Datasheet

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22
Part I: First Steps with Your Computer
B
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Your computer will require some RAM to run the
operating system. Windows 7 requires 1GB of main
memory and 16GB of hard drive space.
Determine How You’ll Connect to the Internet
You have to decide how you’ll connect to the Internet. You can use a
dial-up connection over a standard phone line or pay a fee to get a
broadband connection such as DSL. (Check with AARP to find out
if they offer discounted connections in your area.) However, if you
want a wireless connection that works like your cell phone to pick up
a signal in certain hotspots, you have to be sure to buy a computer with
wireless capabilities. Here’s how these work:
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Dial-up: If you intend to use a dial-up connection
(that is, connect over your phone line), your com-
puter has to have a dial-up modem either built in or
in an external model. Dial-up connections can be
very slow, and while you’re using them, you can’t use
your phone to make or receive calls. I’d discourage
you from using dial-up unless you absolutely have to.
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Wireless: Wireless connections require that you have a
computer equipped with wireless capability. You can
access the Internet wirelessly when you’re near a
wireless hotspot (a place that offers wireless service),
and many hotspots are appearing at public places
such as hotels, airports, and restaurants. You can also
subscribe to a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
service from a mobile phone provider to tap into its
connection. Check the computer model you want to
buy to be sure it is wireless enabled. There are vari-
ous techy standards for wireless such as 802.11a, b,
or g. The very latest standard to look for is 802.11n,
which delivers better wireless performance.