SCANLON ENTERPRISES Computer Consulting Custom Software for the IBM PX/XT/AT/386 Systems 38354 17th St. E. - Palmdale, CA - 93550 - (805) 272-4827] Q - T I P S (Quick Tips) If you're in the market for a home or personal computer, the experts all agree on one thing; know what you want the computer to do, and do NOT buy a computer until you thoroughly shop and test the variety of models being offered by manufacturers. The investigation can save you plenty. You should also take time to become familiar with some of the computer basics such a computer "language" and terminology before you shop. U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E C O M P U T E R Like the television explosion of the 1950s, the computer has quickly become a part of our lives. Put aside any beliefs that computers are used only by the most sophisticated businesses and children. Those keys, push-buttons and "joy sticks" can do much more than balance accounts' payable and receivable or direct space ships and cartoon characters and other such creatures, to move around the display. Also put aside any fear you might have about understanding computers. The actual mechanics of computer operation will astound you by their simplicity and logic. If you can 'hunt-and- peck' on a typewriter keyboard and are willing to spend some time in discovery and learning about software, you can operate a personal home computer with success. And what's more, the learning experiences can be both fun and rewarding. NOTE: On most modern computers, running a GUI (graphics user interface), you don't even need to use a keyboard much. Instead, you can use a pointing device, called a mouse, to point to functions and commands. T O B U Y O R N O T T O B U Y Personal home computer owners report that the reality of using a computer can be different from what the advertisements would lead you to believe. A computer is NOT a panacea for all problems, but there are many things it can do. Consider the computer as a 'multi-use-tool'. You realize more from your investment when you use the computer to perform many tasks. If you want it to perform a single function, then, perhaps, you should consider a dedicated or simple system that may be plugged into a television set. Or, if you want a computer that only plays games, you can purchase these for much less than a full computer system. Buying a computer may cost more than you might, at first, think. The initial cost for the hardware (basic equipment), may NOT be the final cost. The software (programs / applications), can be expensive (you can expect to pay as much for all of the software you expect to use, as for the computer). And don't overlook computer maintenance, or 'add-on' hardware purchases. Computers do NOT run themselves. They are only as good as the person running them. Remember, the information you put into a computer is the information you will get out of the computer. P E R S O N A L H O M E C O M P U T E R C O M P O N E N T S Buying a home computer is NOT unlike purchasing a car. There are the basic models and many 'add-on-accessories'. Below, is a description of the hardware or physical equipment making up the computer. You can 'mix-or-match' these to fit your needs. þ Processor or Microprocessor As part of the processor unit a computer will have both a central processing unit (CPU) and main or random access memory (RAM). Information is stored in RAM, NOT the microprocessor. Most computers are packaged with a keyboard which acts as an input unit. Some computers include a disk drive and 'built-in' monitor, which resides in the ROM (Read Only Memory). There are other combinations available, such as an added co-processor which may specialize in math functions. Until recently, all personal home computers, were equipped with an 8-bit CPU (microprocessor). Now, most have 16-bit CPUs' and some even have 32-bit CPUs'. These newer CPUs' offer more power and speed, for your computer operations. With the inexpensive models you get, just the CPU, keyboard, video system, a limited amount of RAM and limited storage for data on disks. As the price increases, the system capability and features increase, such as higher resolution video, more RAM, larger storage devices for programs and data. þ Video System This is what is used, to display what you type, and gives games the desired visual effect. In days gone by, the video was not always necessary, as you could plug your system into the TV set to get the display. Todays systems, require such specialized video, that a TV just won't do. Many who own a personal computer, report that a television screen lacks the resolution and that a regular video system is best. There are several video systems available, ranging from the monochrome (black on white, amber, green screen, etc...), to CGA (Color graphics Adapter), to EGA and VGA (the high resolution systems). The EGA systems are becoming un-available, as the price of VGA is coming down. If you plan on using just text based computer software, then a monochrome video system is for you. If you want limited color and some graphics, then a CGA is your choice. However, if you want the latest in video effects and capability, as most new games and applications require, then get VGA. þ Disk Drive This is what your programs come on, and which you store data for long term usage. Todays disk drives range from the old standard of 360K bytes for the 5 ¬ inch disk, the intermediate 1.2 mega bytes 5¬ inch disk, the newer low density 3« inch 720K disks to the higher density 1.44 mega 3« inch disks. These represent only the removable media types. These disks are called floppy disks. Next are the high capacity hard drives, which have anywhere from 20 mega bytes, up to hundreds of mega bytes. Hard drives, not only hold more data and programs, but can be accessed much faster than the floppy disk. Generally, on newer computers, the floppy is used to back up the hard disks, in case of hard disk failure, and for installing new programs. þ Printer This device is much like a typewrite, but is controlled by the computer system. This device is used to make physical copies of the data your system contains. There is a variety of printers available, ranging from the simple dot matrix printer thru the laser jet. The printer is an important part of any computer system, and choosing it is just as important as selecting the computer. Your printer, just like the