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4 > PURCHASING A COMPUTER: WHO YA GONNA CALL? In previous columns I have suggested that it's. easy to overdue things when it comes to computers. Because most computers users rely heavily on other's expertise and advice, we can be effortlessly convinced that we need far more than is required to do the job at hand. This is particularly true when it comes to purchasing the computer itself. Unless you know ex- actly what you're looking for, be forewarned. A good sales person can talk circles around any question or protest and make you feel that you're an absolute twit unless, of course, you purchase the latest state- of-the -art equipment. My overall advice is to put off buying a computer until you have a list of exactly what you want in hand. Never walk into a computer store and an- nounce "I want to buy a computer but I'm not really sure what I need." Dead meat! I guarantee you will leave the store with your head reeling and your bank account devastated. A\much more controlled approach is to talk with people you know or at least to someone without a vested interest in selling you a computer. Even before you talk with anyone, write down exactly what you want to use the computer for. Yes, write it down! And take your time. Spend a week thinking carefully. Here are some key questions to ask yourself. Will the computer be used as a work tool, hobby, or both? Try to be honest with yourself. If you really buy a computer only as a work tool, you can save a bundle by only purchasing exactly what you need to accomplish a specific talks. Otherwise, be prepared for an insatiable attraction to buy all the latest in software and hardware gadgets. Of course, if your COMPUTER CORNER By Michael Evans How much time are you prepared to put into learning how your computer works! If your answer is a lot, you initial purchase outlay can be less. IBM type computers can be purchased new for a few hun- dred dollars these days. But new users often feel lost after turning the thing on. It takes significant knowl- edge to feel in control of these types of machines, simpler, more elegant computers such as the Apple Macintosh require very little time or knowledge be- fore you can feel quite comfortable. But the entry cost here is well over a thousand dollars. Part of this question will be answered if you need the same kind of machine some else already has, for instance others in your office or school. So the need to be compatible is part of this consideration. Do you need to stay ahead technologically! If you're selling any type of computer service, e.g., word processing, publishing, designing, or financial servic- es, you should plan on purchasing as much as you can afford. Your ability to stay competitive will de- pend on your computer! But most of us use comput- ers to help us with major tasks we already perform: managing documents and information. for most of these tasks, yesterday's technology can work quite nicely. What are the specific things you want soft- ware (i.e., computer programs) to do? There are hundreds and hundreds of different word processing software packages available, for example. Some run on inexpensive computers. but others, usually the real fancy easy-to-use ones that can do everything you could imagine, require expensive machinery. Try to gauge your needs for the next few years. Like everything else, a short-sighted decision will save long run. Once you've done this bit of home work, talk to friends who already use computers. If you don't know anyone who uses one, try your child's school. Lots of teachers have been using computers for years and know a great deal about the in's and out's You might also attend one other, the computer fairs that comes around from time to time. Take field trips to well established computer stores. DO NOT BRING CASH, CHECKS, OR CREDIT CARDS! Just go in, look around, ask questions, con- firm your decisions, get some more advice. The point is to get as much free advice as you can. If you end up with even more questions, GOOD! These ques- tion should lead you to identifying exactly what you are looking for. The categories of information you should end up with are: The type of microprocessor you require. This is the computer chip that acts as the heart of your computer and the part generally responsible for its relative cost. Generally the faster and more efficient the microprocessor, the greater its cost. But faster, more advanced microprocessors also are ca- pable of doing fancier things. The type and amount of information storage de- sired. Hard disk drives are a virtual necessity these days along with floppy disk drives, Don't scrimp here! the integrity of your information is what this is all about, after all! Get as large a hard disk capac- ity as you can afford. You will also have to decide what size floppy disks you will be using. For IBM compatible machines, I recommend you get both 3.5" and 5.25" size disk drives. primary use is business, tax benefits can reaped. you money now, but cause you to spend more in the CONTINUED NEXT WEEK $149,000 Parklike property backs ' 1 '). Je onto greenbelt & Lake Ideally located bungalow, FR AN K ' Scugog. Jacuzzi tub & LET NATURE BE YOUR NEIGHBOUR 5 minutes REALTOR R skylight in master ensuite. 3 + 1 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 decks, hot | tO 3 schools, 1 1/2 car Pine floor. bay window & tub, custom oak eatin kitchen, 36' x lkouts to pool. h » Day 38' finished workshop. Vendor take garage, wa pool. R88 n i 50 -- fireplace. $219,900. back mortgage. $269,900. ER © SCUGOG POINT $169,900. Seclusion just minutes from town, brick & DON'T WORRY, BUY HAPPY! 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