Tips & Suggestions on How to Buy a Desktop Computer
Buying a desktop computer can seem like a daunting task to someone who does not understand basic computer terms. However, choosing a desktop computer that meets your needs will require you to research beforehand.
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Software Requirements
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Look up the software requirements for any programs that you are planning to run on your desktop computer. This will give you the necessary specifications you require from your computer. For example, if you are working with high-resolution image files or video files, you will want to invest in additional hard drive space to accommodate the large file sizes.
Processor Speed and RAM
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The most important part of making a desktop run smoothly is to have a fast processor and a large amount of RAM. As of 2010, top of the line processors are intel core i3, i5 and i7, which indicates the respective processing abilities. RAM stands for "read-only memory" and will be the amount of memory your computer can store for a short time. As of 2010, you will want to have at least two to four gigabytes of RAM for a modern desktop computer to function with current technologies and software.
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Audio/Video
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Ensure that your desktop comes equipped with high-quality sound and video cards installed. Desktop computers will have the audio and sound installed from the factory, but you may want to have a third-party card installed to improve the quality. A video card with a large memory capacity will help to free up a lot of your RAM and improve performance. If you plan on using your computer for gaming or media editing, for example, upgrading the audio and video card can improve your productivity.
Cooling
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For powerful systems, you will want to make sure that the desktop computer stays as cool as possible. Computers should have adequate fans installed to keep the unit cool and fan placement should be free from obstruction. Usually, you'll want a fan located on the sides or the back of the computer, rather than the bottom--especially for laptops.
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References
- Photo Credit computer keyboard image by Tom Curtis from Fotolia.com
