Know what is needed before purchasing THE CRY of "Don’t forget your disk" rapidly is replacing "Don't forget your notebook" as students across the country — from primary schools to post-secondary schools — join the computer age. Although personal computers (PCs) are by their nature advanced, choosing one is still quite simple. The most important concerns when you are buying a computer for ‘school are how. you plan to use your computer today and how you will use it in the future. Experts suggested reviewing these points before deciding on a computer for school: Uses Most students use their PCs for word processing tasks such as writing book reports or preparing long-term research projects. Some advanced users also do math and data analysis, as well as engincer- ing and design work or desktop pub- lishing. The microprocessor chip at the heart of a PC performs all these tasks, and a more powerful chip can do more in less time. Be sure that your PC has a chip that is appropriate for your computer uses. ~ Compatibility Many schools require their stu- dents to have the same kind of PC to vassure that information can be exchanged easily. But the same kind doesn't always have to mean the same - brand. Ask the school which software , packages will be used and then Iook for a computer that rans those pro- grams. There may very well be a compatible computer that represents a better value. Expandability Some PCs are self-contained sys- tems; others allow you to add compo- nents as your computing needs devel- op, allowing the user to increase the computer's memory capucity or get better video output. Remember that today’s algebra whiz is tomorrow's engincer. Investing in a high-powered computer today may not be necessary if you find one that's capable of keeping pace with progress. Storage The familiar floppy disks used in personal computing can save pages and pages of information, and differ- ent disks can be used for different projects. The once-standard 34-inch floppies are being replaced. by stur- dier 3’:-inch versions Students doing long-term research Projects or using sophisticated soft- ware should consider a PC with a built-in hard disk drive, which offers superior storage capacity. Hard drives are really the filing cabinets of the future. With large amounts of file storage space avail- able, they can be used to hold a vari- ety of programs and many data files. Assembling a major project can be a snap, even if materials produced by more than one program are used, Monitors The other key component in a PC system is its video screen or monitor. The choices are a monochrome moni- tor (with shades of one color, usually amber, green or high-contrast black- on-white) or a full-color version. Monochrome monitors are ideal for basic word processing, but color displays are better for computer games and more advanced graphics- oviented programs, Whether you are picking a color or monochrome monitor, look for bright, sharp letters on the screen and as little glare as possible, Size Like other electronic components, sleek new PCs are offering more per- formance in a smaller package. In a dorm room that's less than spacious, the footprint (the amount of space it takes up on a table fop) of the com- puter is worth considering. One convenient alternative is bat- tery-opcrated portable computers, which weigh less cach year, and have built-in video screens. Laptop computers represent the best of both worlds: full desktop- computer power and gu-anywhere flexibility. A growing number of college stu- dents carry their portable computers to the library, on spring break or to class for note or test taking. Support As PCs become more advanced, computer companies are striving to make their PCs easier to use. But even the most dedicated computer user sometimes needs help. Schools often have experts who know computers and can steer you to a reputable manufacturer or helpful dealer, but don’t assume that you will get service from the dealer you BRING A NEW WorLp INTO YOUR HOME! rs for Kids, we bring the worid of computer technology home for you and your family. At Wiz Zone Computer MAPS 'N FACTS $54.95 MARIO TEACHES TING $4995 THE INCREDIBLE MACHINE $49.95 @ SicRRA DISCOVERSIACESSHN Bendestund: SYSTEMS At WIZ Zone you get 4 computer specialty set up for children to use and learn on—including in-home installation and training for the THE IS. OF DR. BRAIN 19.95 @® SIERRA whole family. SOFTWARE Discover Vancouver’s best selection of educational software (and a staff dat understands kids and families.) CLASSES DCUEHSS Broderbund iS: “The screen is like a magnet. [t's a real draw for kids”... “And the upshot is that kids spend more time learning, more time exploring these multi-dimensional products.” Saturday Review: The Vancouver Sun—April 24, 1993 ... Blake Cowan began by opening a small store catering to an untapped computer market, what he has ended up with is the only schoo! of its kind in the province.” Tony Parsons, BCTV Evening News—Dec. 14, 1992 ” KERRISDALE WEST TANCOUVER 5975 W. BOULEVARD 266-5001 1487 MARINE 925-1440 Innovative classes and computer day camps for kids—all in the relaxed atmosphere of our family learning centre. “UNLocaise Tae Perenee COMPUTERS POR KIDS INC. bought it from. Be sure to have the salesperson spell out exactly what they will offer in terms of support. Sometimes a higher price tag in the store will be compensated by Helpful and know!- edgeable staff. Whether it is for school, the office, or home use, before you buy a com- puter, do your homewark, NEWS photo Cindy Gooodmen THE LATEST technology has tong been used in the electronics industry, but now many industries use It. Ata recent Lions Bay: symposium, Greg Roth of Carleton Rescue Equipment dis- played high-tech search-and-rescue equipment. oh 37” ANNIVERSARY SALE CINEMA SERIES IT’S ALIVE Toshiba has just made the home cinema exparience more fifa-liku. The exceptional picture of the 30° (viewabie) Cinema Series television CX32B13 with its deeper blacks and richer, mora saturated colours emanat- ing from the FST@® SuperTUBE screen ara now more vivid, thanks to a new, high con-. trast picture tube. 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