Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Financial Sense

Why pay full price when you can get a refurbished computer that performs just as well (or better) than a new machine?

Refurbished desktop computers come from a variety of sources – customer returns, cast-offs after an upgrade, off-lease. When the machines are refurbished, they are thoroughly tested and cleaned to ensure they perform according to the manufacturer’s original specifications. Sometimes the original equipment manufacturer refurbishes the computer, and sometimes an authorized reseller does it. Either way, the computer is usable, suitable to most business applications, and much cheaper than a new one.

Can a refurbished desktop meet your processing needs? Yes. Equipment manufacturers will try to tell you through their advertising that you need the latest and greatest computer, but that is rarely the case. Unless you are in a highly specialized field, like graphic design or CAD applications, you can very likely get buy with a machine that is 2, 3 or even 5 years old.

You may also have concerns that a refurbished machine will be too old to service; that parts will be hard to come by. That is not usually the case. Many manufacturers, including heavyweights like IBM and Lenovo, offer their discontinued parts and accessories for sale through resellers. Whatever you need to service your desktop, you can probably find it.

Buying Used Desktops Makes Good Eco-Sense

Back to that UN report. The report urged governments to “slow the growth of high-tech trash”. UN researchers found that:

”…the average 24 kg desktop computer with monitor requires at least ten times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, much more materials intensive than an automobile or refrigerator, which only require 1-2 times their weight in fossil fuels. Researchers found that manufacturing one desktop computer and 17-inch CRT monitor uses at least 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals and 1,500 kg of water – a total of 1.8 tonnes of materials.”

Of course most desktops now use LCD monitors, but the environmental impact of these machines is clear. The UN also made note of “the rapid rate at which [desktops] are discarded for newer machines.”

If you buy used equipment, you are making a good environmental choice. Yes, computers are still being manufactured using chemicals and fossil fuels, but you will not be contributing to the demand for new machines when you buy a used or refurbished one. Further, you will be keeping a computer and monitor out of the waste stream.
Bottom Line: Refurbished Desktop Computers Make Good Business Sense

Save money, reduce waste and still perform your daily computing tasks. Refurbished computers give you all that and the satisfaction of having benefited both your budget and the environment.

The latest desktop PCs are not cumbersome due to having the element of compactness included both in their heights and thickness. The principles along with the techniques that are used in the creation of these PCs are the same ones that are used in the creation of a generic computer system.

These PCs have both internal and external storage. The hard disk inside the system can be used as an internal storage unit, while the backup devices and data storage discs work as external devices.

These desktop computers have advanced features and capabilities which are not present in ordinary digital computers. These computers have integrated monitors and keyboards.

The three main manufacturers of desktop computers are: Sony, Apple and Dell. Their various products in the market are present along with their advanced features.

The Sony Vaio JS190J is an all-in-one computer. It comes with a DVD-RW/DVD-RAM drive, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB SDRAM, a 500 GB hard disk, It also has a feature of a flash card reader.

Apple is currently featured in the market in terms of its products having sleek designs and significant performance enhancements. The Apple Desktop iMac 1.83 Intel Core 2 Duo/512MB/160G/Combo/17″ which is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The special features of this desktop make it superior to all the other desktops which lie in the same budget.

This system includes camera, keyboard, microphone, mouse, remote control and a LAN and Bluetooth Aerial. The screen has an Active Matrix TFT display with a 1920 X 1200 pixel resolution to give you a perfect and viewing experience with clarity.

Dell’s desktops come with a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 6 GB SDRAM and a 750 GB standard hard disk. These desktops are the most affordable ones out of three manufacturers.

There are so many benefits of purchasing a latest desktop PC. PCs have been in the market from the beginning of the computer age. The experience and information gathered from that time has allowed developers to make computers more and more efficient. The newer and faster technologies such as the ones used in the creation of laptops may be convenient in terms of their usage but, they cannot compare to the reliability of the PC.

The advantage of a desktop is that while technology advances, your desktop can advance with it. Memory can be expanded easily, entire hard drives removed and replaced with new ones. Monitors, keyboards, mouses, and all the accessories that you can think of, can easily be changed with a simple procedure. One of the great advantage of these desktops is their size. Newer and advanced technologies are making things smaller to the extent that desktop PCs are becoming capable of accomplishing wonders.

These features put PCs on the pinnacle of performance along with the end customers having got the chance of acquiring nothing but the best. When reliability, expandability, affordability and presentation are important, desktop computers are clear winners.

