Here are a few basics about software:
❯❯ You use software to get your work done, run entertainment programs, and browse the Internet. For example, Quicken is a financial management program you can use to balance your checkbook or keep track of your home inventory for insurance purposes.
❯❯ The software used to run your computer is the operating system. Some examples of operating systems are Apple OS X for Mac and Microsoft Windows. This book deals mainly with Windows 1 °Creators Update and the programs it runs.
❯❯ Some programs come preinstalled on your computer; you can buy and install other programs when you need them. For example, a computer always has an operating system because the operating system runs all the other programs. Also, some programs are included with a Windows computer, such as WordPad, a simple word-processing program, and Music and Video apps.
❯❯ You can uninstall programs you no longer need. Uninstalling unwanted programs helps to free up some space on your computer, which helps it perform better.
❯❯ Software programs called utilities exist to keep your computer in shape. An antivirus program is an example of a utility used to block or spot and erase computer viruses from your system. Your operating system also includes some utilities, such as those that optimize your hard drive or restore your system if it’s experiencing problems.
A form of computer that has been around for quite a while is a tower (see Figure 1-3). A tower is one style of desktop computer that, because of its size, people keep on or near a table or desk. Typically, you keep the tower, which holds the hard drive, processor, and other brains of the beast, on the floor. You work with the computer via a keyboard and monitor that sit on the desk.
Courtesy of Dell, Inc.
Pros of the tower include space to expand various elements, such as memory, and fans that keep the computer cool while operating. To repair a tower, you open the metal case and replace parts.
Another form of desktop computer is an all-in-one. With this type of computer, the brains are stored in a casing within the monitor, so the entire computer sits on your desk or table.
All-in-ones are often sleek and modern looking, involve fewer cables, and save you from using floor space for a computer tower. However, repairing or customizing the hardware is almost impossible because opening the computer is difficult.
Both desktop towers and all-in-ones take up more surface space than a laptop computer, but if you don’t need portability in your computer or more space, a desktop may be the best choice.
A laptop is portable, weighing anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse (in the form of a flat touchpad) are built into the laptop.
A laptop is sometimes called a notebook computer. Choose a laptop if you want to use your computer mainly away from home or you have little space in your home for a larger computer.
Note that if the monitor on a laptop becomes damaged, you’ll pay quite a bit for a repair, or you can hook the computer up to an external monitor. Because there is less space for fans, laptops sometimes run hot to the touch.
A two-in-one laptop (see Figure 1-4) allows you to either rotate the monitor to rest on the back of the keyboard or remove the monitor so you can use the laptop like a tablet. When you have no active physical keyboard, you have to use the touchscreen feature to interact with the laptop.
Choosing your computer’s operating system (software that runs all the programs and organizes data on your computer) will be one of your first decisions. This book focuses on computers running the current version of Windows, which is Windows 1 °Creators Update. Windows 10 is a radical departure from previous Windows operating systems, so if you opt for an earlier version of Windows, such as Windows 7, you would need to buy the Windows 7 edition of this book. Note that, depending on your Windows Update settings, updates to Windows may be performed regularly without your instigating them.
Windows 10 comes in several versions, including two versions for home and small business users:
❯❯ Windows 10 Home: Includes apps such as Music, Video, Weather, People, Camera, and more. If you consider yourself primarily a home user, you should consider this version of Windows 10.
❯❯ Windows 10 Pro: Is great for small businesses or if you work from home. This version of Windows has ultimate security features and more administrative tools.
You can buy a computer for anywhere from about $199 to $5,000 or more, depending on your budget and computing needs. You may start with a base model, but extras such as a larger monitor or larger storage capacity can soon add hundreds to the base price. The rule of thumb is to buy just as much computer as you need.
You can shop in a retail store for a computer or shop online using a friend’s computer (and perhaps get his or her help if you’re brand new to using a computer). Consider researching different models and prices online with the help of a computer-savvy friend and using that information to get the best buy. Be aware, however, that most retail stores have a small selection compared to all you can find online on websites such as Amazon.com and NewEgg.com. Additionally, retail stores sometimes carry slightly older models than those available online.
Buying a computer can be confusing, but here are some guidelines to help you find a computer at the price that’s right for you:
❯❯ Determine how often you will use your computer. If you’ll be working on it eight hours a day running a home business, you will need a better-quality computer to withstand the use and provide good performance. If you turn on the computer once or twice a week just to check email, it doesn’t have to be the priciest model in the shop.
❯❯ Consider the features that you need. Do you want (or have room for) a 20-inch monitor? Do you need the computer to run very fast and run several programs at once,
