We need to buy my daughter a computer before she heads to college. How do we figure out what features she needs?
First, make a list of everything the computer will be used for. For example, she might need to: research topics online, write and print papers, or email professors. Will she need to take notes in class or even take exams on a laptop? Will she need to do actual computer programming or graphic design? Is so, then she'll need specific software. Her college or instructors might even offer a list of basic computer features for all incoming freshmen. Next, find out about Internet access. Do dorms or libraries offer dial-up or wireless access? If her campus is wireless, make sure her new computer or laptop has a wireless card (should say "802.11" included). Also, find out about printing capabilities -- her campus might offer wireless printing or she might need her own printer for those late-night writing sessions. Generally speaking, many college students prefer laptops over desktops so they can cart them to class, work at cafes or the student union -- or even bring them home during holidays.
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"My son, who is a college freshman, thinks his 18-month-old laptop is outdated. How long do computers stay current?"
Always shut down your printer using its power button, versus your power strip's on/off switch. Otherwise, its print heads might not line up and print properly when you turn it back on.