Buying Your First Computer: A Brief Guide to Resources for the Novice

Buying your first computer can prove to be a frustrating process as it does require some knowledge of computing and computing terminology. However, there are a number of excellent resources available in local libraries and bookstores that can help you do some background reading in order to make intelligent decisions to make the best possible computer purchase to satisfy your needs. Here is a brief guide to some resources available.

Logically, you should first do a needs assessment to determine those things for which a computer would be helpful: communications (word processing, desktop publishing, e-mail, file transfer, etc.); entertainment (games, surfing the Internet); educ ation (tutorial software, either on diskette or CD).

Choosing the appropriate software will help determine the operating platform (DOS/PC compatible machines or the Macintosh operating system) which will best suit your needs. A decision can be based on some of the following factors:

• Advice from academic counselors or faculty within your academic discipline. as well as advice from upper division students or graduate students can behelpful.
• The types of software you will be using in your discipline -- including word processing, graphics, database software, statistical software, spreadsheets and communications software.
• The amount of memory, disk space and operating system needed for such software
• Portability needs for use in the classroom, library,
• Budget considerations balanced with overall needs, speed and functionality
• Warranty service and repair availability
• Display capabilities -- color or gray scale for portables? what size of monitor for desktop units? level of color support for desktop units.
• The amount of desk space is available for use with your apartment or dorm room
• Frequency of needed upgrades or replacement of the computer -- this will vary from power users to "low end" users
• Needed peripherals (printers, modems, scanners, etc.)
• Previous experience and familiarity with an operating system; existing investment in software, and the prevailing standards within your academic discipline.

This book wittily and wisely counsels the first-time buyer to assess and analyze needs, capabilities, hopes and plans to see if a computer will help. From there the user can proceed to the issues of which software and which hardware will best serve those needs. It gives good advice on buying hardware, software, and supplies and it covers the important issues to consider before buying. Common problems that may arise are discussed.

Felici, James.
I hate buying a computer: but this book makes it easy. [Carmel, IN]: Que Corporation; 1993: 292 p.;. index. ISBN: 1-56529-278-2; $16.95 (paper).

Has a "lay of the land section" which includes "nuts and bolts", software, PC or Mac, and bundles. Discussed are the major variables and what they cost. Included is coverage of speed & power; memory and disk storage; monitors, ports and input devices; buying portable computers; printers; modems; CD-ROM; scanners; software programs. Also discussed are obsolescence, where to buy and warranty coverage. Included is a section on setting up the computer and the care and feeding of the computer; also, the handy "Quick and Dirty Dozen" poses questions to ask the salesperson, a list of questions the salesperson is not likely to ask you, and things you should buy to go with a computer and upgrades.

Howard, Bill.
PC Magazine Guide to Notebook and Laptop Computers.Emeryville, CA: Ziff-Davis; 1991. 416 p.; index. Contains one 3.5-inch computer diskette. ISBN: 1-56276-005-X; $29.95 (paperback).

Explores the buying process with explanations of benefits and tradeoffs for all features including modems and file transfer; printers and other hardware; performance, size, weight and utility. Pt. 1 covers purchasing including the laptop/portable boom and a features checklist for buying the right computer at the right price. Pt. 2 covers use of a computer on the road including communications and related connectivity software, and hardware accessories and resources. Appendices include: trouble shooting common problems; serial, parallel and modem pin-outs configurations; international voltage and outlet guides; Hayes compatible modem commands; a quick guide to using laptops for presentations; and, a laptop buyer's checklist.

Information Technology Division.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan, Information Technology Division.; 1994 Jun. 3-fold brochure available from the U-M Computer Showcase.

Jerome, Marty; Taylor, Wendy.
Editors at PC Computing. The Streetwise guide to PCs: secrets for getting your money's worth. : Addison-Wesley; 1993. 230 p.; index. ISBN: 0-201-60839-1; $15 (paperback).

While this is a PC-oriented (i.e. DOS only) guide, it nonetheless has excellent coverage and discussion of software, printers and an overall view of computers called "Chips, boxes, systems complete" and a compendium of PC add-ons and peripherals. This book is one of the few that discuss buying a used computer (see the section called "How to tire-kick a used computer").

Lu, Cary
Computing's Holy War in the Seattle Times, June 18, 1995.

This article discusses the basic differences between the Macintosh and DOS/Windows operating systesm. Cary Lu, the author, is a contributing editor to MacWorld magazine who writes about PCs for several other magazines. He also wrote The Apple Macintosh Book (Microsoft Press).

Magid, Lawrence J.
The Little PC book. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press; 1993. 376 p.; index. ISBN: 0-938151-54-1 $17.95 (paperback).

A gentle introduction to DOS-compatible personal computers - what to buy; how to set things up; and how to get and stay friendly with your computer. Sections include: Getting oriented; Putting together a system; Rules of the road - what you need to know after you turn on your computer; Stocking up on software; and brief overview sections on the operating systems called "DOS Cookbook" and "Windows Cookbook.".

Murray, Katherine.
Introduction to personal computers. 4th ed ed. Carmel, Ind.: Que Corporation; 1991: 507 p.; index. ISBN: 1-56529-275-8; $19.95 (paperback).

Note: "Covers IBM, Apple, Macintosh, & Amiga" -- Cover.
Discusses computer basics; pre-purchase considerations; purchasing considerations for a system, a printer, computer add-ons and software; includes a computer primer for beginners.

Pearson, Olen.
Personal computer buying guide. Rev. ed. Yonkers, N.Y.: Consumer Reports Books; 1993: 216 p.; index. ISBN: 0-8904-3622-3; $14.95 (paperback).

This is an excellent guide that includes the chapter headings: Learn what is available; Select software; Buy intelligently; Use, maintain, and care for your investment; Planning for your system; Setting it up. Also included are invaluable checklists for doing needs assessments, software selection, hardware selection, and dealer evaluation.

Simpson, Alan.
Your first computer. 2nd. ed. San Francisco: Sybex; 1994. 382 p.; index. ISBN: 0-7821-1418-0 $19.99 (paperback).

Covers basics of computers with easy to understand approach. Uses practical, plain English advice for beginners to help them feel more comfortable in choosing the right computer and the right software.

Books

Addison-Wesley Publishing Group
Adobe Systems
Aldus
Alpha Books
Hayden Books
IDG Books (Dummies series)
MacMillan
McGraw-Hill
MCP
Microsoft Press
NCSA Publications
Nolo Press
Peachpit Press
 QUE
Prentice-Hall
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
SAMS Publishing
Small Computer Book Club
Sybex
Time-Warner Electronic Publishing
Ventana
John Wiley & Sons

Magazines

A General List of Computer Magazines

• Computers and Technology

• MacUser
• MacWeek
• MacWorld

• BYTE Magazine
  
• Computer Shopper
• Family PC
• InfoWorld
• PC Computing
• PC Magazine
• PC Week
• PC World