Datasheet

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Part I: First Steps with Your Computer

Check the auction site for guidance on staying safe

when buying auctioned goods.

Some Web sites, such as Epinions.com, allow you to

compare several models of computers side by side,

and others, such as Nextag.com, allow you to com-

pare prices on a particular model from multiple

stores.

Select a Monitor

Monitors are the window to your computer’s contents. If you’re buy-

ing a desktop computer, it may come with a monitor that suits your

purposes, or you might upgrade to a better monitor. A good monitor

can make your computing time easier on your eyes. The crisper the

image, the more impressive your vacation photos or that highly visual

golf game will be.

Consider these factors when choosing a monitor:

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Size: Monitors for the average computer user come in

all sizes, from tiny 10-inch screens on smaller lap-

tops to 22-inch desktop models. Larger screens are

typically more expensive. Although a larger monitor

can take up more space side to side and top to bot-

tom, many don’t have a bigger footprint (that is, how

much space their base takes up on your desk) than a

smaller monitor.

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Image quality: The image quality can vary greatly. You

will see terms such as LCD (liquid crystal display;

also referred to as flat panels), CRT (cathode ray

tube), flat screen, brightness, and resolution. Today,

CRT screens, though still available, are old

technology.

Look for an LCD monitor, preferably with a flat

screen (see Figure 1-5) to ease glare.