| Knowing what to look for when choosing | | | | Most programs are on CD though.Modem- This |
| refurbished laptops is important. Here is a list of | | | | refers to how your laptop connects to the |
| certain features that you should compare when | | | | internet. A 56K modem is for dial-up and DSL |
| shopping for one.Let's begin with laptop | | | | internet. There is also wireless internet called Wi Fi. |
| basics-Processor Speed- This is the speed at | | | | If you choose a laptop with a 56k modem it is still |
| which the laptop can retrieve data and | | | | possible to buy hardware for Wi Fi.Network- You'll |
| information. You'll often see speeds like 900MHz | | | | see something like 10/100, or 10/1000 and this |
| or 1.2GHz. The larger the number the faster it is. | | | | refers to how fast a laptop computer can |
| 1.2GHz is 1200MHz. Gigahertz is more than | | | | transfer data to other computers on the |
| megahertz. When choosing a refurbished laptop | | | | network. Although most don't use a computer on |
| this is sometimes important. If you are only going | | | | a network it is important if you're in a business |
| to use it to surf the internet (surfing the web | | | | setting, or something similar. For most people this |
| only depends on your internet speed and not the | | | | isn't a determining factor in choosing a |
| computers speed), or operate a few application | | | | computer.Operating System (OS)- The operating |
| software programs, or use if for document | | | | system is referring to what system the laptop is |
| creating a lower speed is all you need. The lower | | | | using. The most common are Windows, Linux and |
| the processor speed the cheaper it usually is. If | | | | Unix and Macintosh. By far the most popular is the |
| you plan to use it in a business setting, gaming, or | | | | Microsoft Windows programs like Windows 98, |
| need it for several operating procedures then | | | | 2000, Millenium, and the most current XP home, |
| you'll need a faster processor speed.System | | | | or professional. This is a big factor in choosing a |
| Memory- Here is where you'll see the 128mb, | | | | refurbished laptop. You need a compatible OS to |
| 256mb, or 512mb system memory. The system | | | | function with what you need it for. For a few |
| memory is the place where the computer holds | | | | highly inclined individuals the Linux and Unix |
| current programs and data that are in use, or | | | | systems are great. For the vast majority of |
| holds the instructions that the processor executes | | | | people a Windows based OS is the best. It is the |
| and the data that those instructions work with. | | | | most user friendly and most compatible with |
| Picture it as the central nervous system of your | | | | more software and hardware programs. If you |
| laptop. It allows everything to work and also is | | | | are not sure what's the best operating system |
| needed for faster processing speeds. The system | | | | for you choose the Windows program.Expansion |
| memory is essential for operating multiple | | | | Slots- Most laptops will have open slots like USB, |
| functions at once. The 128mb and 256mb are | | | | serial, or ethernet slots which allows for multiple |
| ample amounts of memory. If you plan to do a | | | | items to be added like a mouse, printer, external |
| lot of things at once the higher number is | | | | hard drive, modem and things like that.Upgrades- |
| better.Hard Drive- The hard drive is what holds all | | | | Most refurbished laptops can be upgraded. You |
| your memory on the computer. The higher the | | | | can add things like external hard drives(for more |
| number the more storage you have. An example | | | | memory), external optical drives, add the wireless |
| is a 20GB hard drive. That holds all your | | | | internet capabilities, flash drives, and more. The |
| programs, downloads, pictures, music and more. | | | | advantage is you can choose a refurbished laptop |
| Many users don't need much more than 10GB of | | | | with a fair amount of hardware and just add to it |
| storage, but if you plan to keep a laptop for an | | | | what you need. It's nice feature that will come in |
| extended period of time you may want to | | | | handy when you rely on your laptop computer to |
| consider a larger hard drive.Optical Drive- The | | | | do more. It's just like upgrading a desktop, most |
| optical drive is either CD-ROM, CD-RW, or | | | | external hardware uses a USB connection and |
| DVD-ROM/RW, or a combo of both. ROM stands | | | | there is also hardware to add more USB |
| for "read only memory" and RW stands for | | | | connections. It's great!We hope to have answered |
| "re-write", for copying disks. The CD drive is for | | | | some of your questions about which refurbished |
| software and can play music CD's. The DVD drive | | | | laptop is right for you. Technology is wonderful |
| can do everything a CD-ROM can do and more. It | | | | these days and refurbished laptops are a great |
| can play music, software, and DVD movies. It's | | | | investment for school, business and general |
| like an upgrade to the CD drive. Some laptops do | | | | use.Online Crazy Deals informs you on what is |
| have a floppy drive which operates floppy discs. | | | | important in mobile computing. |