| If you are working on the Internet or even if your job | | | | wanting to upgrade their processor; take a close look |
| entails being in front of a computer on a daily basis, | | | | at the DUO Core 2 -- that will give you the speed you |
| then you know that your desktop is an important asset | | | | need --it's like having two processors in one. |
| to the way you make your living. With that being said | | | | Tip: Vista operating system and it's many bells and |
| --what exactly are some of things to consider when | | | | whistles will run far smoother with at least a 800mHz |
| buying a computer? | | | | microprocessor. |
| First, you should consider the 3 "Ps" -- power supply, | | | | Operating System and Ram |
| processor and price, then your operating system and | | | | At this moment and time, I would recommend |
| ram. | | | | Windows XP Professional for an operating system -- |
| Power Supply | | | | because it is a stable system with the bugs worked |
| I know it may seem strange for many to hear | | | | out. For either the XP Professional or XP Home Edition |
| someone advise you about, of all things, your | | | | version you should have at least 512 MB DDR Ram to |
| computer's power supply, but your power supply is | | | | allow your operating system to run smoothly. If |
| important. Your power supply is the heart of your PC | | | | however, you are thinking about upgrading to the Vista |
| system, supplying the electrical power to every | | | | operating system, 1 GB of Ram is suggested. |
| component in your system. In fact, without enough | | | | In addition, keep in mind the type of work you are |
| power you'll not have much success at running your | | | | doing, or will be doing with your computer, an adjust the |
| peripherals. When you add another hard drive (add 25 | | | | ram to fit the bill. For instance, if you work on the |
| watts max), CD drive (add 20 watts max), or even | | | | Internet, work with multiple windows open at one time, |
| when you add something to your motherboard, it will | | | | or you're anticipating additional challenges down the |
| increase the strain on your power supply. | | | | road, move the memory up to 1GB if you can afford it. |
| Thus, if the power supply is not adequate, and your | | | | The 1GB of memory will allow you to run additional |
| computer is running at peak capacity all the time, it can | | | | programs simultaneously, without jeopardizing your |
| cause data corruption, random crashes, and complete | | | | speed and performance level. |
| computer failure (need a new computer). Remember, | | | | Tip 1: If you can finish a cup of coffee and your |
| excess wattage on a power supply is safer than not | | | | program is still loading -- you may need more memory. |
| having enough. | | | | Price |
| If you're planning on purchasing a new computer it is | | | | Since everyone's has a different budget, I will simply |
| wise to keep in mind any additional peripherals that you | | | | say, get the most computer you can get at the price |
| may want to add to your system in the future. In most | | | | you can afford. And remember; consider power |
| cases, 250 to 300 watts is adequate for normal uses. | | | | supply, processor speed, and ram first, and then your |
| However, if you are doing road warrior type of work | | | | peripherals. Why? It won't matter what peripherals you |
| or into gaming and you're looking at purchasing an | | | | have if you don't have the power. |
| extreme PC or top-flight gaming system then 500+ | | | | Hard Drive |
| and higher should be considered. | | | | The hard drive is another important factor to consider. |
| Things to consider when buying a power supply | | | | If you have a small hard-drive and you want to do |
| 1) Make sure power supply you are purchasing is | | | | something like video editing -- you will be very hard |
| compatible with system. If the power supply is not | | | | pressed to getting it done. And since the new |
| compatible, you may have a flaming torch in your | | | | programs are getting larger and larger, more hard drive |
| room. | | | | space is going to be gobbled up rather quickly. |
| 2) Keep in mind possible additional peripherals that you | | | | For example, Microsoft recommends the minimum of a |
| will add. | | | | 20gb for computers to run the Vista Operating |
| 3) The purpose of buying the computer (gaming, etc) | | | | system. So if you are looking at the Vista Operating |
| WARNING: A computer power supply can hold an | | | | System, I'd get as large as a hard drive as I can -- with |
| electrical charge for up to a week even when it has | | | | a hard drive minimum starting at 60 gb. |
| been shut down for a week. So have someone that is | | | | TIP 2: If your hard drive is half-full, don't be surprised to |
| knowledgeable about electricity and | | | | notice your information loading slower than usual. You'll |
| computers-remove the old and put in the new power | | | | be in need of a larger hard drive soon. |
| supply for you. | | | | To conclude, when buying a computer always |
| Processor | | | | remember to take care of the 3 Ps, your operating |
| Every processor on the market can do the basics: | | | | system and ram. Then consider your wish list of |
| such as web browsing, email, and can in fact, handle | | | | peripherals, while keeping a close watch on your purse |
| most tasks with ease. But for the power users | | | | strings. |