Main Points Made on Show Today

Guest, Antonio Travis, President, ITSG, Inc. 
www.itsgnet.net.

Buying a Computer
Antonio did a great job explaining how to purchase a computer, and what to ask for. The major computer stores will carry the top brands. They'll have sufficient hard drive space (10Gb), modem, super fast processor (the brain of the computer) such as a Pentium IV, lots of temporary memory so you candifferent software at one time (RAM). You'll want to also purchase a SVGA monitor (higher resolution, meaning a prettier, brighter picture on the screen because it can display more colors at once).

Peggy suggested buying the additional service contract ONLY if you buy a laptop because no one but the manufacturer can work on them. Desktops, on the other hand, are simple to repair, and if anything is going to go wrong with them, it'll usually happen within a few days of purchase. She also suggests that you purchase your computer from a store that also offers technical support. She doesn't like ordering big ticket items like computers off the Internet. You don't want to have to box up a computer and ship it somewhere to have it repaired. Stick to the stores in the neighborhood.

Power Surges: Protecting Your Investment
Antonio insists that you protect your computer equipment from electrical brownouts (not enough power) and blackouts (no power) by purchasing a surge protector. You should also protect the phone lines that go into your computer (your modem lines). Check with your major computer stores for the best brands.

Purchasing an all-in-one machine (combination fax, printer, scanner)
Antonio suggested that before you purchase a combo machine to remember that if one breaks, you'll lose access to all of them.

Peggy suggested that if you're considering purchasing one because of limited space that you should look around and get organized and eliminate excess "stuff" and you might find that you have room for separate machines. She also suggested that you probably won't need to purchase a scanner unless you're in some type of graphics business. On the rare occasion that a scanner is needed, you could probably use someone else's or a service center such as Kinko's. Purchasing a digital camera instead will be something you'll get more use out of and it will produce digital pictures so no need to scan.

If you mostly fax documents that you create, you could try software such as WinFax Pro, and fax from your computer instead of buying a machine.

Printer Cartridges
Jean needs printer cartridges for an old printer she doesn't want to get rid of. Peggy suggested www.myinks.com. The inks are less expensive than traditional outlets, and they have a larger variety.

DONATE USED COMPUTERS:
If you have used computers to donate, contact: Project CHIP which refurbishes and distributes quality, low-cost computers to organizations and families. Apply for yours at http://www.ubp.com/KB/CHIP. Phone: .