Buying a new computer

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framinzfun

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Aug 28, 2002
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893
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eastern pa
I think it's time to get a new computer before this one dies... again. I have a few questions for our resident computer buffs.

What is the difference between the Intel Dual Core Processor and the IntelCore 2 Duo processor?

What are the benefits of an external hard drive, and what does it actually do?

What is the difference between a 1Gb Dual channel DDR2 SDRAM and a 1 Gb DDR2 SDRAM?


Keep in mind, this computer will be for my home, and all I really do on it is marketing stuff (I have PHotoshop and Illustrator), internet, and maybe the Sims game if I decide to put it on again. The computer I have now has a 80 Gb Hard drive, and 256 whatevers of memory, and is pretty slow. I think I'd like to get at least 1Gb of memory on the new one.
I have been looking into Dell, since they like to give computers away every once in a while, and the one I like has the Core 2 Duo processor, 1 Gb Dual channel SDRAM DDR2, 80 Gb Hard drive, and 16 x DVD RoM drive (whatever that means). And I can still get XP on it, which I would rather have. The price is $599, which seems fair.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I feel like a dope when it comes to computers.
 
Hi Kristen

>What is the difference between a 1Gb Dual channel DDR2 SDRAM and a 1 Gb DDR2 SDRAM?
The difference between the Dual Channel DDR2 and the DDR2: instead of using one 64bit channel for the ram, it uses two 64 bit channels... 1 for each stick (since dual channel requires 2 sticks) for a total of 128bits. This effectively doubles the memory bandwidth, and is more efficient.

>What is the difference between the Intel Dual Core Processor and the IntelCore 2 Duo processor?
The differences between a Intel Dual Core CPU and an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU come down to power and cost... Dual Core is like the celeron (entry level) of the Core architecture... The Core 2 Duo costs more, but also doubles the bandwith capability. Quad core chips are also available.

>What are the benefits of an external hard drive, and what does it actually do?
External hard drives are usually much slower than those built into the PC. Most folks use them as a portable backup device, to periodically make a copy of stuff on the main hard drive - in case of failure. Many of these plug in with a USB interface.

note: For a POS, this ISNT enough. For a POS, you will want a backup system that has several "generations" of backups, in case you accidentally overlay the most recent backup with one that is corrupted or damaged. For a POS, I suggest RAM chips every day, and backup to an external hard drive, online service, burnable CD or DVD, network drive, or tape - weekly.

Here are today's "deals" from $389 up. All but one of these comes with XP. http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/hot_offers_dt?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd 80gb is small by today's standards. I would go the next size up. 1gb is OK for XP, but I suggest 2gb if you go with Vista.

Support for XP was supposed to be dropped in about 2009, but I think they're going to bump it up to 2011. I prefer Vista, but there's nothing wrong with XP. Both are very stable products.

Happy shopping
Mike
 
High speed internet neccesary for Pos programs?

I am in the process of putting my business together, so I will have some questions to make...I really would apprecciate the support you can give me. I would like to know if I am going to need high speed internert to work with my POS ( I am going to use Specialty Soft). I have to buy me a computer and I would like to have one that can work with Custom Digital, and with anything that be neccesary for a Framing Shop.

Aura:help:
 
I'm sorry, I didnt see this question slip through the cracks. :(

I 'm not personally familiar with the requirements for SpecialtySoft. (we are using a different POS) Hopefully someone with SS will answer your question, otherwise you may have to check with them directly.

If I were to guess, I would say that you probably need a computer with XP or Vista professional. I also assume that broadband internet (dsl, cable, fios, etc) are recommended, but not required, for your (daily or weekly) price updates. If you plan to use their credit card processing feature, then broadband would almost certainly be required.

In another thread this week, I posted some computer deals that may be of interest. Please double check with the vendor first, to make sure they meet the software requirements.

Hopefully someone jumps in with a firm answer.

Best regards,
Mike
Moderator
 
Kristen

I'd go with the dual channel memory, but I'd go with 2GB even with Xp (not sure about VISTA - maybe you should have more memory)

I often use Illustrator at the same time as Photoshop with a 80MB file in Illustrator & I'll copy & paste 5-10 MB photos into photoshop for editing at the same time. Dual channel handles this nicely.

I used to have single Chan 1 MB and I'd wait 2 minutes for some stuff - the hard drive would just about wear itself out (some exageration - but you don't want to work off your hard drive - way to slow swapping files)

Spend the extra $100-$150 bucks on RAM - well worth it!
 
I second that, 2 GB of RAM minimum. I'd also recommend Vista on a new computer. Don't upgrade to Vista on an old computer. Old hardware just doesn't seem to do well with Vista. My wife's 2 year old, upgraded to Vista, Toshiba Tablet PC crashes often. (Oh ya, for got to tell ya, she works at MSFT and her computer is MSFT issued.) Make sure to at least get Vista Premium.

XP is the way to go if you have concerns about old hardware you will be using with your new computer.

Also, check out the Dell Outlet (http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/desktops?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh).

I just saved $200 on a Dell Inspiron Desktop over buying it new, and it was new! I just searched for a system that was classified as "Previously Ordered New" in the Dell Outlet. While the selection is low, I just kept searching over a few nights and finally found a system that met my requirements. The "Previously Ordered New" is a computer that has never been turned on. Basically the customer ordered it and either canceled the order OR returned it in an unopened box. Also, I got free shipping.
 
I use Specialty Soft with dial up. No problems. However I would like highspeed. They have a program which makes downloading just the vendors you use for updates, and doesn't take very long.

My computer is 3 years old so I think I'm on 512 of
Ram. More would be better. Definitely check with SS.
 
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