How to Buy the Perfect Computer

Buying a new computer can be downright scary for someone who has had one for years. The anxiety in buying a new computer can be even greater if you are buying a computer for a child or loved one. A new computer can be an expensive purchase and if you don't know what that computer's primary function will be, you might end up paying much more than you should. Here is a comprehensive list of things you should consider before buying any new computer.

TERMINOLOGY AND EXPLANATIONS

CPU

The first item you will be confronted with is the CPU, or Central Processing Unit and its stats. This will usually be something like Pentium X or AMD X 64 5400. I'm sure you've heard these terms either on the Internet, your own computer, or on a television commercial. What exactly does the CPU do? In basic terms, it determines how fast your computer processes information. The CPU runs all of the software you install on your computer. The amount of information it processes is staggering and if you like to install and run many different types of software, the faster the CPU, the better performance you will get. This is especially important if you like to watch movies, videos, and run software that will have a lot of graphics. With a fast CPU, your computer will be able to run most of the newest software. Games, business software, and everything you would think to install on your computer will have a minimum requirement. If your CPU doesn't meet the minimum requirement, you can get very frustrated trying to install your new stuff. Generally there will be either Pentium or AMD CPU's. You can think of these like McDonalds and Wendy's. Both offer similar products but are very similar.

RAM

RAM or random access memory is the most common form of memory you will encounter when buying a new computer. RAM is where the programs you run get the space needed to work. You can think of RAM as an easy place for your computer to remember something. It's like a well written personal phone book as opposed to flipping through the entire White Pages each time you want to call someone. By having a lot of RAM, your computer is able to have more and more programs and information on hand which lets your computer operate very efficiently. RAM is available in many different sizes but depending on your computer needs, you might not need very much. If you like computer games, you will want at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM. If you just like to type on your computer, 512 megabytes (MB) is more than enough. Every computer usually comes with extra spots inside the case if you ever decide to add more RAM at a later time.

GRAPHICS CARDS

Graphics cards are very important for people who play video games. If you just want a computer for typing and playing on the Internet, you won't need to buy one at all. For game players, the integrated graphics that come already installed in a new computer just won't do. There are tons of different video cards to choose from and the prices range from $100 to $400. Game players already know what they need so if you are buying this for a gamer, let them give you some choices.

OPERATING SYSTEM

The operating system that comes with your computer is important but you won't have many choices. Most new computers will either be a PC or a Mac. PC's use Windows XP or the newest version, Vista. It might be difficult to find any PC without Windows Vista anymore and there are different types of Vista available. These all vary in price and the more expensive versions of Vista offer more special features. Look them over before you commit to the most expensive version. Mac computers use OSX. What's the difference? PC's are much cheaper and are used by many more people than Macs. Most software and programs that you can buy will be for PC only. If you decide you want a Mac, make sure it will run the software and programs you intend to use it for. Both operating systems are easy to use but you can try them out at retail stores and get the opinions of friends and family if you aren't sure which one you want.

MONITORS

Many retail stores will have computers on sale for very low prices. Then you realize they don't even come with a monitor! What a jip! The monitor is what you are looking at right now so I don't need to tell you the importance of this piece of hardware. There are, however, many different types of monitors available. They come in all shapes and sizes. The most standard monitor is that big one that looks like a small television. This is the CRT monitor. Newer, sleeker, and nicer monitors are of the LCD variety. These are those very thin monitors you see. They save a lot of space and look great but they aren't very durable. If you have children, one matchbox car hurled just right will render that brand new LCD monitor useless. If you have children or are buying a computer for a child, I highly recommend a CRT monitor. They can fall off the desk and still usually work just fine. Plasma monitors are also available and offer amazing resolution but are very expensive.

KEYBOARDS, MICE, AND SPEAKERS

When you buy any new computer, they will always come with a keyboard and mouse. It might not be the best, but it will work just fine. A good and cheap upgrade is to get a digital mouse. This will work so much better than the roller ball mouse that comes with your computer, you will never want to use a roller ball mouse ever again.
Keyboards come in many shapes and sizes with lights and extra features. If you play games or type all day long, you may want to look into a more ergonomic keyboard that isn't so hard on your hands.
Speakers are included with most new computers and will work just fine also. If you like to watch movies and listen to music on your computer you might want to upgrade them to larger units with a subwoofer. These speaker systems are relatively cheap and there are many options available.

DRIVES AND PORTS

New computers usually come with a CD/DVD player combination. You can put any kind of CD or DVD into it and it will know what to do with it. That's very easy. If you like to burn CDs or DVDs, you might consider adding a second drive to use only for burning and keep the original drive for playing. It creates less wear and tear on the drives this way. Dual layer DVD drives are advertised on many new computers but unless you are really into burning DVDs this shouldn't matter much to you.

Most new computers will have a ton of little slots in the front and back. These are usually USB ports which are used to connect cameras, printers, game controllers, and many other types of hardware you might want to use. There are also little slots on the front of the computer that are specially designed for digital cameras, small memory cards called SD cards, and most standard memory cards available. These are very useful if you like to take pictures or transfer documents without having to burn CDs all the time.

SOFTWARE

Software is very important and easily overlooked. New computers come with a ton of software installed but you need to make sure you are getting something useful. Nothing is worse than getting a new computer for college only to find out it doesn't come with Microsoft Word. Most colleges use Word and many computers come with Microsoft Works which is NOT compatible. If you turn in a huge paper in Microsoft Works, odds are you will get no credit. Anti-Virus software is also very important. Many new computers will come with a trial version of some type of anti-virus software and it is highly recommended that you get the full version. Many retailers will give you the full versions of these programs at a reduced cost with your new computer purchase. New computers come with all kinds of programs installed and you can look over a list of these programs before you buy the computer.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

If you are buying a replacement for your old computer you can easily save a couple of hundred dollars by using the same monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers you are already using.

Get the extended warranty. It might cost more up front but if something happens to your computer, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Don't pay to have software removed. Many retailers will charge you to get rid of the extra programs that come with your computer. Do it yourself or find someone who will do it for free.

Gamers will want top of the line everything. For a good gaming computer, it will cost hundreds more than a standard multimedia computer. Make the gamer you are buying a computer for show you his favorite game and go with something just above the minimum requirements. They can always upgrade later.

That might seem like a lot of information to take in but at a store it is all stuck on a 3X5 card near the new computer you are looking at. If you have a basic idea of what you want to do with your computer, it will be easy and maybe even fun to pick out a new computer. If you are buying a new computer for someone other than yourself, either take them to the store with you or find out as much as you can about what they will use their new computer for. It can make an enormous difference. Laptops have completely different features than desktops but have pretty much the same components.

If in doubt. Gather up the boxes of software you will want to use and see what the recommended system requirements are. This can be a simple way to get an idea about what new computer is just right for you.