Identifying the user
The user is anyone who uses the computer. Different users use
computers for different purposes.
(පොතේ වගුව ඇදගන්න)
Selecting a computer
Before selecting a computer users must identify what are their
requirements. Some of the requirements show bellows.
Playing computer games
Preparation of documents
Access internet
Editing audio and video material
Graphic design
There are two kinds of computers we can choose from,
I. Non-portable computers
Non-portable computers are computers that cannot move from
one place to another place.
Ex:
Server computers: use to provide services for networks
Desktop computer: use in home and office work
All-in-one computers: monitor used with some peripheral devices
II. Portable computers
These computers can move from one place to another place.
Ex:
Smartphones: a computer with a small touchable screen.
Tablet computers: a computer with a larger touchable screen than
a smartphone.
Laptop: a computer with a larger screen with a computer.
Peripheral devices
Input devices: devices use to feed data to the computer
Storage devices: devices used to store data.
Output devices: devices use to provide data from the computer.
Peripheral devices: all those input storage and output devices
(වගුව අන්දන්න)
What are the specifications?
Specifications are the details of what we are buying. For a moment
imagine we need to buy a CR book for ICT. So the following details are
shown on the back page of the book.
Length: 210mm
Width: 148mm
Number of pages: 120
Type: single ruled
Price: RS. 210
So these are the specifications.
On the other side imagine your friend needs to buy a book for drawing.
So specification can be like this.
Length: 300mm
Width: 210mm
Number of pages: 80
Type: blank
Price: RS. 250
So learning these two specifications we can clarify from an item to an
item specification can be changed.
So we can buy the same product for different purposes with different
specifications.
Computer specifications
1. The processor
The processor is known as the central processing unit. It can be
considered a brain of a computer. So when we buy a computer,
processor details are much more important to consider.
So the first thing we should consider is the speed of the
processor. The performance of a computer is based on the
processor speed. The speed of a computer is measured in
megahertz or gigahertz. (MHz or GHz). So, before buying a
processor we should clarify that it has a higher computer speed.
After that, we should consider the manufactuSeveral
manufacturers market make processors. Some of them are Apple,
Intel, AMD, etc.AMD
Lastly, we should consider the type of processors. Processors can
be classified into types according to the no. of CPUs that are
processing. Let’s consider some processor types and examples of
intel processors.
No. of CPUs Type examples
1 Single core Pentium 1,2,3,4
2 Dual-core Dual-core
4 Quad-core i3,i5,i7,i9
Let’s see how to check your computer processor’s specifications.
To do that first you have to find the ‘This Pc’ icon and then right-
click on it. After that go to the properties. From there you can
find the specification of your pc. But this path will be changed
when the Windows version is changed. So another way to see
details about your processor is right click on the taskbar and go to
the task manager option. Then go to the performance tab.
2. hard disk
hard disk is the permanent storage device that uses in
computers. It is used to store images, documents, software, etc.
This device helps to store a lot of data in a tiny place. In modern
days we can see hard disks with up to 1TB data capacity.
3. Monitors
The main output device of a computer is the monitor. It has a
screen to show the outputs to the users. So monitors with bigger
screens gave a better image to the users.
When it comes to monitors there are three types of monitors we
can see.
I. CRT monitors (Cathode Ray Tube Monitors)
CRT monitors are made out of cathode ray tubes. These
monitors are not in use in modern days because of they
consume a lot of electricity.
II. LCD monitors (Light Crystal Display Monitors)
LCD monitors are made of LCD bulbs. So because of that, it
consumes much less electrical power than the CRT
Monitors
III. LED monitors
These computers are very common in modern days because
these computers give us a very clear while consuming less
electricity.
4. Main memory
Main memory is used to store data for a temporary while. These
data will feed to the CPU later. So a main memory should have
more capacity to be a better one. The main memory is also
known as the random access memory(RAM).
5. Visual Graphic Adapter
The visible outputs that the monitor is given come through the
VGA. There are two types of VGAs. One is called inbuilt VGA.
These VGAs are built inside the microprocessor. So it is fixed to
the motherboard. And the other type is a separate VGA. If the
inbuilt VGA is not enough for our tasks, we can add these VGA to
the computer to increase the VGA. These VGA connect to the
computer through VGA, DV1, and HDMI ports. HDMI ports can
transfer both video and audio but VGA ports can only transfer
video. So because of that these days VGA ports are barely used.
6. Sound cards
When we input sounds through a microphone or when we output
sounds through a speaker to do we need a sound card. A lot of
sound cards are embedded in the motherboard. But if we need
we can add another sound card to the computer. Sound cards
have three main ports with a color standard.
Green ports: Audio out (connect the audio output devices such as
speakers, and headphones)
Pink ports: Mic in (Connect the audio input devices such as a
microphone)
Blue ports: line in (connect to feed sound with external devices)
All the above specifications are technical stuff that we check
before buying a computer. There are some other non-technical
specifications that we should consider before buy a computer.
Non-technical specifications
Warranty
A warranty is an assurance that is given by the manufacturers or
salesmen to cover the defects for a period. There are three types
of warranties.
a. Manufacture warranty
This warranty is given by the manufacturing company. If an
issue occurs during the warranty period, manufactures are
bonded to repair or replace the device.
b. Extended warranty
If a customer pay to extend the warranty period, these
warranties are called the extended warranty. Customers
can adjust the time period of these warranties. The more
they extend the time more they have to pay.
c. On-site warranties
If a customer obtains these kinds of warranty, the
technicians have to come to the customer’s place to repair
the product.
Price
The price of a computer can be changed according to the
customer’s requirements.
Service after sales
Computer service after sales refers to the technical support and
assistance provided by a company or vendor to their customers
after the purchase of a computer. Computer service after sales
typically includes services such as troubleshooting, repair, and
maintenance. This may involve providing assistance over the
phone, via email, or through online chat, as well as on-site visits
by technicians to diagnose and fix hardware or software issues.