computer, should be selected based upon usage. þ Software These are the programs that tell the computer what to do. Software is packaged on disks, and must be installed. One program every PC must have, is the Disk Operating System (DOS). This is the program, which runs all others. Programs are available for applications such as word processing , financial analysis, accounting, educational and of course games. þ Accessories These include joy-sticks, the mouse, light pen, modem and other devices, which may not be normally contained in the system. þ Data-Based Management This is the process of organizing and storing information on your own computer system. Software packages exist for home computers to accomplish this. You could use a data base management system to store Christmas card lists, phone numbers, addresses, etc... C O M P U T E R T E R M I N O L O G Y Following is a brief, but essential, glossary of computer terms to help you become a smarter personal home computer shopper: ù Input This term refers to the data being received by the computer. You can tell the computer what to do by pressing keys on the keyboard, or by programming it with a disk that has been 'pre- recorded. You can also hook up the computer to a data bank to receive data and programs (via a modem and phone line). ù Ascii This stands for American Standard Code for Information Exchange, a coding system that allows the computer to represent, internally, any letter, numeral punctuation mark, or graphics character as a series of binary segments. Todays computer has, in addition, the extended character set. A listing of all 256 characters is available in many books. ù Bit This is the smallest chunk of data and can either be a 1 or 0, which represents true and false, or yes and no conditions. ù Byte A byte consists of 8 bits, which may represent up to 256 different possible events or characters. There are also smaller chunks of data, called nibbles, which are 4 bits. ù Word This is the number of bits a computer can handle in one chunk, and may be anywhere from a nibble (4 bits) to several bytes. On modern PC systems, the word size is typically 16 bits (2 bytes), but this is changing to a word size of 4 bytes (32 bits) very rapidly, via the 386 system. ù Memory This is where a program is executed from. A PC/XT//AT/386 typical memory area is from 0 thru 1 mega-byte. Memory is usually measured in terms of K-bytes, which is 1024 bytes. There are basically two types of memory. þ Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM contains the instructions for the particular task you want to perform, usually called an application. This memory areas data will be lost when power is lost, either by shutting off the computer, or during a black out. þ Read Only Memory (ROM) ROM contains the permanent instructions the computer uses to operate. These instructions cause our computer to access the disk drive, at 'boot' time (when power is applied), to load in the DOS . Such instructions, are programmed by the computer system manufacturer. ù Menu This is a display which presents a listing of available functions and or applications, for the user to select from. A menu makes using our computer easier, by saving us countable keystrokes. A typical menu may look like this. System Menu of Scanlon Enterprises - July 10, 1991 A) Letter Writer (Word-processing) B) Personal Checking (Check book system) C) DOS Utilities (Do stuff using DOS) D) Games (several selections) Enter your selection (A-D) You would simply choose one of the above, press the corresponding key (A-D) and the computer would start performing your selection. The last two selections might bring up additional choices, thus making this a mult-screen menu. ù Word Processing A computer almost always has some type of system to produce printed matter. These systems are called word processors. Word Processors can have various features, which might include word wrap, spelling check, margin settings, font settings and more. Many word processing systems, of today, have become desk-top publishing systems, incorporating graphics and text. Some advantages of word processing is the ability to quickly make changes by deleting entire blocks of text, such as paragraphs, or insertion of blocks of text. Many word processing systems will even allow us to make generic letters to send to several addressees. This feature is called merge printing, or mail merge. S H O P P I N G A N D C O M P A R I N G P R I C E S Personal computers are available at almost all types of stores, and in many different forms. Places which carry computer range from the toy store, general merchandise center, catalog stores, office supply, office equipment centers and speciality stores. Most retailers selling computers have demonstration models set up in their facility. Do NOT be too bashful to try out these systems or in asking for a demonstration. These retailers have these systems set-up for your interest and trial. Only by trying out a computer and various software systems, will you get the feeling of how to use a computer, and to what degree it can help. This is also your way to make your purchase decision as to type of system you may need. I T E M S T O C H E C K þ Equipment warranty and service What happens when the computer gets sick ? Well, we need a computer doctor ! Make sure the retail store or center has the staff to take care of your machine, or that they have a close repair center where these repairs may take place. Check to see how long the machine is warranted for (30 or more days). You don't want to buy a lemon and get stuck with it. þ Hardware and software availability Are all the various components and programs for the computer readily available ? Can the be updated, if newer versions become available ? þ Computer support Does the retailer offer classes and instructions for computer training ? Does the retailer offer any type of telephone support or service for occasions when you get stuck ? þ Computer clubs Many communities, or even your computer retailer, have computer clubs, where computer owners get together and discuss problems, learn new techniques and trade software. Ask your retailer about any club they might know about, and compare them to find one that is best for you. When exchanging programs, be aware of the copyright laws, and don't duplicate copyrighted software, without the Authors consent. þ Shareware / Public Domain