How to Buy a Computer
- The Basics
RAM (Random Access Memory):
Memory is one of the key components
of a computer which is measured in megabytes. Note
that 1000 MB is equal to 1 gigabyte (GB). So the more
megabytes you have the better your computer works.
Most computers today come with a minimum of 512 MB
(about half a gigabyte) of RAM. You should try for
1 GB and more because your computer will run that
much faster. Not that Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard
operating systems require 1 GB for good performance
and 2 GB to run at top speed.
Recommendation: I suggest buying at least 1 GB (1,000
MB). Remember that Windows Vista and Mac Leopard are
memory hungry so I advise buying as much RAM as you
can afford. Memory is the crutch of making a computer
run like it should.
Insider's tip: Buy the minimum amount
of memory and then purchase extra memory components
called "sticks" from memory sites. This
can save you up to a couple hundred dollars.
Buyer Beware: It is not uncommon
for low end computers ($300 to $600) to come with
low amounts of RAM. Make sure to check on the ability
of your computer as it should be able to handle 4
GB.
Central Processing Unit (the brains):
The CPU handles all the calculations
of the computer. For the average user, CPU speed is
not as important of a gauge as it used to be. The
common computer user will not need to worry about
cpu speed as much as a gamer or multimedia user. CPUs
are made by either Intel or AMD and both companies
have great product options. Intel controls most of
the market share and costs more than AMD.
Recommendation: CPUs come in two
forms: 32 bit and 64 bit. I suggest the 32-bit processors
because the 64-bit processors have a lot of problems
working with software programs.
Dual Core processors are all the rage right now. What's
Dual core? This means that your computer has two CPUs
which give the user twice the computing power. Dual
core is a must for high end computer users.
Hard Drive: the storage unit
All of your personal data such as
your documents, digital photos, music, and software
programs are stored on the hard drive which are available
in many sizes and speeds.
Hard drive Storage is measured in gigabytes and computers
usually come with at least 80 GB of storage.
Insider's tip: Computers can be
configured with two hard drives.
Option 1: Two drives giving which
can double your storage.
Option 2: One hard drive keeps an
exact copy of the other drive. So if you have a hard
drive fail it is not a big deal because you can run
off the other drive
Recommendation:You are best getting
a 120 GB drive with a speed of 5400 rpm.
Video Chipsets: graphics eye candy1
Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard
are the new operating systems that require a lot of
fancy 3-D animation that requires better graphics
hardware.
You have two choices when choosing
video chipsets:
1. An integrated or built in Video
card right into the motherboard of the computer. If
you are an average computer user than this option
should work just fine.
2. ATI and NVIDIA offer video cards
that produce much better graphics and can handle Windows
Vista and Mac Leopard with ease. Cards by these two
companies are your only option if you on gaming.
Recommendation: Check out these
websites www.nvidia.com and ati.amd.com. A good rule
of thumb is that the higher the model number-the better
the video card.
Recommendation: Look for an Intel GMA3100 (model #)
or better with the higher numbers being more advanced.
Now that you have mastered the basics
of how to buy a computer, it's time for you to make
some decisions. Don't worry, we are here to help!
We hope our news, information and articles
will help you make an informed choice when buying
a Dell
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