The Famous “Intel Inside” Sticker

Ever since the advent of personal computers, the Intel micro-processor has been used on almost all known computer brands on the market. Naturally, since the name Intel is seen in almost any computer, the phrase ‘Intel computers’ stuck in a mind of computer and non-computer users alike.

This is especially true when a couple of years ago, Intel launched a product called Centrino. Everybody, especially all the tech personal out there, were all excited over this new product. But for the non-technology savvy and non-computer users, it was common misconception that Centrino was a tag name of a laptop. Centrino to them was a notebook that was super fast, super-reliable and had super-sleek design. But much to their disappointment, Centrino is not at all a computer or a notebook. Centrino is the Intel processor that runs inside the notebook or computer.

What’s Really Inside?

So basically, the real product of Intel is not the whole computer set itself. There is no such thing as Intel computers as popularly misinterpreted by most consumers. The real product of Intel is the microprocessor that runs “inside” the computer.

The misconception is also understandable since the processor is considered the brains of the computer. The performance of the computer generally comes down to the performance of its processor, thus the analogy: computer-processor-Intel. Therefore, there really is no surprise to this misconception and people don’t even seem to mind correcting it. Even Intel doesn’t mind; they greatly benefit from this misconception. New computer users would naturally want nothing more than to have an Intel computer.

What really fortified the popular belief about Intel computers as a computer brand is the amount of recognition that Intel has earned throughout the years as the leading microprocessor manufacturer. Their recognition and popularity is basically backed by its high-end performance. Current Intel processors run at an impressively clock speed of equal to or more than 3.0 GHz. Intel processors are also the best in power and energy efficiency, keeping noise level down and heat production/control. Moreover, the promotion and marketing strategy of Intel may have also contributed to the popular misconception.

What this all really means is that at this period of the Information Age, Intel so far is the most valued processor in the market. They are not the only processors in the market and may not have always been the market leader particularly considering the performance of its rival AMD Athlon. Yes, there have been several times when the rival has been able to launch a product that outperformed Intel’s, but, Intel has always managed to climb back. Therefore, due to the integrity, reliability and effectiveness of its main product – the processor – Intel has earned a brand name synonymous with everything that is computers.

Desktop computers might not be as flashy as laptops these days, but the larger, stationary computers still provide plenty of power and value for your money. Laptops might be flashier, but a good desktop computer still provides a few things that a laptop never can, such as an easy-to-upgrade system. When shopping for a desktop computer, it’s important to focus on these categories: Accessories, cost, display, future needs, operating system, and usage expectations.

Accessories

One of the best things about a desktop computer is the wide variety of accessories you can use with them. Most computers now include drives for burning DVDs and CDs; if you want an older floppy disk drive, you might have to add it later, as very few new computers include such drives. If you plan on doing a lot of digital photography or digital video work, you’ll want to make sure the desktop has all of the connectors you need, whether it be FireWire or memory card slots. Finally, most desktops have Ethernet cards now, but some don’t have dial-up telephone jacks; if you need a dial-up modem, make sure the desktop model you choose has one.

Cost

Desktop computers range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the components and features included. Before you begin researching desktops, you’ll want to make sure you set a realistic budget … and then stick to it, no matter how tempted you are by some of the high-end models. If you’re looking to cut some corners on costs, you can save money by choosing a model with a low-end graphics card, as long as you aren’t planning to use the desktop for extensive video editing or gaming. Two areas where we would not recommend trying to skimp and save money are with the processor and the hard drive. Purchasing the fastest processor and the biggest hard drive that will fit into your budget will give your desktop computer the greatest longevity. Finally, even if you’re looking to save a lot of money, it’s tough to recommend buying a used computer; new desktop computers can be found very inexpensively these days, and you’ll have the full warranty option.

Display

Depending on the desktop computer you choose, you could end up spending more on the display than on the computer itself. Large LCD screens offer great image quality, flat screens, wide-screen capabilities (16:9 aspect ratio), and lightweight units. However, LCDs are more expensive than the traditional CRT computer monitor. CRTs don’t offer wide-screen capabilities, and they are extremely bulky and heavy units. But they provide good-looking images, and you’ll save some money versus LCDs. Big displays are very handy for those who do a lot of video editing or gaming, or for those who need multiple windows open at one time. If you are going to choose an LCD monitor and you plan to watch movies or play games — anything with high-speed action — be sure you select a monitor with a low response time to avoid blurry motion problems. When shopping, be sure to know whether the desktop model you’re choosing includes a display unit with the bundle. Most stores now sell desktops and monitors separately.

Future Needs

Adding items to a laptop can be difficult, but desktops are made for upgrading and additions. And, as long as your computer has plenty of USB connectors, adding new accessories is pretty easy. When you make the initial purchase of your desktop, stick to your budget, even if you can’t afford all of the accessories you want initially. You always can add components and features to the desktop computer at a later date.

