When
you go computer shopping, you'll hear lots of numbers and a lot of jargon.
So here's what some information about what those confusing words mean
and the current minimums I recommend you look for in a computer.
Tips...
MEMORY:
This is the "RAM" you will hear about - it allows your PC
to handle many tasks efficiently. The more RAM you have, the faster
and more smoothly your applications should run. Try to get 256 MB of
RAM.
HARD DISK SPACE:
This is your computer's storage area - 40 GB is a good number to keep
in mind. The more files you want to keep, and the larger they are the
more hard disk space you will need. Text files take up far less room,
for instance, than multimedia files or digital artwork.
PROCESSOR SPEED:
This determines how fast your computer works - 1 GIGAHERTZ of processor
speed is what you should look for. Keep in mind, of course, that computer
makers will adjust it all again in another 8-12 months! You'll be fine
for at least a couple of years (unless you're doing high-end gaming
or video editing, you'll need even more power now).
Other things
to keep in mind:
RELAX IN THE STORE:
Don't let the salesmen pressure you into spending more on too sophisticated
a system if you don't need one.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK:
There are plenty of stores around town that sell PCs, but do some research
online. Sites such as Buy.com and ComputerShopper.com offer good bargains,
as do companies that sell directly to you, including Gateway and Dell.
