Help. I'm computer retarded.

College Life
1

<p>I know that there are a ton of threads about computers already. But I really am computer retarded.</p>

<p>I'm looking to buy a new computer from Dell (probably a laptop) but I don't know what kind of components to add on to it. I don't really know what all the options mean.</p>

<p>What processor do I get? (There's so many different Intel Pentium M ones!)
Do I need to get Wireless Networking Cards or Routers (Only some buildings on campus are wireless enabled)?
How does the ethernet work? (What is it anyway?) and do I need to get anything to make my computer compatible with it?
Do I need the Windows XP Professional operating system? or can I get the regular Windows XP Home one?
How much memory do I need?
What size of battery?
What about the hard drive?</p>

<p>I don't even really understand what any of this stuff means.
I would love it if someone would just build a computer for me and just tell me what to buy!!!</p>

<p>Please?</p>

2

<p>Here's what I'll tell you:
What processor: Definitely Intel Centrino. (which is Pentium M bundled with a wireless card) If you are going to play games, then get the highest number possible (like 755). If you are planning to use mostly internet, email, Office, etc, then a lower number would do (I'd say 735).
Wireless: Included with Centrino.
Ethernet: Ethernet is the way your computer connects to your school's network. If you have Cable/DSL at home, then you are using an Ethernet connection right now. All you do is simply plug in the cable from your computer's Ethernet port (looks like a slightly bigger phone jack) to a socket in the wall or modem, whichever your school uses. All new computers come standard with Ethernet ports.
Windows: If you expect to connect to your school network, then you must have XP Pro.
Memory: 512 MB is the sufficient minimum.
Battery: It depends per model. Go with the highest capacity one (the one with the most cells and most whr).
Hard Drive: I'd say 30 GB is the minimum. Go bigger if you have an extensive mp3 collection.</p>

<p>Now here's what I'll ask you:
What is the maximum amount of money you plan to spend on your computer? If you can give us that amount, then we can help find a suitable computer.
Also, are you sure that you want a PC, or would you like a Mac instead?</p>

3

<p>oooooh. thanks for all your help!!
i'm pretty sure i want a pc b/c that's what i have at home and i didn't really like the macs at my high school.
i don't want to spend more that $1600.
thanks!!!</p>

4

<p>Once you go MAC you'll never go back!!! Check out the new iBooks they're a really good deal now especially with your budget and the student discount. But, if you do go windows, check out your school's computer store for discounted OSes (Home and then upgrading to Pro) and Microsoft Office. They're usually a lot cheaper if you buy it from the school.</p>

5

<h1>1 Rule: Do NOT get a MAC.</h1>

6

<p>one important decision you need to make is whetehr you want to get a laptop or a desktop. you seemed unsure, then started asking questions about laptops (wireless card, pentium m). So if you're sure about getting a laptop, i think you will be able to find a decent one that fits your needs on dell.<br>
Do you have a lot of mp3s and stuff on your computer now? How big of a hard drive do you want...mm...i'd agree with red and say 30 gigabytes is good.<br>
Also, do you have any preferences? Light? Widescreen or Regular Screen? Most bang-for-buckage or a great perdy factor?<br>
Size of battery is kinda irrelevant because the battery is included in every laptop; it's not like u get a choice :P. Unless they're of a higher capacity...not really sure.
Memory-wise- 1GB should serve you well. I usually say 512 MB, but Windows XP needs around 512 MB to run nicely. With that 1GB, you would be pretty set for multitasking and games...which brings me to the graphics.
Are you going to use ur computer for intense graphics or games?
See, this whole laptop thing is a need thing. What do you NEED/WANT to do? Decide that, and i'm sure the laptop gurus will suggest some options...cuz i feel my rambling is not really doing anything...
laptop hunting is kinda tiring, but finding the perfect one is so nice..:)</p>

7

<p>Just a few additions:</p>

<p>Do I need to get Wireless Networking Cards or Routers (Only some buildings on campus are wireless enabled)?</p>

<p>Only if you think that you need it. Wireless is nice to have if you get a laptop. Centrino is just a bogus intel marketing name for a combination of a wireless card, intel chipset, and M processor. The card and processor alone will be sufficient (although Centrino is still fine).</p>

<p>How does the ethernet work? (What is it anyway?) and do I need to get anything to make my computer compatible with it?</p>

<p>Ethernet is a connection used to link a pc to a local network. The laptop probably has an ethernet card already, just look for it somewhere in the customization.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
Do I need the Windows XP Professional operating system? or can I get the regular Windows XP Home one?

