| A computer has become an essential gadget in every | | | | save all the documents that you need. It is also |
| household and is no more a luxury. Without computers, | | | | important that you buy a hard drive with really big |
| you will find it hard to stay connected and to even do | | | | capacity (preferably 160 GB or more) especially now |
| the work required of you in college or in the office. | | | | when people are so used to storing multimedia files |
| With so much computer packages being shoved to us | | | | that may use up a lot of hard drive space. Many |
| every time we go to department stores and computer | | | | computer experts choose the SATA hard disk drive |
| shops, you’ll really get quite confused on what you | | | | with a high 5400 or 7200 RPM. |
| really need and what computer package will fit your | | | | MOTHERBOARD |
| budget and lifestyle. To help you through this problem, | | | | This is where all the parts of the computer’s CPU |
| here are a few useful guidelines that will help you | | | | are attached. Some motherboards already have video |
| make the right decision before buying a computer. | | | | cards and soundcards embedded on it while others |
| RAM | | | | don’t. What is important however is to choose a |
| RAM (Random Access memory) is perhaps the most | | | | motherboard that is compatible with your RAM and |
| important factor to consider when buying your | | | | processor. |
| computer. | | | | VIDEO CARDS |
| RAM will greatly determine the speed of your | | | | This is the part of the computer which determines the |
| computer. How fast it will process your multiple tasks. | | | | quality of the multimedia images that you will view. The |
| You must make sure you have enough for your | | | | higher the memory of the video card, the better is the |
| needs. 1GB memory is the standard but try to afford | | | | picture quality and the colors. This is especially needed |
| 2GB of memory space that is preferable. | | | | if you watch a movie or play video games. |
| Also it may be wise to buy a computer with | | | | MONITOR |
| upgradeable memory - since new applications, multi | | | | The primary component is the monitor of the |
| windowed browsers; streaming video... of the very | | | | computer so when purchasing the computer, one |
| near future may place high demand on your | | | | should try and invest a little more on the monitor. In the |
| computer’s RAM. | | | | case of Desktop Computer there is always a choice |
| PROCESSORS | | | | between CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD(Liquid |
| Processor is the heart of your computer. Intel Dual | | | | Crystal Display) monitors but nowadays |
| core is the front runner in this area right now. However, | | | | manufacturers are providing LCD monitors and that |
| American Micro Devices (AMD) is giving Intel some | | | | has become a standard since the size is less, thus |
| stiff competition in the dual core battle with its | | | | occupies lesser space and it also consumes lesser |
| Athlon™ 64 X2 dual core processor. In shopping for | | | | power but is definitely more expensive than CRT. |
| a processor, one should consider the following: | | | | In the case of Laptop there is no choice between |
| Clock speed – This will show the number of | | | | CRT and LCD as you know well. But here one thing is |
| instructions that a computer can execute in a second. | | | | to be considered is size of the screen because, if you |
| This usually comes after the brand name. | | | | want wider screen then it will increase the weight of |
| Cache memory – This stores the data that were | | | | the Laptop. |
| previously accessed. This simplifies the work of the | | | | WARRANTIES |
| computer as it would not take twice as long to access | | | | You must clarify the warranties provided by the |
| information already stored in memory. Cache memory | | | | companies before purchasing. It will assure post |
| eases the work of RAM. | | | | purchase services from the company. |
| Operating temperature – Some processors easily | | | | HOW ABOUT BUYING COMPUTER ONLINE? |
| heats up. Before buying, make sure that you have | | | | Buying computer online is favorable. Here are some |
| asked about the operating temperature just in case | | | | reasons to this answer. |
| you need to buy additional fans or put the computer in | | | | 1. Convenience |
| an A/C room. | | | | 2. Better Selection |
| HARD DISK DRIVE | | | | 3. Product Reviews |
| The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are | | | | 4. Comparison Shopping |
| steadily increasing, an 80 GB is now common. This is | | | | 5. Competitive Pricing |
| the part where you store all the information in your | | | | 6. Discount Coupons |
| computer. It is the permanent memory of your | | | | 7. |
| computer. Here you can install all your programs and | | | | |