Computer Buyers Guide
What do you want a computer for?
First of all you need to determine what you want to do
with your computer. Most computers come with similar capabilities but
some models may be better at certain tasks. Will it be used for work,
writing letters, Internet access, video editing, playing the latest
games, or mixing music? Knowing these things helps determines what you
should spend your money on. If you play 3D games you may want a better
video card. If you mix music you may want a better sound card. If you
will work all day on the computer you may want a better monitor. Make a
note if the computer you are considering to buy has any PCI or PCI
Express
expansion slots.
The Parts of a Computer
Processor
- (CPU) The Central Processing Unit
determines how quickly instructions are executed. The speed is
measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The two main
suppliers are AMD and Intel and both offer comparable performance.
Remember that processor speeds are so fast compared to just a few
years ago that the fastest CPU is often not necessary. The
latest and greatest CPU's are also priced at a premium and this may be a
waste of money. Many computer CPU's are now 64 bit which is becoming
more common. Some software can make use of this but many do not. You
can still run a 32 bit or 64b bit operating system.
Memory
- (RAM) Random
Access Memory is used to store programs and data that you are
currently using. Having more memory is often the best bang for your
buck. If you must choose between more memory or a slightly faster
CPU go for the memory. Memory is cheap so anything less than 1 GB
should be avoided. You should still try to get at least 2GB with any
new system. The cost of 1GB of RAM is now less than $30.
Video
- Many computers
have shared onboard memory. If the computer is typically for office
use this is probably both economical and sufficient for all your
needs. If you are editing a lot of video or playing graphic intensive games
you probably want a video card. If you want to use the onboard video
but may want to upgrade later then you must make sure the
computer has a suitable PCI Express slot for a 3D video card.
Monitor
- A 19" LCD monitor
is an average size, good price and takes up less space. A larger monitor is very nice to have if you have the space and a little
extra cash. A larger monitor that is in your face because you have no
desk space can be very annoying. A quality monitor is important no
matter what you are doing because this is what you will have to look
at all the time.
Hard Drive
- Hard disks store
information even when the power is off. If the computer is for
typical office use 160GB is probably plenty. If you will have music
or video files you may want a larger drive. Hard drives are very
affordable compared to just a few years ago and the difference
between a 160GB drive and a 500GB drive is about $30.00. Generally if
you have a few extra dollars you may want to buy the larger drive.
Sound
- Many computers
have onboard sound. For most people this is all you will ever need.
Unless you are playing high end games, using voice recognition
software or mixing music or videos, an onboard soundcard
should be fine.
Speakers
- If you just need
sound for everyday things then you probably don't need much. If you
want more you can go all the way up to a five speaker speaker
provided your soundcard supports it.
Compact Disk Drives
- I would recommend
everyone get a DVD drive that can write DVD's so you can backup
critical data if you want to.
Modem
- A modem is needed
for dial-up access to the Internet or for faxing from your computer.
Most modems will get these jobs done with comparable ability. Modems
are not nearly as common as high speed Internet is widely used.
Network Card
- A network card
should come with all computers because they are used for
networking and accessing high speed internet.
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