you can see – or anything that smells like burning plastic. The computer console, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse. All that physical stuff is hardware.
Software is the computer’s brain. Software tells the hardware what to do.
In a way, it helps to think of hardware and software as a symphony orchestra. For hardware, you have the musicians and their instruments. Their software is the music. As with a computer, the music (software) tells the musicians and their instruments (hardware) what to do.
Without software, hardware just sits around and looks pretty. It can’t do anything because it has no instructions and nothing telling it what to do next. And, like a symphony orchestra without music, that can be an expensive waste of time, especially at union scale.
To make the computer system work, software must be in charge. In fact, software determines your computer’s personality and potential.
✔ If you can throw it out a window, it’s hardware.
✔ If you can throw it out a window and it comes back, it’s a cat.
✔ Computer software includes all the programs you use on the PC.
✔ The most important piece of software is the computer’s operating system. That’s the main program in charge of everything.
✔ Chapter 13 covers Windows, which is the PC’s least popular yet most common operating system.
✔ Chapter 14 covers computer programs, also considered software.
Buy Yourself a PC!
If you don’t yet have a PC, you can rush out and buy one. My advice is not to rush, despite having just directed you to do so.
A computer is a complex piece of electronics. Buying one isn’t like purchasing a riding lawnmower or nose-hair trimmer. To make your purchase a successful one, consider my friendly, 5-step method for buying a PC.
1. Know what it is that you want the computer to do.
2. Find software to accomplish that task.
3. Find hardware to match the software.
4. Locate service and support.
5. Buy the computer!
Yes, it’s really that easy. If you obey these steps and pay attention, you’ll be a lot more satisfied with your computer purchase.
Believe it or not, most people don’t know why they want a computer. If that’s you, consider what you’re getting into. Computers aren’t for everyone, especially with smartphones and tablets available at far less cost.
If you really do need a computer, figure out what you want it to do for you. Do you just want to do some word processing, emailing, and social networking? Perhaps you want a machine that plays the latest games? Or maybe you need some graphics horsepower to create illustrations or animation? Limitless possibilities exist with a computer, but the more you know about what you want to do, the better you can get the perfect PC for your needs.
Software makes the computer go, so before you discuss PC brand names or big box stores, you need to look at the programs you plan on using. That’s because some software – games, video production, graphics – requires specific computer hardware. Knowing about that hardware ahead of time means you’ll be happier with your purchase.
By recognizing which software you need first, you can easily move on to the next step.
How can you match hardware to the software you need? Simple: Read the software requirements. These are listed on the side of the software box or on the software developer’s website. The requirements explain exactly what kind of hardware is required. Specifically, the requirements suggest what kind of processor is best, how much memory is preferred, and how much storage the software demands. You might also learn of other requirements, such as a high-end graphics card or a specialized interface.
✔ For general computer uses, any PC that can run the Windows operating system will probably work just fine for you. When you have specific software you plan on running, however, you should make sure that the computer you get has the hardware you need.
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Most people assume that Step 4 would have to do with brand names or famously-not-bankrupt brick-and-mortar stores. Nope! What’s more important is ensuring that you get proper service and support for your new computer purchase – especially when you’re just starting out and you blanch at the thought of opening the computer’s case.
Service means one thing: Who fixes the computer? That’s the main reason I recommend buying a PC at a local, mom-and-pop type of store. You develop a personal relationship with the people who service your computer. If you choose not to buy at a local store, you must ask to discover who really fixes your computer and where it gets fixed.
Support is about getting help for your computer. Some people need lots of help. If that’s you, buy from a place that offers free classes or has a toll-free support number. That support may add to the purchase price, but it’s worth every penny if it saves you aggravation in the future.
The final step to getting a new computer – or your first computer – is to buy it. Do it!
The hesitation many people have about buying a new computer is that a newer, better, faster model is coming down the pike. That’s always true! So rather than wait forever, just get up and buy the computer! ’Nuff said.
What To Do With An Old Computer
For heaven’s sake, don’t throw out your old computer! That’s because a computer can be recycled.
The first stage for recycling is to use the old keyboard, mouse, and monitor with your new PC. If you know this recycling tidbit before you buy the new computer, you can save money by buying just the console, or the main part of the PC.
The second stage for recycling is to turn in your old PC to a recycling center. Though the computer guts may be useless to you, they do have value.
Of course, you can always hang on to your old PCs for a while. In fact, I keep my old PC on the network for a few weeks to ensure that the new one has everything I need. If not, I can fire up the old one and copy over files or jot down information.
Eventually my old computers end up in my garage on some shelves. I call it the Bone Yard. After a few years, I recycle the old computer.
✔ If the new PC comes with its own keyboard and mouse, keep the old ones as spares.
✔ You can always retire the old PC to the rumpus room for the kids to use. They’ll hate you for it and whine about buying a new one. Don’t worry: You’ll give in soon
