Windows Vista™
Q: I hear there's a new version of Windows coming out. What do I need to know to upgrade my older computer so I can use the new version of Windows?
A: Windows Vista will be released in January 2007 and has some minimum system requirements. Your computer must have a DVD drive (since the upgrade comes on a DVD) and also must have a minimum of 512MB of memory. If your computer does not meet these requirements, you can purchase additional memory and an external or internal DVD drive. We even have Easy Mobile Tech technicians that can come to your location and install them for you.
Laser all-in-one vs. inkjet all-in-one
Q: Why would I choose a laser printer or all–in–one over an inkjet when laser printers cost much more?
A: Laser printers and all–in–ones are actually less expensive when you consider the cost per page of printing. Inkjet printers are more affordable than laser printers, but the ink might cost $15 and only last for 200 prints. That's about seven and a half cents per page. A laser printer costs a bit more, usually around $200, but offers toner that costs about $70 for 3,500 prints. At only two cents per page, it won't take long before the five cents you save per page start adding up.
The office shredder that's right for your office
Q: I have an office with 10 people. Which shredder should I buy?
A: That really depends on how much you shred every day. If you work in a law office, doctor's office or school, then privacy is very important and you're probably shredding hundreds of pages a week. If that's the case, you'll want to invest in a heavy–duty shredder for the entire office or multiple light–duty shredders that everyone can keep at their desk. Most people end up buying a lower–quality shredder than they actually need. When that shredder breaks, they simply replace it with another one. A high–quality shredder that doesn't need to be replaced every 6 months is worth its weight in gold.
Go online for the latest computers
Q: Why can't I find any computers in the Buying Guide catalog that I get every four months?
A: Computer technology changes very quickly. The computers that are on our shelves probably won't be around in a few months. To get the most up–to–date computers, check out the computer section on staples.com.
The pluses and minuses of CD and DVD drives
Q: What is the difference between CD–R, CD–RW and DVD+R? How do I know which one I should use?
A: CDs are usually used for music and data storage, and DVDs are usually used for videos and data storage. When a disk is labeled with a "–R" or "+R" it means that it is Recordable one time. When a disk shows "–RW" or +"RW", it means that it can be rewritten again and again. DVDs hold more than 7 times more data than CDs, but require a DVD drive. Most computers today come standard with a DVD drive.
Stay connected with a new printer cable
Q:Why do I have to buy a printer cable separately? Shouldn't one be included in the box?
A: Most people buying printers today are purchasing one for the second or third time. That means they already have a cable to connect their printer to their computer. So why would ever want to buy a new cable? Very simply — for speed. If you're replacing an older printer, chances are that you have a parallel or serial cable. A new USB 2.0 cable can transfer information hundreds of times faster than a parallel cable. And the USB 2.0 can transfer information 40 times faster than the outdated USB 1.1.
Technology specialists can answer your questions about specific products, system compatibility, wireless networking and more. Call 1–877–612–1185 to talk to a technology specialist today.
(Please note that technology specialists are on–call for product–related inquiries only. They can't answer tech support questions).
