Technology+Info

=Technology Corner=


 * Low Cost Refurbished Computers for SALE!** Pentium 4 Computers, boy2. From $185-$275 Desktops and Laptops. Available to any Family, School, or Non-Profit Organization. Many of our low cost refurbished computers have DVD drives and CD writers, some with 15" flat screen monitors. Do your Christmas shopping early! Call 610-666-1795 for an application. Visit us at www.TeamChildren.com.


 * Technology Advice:**

= = Neither the Philadelphia School District nor the Philadelphia Home and School Council endorse any of the vendors mentioned below. Neither of these entities have any relationship with any of the listed vendors. This document is meant to provide basic information to parents when purchasing a computer. It is understood that not everyone has the same opinion, therefore we welcome comments and differing opinions via the Discussion section of this page.

Feel free to distribute this information freely. For a printable file click here --> [|Philadelphia Technology Review 2.pdf]

Important Technology Resources Purchasing Advice Computer Refurbishers Internet Providers
 * Main Topics Below**

Important Technololgy Resources
 * For good information about Internet Safety go to [|www.isafe.org]
 * [|Free Phila Computer Class Resource Guiderevised 2 07.pdf] This link is a guide to free computer classes in the Philadelphia area from Michael Branca, CareerLink Specialist PA CareerLink North Philadelphia, 990 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

**__Jay's Purchasing Advice__** When buying technology, there are really four decisions most people need to make. One is about buying the computer. Another is about buying software or Applications. Another is about buying a printer. And the last is about buying the Internet Service. If you currently don't have Internet service, then you should know that you will not be able to send email or "browse" the Internet without it. In fact, once you start using the Internet and email, you will find that the most valuable part of owning a computer is that it can be used to access the Internet. So, let's start with which Internet service to purchase and then go to which computer.


 * Which Internet service should I purchase?**

Because you live in Philadelphia, this is pretty easy. If you are a first-time computer user/buyer then you should probably try and get the free Interenet service through Wireless Philadelphia. If fact, if you can prove low-income or have a child that receives free lunch at school, then you should be able to qualify for Wireless Philadelphia for $9.95 per month. There are no monthly contracts, but it is not reliable in all parts of the city yet. They require you to go to one of their signup places to actually sign up. Go to [|www.wirelessphiladelphia.org] if you are interested. If you don't qualify or don't like the service once you've tried it, then you can use other Internet providers. Just remember that if you aren't looking for anything fancy (like video on demand) then you shouldn't need to spend any more than $20 per month..


 * Which computer should I purchase?**

If you are looking to buy your first computer, or need a second computer for your child in school, **DON'T SPEND A LOT OF MONEY**. There are plenty of perfectly adequate new and used computers out there for a reasonable price. New computers can frequently be purchased for under $500 and good refurbished computers can be purchased for under $250. On the other hand, if you need a computer to do something special like computer graphics or play the latest video games, by all means, spend more. Below are my recommendations for low-cost computers.

For first time computer buyers, and especially young students (Kindergarten through eighth graders), I recommend a refurbished desktop computer with Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Also, ask the refurbisher to load (or show you how to load) Open Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and AVG Anti-Virus and anti-spyware on it. Look for a "Pentium 4" with at least 512 Meg of RAM with a CDROM drive. This computer will be fast enough to run Open Office or Microsoft Office and get on the Internet. You will also be able to use this computer to store pictures, play music CDs and connect to MP3 players. Try not to spend more than $225 unless you are getting a DVD player with the computer. Also, ask for a warranty of at least a year so that when you really start using your computer, you will be able to call someone if you have any problems. Don't expect this computer to be able to play the latest video games, but it should be able to play most educational games without any trouble. Also, refurbished computers will probably not come with one of the flat panel displays. Rather, refurbished computers will generally come with a big fat CRT display.

If you want something even cheaper than $199 to $250, then most of the computer refurbishers will gladly sell you a "Pentium 3" or older computer. Just beware that if you plan on putting the computer on the Internet, you may find that the computer works slower than you want by the time that you add Adobe Acrobat Reader, Anti-Virus and Anti-spyware, and the media player, windows and Internet explorer updates. With that said, a Pentium 3 800 Megahertz with 256 Meg should work OK on the Internet. It will just will be a little slow (especially starting up). If you are SURE that you DON'T want to use the computer on the Internet and don't mind a computer that takes a long time starting or loading programs, then a slower Pentium 3 with 128 Meg of RAM might be OK.

If you can't find a refurbished computer for under $250 that meets the specifications above or if you would just rather purchase a new computer, there are lots of options under $500 for a desktop computer. For the added price over a refurbished computer, you will get a new flat display and a faster computer. Make sure that you get a computer with at least 1 gigabyte of memory.

If you really have your heart set on a laptop, then I generally recommend a new laptop. There are three reasons for my recommendation: 1) laptops tend to be more fragile than desktops and the reliability of laptops are improving every year; 2) refurbished laptops tend to come with old batteries that are not guaranteed; 3) new laptops are not that much more expensive than refurbished laptops. If you decide to go with a new entry-level laptop then just look for a laptop with 1 gigabyte of RAM.


 * What Software or Applications should I buy?**

Most people need a way of writing a printing letters, doing budgets, and creating slideshow presentations when they use a computer. Most people meet these three needs by purchasing Microsoft Office. This is generally fairly expensive and will add at least $100 to the cost of your computer. An alternative that the computers refubishers use is called Open Office and that can be loaded on any computer, new or old, for free. Consider it a simpler, compatible version of Microsoft Office. It is not identical, but it will create files that can be read by other people using Microsoft Office. To download Open Office go to [|http://www.openoffice.org.]


 * What printer should I buy?**

For printers, there are three optons. Buy an inkjet color printer for less money (as little as $50), but pay more for the ink. Buy a laser black and white printer for a little more money (as little as $100) and pay less for ink. Buy a color laser printer and pay more up front (at least $250) and get color ink for about the price of black and white. Personally, I purchased a cheap B&W laser (about $100) and a multifunction fax/copy inkjet printer (about $150). This gave me everything I needed and I can choose whether I want to print expensive color or cheap B&W. Lastly, you don't have to buy everything in the beginning. You can buy the inkjet first and if you feel that you are spending too much on ink, then you can purchase the B&W laser (that is what I did).

**__Computer Refurbishers__** 1524 Brandywine Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 [|www.ntronline.org] || * Computer Store Open [|www.teamchildren.com]
 * **Computer Refurbishers** || **Special Considerations** ||
 * Alpha-Tech Computers
 * 215-462-5645** || * Only Available in South Philadelphia
 * $100 for the computer and 30 day guarantee
 * $10 monthly membership but you get computer support in your home.
 * Computers are generally P3s. ||
 * Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR)
 * 215-564-6686**
 * "Bring-A-Computer Ask A Question" Workshops held monthly on Saturdays (must pre-register)
 * Free training available on purchases of 8 or more computers
 * 3 year hardware warranty
 * Convenient local location when support is needed
 * View video from [|CBS3] ||
 * TeamChildren
 * TeamChildren
 * 610-666-1795** || * Pickup and service in Audubon, Pennsylvania
 * 30 day warranty with $5 per month service agreement ||