Operating System

When purchasing a computer, you’ll typically have two choices for an operating system, Windows or Macintosh. (If you’re a fan of Linux, you always can add that operating system later.) Several companies manufacture Windows-based computers, which tends to make them less expensive than Mac computers, of which Apple is the primary manufacturer. Windows computers are used in far greater numbers worldwide than Mac computers. However, with so much file sharing done via the Internet or via CDs or DVDs, you aren’t as limited as you were several years ago by making sure that your operating system matched the OS of your coworkers and friends. Mac computers seem to be stronger with video editing and other types of multimedia applications; Windows computers have long been the choice of the business world. One thing to keep in mind: Because Windows computers are more plentiful, software and hardware makers tend to focus more of their products and attention on the Windows market. Essentially, it’s tough to go wrong with either type of operating system.

Usage Expectations

Knowing how you expect to use the computer will help you when shopping. For example, if you want a smaller desktop with some portability options, you might want to choose a small-form-factor (SFF) computer. It won’t offer the expandability of a full-tower desktop case, but it does offer an advantage in smaller size and lower weight. If you want to use the unit for high-end gaming, you’ll need a high-end graphics card and a powerful, more expensive unit. If, however, you mainly want to use the desktop computer for E-mail and the Internet, you probably can survive with a low-cost unit.

If you find yourself frustrated over the technical jargon you encounter when shopping for a computer, you just need to keep a few things in mind. First, the CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer and is one area that you cannot upgrade easily later. Buy the fastest, most powerful processor you can afford. Second, don’t be swayed much by the items and software bundled with the computer. For most people, the bundled items aren’t going to meet their needs. Focus on the items you want and need. Third, buy an external backup hard drive system … and use it. After all, your personal data is more valuable than any other part of your computer.

Finally, be sure you have firewall and anti-virus protection on your computer, especially if it will be connected to a high-speed (broadband) Internet connection. Without strong protections, your computer will be a target for hackers. If you are unsure about how to set up protection, make sure you purchase the computer from a local store that can provide help for a fee. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when your personal data is at risk.

Comparison chart Low-end desktop computer                 High-end desktop computer

Typical cost                                                                                   less than €500                                              more than €1,000

Strong at video editing                                                                    No                                                                   Yes

Strong at gaming                                                                             No                                                                   Yes

Strong at photography                                                                    Maybe                                                           Yes

Strong at Internet usage                                                                   Yes                                                                 Yes

Strong at E-mail usage                                                                    Yes                                                                 Yes

Strong CPU power                                                                           Maybe                                                           Yes

Strong graphics power                                                                      No                                                                   Yes

Windows options                                                                                 Yes                                                                 Yes

Macintosh options                                                                          Unlikely                                                         Yes

full article at pricecy.com

My next step was to buy a computer; I picked an apple 48K, which came with an accounts program to help me run my small business. It was not written with my business in mind.

The program was written in basic, I printed it out and thought I could have a go at that. I bought a few magazines that had little bits of script I could use. With in a week I had the outline of the program. Working on it for the next two years I got it to my liking.

Then I thought I could use it to run the manufacturing site of thing. (I sold windows, made them, and then fitted them). I got the sizes of the widows and put them in the computer and out came the cutting sizes of each type of window.

Two other window-manufacturing companies ask me to do it for them. As they where friends of mine, I did not charge them. One of the customers I had, already got a computer programming company in to do this, but they could not do it. So like the idiot I am I show them.

Well then Bill came out with the first Windows, which was not basic. So it was no; For b = from 1 to 56 print b$(b) (Basic) any more so I give up. Now there are so many programs out there is no point of writing your own.

Now I’m retired I thought I could earn some money with my computer. Learning as you go along, ebooks tell you what to do but not how to do it! It’s getting better with all the videos out there.

You have to research the market for your keywords; mind you there are some good program to help you now. Then you have to get traffic to your site (biggest headache), Pay Per Click has beat me; say you sold something for $7.50 and you pay 15cence a click and you sold 1 out of 100 clicks. A good keyword might get you 1 in 50 how much you earned; “nowt” Average is 1 in 200 so your product must be over $30 to make anything.

I’ve never sold anything using P.P.C, it’s a good job there are other methods of getting traffic! I think forums are a good way of getting traffic to your site. Your website should also have videos on them to keep them interested in the subject of your site.

Keep at it, you will get it right, some thing will work for you some will not.

