Dell computer teacher discount

As any teacher with even a single computer in the classroom knows, hardware can be a great boon, making it possible for you to streamline your lesson plans, design exciting tech-based projects, and manage your record-keeping. The more knowledge you have about computers and their components, the more influence you're likely to exert when it comes to your school's hardware-purchasing decisions.

DESKTOP OR LAPTOP?

Chances are, if you're looking for a computer for the classroom, you are not looking for a laptop. However, some school districts are venturing into mobile computing and even wireless networks. With the exception of the impressive screen size of a large monitor, laptops can meet all the same computing needs that a desktop can. The remainder of this guide is geared toward desktops, but most of the factors mentioned are applicable to laptops--with the following caveats: laptop screens cannot compare with the quality of a full-size monitor; and you can expect to pay more for the same features as you would find on a desktop.

APPLE OR PC?

Ah, the great Apple versus Windows/PC debate! Without getting into the general merits of either, suffice it to say that the most important factor in making this decision is your environment. If your school uses Macs, then that is the way to go. PCs are all the rage? Same. Split down the middle? You make the call. If so, though, keep in mind a couple of general rules that do not lean toward either system's superiority. Apples are still somewhat easier to use by novices and children learning their way around the desktop. However, because innumerable manufacturers make PCs, Windows machines generally cost less than Apples. Thus, with PCs, you get more bang for the buck. The same holds true for peripherals (add-ons such as external drives, scanners, and printers).

BUILD OR BUNDLE?

All the items listed below can be purchased separately and assembled by you. Chances are, you won't take that approach despite the possible cost savings--for the simple reason that it's time-consuming. Full computer systems can also be purchased at a discount in bundles: manufacturer assortments that provide all the basic, and sometimes advanced, components. These days, manufacturers such as Dell allow the purchaser to configure all kinds of parameters within a package, giving you great flexibility. So it really depends on how much of the do-it-yourself spirit you have.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT [CPU]

This is one of the three biggest criteria in choosing a computer. If you are in the Mac world, go for the most affordable G4 you can get your hands on, though G3s will still do the job. It's that simple. In the PC realm, you are faced with the choice between a Celeron, a Pentium III, or a Pentium 4--increasing in price and speed, respectively. Of course, of the three, Pentium 4s are superior; however, almost every piece of software that you would wish to use can work effectively on the other two. Whichever computing platform you're using, go for the fastest speed processor you can afford, as well. For a PC desktop, it's hard to find one that runs much slower than 1 gigahertz these days. But, if you find that you save a hundred dollars by buying a computer with a processor that runs at 850 megahertz versus 950 megahertz, save your money. Yes, it will make a difference in speed, but much less than you'd expect.

Unless you plan on running massive databases or fine-tuning high-end multimedia productions, don't fret. There are other processors on the market, such as AMD's product line, which are adequate as well.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY [RAM]

Aside from your general level of CPU, RAM (random-access memory) is the most crucial aspect of your system, since it affects how fast and efficiently that system will run. This is not the area in which to cut corners, Some computers these days still come with a minimum of 64 megabytes. Contemporary operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000 need at least 128 megabytes to run comfortably, though they can manage with less. As of press time, RAM is more affordable than at any time since Atari's first game console wowed us in the late 1970s. Still, computer manufacturers will charge a premium when you order extra RAM during the purchase of a new computer. Stick with the base amount that is provided with the unit and pick up more RAM aftermarket. Highly recommended is Crucial Technology (www.crucial.com), where you can purchase RAM chips for a fraction of the cost that you would pay elsewhere.

HARD DISK DRIVE [HDD]

This is the last of the most important criteria in choosing computer options. One way that you can maximize the life of your computer is to buy a drive with a lot of capacity. That way you'll be able to keep upgrading to newer (and bigger!) operating systems and software versions. But do you really need a 30 or even a 48 gigabyte drive? Consider if you plan on doing a lot of multimedia work. Music files can be huge, and compressed files in large number can take up a sizable chunk of your HDD. Even high-quality pictures can shrink free space faster than booting up PhotoShop. Reckon with your environment, any ambitious lesson plans, and future needs before making the call. Whatever your final choice, do not consider purchasing a computer with less than a 20 gigabyte HDD.

MODEM DR NETWORK CARD?

Modem or network card? Many laptops these days have both pre-installed. If you're looking at desktops, first find out if your school has a network setup. Query your school's technology administrator to see if a network port exists in your room. If not, then you'll have to go the modem route. Internet access will be fine, but slower than on most networks. The good news is that almost any card you buy, modem or network, allows for more bandwidth and thus faster access than what can actually be carried by the communication lines that feed it, The minimum numbers to remember are 10/100 megabits per second for network cards, and 56K/v.90 for modems.

ROM DRIVE: CD/DVD/CD-RW

All computers these days come with some kind of compact disc (CD) drive. That's how most programs are installed and how computers access many multimedia products. But do you also want to be able to watch digital video discs (DVDs)? If so, choose an option that includes DVD-ROM capability. Maybe you also want to "burn" (or copy) CD-ROMs to back up the important documents stored on your hard drive. In that case, look for a recordable CD-RW drive. (Both of the above will play standard CDs as well.) There are drives that will also act as CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD in one.

OPERATING SYSTEM [OS]

Every year there's a new operating system that is purported to be "a must." If you're purchasing a new Macintosh, you'll likely end up with their new, well-received OS X. Easy decision. With PCs, you have a few choices. First, avoid a computer that comes with Windows Millennium Edition (ME) pre-installed. It is essentially a later version of Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition and is thus still prone to freezing up or crashing. If you do choose the Windows ME, then be sure to save early and save often.

For the average user, Windows XP Home Version is the best way to go. For those of you who are more on the advanced side, Windows 2000 Professional is highly recommended. While the system is a bit more expensive, Microsoft has had more than a year to work out all the bugs. As a result, it rarely crashes, and it has all the flexibility and power of XP Home version, plus more. The newest equivalent to Windows 2000 Professional is Windows XP Professional. This has received excellent reviews, but does not offer significantly more features than Windows 2000 Professional, and what it does offer is beyond the needs of even the most advanced computer users. In addition to its larger price tag, it's so new that there may be significant bugs that have not been worked out, making it less attractive.

BUNDLED SOFTWARE