Selection of Hardware and Software in E-education

Hardware
Computers (in general)	It is a better solution to buy integral computer configurations, than to buy separate components which will have to be additionally assembled into a computer. When you buy integral configurations, the guarantee you get applies to the whole computer (and the compatibility of its components). If you buy separate components, you could experience problems with their compatibility. Also, by buying integral configurations, you are entitled to buy the operating system at a lower price (the so called OEM version).
Computers (in general)	Academic users have the right to free upgrading of any Microsoft operating system on MS Windows XP Professional system. So, if you are buying a computer and with the operating system (which we recommend), it is not necessary to buy the strongest version of it. It is sufficient to buy the cheapest available version (such as MS Windows XP Home), and upgrade it afterwards to a stronger version. However, if you are not skilled at upgrading or wish to avoid possible problems, you should buy the version you want to use (the difference in price between MS Windows XP Professional and Home versions is about 500 kn). In any case ask the salesperson for a guarantee that the computer will work with MS Windows XP Professional (have them list that as one of the conditions on the invoice or offer).
Components (in general)	When selecting hardware it is recommendable to ask for equipment (computer as a whole, as well as each component) which is listed on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility listi (HCL). It is also recommendable to ask that all the operating programs be digitally signed by Microsoft. The above mentioned applies especially to network interface cards.
Mother boards and connections	Increasing number of devices uses USB ports to connect to the computer. It is therefore better to choose a computer (mother board) which supports a larger number of USB connections. Don't buy computers or mother boards which have less than 4 USB connections (many mother boards support 6 USB connections). It is also good to buy a computer which has some of its USB ports on the front side. A good solution would be a computer which has 4 USB ports in the front, and 2 in the back. Another thing to take into consideration is that USB connections should be 2.0 versions (USB 2.0).
Monitors (in general)	Regardless of the monitor type you choose, it should be a model with appropriate certificates. Be sure to ask that the monitor you chose has the TCO'99 certificate. Some manufacturers offer the same basic monitor type in two versions (submodels): submodel which is TCO'99 standard compliant and the other submodel which is not. Models which are not TCO'99 compliant are usually intended for the markets in underdeveloped countries. A new standard, TCO'03 was issued recently. Useful linksi: Welcome to TCO, TCO'99 (The Perfect Office, PDF booklet, brother.co.uk)
LCD monitors	When buying an LCD monitor it is recommendable to select a monitor which has a DVI connection, even if your graphic card does not have a DVI out (it is best if both components have a DVI and are connected through it). Connecting LCD monitor through DVI connection results in a higher quality screen resolution, and since the actual operating life of a monitor is longer than that of the computer (or a graphic card), investing into a DVI connection is, in fact, a useful investment into the future.
LCD monitors	When selecting an LCD monitor, ask a salesperson or the manufacturer what standards does the manufacturer support related to the number and type of allowed malfunctioning pixels. Different manufacturers consider different maximum number and type of malfunctioning pixels acceptable.
Laser printers	Avoid buying a GDI printer since they do not have a built-in page description and printing language. They need a computer to supply them with an already processed rasterized image of the page which needs to be printed. GDI printers work exclusively with the MS Windows operating system, demand special programs and when printing, strain the computer considerably.
Ink jet printers	When buying an ink jet printer, verify whether it is delivered with loaded ink cartridges. Sometimes the manufacturers don't supply the ink cartridges in order to save money, or they supply only one of the cartridges (e.g. only the black cartridge). That is especially common with printers whose price is lower than the price of a set of the appropriate ink cartridges.
CD-R/RW recorders	When buying a CD-R/RW recorder you do not need to choose models with the greatest declared maximum CD-R media recording speed. The greatest recording speed is achieved only on the outer parts of the medium, so that the total recording time achieved by recorders of different speed does not differ as much as it is suggested by the difference between them in maximum declared recording speed. Acquisition of appropriate recording media (recordable at great speed) might also be a problem. Instead of that, it is better to buy a tested and reliable recorder model, even if its recording speed is smaller.
CD-R/RW recorders	When buying a CD-R/RW recorder it is recommendable to choose a recorder which comes with a recording program - regardless of what program that is and whether you already have or intend to acquire a different recording program from some other supplier. It is not necessary that some other program, and especially if it is one of the older versions, recognizes and can function with your recorder model. If you buy a recorder which comes with a program you will avoid this problem. In any case, make sure that the recording program works with the operating system you are using.