HTML>
<TITLE>Questions Principals Need to Ask
</TITLE>
<CENTER><H2>Questions Principals Need to Ask When Buying 
Computers</H2></center>
<BR>
<h3>Software</H3>
<UL>

<LI>For new computers, have you purchased software that allows 
them to:
<OL>
	<LI>word process so students can type in essays and 
compositions, 
	<li>spellcheck and use a thesaurus,
	<LI>create graphics so students can manipulate images,
	<LI>run curriculum specific software packages i.e. <i>Math Blaster</i>?
</OL>
</UL>
<BR>
<h3>Hardware</H3>
<UL>
<LI>For the new computers purchased, what type of hardware is included:
<OL>
	<LI>Processor - PC compatible...386, 486, Pentium,
	<LI>Processor - Apple...68000, 68030, 68040, Power PC,
	<LI>Memory - 8 megabytes, 16 megabytes,
	<LI>Hard drive - 500 meg, 1 gigabyte,
	<LI>Monitor - 14" color, 15" color, .28 dot pitch non-interlaced,
	<LI>Sound card - "Sound Blaster", speakers, FM stereo?
</OL>
</UL>
<UL>
<LI>Will the new computers be able to handle the following:
<OL>
	<LI>Printers - laser printer, inkjet printer, dot matrix,
	<LI>CD-ROM Players - Single speed, Double (2X) speed, Quad (4X) speed, 
Six (6X) speed,
	<LI>Scanners - hand held, page feed, flat bed,
	<LI>Digital Cameras - "Quick Shot"?
</UL>
</OL>
<BR>
<H3>Networking</H3>
<UL>
<LI>Will the new computers have the ability to 
share programs so 
that you don't have to buy 40 copies of the same software?
<LI>Will the new computers have the ability to:
<OL>
<LI>reach the Carnegie Library,
     <LI>allow students and teachers to 
interact with resources such as museums, libraries, the federal 
government, etc.

<li>collaborate with people from around the world,
<li>create local resources that can be accessed by others around the world.

</OL>
<LI>In order to build a schoolwide computer network, new wiring 
will have to be installed in the building, who do I talk to about costs, 
facility guidelines, central access, and Internet access?
<LI>I want to build a computer
network that I can add to each year so that I'm not making a one
time large purchase.  How do I build a computer network that can grow from 
year to year?
</UL>
<BR>
<BR>
<B>Building a computer network is a complex task. Common Knowledge: 
Pittsburgh can help by sharing its experiences in this area with you.</B>