Title: Choosing a computer - some tips
Course: Module 1, Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Choosing a computer - some tips

Choosing a computer - some tips

Choosing a computer can be difficult. First, you should decide what you are going to use the computer for. Then, you need to consider the configurations and your budget. Last but not the least, you should consider where to buy. We hope the following suggestions will help you make your selections.

Computers are getting really inexpensive these days. Buying the most powerful computer your budget allows is usually a good idea. Computer prices do go down with time. However, that doesn't mean that you should wait forever to use it, to learn from it, and, most of all, enjoy it. A computer is the best investment money can buy now!

Do not buy a so-called "name-brand" or "major-brand" if upgrading may be on your mind a couple of years down on the road. These brands are specifically designed to hook you on buying only their highly priced components to maximize their 40-60% profit margin. Most "clone" makers are operating only with a 5-25% margin. Besides, most major PC makers are not really "manufacturers". They are just "box-makers" - putting components together - like everybody else.

Clone or house-brands are often based on open structures, which means easier and cheaper upgrading, using "universal" components. You pretty much can go anywhere to have the computer served, upgraded, or repaired. You should consider putting a computer together yourself only if you have some computer knowledge and some spare time. It is not that easy the first time. However, it does get easier once you have started. The satisfaction you get from putting a computer together is difficult to describe with words. Besides, you could sell a few of them !

Rule of thumb: It is a better deal to buy a new one instead of upgrading an old one if the old one is more than 3 years old! If all you need to do is word processing, spreadsheet, home finance, some basic windows games, e-mails, and browsing the Internet, you are an average user. Nothing really "high end" is needed. Consider a mid-grade computer that includes at least:
- 2.0GHz microprocessor
- 512Mb of memory minimum
- 8Mb or 16Mb video card memory
- 80Gb or higher hard drive
- Ethernet (built in)
- WiFi - not always common on desktops
- A sound card (usually built in)
- 17" or 19" monitors are well priced - with lots to choose from

Designing a gaming computer is more fun than anything. Currently high-end and hardware-demanding games include, Quake, Second Life, StarCraft and Half-Life. These games run well only on intense gaming engines. Go with top of the line processor, such as 3.2GHz, Pentium 4 or top level AMD.

Take a minimum of 512MB Memory and at least 120GB hard drive. IDE with ultra DMA/SATA is OK. The deciding factor is the video card for all the 3D actions. You need the best video card your budge allows! Examples are Voodoo, ATI, and Matrox with 128Mb, 256Mb or 512Mb video memory.

A DVD writer drive is a must these days (DVD-RW).

If you are choosing a computer for normal office work, only the mid-range computer is necessary. We actually recommend Intel Celeron for workstations. Celeron is relatively inexpensive with less cache than their Pentium cousins but is almost equally powerful.

You really do not need that much cache for word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail. Consider: 1.5GHz+ 256Mb RAM 60Gb hard disc drive and an 16-32Mb video card.

Do you have ideas about buying a computer you would like to share with others? Why not post your thoughts in the course Forum :-)