your computer can juggle multiple tasks, therefore increasing performance. RAM chips come in different types, such as DRAM, and the latest version, DDR4 SDRAM, but whichever type of RAM you see in the computer specs, make sure your computer contains at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM memory.
You have to decide how you’ll connect to the Internet. You can pay a fee to get a broadband connection such as DSL, satellite, or cable. (Check with AARP to find out if it offers discounted connections in your area.) If you want to set up a wireless connection in your home so you can connect to the Internet or have a laptop and want to access certain public networks called hotspots, you have to be sure to buy a computer with up-to-date wireless capabilities. Here’s how these work:
❯❯ Broadband: These connections typically come through a DSL (digital subscriber line) or cable modem in your home. In both cases, you pay a fee to a provider, which might be your phone or cable company. DSL works over your phone line but doesn’t prohibit you from using the phone when you’re online. Cable runs over your cable TV line and is a bit faster than DSL. Typically, satellite broadband is used in rural areas that don’t offer cable or DSL service. These “always-on” connections mean that you don’t have to dial a phone connection or connect to a wireless network – you’re always connected.
❯❯ Dialup: If you intend to use a dialup connection (that is, connect over your phone line), your computer has to have a dialup modem, either built in or external. Dialup connections can be very slow. In fact, in all but remote locations, dialup has been replaced by more current technology. While you’re using a dialup connection, you can’t use your phone to make or receive calls. I discourage you from using dialup unless you absolutely have to.
❯❯ Wireless: These connections require that you have a computer equipped with wireless capability. You can access the Internet wirelessly through a wireless network you set up in your home, or when you’re near a wireless hotspot (a place that offers wireless service), and many hotspots are available at public places such as hotels, airports, libraries, and restaurants. You can also subscribe to a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) service from a mobile phone provider to tap into its connection or use a technology called tethering to connect via your smartphone’s 3G or 4G connection. Check the computer model you want to buy to be sure it’s wireless enabled. There are various techy standards for Wi-Fi (wireless communications), such as 802.11a, b, g, or n. The very latest standard to look for is 802.11ac, which delivers the best wireless performance as of this writing.
Chapter 2
Setting Up Your Computer
IN THIS CHAPTER
❯❯ Connecting the monitor, keyboard, and mouse
❯❯ Logging in to Windows 10
❯❯ Using the mouse
❯❯ Working with a touchscreen
❯❯ Using shortcuts
❯❯ Setting the date and time
❯❯ Creating a new user account
❯❯ Switching user accounts
❯❯ Shutting down your computer
Once you unpack your new computer, you may need help getting it set up. Here I cover the basics: connecting your computer to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (if you bought a laptop computer, you can skip these tasks as the hardware is built in); turning the computer on and off; mastering the basic use of your mouse; becoming familiar with some basic keystroke shortcuts; and, if you have a touchscreen, finding out how to interact with it.
Next, you can set up the date and time in your computer’s internal clock so they match your time zone and you can apply appropriate daylight saving time settings. Finally, you get to work with your user accounts, which helps you to access distinct content and settings when more than one person is using a computer. Windows allows you to create multiple user accounts; each account saves certain settings and allows you to control files and folders separately. Child accounts allow you to have some control over what apps and online content a child can access. When each user logs on with a particular user account, it’s like accessing a unique personal computer.
Here, then, are the procedures that you can follow to get going with your computer.
Your computer comes with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You should connect these before turning on the computer. Your computer will offer several types of connection ports (slots in the computer that allow you to connect other devices), with USB ports being the most common. For example, wireless keyboards and mice connect to your computer via a small receiver that you insert into a USB port. Wired keyboards and mice plug into your computer using a USB cable. If your computer does not have enough USB ports, you can use a USB hub (shown in Figure 2-1) which will allow you to plug extra peripheral devices into one USB port on your computer.
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