Buying a computer for a specific purpose
This section explains which computer is best for your particular needs.
Program requirements
If you are buying a computer to run a particular program, for example a screen-reader like Jaws, you need to make sure that your computer is capable of running it, as some special needs software demands specific requirements from your computer.
If you look on the packaging that the software comes in, there should be a list of the system requirements, sometimes split into PC or Mac sections (ignore the Mac bit). For example, the following requirements are listed for Clicker 5:
- Pentium II 400 or greater;
- 32Mb RAM;
- 50Mb Hard Disk (1Gb is 1000Mb);
- Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP.
This is the minimum specification list, and as long as the parts of your computer meet or better these requirements, the software will run. The higher your computer’s specification is compared with the listed requirements, the faster the software may run. The hard drive requirement refers to free space on the hard drive, not the overall size.
Software will sometimes also have a recommended specification list. The software will run at the minimum specification, but will be happier at the recommended one or above.
It is very important when buying software for a computer that you already own to make sure that it meets the listed requirements, and that your specific operating system is mentioned - and not just the word Windows, but your version, e.g. Windows XP.
If you have a Windows XP computer, and Windows XP is not listed on the box, it is quite possible that the software will not work on your computer.
When buying a computer, it is easy to be misled by adverts. Very often, these will be for computers which may be more powerful - and so probably more expensive - than you need.
This rest of this section looks at four different uses for a computer, and gives a minimum recommended specification for each use.
Writing letters and sending emails
If your only purpose for buying a computer is to enable you to write letters and emails, then you have no need for a very powerful computer. You should be fine with the cheapest computer available from any retailer.
A second-hand computer is also likely to be fine, as although older computers are slower, they will be adequate for your purposes.
Internet/broadband, music and digital photos
If you want to use your computer on the internet, possibly with broadband, and you also want it to do things like playing and storing music, organising digital photos, and playing basic games, the cheapest computer available may still be good enough. However, you should check for a network card if your broadband equipment requires it, and you would probably do better with a larger hard drive to store your pictures and music.
Older second-hand equipment may not be a good idea in this case, as broadband companies have minimum specification requirements for both processor and RAM.
Serious video game playing
If you are a serious video game player, and want to play arcade-style games, you may need to spend a lot of money to get a suitable computer. Game playing is very much affected by processor speed, amount of RAM and graphics card. For example, a cheap graphics card that is suitable for most jobs costs around £30. An up to date, top of the range one can cost £300 or more. All video games will have minimum hardware requirements listed on them. If your computer has the requirements listed, the games will work, but the faster your computer is, the better they’ll play.
Don't forget that consoles such as Playstation 2 and Xbox are designed solely for playing games, and are much cheaper.
Buying a computer for use by someone with visual impairment
If you have any level of visual impairment, a larger monitor will be useful. With any form of screen magnification, items on the screen will become larger, and may seem cluttered and messy on a standard screen. If this is the case, buying a larger monitor - 19 inch, 21 inch or even larger - will help the situation, although it will add to the cost.
