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!

Tips for buying a new computer

A computer is perhaps the most important part of our daily lives. We see it everywhere from our homes to the places we work. Since it is used so much in our lives, we want to make sure that a PC we purchase is a good computer that will be able to do everything we want it to, and last a long time.

But purchasing a new computer is not as easy as you might think it is. Sure you could shell out lots of money and buy a brand PC, but sometimes you are spending money on speed and features you don't even need. They also come with offers and built in software that they dangle in front of you to stay ahead in the business. You can also custom build your own computer, but is it really going to be cheaper then if you bought a brand PC with the same features? Since I have been using, and buying computers, for the past 12 years I know exactly what you need to look for when buying a fully assembled desktop computer. Use my tips below and you will save time and money.

- You need to know what hardware you will need. If you don't know, talk to someone who has knowledge of computers, and tell them what you will be using the PC for. They should know what you will need. Once you know what you should get, then look for a computer that meets those needs.

- Make sure the store you buy your new computer from has great service and are willing to stick by their computer.

- If you will be using the computer for video games or other graphic related applications, you need to have a good graphics card. Most motherboards come with a built in graphics card, but usually that is not suitable for high end graphic demands. Purchasing a nice ATI or NVIDIA graphics card would be a good idea if you plan on using the PC for graphic related applications. There is a slot available to slide your new graphics card in if you choose to buy a separate one.

- The computer and hardware parts should have a warranty. Most hardware comes with long and good warranties, but just to make sure you might want to purchase a warranty from the store that you are buying the PC from. This way if something goes wrong a few years down the road, they still have to fix it or replace it!

- The next thing you need to consider is the computers case. A good computer case should have USB slots available on the front of it, for easy access, and in the back. It should also have a powerful power supply (for additional parts) and at least 1 fan in front of the motherboard to keep the computer cool. Flash drives can also be found sometimes built into the front of the PC, for instant access to your flash media. These are very handy and should be considered especially if you have a digital camera.

- Another very important aspect of your PC is CD/DVD drives and burners. A DVD burner is what I recommend for everyone, since the price is basically the same as a CD burner, but it will also play DVD's and regular CD's, plus be able to burn DVD's and regular CD's! Two types of burners for the price of one!

- Your computer's mouse is how you interact with your PC. The latest mouse technology available is the optical mouse, which uses a laser light instead of a mouse "ball". Old fashioned mouse balls got stuck and were hard to use sometimes, with an optical mouse that problem is no more.

- Perhaps the most important aspect of a computer is the monitor. No longer are we in the realm of old fashioned CRT monitors. The LCD monitor is now readily available when you purchase your new computer, and in my opinion should be required. LCD monitors are so vivid and crystal clear that you will never want to go back to an old CRT monitor. LCD monitor's also consume less power and take up less space, plus they come on much faster.

- Almost as important as the monitor, is the sound system and speakers. Good sound on your computer can really make a difference, especially if you play a lot of games and listen to a lot of music and watch movies. Desktop speakers have gone down significantly in price and in combination with a good sound card your experience will be complete. I recommend a sound card from "Creative" called Sound blaster Audigy.

- Your operating system is a very important factor of how well you will love or hate your new PC. I have always used Windows, so I recommend Windows XP, or in the future, Windows Long Horn. There are of course other choices like Linux, and you could go for a Mac too. Just make sure you have experience with the operating system that you choose.

- Last but not least is your printer. If you are a photo hound, and use a digital camera a lot, then you definitely want a high quality printer that can print out all of your photos. Another good idea to consider is an all in one printer that can scan, copy, and print with just one machine.

That is all of my advice for you when buying a new desktop computer. Follow those steps and maintain your computer properly, and it will last longer and function better.

About the Author

For more information on customizing your computer to fit your needs, with step by step help from an expert, go to: http://www.computer-customizing-guide.com/

5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer

5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer by: John San Filippo

It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are 5 basic factors to consider:

1. SIZE

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain.

On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

2. HARD DRIVE

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more.

If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive.

But even this isn't absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big.

3. MEMORY

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

5. PRICE

If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000.

What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment.

You may republish this article, but must keep the resource box and copyright at the end.

About The Author
The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has created the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer. It's an easy read and explains everything you need to know. Check out ==> http://howtobuyalaptop.com/