But when it comes to photo wallpaper, even though the choice is still huge, the vast majority of images cover your desktop with a beautiful image, only for you to then go and clutter up the image with all your desktop icons.

If, like me you frequently drop useful shortcuts on the desktop whilst you are surfing, or you like to organise your work space with all your favourite and most often used program icons easily to hand, you are likely to end up with the effect of that stunning landscape photo completely destroyed with a messy colection of shortcuts which you can’t see very well because they are lost against the backgrond image. Sounds familiar?

Well, I’m going to show you how you can overcome this problem by making your own customized desktop wallpaper, that will give you both a pretty image to grace your computer, as well as areas where you can neatly keep your icons together, easily visible and identifiable. (To help you understand what we are aiming for, take a look at these examples)

First of all you will need two things: your favourite (digital or scanned) photo, and some sort of photo editing software.

Start your photo editing program and locate and open your chosen photograph file. What size (in pixels) is the image? Look at the file info, or the status bar, or image heading, of your editing program to find this. For the purpose of this excercise we’ll assume that your PC desktop is set at a resolution (screen size) of 1024 x 768, which is probably the most common choice at the moment. (To change the size of your desktop/screen resolution: right click on your desktop – choose properties – then the “settings” tab, which will present you with the available size choices for your monitor).

So, with a screen size of 1024 x 768 pixels, alter the dimensions of your image to exactly match these dimensions.

Warning: don’t change both height and width, or you may end up with a distorted image unless the original size is proportionate to 1024 x 768. What you should do is to alter the image width, OR, the height, until you have an image which is the same on one edge, and either the same, or larger on the other edge. Then using the crop tool in your image editor, carefully select enough of the image to match exactly 1024 x 768 pixels.

OK. So now you have your basic background image. Here’s the important part: Look at your chosen image and decide which area, or areas, ar e the least important visually. It may be that the bottom of the image doesn’t contain any important detail, or vital part of the scene. Or maybe a part of one side, or the other could be sacrificed without spoiling the overall impact?

Keep in mind that you’re not going to completely lose this part of the image – just “ghost” it. What this entails is lowering the image contrast, while raising the brightness, a little at a time until you have a ghosted image in which you can still see the picture but more “dimly” than before. These “ghosted” panels are where you are going to place your icons, so that they stand out much better than before. With careful choice of image and where you place the “ghosted” panels, you can create a very attractive and functional desktop wallpaper.

Back to the actual process: use the selection tool to create a panel, or indeed more than one, at the part(s) of the image you have chosen to “ghost”. Now, for each panel at a time, use the contrast and brightness tools, as described above, to alter just the selected area(s). When you are satisfied with the degree of ghosting, you can further enhance your design by adding an outline to the panel, and/or a drop shadow.

When you are happy with the overall design. Save the image as a JPEG file with a bit of compression but not too much if you want to keep the quality reasonably high (a quality setting of about 85%, or level 10 in Photoshop, will do).

Now you are ready to add this wallpaper to your PC’s library of wallpapers: to do this right click on your desktop -> choose properties -> then the “Desktop” tab -> then click “Browse” and locate the file you just saved, and finally click OK. Your editing software may have a command for setting the image as your wallpaper more quickly, but keep in mind you might have trouble finding it again if you subsequently change to a different wallpaper.

With your new design loaded on your desktop, you now have to arrange your icons within the panel(s) you made. To make this easier, what I do is to right-click the desktop and then -> “arrange icons by”-> “align to grid” first, then drag and drop the icons to approximately where you want them, leaving “align to grid” to tidy up your rows and columns, then, if your collection of icons doesn’t quite align with the panel(s), deselect “align to grid”, use the mouse pointer to select a box all around the icons you want to move, then drag the whole tidy pile to where you want them to sit.

(Tip: when de-selecting “align to grid” be careful NOT to accidentally select the next item above: “auto align” or all

your carefull arrangements will be undone!)

Et voila! (that’s French!) There you are, your first TidyDesktop completed.

• Computer basics for the computer beginner, boomer, or senior.
• Over 2 hours and 40 minutes of training.
• Simple to use. No Software to Install. Watch directly on your computer.
• Designed to give you confidence with your computer, email and Internet.
• Includes important security best practices.

Product Description
Introduction to Computers and the Internet Featuring Windows Vista, provides a simple introduction to computer basics, the Internet, and email. We focus on the core skills beginners are looking for to use and enjoy computers and the Internet. Delivered on CD-ROM, the straight-forward descriptions and thorough demonstrations can be watched at home, at any pace, and as often as desired.

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Tech Tutor Video: Windows Vista – Introduction to Computers & The Internet – Volume 1