting Familiar with the PC Computer:
Before you purchase your new computer, you must first understand a little
about them. There are 2 parts needed to complete a computer system _
The HARDWARE and the SOFTWARE. The hardware is what you carry home when
you purchase one. Hardware consists of the following components:
= CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the square part of your computer
system that houses the floppy disk drive and hard drive.
= Monitor. This is the television-type screen of the computer you use to
type and create your work on.
= Keyboard. This is the typewriter-like keys you use to type in
information and commands for your computer to understand.
= Printer. This is what you use to print out your data (letters, mailing
lists, and everything else.)
The second part of your computer system is the SOFTWARE. Without software
your computer will just sit on the desk and look at you. It's like buying a
toaster without an electric cord. Without a means of plugging the toaster
into the electric socket, the toaster will not work. Without software, a
computer will not work. Therefore, don't be surprised when you spend $500
to $3,000 for a computer and find out you have to invest another $200 or
more for the beginning software.
Shareware programs are very popular with new computer buyers to reduce this
cost _ but you do need to invest some money in a good word processing package
(like WordPerfect(R) or Word for Windows.) If you purchase a new computer,
normally most of your beginning software is supplied to you from the factory
and if your first computer is purchased from an individual advertising in the
paper _ they normally give you free software too. But be prepared to buy
specific software for your specific needs now or soon because your individual
needs may differ.
When you start pricing computer systems you will find they range considerably
in price. This is because you can mix-and-match all the custom qualities
available to you in almost any way to fit your particular budget. Since most
beginners don't know enough about a computer or how they'll effect their
lives, it's sometimes impossible to mix-and-match to your particular needs
when you don't even know what they are. A good mail order publication for
computer bargains is the GrapeVine Journal, PO Box 488, Bluff City TN 37618
but perhaps the following will help:
Like a television set, monitors come in black/white or color. If you want to
save $150 or more, just specify that you want a black/white monitor.
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To further confuse you though _ both black/white and color monitors also
come in a variety of types. Each type determines how clear and definite
things appear on the screen. Different types include VGA, Super VGA, CGA,
EGA, PGA, MDA and Hercules. The industry standard at this time is Super VGA.
It's compatible with almost every type of software. It's clear and easy on
your eyes and very affordable. You can purchase a Super VGA color or a
Super VGA black/white.
= RAM (Random Access Memory). The amount of information your monitor can
hold at one time is called RAM. Computer memory is measured in bytes
and megabytes (1,000 bytes = 1 megabyte and is expressed: 1MG.)
The more RAM your monitor has, the better. Be sure and get a minimum
of 1MG of RAM for your monitor to run most of the software on the
market today; preferably 4MG if you can afford it.
= Hard Drive. Your hard drive is a gigantic storage tank for all your
software. It's impossible to operate any software on the market today
(unless you just want to play simple games) without a hard drive.
A hard drive takes the place of floppy disks. You copy information
from your floppy disks to your hard drive and it stays there _ even
when you turn your computer off at night. The size of a hard drive
is measured in MG's (megabytes). A standard size hard drive to purchase
to run most of the software on the market today would be 120MG.
Anything less means you will have to purchase more floppy disks as you
fill up your hard drive, which will slow up your operation considerably.
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