[/QUOTE]

Don't listen to redski, Home should be just fine. However, you should check your school's networking pages.

[QUOTE]
How much memory do I need?

[/QUOTE]

512mb. If you want to game on a laptop, you're really going to have to spend over $1600, and you should get a desktop instead (a decent gaming rig can be built for that money, even beating a laptop that costs many hundreds more). I would instead put the money into a bigger screen, flatter laptop, second battery, faster processor, etc. 1 GB is an option, as is 768mb, but over 1gb is overkill. I have 1gb, but I ran with 512 for over a year on the same pc. I only used over 512mb on rare occasions, except in playing the most bleeding-edge games, and I do tons of multi-tasking.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
What size of battery?

[/QUOTE]

The higher the rating, the longer it lasts before it needs to be plugged in, and the more it costs. You decide.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
What about the hard drive?

[/QUOTE]

Depends on usage. The advice on 30gb and more if you download things seems ok, but I would recommend at least 40, because as you become more comfortable, odds are you will want to start downloading things.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
I would love it if someone would just build a computer for me and just tell me what to buy!!!</p>

<p>Please?

[/QUOTE]

Sure, but you need to be as specific as possible about your usage needs.</p>

8

<p>What's wrong with macs? They're very easy to use, and since the OP isn't into programming/heavy gaming, I don't see why not mac.</p>

9

<p>
[quote]
What's wrong with macs? They're very easy to use, and since the OP isn't into programming/heavy gaming, I don't see why not mac.

[/quote]
aero56 said she prefers a PC and not a Mac. See reply 3.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Don't listen to redski, Home should be just fine. However, you should check your school's networking pages.

[/quote]
Gee, that's awfully nice of you to say videogamerx2. :mad: I'd agree that Home is fine, but I've heard of very few schools NOT requiring Professional for any networked computers.</p>

10

<p>can someone tell me in plain speech what the benefits of pro are vs. home? I know some of them, but please, humor me. I'm not sure how much is true and how much is my guestimation. thx</p>

11

<p>It's not a question of benefits, but more of compatibility. Pro was designed for use on computers that are connected to large networks. Most universities do employ large networks within their campuses these days. It enables the administrator of such networks to be able to configure certain settings for security and optimization. It is also designed to provide more stability and security on a network.</p>

12

<p>lol I didn't mean it that way</p>

<p>I haven't actually looked at the networking policies of tons of schools but I know that most if not all of the schools that I applied to only required windows 98 or higher, forget xp prof. XP professional is not really needed in dorms because the extended admin control that it offers infringes on the user's pc. Basic internet, file, and print services do not really need xp professional. School-owned PCs are extremely likely to have or need XP Professional (or maybe NT 4 etc)</p>

<p>XP Professional is required for features like active directory, remote access, and others than enable wide-scale network control.</p>

13

<p>


</p>

<p>Battlefield 2 alone takes 1-1.5 GBs of memory alone. 512 is fine for office work, but it's definetely not what you shoud be aiming for games.</p>

14

<p>The best place to seek such advice is your college's website. There should be a section about recommendations and/or requirements there. If not, try goign to the local electronics stores— they oftentimes carry such lists. In any case, don't rule out Hewlett-Packard, especially if you are looking for Windows XP Professional. Toshibas are great buys too. As for Sony and its sleek VAIO line, the decison shouldn't be too hard— don't pay more than the product is worth. Sony primarily markets VAIOs as entertainment PCs for personal home use. The exception is the B-series, which is extremely overpriced. So your best bet is either a HP or Sony in the $1100-$1300 price range. Remember, technology gets old quickly, so don't go all-out.</p>

15

<p>Battlefield 2 is one of maybe 10 games that require so much memory. You are NOT GOING TO RUN Battlefield 2 with any amount of eye candy and fps on a $1600 laptop. That game pushes my x850 xt pe!</p>

16

<p>It may be cheapest to get a computer with xp home on it and buy xp pro from the school. I got my pro for 15 dollars.</p>

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<p>i don't plan on gaming.
thanks</p>

18

<p>i say go with the hp dv1000. Even with amazing specs, itll only run you around $1600 after rebates and a nice :) student discount :)</p>