Buying Guide for a Good Basic Desk Top Computer

Buying a new computer can be frustrating, unless you know the basics of what you're looking for.

Most people who purchase a desktop computer don't need anything too fancy. Just the basic programs and adequate memory and speed is fine for most households. However, even when you're shopping for a basic desktop computer, the choices can be overwhelming. You may not be sure which features you need and when companies are taking advantage of your lack of knowledge. Purchasing a new computer doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating, as long as you know the basics.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Figure out how much space you have where you plan to setup your new desktop computer. Desktops can still be rather large and bulky, with a large screen and a separate tower. However, if space is an issue, you can find desktop computers with slimmer screens and no tower.

2. Don't trade quality for price. You can sometimes find desktop computers on super sale, but these often have only a single-core processor. The processor is where the computer does its thinking, and the quality of the processor controls the speed of the computer. Having two or more cores in the processor means your computer can do more things at one time. You should also pay attention to the clock speed of the processor. The closer the clock speed is to 3GHz, the faster your computer will run.

3. Keep memory in mind. There are two types of memory, which are RAM memory and hard drive memory. RAM memory is how your computer temporarily stores information while it works. Your computer should have at least 2 GB of Ram, and up to 4 GB if you plan to run multiple large programs simultaneously. Hard drive memory, on the other hand, is where everything including programs, documents, or media files are stored. The bigger the hard drive, the better, and desktop computers often have hard drive memory into the hundreds of gigabytes.

4. Decide whether you want a Windows or Macintosh desktop computer. Computers with Windows often cost less and are found frequently in the business environment. Macintosh computers, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, but have a reputation for preventing viruses and have become very popular for personal use. The differences between these two operating systems also comes down to personal preference. If you've been happy with one or the other, then there's probably no need to switch. If you want to test one out, make sure you check it out on a friend's computer before purchasing a desktop yourself.

5. Make a list of features that are important to you, such as a CD/DVD burner, enhanced speakers, a large or small monitor, a webcam, or anything else extra that you will need to get the most out of a computer. The price of every feature gets added to the total price of the computer, so don't assume that a feature you don't need is just a bonus, because you're actually paying for it in the end.

References

• ConsumerReports.org: Getting Started - Computer Guide