What to look for when purchasing a Computer !

What to look for when purchasing a computer

Here are some tips and facts that should help you when purchasing a new computer

Monitor

This is the screen of the computer and is essential, but be careful as some computer packages don't always included them. TFT (flat panel) are most popular due to there slim design rather then the older, bulkier CRT monitors. Also when buying a monitor always go for one with the highest resolution your money can buy, high resolution will give a more detailed and sharper picture. A resolution of 1280x1024 should be fine for most users. Also look at the 'response time', the lower the number the better.

                                           

Keyboard and Mouse

These are used to navigate the computer. People should not just settle for a mouse which has only the left and right button, but one with a wheel can be very useful for scrolling. Mouses usually use a ball at the bottom to move around but new laser or sensor ones usually last much longer then the older ball versions. There are also a viartity of wireless keyboards and mice which can also be purchased if money allows, but there not essential. 

Processor 

The processor or CPU is known as the 'brains' of the computer.

The Processing speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz, or 1,000MHz). The higher the number, the faster the PC. Its also advised to buy a computer with dual-core technology as it offers fast multitasking capabilities (Examples are Intel Pentium) which is a big help for home and at work. 

                        

RAM

RAM is temporary memory used by the computer to complete calculations, the higher the RAM the faster the computer. When looking to buy a computer check for at least for at least 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM.

The Hard Drive

The hard drive is memory storage and bigger is better but 80GB is all that would be needed but At least 100GB or more will be needed to store lots of music, games or movie files. Computers with hard drives of around 200gb-500GB are sold relatively cheaply as are add on hard drives now available.

Graphics card

computers by standard are usually supplied with adequate game cards but for hardcore gamers A more powerful card means better quality video graphics and smooth-running games (e.g., NVidia GeForce). Check the back of newer games and it will show at the bottom the required specs. Graphics card also come with additional RAM which is always welcomed.

Operating System

Windows is the most popular and well known with many new computers running on windows 7 (best to avoid windows vista). But there are alternative, many apple products such as the Macintosh selection run on mac os x which are more user friendly and less prone to viruses but have a small learning curve if your coming from windows and not all hardware (games) are compatible with the mac os x. There is also Linux but few computers come with it installed.