| If your computer is older than 4 years your probably in | | | | to make about video cards too though. Some have |
| the market for a new one if not now, soon. Buying a | | | | TV and video inputs and outputs that you may want |
| new computer isn't rocket science and is easier than | | | | but is beyond the scope of this article. |
| you think for the average person. If you are not going | | | | Network |
| to be playing high end games it makes things even | | | | Getting the latest and fastest wireless network card is |
| easier to choose a new computer. We will guide you | | | | not always necessary. Wireless B, G, and N will all run |
| to your new computer with a few options that will | | | | the internet at the same speed if you have a good |
| allow you to choose the right computer for you. | | | | signal. The benefit of the higher speed of wireless N is |
| Processor | | | | when you share files on your home network and the |
| Does speed really matter? It does if you are playing | | | | distance the wireless signal can travel. As of this article |
| video games or editing very large spreadsheets or | | | | B and G are standard and come with wireless |
| running intense applications. You can probably tell which | | | | adapters now with N soon to be the new standard. I |
| programs need more power to run. Browsing the | | | | recommend getting N just for the distance |
| internet, using Microsoft Office for home use, and | | | | improvements. The same goes for the Ethernet 10/100 |
| uploading and editing pictures does not require a lot of | | | | 1000. You will not benefit from the 1000 unless you |
| power. You should not buy a top of the line computer | | | | have a home network and are sharing files. |
| if you are just a casual computer user because it | | | | CD/DVD Drive |
| would be like throwing your money away. Any Dual | | | | Most computers now come standard with CD/DVD |
| Core processor will be plenty of power for the | | | | burning drives. If the computer says it has |
| average computer user. | | | | "DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer |
| Memory | | | | support" then it has what you need unless you are |
| How much memory is enough? The simple answer is | | | | looking for blue-ray. I would stay away from them until |
| 4 GB. Memory plays a very important part in how fast | | | | the prices come down more and become more of a |
| your computer runs. If your memory runs out, your | | | | standard in the world. Look for the DVD burn speed of |
| computer will run at a snail's pace. 4 GB is a good | | | | the device if you want to burn DVD's faster. |
| amount as of this writing and should be for the next 2 | | | | Other |
| years. When purchasing a new computer you will | | | | Some other features to look for are built-in webcams, |
| want to look at the speed of the memory which will | | | | media readers, other inputs and any extra software |
| be DDR2 or DDR3. Don't be concerned with the | | | | the computer comes with. Some now come with |
| numbers after the memory type because you will not | | | | Bluetooth which could also benefit you. |
| notice the difference. How fast is DDR3 over DDR2? | | | | After you buy |
| Its not noticeable for the average computer user so | | | | When you bring your new computer home don't forget |
| again it really doesn't matter. What matters is how | | | | to uninstall all the bloatware most manufactures install |
| much you have in the computer and 4 GB is a | | | | on new computers. Also, uninstall Norton antivirus and |
| sufficient amount. | | | | get a product that will not hog your new computer and |
| Hard Drive | | | | make it seem like a slow one. I recommend ESET |
| How big of a hard drive do I need? That really | | | | NOD32 because it is a very light and powerful antivirus |
| depends on how many pictures, videos, music, and | | | | and firewall. Be wary of people that try to sell you |
| documents you have. The size of the hard drive will | | | | anything else for your computer such as some of the |
| not make your computer any slower or faster. What | | | | big box stores do. Don't let them scare you into buying |
| matters is the speed of the hard drive. Home | | | | things you can get for free or cheaper. Take your |
| computers usually come in only 2 speeds - 5,400 rpm | | | | computer to a trusted local computer repair shop and |
| and 7,200 rpm. This speed will make a slight difference | | | | get honest service from people who really care while |
| in how fast your computer can read the information on | | | | supporting your community. |
| it. A 5,400 rpm hard will be fine for the casual | | | | Simple Specs to look for when buying a simple home |
| computer user. You will notice the biggest difference | | | | computer or laptop |
| when copying and opening large files. | | | | - Processor - Any Dual Core |
| Graphics Card | | | | - Memory - At least 4GB |
| If you are not playing games and do not need very | | | | - Hard Drive - 5,400rpm for laptop - 7,200 for Desktop |
| high resolutions, the video card is not important. Budget | | | | - Network - Wireless B/G for laptops |
| computers will run almost anything except the high end | | | | The rest is up to you. |
| games. There are other considerations you will need | | | | |