This is the first desktop computer I buy. I need help on what brand to get?

Question

I will mainly use for school paperwork, internet and music downloading. I don't know much about computers and don't want to be persuaded by the salespeople to buy something I know nothing about.

Answer 1

for a beginner I'd recommend Macintosh Then Windoze then Unix or Unix-Like.

This is how the box system works:

Beginner: Macintosh Box
Intermediate: Windoze Box
Expert: Unix or Unix-Like.

Answer 2

Watch the weekly ads closely. Desktops are getting very affordable and a lot offer a free printer plus a rebate. Suggest you check into Compaq. If the Dual Core processor type is not out of your pocketbook, consider it. It is a lot more sucure. Also, try to get one that has CDRW/DVD combo drive. For what you want to do, there are a couple of ways you can go. The hard drive in your desktop could store 60Gb. You might consider buying a 'jump drive'. It simply plugs into the USB port and it can be used just like a floppy disk. That is, you can add data to it and you can erase data. You can get one that will store up to 1 Gb that will hold, I believe up to 200 songs. Be sure the computer you buy has (at least) 256 Mb RAM, (most do now) and you can add another 256 Mb giving you 512 Mb Ram, the more the better.
Most come with preloaded Anti Virus protection but some are limited to a time allowance. You might check into AVAST. It is freeware, easy to use and does a good job. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Almost any desktop computer will do what you mention in your question.

Here are a few basic tips:

1. Avoid anything that says Celeron. These are cut-down processors -- if you buy a computer with a Celeron it will be (needlessly) slow. It is worth it to spend a little bit more to get something that is not Celeron.

2. Check to see what software comes included on the computer. Make sure it comes with at least genuine Windows XP, and either Microsoft Word (perferable) or Microsoft Works (also acceptable). It will likely also come with other software -- maybe even lots of it -- but you will likely not use much of it, at least not at first. Note that if software in the list has the words "Trial Version" after the name, you will have to spend more money to get the real version after a month or two. Personally, I would make sure that I only buy something where Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works do *not* say "Trial Version."

3. Most brands in retail stores are reasonable brands; however, *never* buy the cheapest one from any manufacturer. Instead, if you find a particular brand you like, buy something for $100 - $200 higher than the cheapest, and you will avoid the hassles that come with buying the cheapest.

4. Most computers don't come with a monitor -- you need to buy that separately. Don't get anything smaller than 17". Also, if you are considering an LCD monitor, read the specifications on the box, and make sure it says 12ms or less average refresh time. Anything higher is harder to work with, especially if you use your computer a lot.

5. Make sure the computer comes with at least 512MB of RAM. Anything less, you will have to upgrade or it will appear to be slow.

6. If you are willing to spend the extra money, avoid computers that say "integrated video" or "shared video memory" in the specifications on the box. You get better performance if the manufacturer supplies a video card. Reasonable video cards include GeForce with model numbers 6600 or higher, or Radeon with model number X1300 or higher (X1400, X1500, etc).

7. Finally, Windows Vista (the successor to Windows XP) is just around the corner. You may want to consider a machine that is Windows Vista Capable or Windows Vista Ready.

Answer 4

Keeping in mind that you mostly use ur computer for School paperwork, Internet & music/software downloading..so you should not purchase a very expensive or very high speed computer (Bcoz you will not be able to utilise properly). You should go for medium speed computer which can be used in your day to day life efficenlty & even you can play some high resolution game.

Your computer configuration should be as follows:

1) Procesoor: 2.4 Ghz-2.6 Ghz (between)
2) RAM: 256 or 384 (256+128)
3) Hard-Disk: 40/80 GB
4) CD Writer
5) Floppy drive (But now days it not really need at all..instead of that you can purchase a thumb/pen drive)

Now take a look to the different model which comes under above configuration. It will cost less & will run smotthly.

Best of Luck.

BCA(Bach of Computer Application) & B.COM (Bach of Commerce)

Answer 5

Apple is a very good brand the new mac minis can run mac and windows. Those start at 599 + monitor keyboard and mouse. If your looking to go cheap go with dell. You can build and price your own computer. I would suugest at least 512mb of ram and at least 100 gb hard drive.

Answer 6

I would go with Dell...you get the most bang for your buck there. You could also go with Gateway...they are usually very good, but cost a bit more. Also, check out TigerDirect...they have good deals there.

Answer 7

Dell or hewlett packard

Answer 8

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