| Purchasing a home computer can be one of the most | | | | at least 256 MB on your machine. Memory is essential |
| nerve-wracking experiences if you don't do your | | | | to achieving maximum speed and performance from |
| homework first. Since most of us are non-technical, | | | | your computer. It is recommended that you purchase |
| wading through all of the specifications and deciding | | | | your new computer with as much memory as you |
| what is right can be overwhelming. | | | | can get for the best price. |
| While price is important, there are many other factors | | | | Memory upgrades can cost as little as $30, so if you |
| that should be considered when purchasing a | | | | need to build your system slowly over time it is |
| computer. Doing research before entering your local | | | | certainly a viable option. You can always add more |
| office supply or computer store will help you from | | | | memory, but you can't replace the CPU and increase |
| spending more than you wanted to and also get you | | | | your processing speed. If you have to choose |
| the best deal on the quality that you need. | | | | between the two, go with a higher GHz processor and |
| Spend some time thinking about how your computer | | | | add more memory as you can. |
| will be used. Make a list of what needs that this | | | | The monitor can make a big difference in your |
| computer will need to fill. | | | | enjoyment of your new computer. Although most |
| What software is an absolute necessity? | | | | people just accept whatever monitor comes with a |
| Will you need non-standard hardware like a scanner or | | | | computer package. However, it really does deserve |
| fax in addition to your computer? | | | | more consideration. |
| Are you more interested in word processing or gaming | | | | Size is the most important factor. If you go any smaller |
| or both? | | | | than 17 inches, you may end up spending most of your |
| Thinking about what function your computer serves | | | | time squinting and causing yourself unnecessary |
| for all the members of your family will help you narrow | | | | eyestrain. If you can upgrade your monitor to |
| down your choices. | | | | something larger, go for at least a 19-inch monitor. |
| After you've determined what function your computer | | | | Another option you may want to consider is getting a |
| serves in your life and the life of your family you will | | | | wireless mouse and keyboard. Going wireless with |
| want to consider the speed of your new computer. | | | | these necessary pieces of equipment will help to pare |
| The Central Processing Unit or CPU is the brain of | | | | down the cords beneath your computer desk. |
| your computer. The CPU is the largest contributor to | | | | There are a ton of other options you need to consider |
| the overall speed of your computer. It controls all of | | | | when purchasing a new computer. It's a good idea to |
| the functions and capabilities that your computer will | | | | ask people you know what types of options have |
| have. | | | | worked well for them. Also, you do not need to |
| The newest computers come with CPUs that range | | | | purchase the very latest in computers. The best value |
| from 1.6 GHz to 3.2 GHz. If you are involved in | | | | is usually found with a computer that was brand new |
| graphics or want to play high-resolution computer | | | | and the fastest thing going 6 months to one year ago. |
| games, you need the highest GHz that you can afford. | | | | That is where you are likely to get the most bang for |
| Another consideration is the memory or virtual storage | | | | the buck. I hope this little guide has been helpful to you |
| space of your new computer. While computers are | | | | for buying your next computer. |
| available with 128 MB of memory, you'll want to have | | | | |