Computing Services buys and recommends Apple
Macintosh computer systems
We recommend a PowerMac or iMac with a G4, 466MHz or higher
processor, 128-256 Megs of RAM and 20 Gig Hard Disk. The new
iMac in both the
15' and
17'
display
are really nice machines. Apple has produced an eMac an all
in one educational product that have a lower price.
New Apple Macintosh machines come with both OS 9 and OS X.
OS X is an excellent operating system, their latest version
(10.2) called Jaguar comes with a number of built in applications.
Click here for additional
information from Apple.
Zip Drives
Zip Drives have become the standard today as most people have
started doing more files that contain graphics, i.e. web
pages
etc.
Zip disks come in three capacities, 100 and 250, and 750
Meg versions. The 100 Megs format can be read and written
on
the 250 Meg
units
but not the other way around.
The 750 Meg units can read 100,
250 and 750 cartridges, however they can ony write to a 250
and 750 Meg Zip Disks.
Zip disks are more expensive than
a floppy, around $10 but they
hold
a
lot of
data and
have been
very reliable.
CD Writers
CD Writers have become very popular, and the cost of CD recordable
media is just a few cents in bulk.
What is the difference between the G3 and G4 processors?
Basically the G4 processor has a second processor built in.
It is called the AltiVec or Velocity Engine. If the application
and the operation system can use the Velocity Engine you will
see improvements in performance. For general applications the
difference will be less.
Should I buy a faster processor more memory, dual processor?
Consider the following:
| Mac Tasks |
Critical Components |
| General Use |
RAM |
| Microsoft Office |
RAM |
| Adobe Photoshop |
RAM, Dual Processors |
| Digital Video |
RAM, Processor, Hard Drive Speed |
| Digital Audio |
RAM, Hard Drive Speed |
| 3-D |
RAM, Processor |
| Games |
RAM, Video card |
Macintosh Laptops
Apple has come out with 3 new laptops that have receive
excellence reviews. The Apple 12, 15 and 17 -inch PowerBook
G4. They all come with a G4
processor come nicely equipped with 256-512 Megs of Ram and
have CD-RW and DVD drives available. Prices range from $999
to $1,749.
You can purchase Apple products from the apple store at http://www.apple.com/education
Security for laptops
Consider hardware products like Kryptonite's KryptoVault
($79.95), Kryptonite's Cable lock, Kensington Lock's MicroSaver
($74.99), and Secure-It's Kablit, X-Lock and iBook cable locks
($29.95 each) or Vanguard II, which attaches to the 9-pin adapter
on the back of the PC ($39.95) - can tether the laptop to any
immovable object. The Targus DEFCON 1 Notebook Computer Security
System ($49.99) motion sensor alarm transmits a 45-second 110
dB audible alarm whenever the cable is severed or the unit is
moved. With the Trackit key chain transmitter ($49.95), the
laptop owner can monitor the computer from up to 40 feet away.
Get separated from your case, and a 110 dB siren sounds.
