Desktop Computer Buying Advice
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We're here to help you buy a new desktop computer. We've got advice and information about all the latest computers. We discuss the features and specifications you need to look for, and explain the difference between the technologies.Whatever you need your computer for, be it for work, school, surfing the internet, playing games or running your own company, it’s a big investment that needs careful consideration. Make the wrong decision and you may well find yourself having to upgrade and improve the computer later on. So before buying it is most important to ask yourself just what you really need. To help you in this, PriceRunner.com have prepared some questions to think about before your purchase.
- A computer for private use or for work?
- Surfing the internet
- Are you a regular user of computers or a newcomer?
- CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- RAM (Random Access Memory) / Internal memory
- Graphics Card
- Hard disk
- Motherboard
- Operating Systems
- BD/DVD/CD-ROM
- Screen
- Chassis
A computer for private use or for work?
If you want a computer mostly for listening to music, playing computer games and surfing the internet, the size of memory and speed of processor you need will be greater than if you need your computer purely to make calculations and write word documents for work. However, if your work demands advanced graphics and design programs there will be big demands on speed and memory to enable you to use graphics software.
Surfing the internet
To be able to surf the internet you need a computer with a network card. You also need a browser and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). These days most computers already come with an in-built network card, and most now come with browsers (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) pre-installed. And if you're not happy with the pre-installed browser, it's possible to download another. Software for setting up an account with an ISP usually comes pre-installed as well.
Are you a regular user of computers or a newcomer?
If you are a regular user of computers you can build your own computer set-up to meet your exact requirements, but as a newcomer to computers it is better to choose one of the many complete packages available. It is important to think about things like after-sales service, warranties and customer support, as you may need help initially setting up your machine.
Technical components:
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Even the slowest processors today are far faster than the processors a few years ago. The technology is constantly improving, and today the quickest is an amazing 3500MHz, or 3.5GHz. The speed of the computer is expressed in MegaHertz (MHz). The recommendation for the normal user is to choose a middle range computer, as the latest technology is often very expensive while the technology at the cheaper end of the market quickly goes out of date. You should be aware that the speed of the processor is not the only factor that determines how fast the computer is, as the type of soundcard, video card, hard disk and internal memory all have a bearing on computer speed.Nowadays it's often the case that the CPU has multiple cores, making it faster. There are also many types of CPU's available like Pention i5 and i7, AMD Opteron, Phenom and FX. These types are designed to suit different uses, and are designed to maximiza graphics while others aim to achieve high performance for a low cost.
RAM (Random Access Memory) / Internal memory
RAM is a very important component in a computer. The more internal memory the machine has the more applications can be open at the same time. Lots of RAM can also make up for the deficiencies of other components that would otherwise slow your machine down. Most computers today come with 4096 MB, which is often sufficient for a normal user. If you wish to play computer games or run advanced graphics or animation programs it's best to have 8192 MB or more.
Graphics Card
The graphics card renders the image displayed on the monitor. It essentially works together with the CPU and the internal memory to create the graphics. If you are going to use the computer for mainly web browsing and word processing, a simpler graphics card is sufficient. Advanced users and gamers should opt for a more advanced solution since games and some software are in need of extra power from the graphics cards. When choosing a graphics card the embedded memory on the card is important. Most cards today have at least 1024Mb of embedded memory.
Hard disk
Deciding on the size of the hard disk for your computer is crucial, above all because it determines how much information your machine can store. A small hard disk can be close to full after the installation of your operating system and other basic programs. If you want to install many games, applications, , pictures etc., it's important to buy a computer with a big enough hard drive to meet your needs. It is actually cheaper and easier in the long run to buy a good hard drive from the offset, because you will save yourself the expense of upgrading and having to install a new one in the future. Desktop computers today usually come with 120-320GB or even higher. The highest on the market at the moment is an incredible 2TB (2000GB).
Motherboard
The motherboard is one of the main components of a computer. It's through this that the computer's other components converge. Memory, graphics, data transmission, storage, is controlled via the motherboard's components. It's the motherboard that determines how many ports you can have in your computer. It also determines how fast the components are. What affects the speed of your computer's are the CPU and RAM sockets, and these are the main components of a motherboard.
Operating Systems
This is the primary program that runs on your computer. Most computers must have an operating system in order to run other programs. The operating system is required to carry out all the basic functions of the computer, such as identifying input from the mouse and keyboard, relaying output to the monitor, keeping track of files on the hard disk, and controlling devices such as disk drives and printers. 
All other programs must be written according to a particular operating system, so the choice of operating system determines to a great extent the various applications you can run. The most popular operating systems are Windows 7, and Mac OS X. Windows is the OS of choice for home computers. Mac OS is the system used with Macintosh computers, and is particularly good for people interested in desktop publishing or creating music. There are others available, Linux being a notable example.
BD/DVD/CD-ROM
Nearly all computers today have a built-in DVD player, and the very lates nowdays has a Blu-ray (BD) as well. The quality is slightly different, and if you want the best then you should choose a computer with Blu-ray. In addition to burn out movies and other files, you should make sure that the computer has a burner. When you buy a DVD burner, it can also be good to check if it has Dual Layer. As the name suggests, a dual layer DVD burner can burn on both sides of a DVD.
Screen
The default size on a computer screen is 19". You can choose between an LCD screen that is relative cheap, or take one with newer technology, a LED screen. Both are flat screens, but the LED screen has better technology, according to many. For users who use multimedia that is rich of graphics, watching DVDs on the computer etc., you may want a video card in order to optimize the display. Match the resolution supported by monitor with video card, it can really pay off both financially and technically. You can optimize the experience further by buying a 3D screen. Keep in mind that the majority of 3D screens today need 3D glasses. Be sure to check if these are included in the purchase otherwise it can be an extra cost for those glasses.
Chassis
The chassis is the casing of the computer. The things to consider when looking for the right chassis are: do you want the computer on or under your desk, and will you want to buy extra adapters or add-ons at a later date? Some new computers are incredibly compact, requiring little space on your desk, but you will also find little space inside the machine for installing new hardware (e.g. a new network card). Desktop means that the chassis is placed horizontally on the desk while the tower-variant stands vertical.