Software These are programs which have been written with the intent of having people share them. Public Domain software, is software which the Author asks no registration fee or payment. Also, the Author does NOT support this software, and you must learn to use the software without any further instruction from the Author. Shareware, however, is software, which the Author requests some payment, called registration. This payment is only made, to the Author, if you decide to use the software on a regular basis. The object here, is to try before you buy. Computer Clubs often trade or have available for free, Shareware & Public Domain software. þ Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) These are centers which support computers via the phone line. Many such centers are available and have no fees attached. Some, of these, BBS centers charge per use or have monthly fees. There are usually one or more of these centers locally, ask your computer retailer, or you can subscribe to one of many national BBS centers. These centers, often, offer free software, which may either be Shareware or Public Domain, and which your only fee, is the download time. Don't forget to register any Shareware product which you decide to use on a regular basis. To access these services, you will need a hardware accessory called a modem, and some type of communications software. The communications software, is the system which offers you an interface to communicate with the BBS, via a set of menus. This system takes complete charge of operating the modem. F I N A L P O I N T After you narrow down your computer needs, be sure to find out what the full system price is. This will be based upon what hardware and software you need. Compare pricing of similar systems at different retail outlets. Keep in mind, always, what you want the computer to do right now, but, anticipate your future needs. Ask your friends, and retail dealer what the system is capable of. The more you expect of the computer, the more expensive the system. Be wary of any offer of a system, which is well under the price of most other retailers. These systems may be bad clones (which fail in a matter of days), or may not be compatible enough to perform the desire task or run the desired software. Also, these systems are usually not warranted to the same degree as good retail products, sold by national dealers. Summary of what you need to know when buying a computer. ù Have your list of functions ready when you are at the retail dealers store. Make this list now. The list should include your hardware requirements and software requirements. ù Know the basic functions of the computer. ù Check with friends and colleagues who have recently purchased a computer and with computer clubs, for information on and recommendations on computer systems and software. ù Shop more than one store, and check more than one model and manufacturer. Call the Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on a specific manufacturer or retail store. ù Obtain information brochures, usually free, about each system and model. Study them carefully for comparison of features and functionality, don't forget warranty. ù Be sure to test drive each model. Check the key board response, to see if it feels ok, you will be using it a lot. Check to see what software may be bundled with it, and that you have legal rights to use the bundled software. You should get plenty of documentation for the system. Get documentation for each component : û The video card (separate from the display) û The video display û The keyboard û The computer main system û The modem û The printer û The mouse û For each software program and one for DOS If the system is bundled with software which does NOT have printed manuals, make sure that software is either Public Domain or Shareware. ù Does the program do what you need now, and can it handle your future needs. If not, can you upgrade. ù Obtain firm pricing on the selected system and software. Be sure to ask about expansion pricing and availability of software. ù Know the warranty terms and service arrangements. ù Check for clubs, and computer training ù Check if special furniture is required to support the new system. You may need a special desk and or chair. ù Check on the exchange and replacement policy or refunds. ù Check if the system can be tax deductible, for your business ù Check if your business or home insurance policy covers the loss or damage of the system, including loss of important data. B A S I C S Y S T E M We recommend the following basic PC system, which offers compatibility with current computer trends. û A 386 based system running at 25 Mega-hertz or more (System speed) û At least 2 mega-bytes of RAM û A 101 Type keyboard û At least 40 mega-bytes of hard disk (personal) (80 mega-bytes for business) û VGA with 512K of video ram (try for 1 mega-byte) û At least one dot matrix printer (you will need this, even if you buy a laser printer, so that you can print throw-away matter, Read-Once) û A mouse (More and more software use this great gadget) û A modem - even if you don't belong to a BBS or data base service, this may be required to transfer data between your machine and another. û 2 disk drives, one of the 3« 1.44 mega-byte and one for 5¬ inch 360K . This last is for compatibility in software purchasing. Most software is still distributed on 360K disks. û DOS 3.3 or better, we recommend DOS 5.0 ! û Any word processor system (you'll need it) As a computer consultant, I am available to aid you in this important decision making process. Not only will I offer my opinion of your selection, but will offer suggestions for items you may have forgotten. In addition, I can integrate your system, making sure, that the various accessories function together, and that the software runs properly. How about a custom menu, I'll design it, install it and show you how to maintain it, or I'll do that for you. Need a custom software package ? I have over 10 years of programming background. I'll work with you to develop any application, so you'll get exactly those features you need. Just want training ? On a one to one basis, on your system, I'll get you up and running in a very short time. Need someone to install and set the system up ? My rates are right for this task. Call me with your questions at (805) 272-4827 Ask about my free computer purchase consultation offer.