Tips to Buy a Computer

Historically, many people get new computers during the holidays. Whether you buy a computer from Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, or your neighborhood computer store, there are certain things you should understand if you're going to make a wise decision. The key elements of a computer are the processor, the RAM, and the hard drive. Today we'll take a look at these elements so you will be able to make an informed decision when you're selecting a computer.

Processors

The processor is also known as the CPU which stands for "central processing unit." This is the brain of your computer. In the most basic sense it determines how fast the computer is and how many things it can do. If you look around the marketplace you'll find there are three main processor manufacturers. These are:

Intel
AMD
Cyrix

Among processors by the same company there are differences, kind of like different models of a car. From a performance and price standpoint it's important to know the difference. The Intel Celeron processor is less expensive than a Pentium IV processor. Why? Because it's slower than a Pentium IV. The Celeron processors were designed to help lower the cost of a computer. Most average users can't tell the difference between a computer with a Celeron processor and one with a Pentium IV chip. So, if price is an issue, you'll do better with a Celeron processor.

Dual-Core processors are suddenly in the spotlight. These Intel processors have two execution cores inside one processor. The benefit is better multitasking and game performance. You'll notice that in general the processor speeds of dual-core chips are lower than those of Pentium IV chips.

AMD also has a variety of CPU types. The AMD Duron processor is very much like it's Celeron counterpart. It makes the computer a bit more affordable. The AMD Athlon is on the level of the Pentium IV and is very reliable. AMD also has "dual-core" processors.

You may also see information on 64-bit processors, but most current applications can't take full advantage of this type of processor. Best to leave those alone at least for now.

RAM

RAM, which stands for random access memory is what your programs run on. It's memory that's live. When you turn off your computer whatever is in RAM is gone. RAM comes in chips that are on small circuit boards. RAM modules fit into slots that are on the computers motherboard.

If you're buying your computer from a major manufacturer they'll use the type of RAM that's best suited to the processor you've selected. I want to define a few terms that you may see when you're looking for a computer. One type of RAM modules are called DIMMs which simply stands for "dual in-line memory modules." Most newer computers will use this type of module. If you should encounter SIMMs that's just "single in-line memory module."

Just as there are different types of processors there are also different types of RAM. RAM also has a "speed" associated with it. One very popular type of RAM is SDRAM. This stands for "synchronous dynamic RAM." Another term you might see is DDR SDRAM which stands for "double data-rate SDRAM". This is simply an enhanced variety of SDRAM. You may also see RDRAM which stands for "Rambus Dynamic RAM." This is RAM that's very fast. Again, your computer manufacturer will install the type of RAM that works best with your processor and chipset, but I wanted you to understand the terminology.

RAM, as noted earlier, is what your programs run on. Even a very fast processor won't seem very fast if you're low on RAM. I've said this before and I'll say it again. If cost is a real concern it's better to get more RAM and a slower processor, than to do the reverse. If you skimp on RAM it may not matter how fast your processor is. At the same time, with plenty of RAM even a slower processor can seem faster. I personally have 2 gigabytes of RAM on all my computers, but I think everyone should have at least 1 gigabyte.

Hard Drives

Your computers hard drive is storage. It's where the programs that run in RAM store their data. Today, the cost of storage is amazingly low. It's not uncommon to get a gigabyte of storage for less than a dollar.

Most computers for home and small business use utilize IDE hard drives. That stands for Integrated Drive Electronics. These drives tend to be very reliable and moderately priced. Hard drives also have a speed and today most run at 7200 RPM.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) hard drives have suddenly become very popular. These external drives can provide a great deal of extra storage space at a very low price. They're great for backups, photos, music, virtual machines, and all kinds of storage needs. They're also quite easy to take with you.

RAID, which stands for "Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks" comes in several different flavors. A RAID system utilizes two hard drives at one time. A RAID system is used to make a system faster and more reliable. One type, RAID 1, makes the second hard drive an exact mirror of the first. This provides you with an automatic backup. At the same time, if the first drive becomes corrupted or infected with a virus, the second drive does too. RAID systems tend to be used more by businesses. The same is true of SCSI hard drives.

Summing It Up!

The hard drive, RAM, and CPU are the heart, soul, and brain of your computer. Everything else like DVD players/recorders, keyboards, mice, and monitors, are just components. Peripherals. If you have a good, solid core that's what counts.

The thing I see most often is that people buy way more than they really need.My best advice is to be realistic about what you'll use a computer for. If you're surfing the Web, doing email, and playing music, you really don't need the fastest CPU. If you're buying a PC for your mother, she probably won't use 500 gigabytes of storage or 2 gigabytes of RAM.

The average student doesn't need a 3+ GHz processor, but they may need more storage. Remember, if you're on a budget buy RAM before you buy a faster processor. If you are PC game freak then dual processor will serve you best.I have 3.4Ghz laptop but then i make my living on computers while working with me. Look for sales and don't buy things you, or the person you're buying the computer for, don't need. I know a TV card sounds cool, but really how often will you use it?


Happy Shopping!