| Are you looking to buy a new computer and want to | | | | package.) There is software you can get for FREE |
| avoid spending more than you need to, or worse still, | | | | that will do everything you need, so you don't have to |
| end up with a total lemon? There are several things to | | | | spend a packet. |
| beware of and here are some tips to get you started. | | | | Hot Tip #5 - Bear in mind, that if you're looking at |
| Hot Tip #1 - Do your research on what the latest | | | | getting a Windows based PC, the more recent they |
| processors are, and their relative pro's & cons. | | | | are the more RAM memory they require just to get |
| Hot Tip #2 - Figure out EXACTLY what it is you want | | | | up and working. eg.:- |
| to do with your computer, after all, if all you want to do | | | | To run properly, the various versions of Windows |
| is write letters, you obviously don't need a computer as | | | | require the following amounts of memory (at a |
| powerful as someone who wants to play the latest, | | | | minimum):- |
| most powerful games or someone who wants to edit | | | | Windows 95 >8Mb of memory. |
| movies. So why pay for a computer that's more | | | | Windows 98 >24Mb of memory. |
| powerful than you need? | | | | Windows ME >64Mb of memory. |
| Hot Tip #3 - Beware of spending that "little bit more" | | | | Windows 2000 >128Mb of memory. |
| for a computer that comes with a "goodie bag" (that | | | | Windows XP >256Mb of memory. |
| you don't actually NEED). | | | | Windows Vista >1,024Mb of memory. |
| Hot Tip #4 - Bear in mind, that if you're going to be | | | | Windows 7 >1,024Mb of memory. |
| going online, (and let's face it, nowadays, who ISN'T?) | | | | And that's before you try running any software that is |
| you need a minimum level of security and protection | | | | likely to be memory intensive such as Microsoft Office. |
| (most professionals recommend having a firewall and | | | | Personally, I would recommend a minimum of double |
| either separate AntiVirus & AntiSpyware software or | | | | the memory listed above for your particular operating |
| else the Firewall with an Antivirus/AntiSpyware combo | | | | system. |