What to look for when buying a computer

By: Darach Cawley

Buying a computer can be a frustrating task, especially if you don't know what to look for when buying it. This article is a helping hand when buying or upgrading your computer.

The first step in buying a computer should be to determine what you need the computer for. What task do you need to perform? Do you only want the computer in order to access the Internet or do you want to play high quality computer games? There is a difference, and this difference can mean the saving of a few hundred euros.

You should also be thinking about what type of computer you will be using. Whether you only need your computer at home (i.e. a desktop computer) or if you will need it wherever you go (i.e. a laptop). Laptops are generally more expensive than desktops (10-15% more) even though they have the same specifications as a desktop pc. This is due to the use of specially designed components.

The second step is based on the results of step one. Based on your needs & requirements, the components of your computer can be determined. Let us have a look at some of the main components you should be looking at when buying or upgrading your computer:

* Processor - The processor is the brain of the computer. It is also referred to as the central processing unit (CPU). The length of time it takes the computer to perform a task depends on the speed of the processor. You should get a fast processor at all times. Pentium 4 CPUs at speeds of 2.0- 3.06 GHz or an AMD Athlon XP 2000+ - 30000+ should be the range you look for. If you must save money, the Intel Celeron at speeds greater than 2 GHz is a good second choice. There can be a large difference in price between a 2 and 3 GHz CPU and if you're only interested in the internet and word processing you won't really notice the difference if you go for the 2 GHz.
* System RAM - RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It's the working storage of your computer. The more RAM you have the better your computer will perform. Operating Systems like Windows XP require a minimum amount of RAM. I'd recommend that 128MB is the absolute minimum amount of RAM, with 256 MB or more as the preferred amount (as memory is currently cheap, there is no reason not to have at least 256 MB). Some new games and programs require 256 MB or more.
* Hard Drive - The Hard Drive is where everything is stored. A 20 GB drive is about the smallest drive you would want, with a 40-60 GB drive being more appropriate if you are going to have a lot of games or pictures saved on the computer.

* Video Card - The computer uses the video card to display graphics to the screen.

If you do not plan to use this computer for playing games or using 3D applications then you should pick a good name-brand AGP graphics card with 16 MB or greater of video memory.

For the casual gamer, or 3D enthusiast on a budget, the Radeon 8500 with 128 MB of video RAM or the GeForce 4 TI 4200 with 64 or 128 MB of RAM are good choices.

Those interested in serious gaming should buy an AGP video card with 128 MB video memory, such as the GeForce 4 TI (4600, 4400 -- 4X AGP) and the Radeon 9500, 9700, and 9800 which are the fastest graphics 8X AGP cards currently available.

Note: Computers costing less than EUR1,000 might have an integrated video chip rather than a graphics card. While cheap, these chips are not as fast, or as powerful as graphics cards but would support most games out there at a basic level.

Firewire or USB 2.0 ports - Firewire and USB 2.0 ports are great for connecting high-speed external devices such as a video camera or another computer. These ports are usually not available on entry level PCs and they are about 40 times faster than USB 1.0 ports found on older PCs. Firewire 800 ports are just starting to appear on the market, and they promise to be about 50-100% faster than USB 2.0 ports.

Modem, High Speed Internet Connection - A 56K modem, that meets V.90 or the V .92 standard is sufficient. (A high-speed cable or DSL connection would be nicer -- if you can afford it and if the service is available).

Home Network Connection - Network cards are essential if you want to connect a few computers together for multi-player gaming; sharing of a printer; backing up data to different computers or downloading files from one machine to another.

There are a number of other features of a computer that you should keep an eye on like, the monitor size, how is the price compared to other computers with the same specifications, what software comes with the computer and how long is the warranty.

Step three entails buying the computer. There are numerous places you can buy from. You can do one of two things: buy a computer with either specified or customised components. Most computer manufacturers give the ability to customise & buy your computer on the Internet, I would recommend this as you usually get more for your money.

Happy shopping!