Computers!? I just don't get it...?

Question

I have a dilemma. I am computer hardware illiterate. I need to purchase a new computer that I can hook up a router (wireless), and digital camera. I have comcast High speed internet and was looking to purchase reasonably priced computer with specifications matching my needs. I want to be able to burn CDs + DVDs, and don't want to break the bank. Could you guys either help me understand what I need in terms of gigs and drivers or point me in the direction of a website that could help me determine what I need? A website that I could purchase a reasonably priced computer? Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Call Dell or any other computer manufacturer. Tell them exactly what you wrote here. The sales person will make exactly what you need and tell you the price.

1-800-915-3355 Dell sales

Answer 2

You really need to consider what you need to use it for. If you are only doing basic image modifications, internet, email, and other absic stuff, then you really don't need much at all.

The main reason people buy expensive new stuff is to keep up with the jones'es.

You could get away with a cheap AMD chip, a simple case with USB ports, a 300gb hard disk, and a dvd burner.

The best thing to do is really think about your requirements over the next 2-3 years, and go from there. The only possible risk buying a new computer is if all of the software gets updated, new windows comes out that it can't run.

This isnt going to happen in a hurry, so I would say arm yourself with some information, find a list of retailers or internet dealers on Answers, and be an informed shopper so the salesman can't work his annoying magic.

If you think you met a trustworthy salesman, you really just met the most cunning and manipulative prick!

Answer 3

http://www.dell.com or any other big company.
Or just go to the local hardware store if you like the people there. If they are helpsome when choosing a PC, they probably will be helpsome later on when you have a problem with the PC.

Serious warning: better use WIRED internet. Is much more secure! Esp. if you are computer illiterate!
Specs PC:
Miditower (then you can easier add hardware later on).
1GB memory
1x 120GB SATA harddisk (Operating System + programs + p2p (p2p is not recommendable on your documents harddrive; p2p will reduce harddisk life).
1x 300GB SATA harddisk (documents, photos, system backups of first harddisk
1x 120GB external USB drive (backups of photos and documents. Don't use for backup of Operating System itself)
1x 2GB MP3 USB flashdrive: for mobile documents/mp3z.
Videocard: 256MB. Playing modern games: 512MB.
CPU: is not really that important, unless you want high performance. Just don't take an CPU older then approx. 4-6 months. Or any Dual Core. DO take a QUIET cpu cooler.
Power supply: again, quietness is important.
Floppy drive.
At least 6x USB ports.
Firewire port (then you can connect the dig. camera)
100Mbit LAN port. Preferably: a add on card in stead of using the onboard port.
Keyboard + mouse: use WIRED! Wireless always gives troubles.
Scanner / printer: DON'T buy a 3 in one! They ALWAYS give trouble. Better 2 apart machines.
Monitor: 19" TFT (maybe 20") gives best value for money. NOT with internal speakers.
DVD burner: if possible, take a known brand.
You hardly need another drive (like a normal DVD drive), unless you copy many DVD's/CD's.

You talk about not breaking the bank. However, if you care about your digital photo storage, then you NEED to buy enough storage room(including backup media/drives).


If you don't wanna hassle with security issues (spyware / viri etc), then choose an Apple/Mac, or even Ubuntu (Linux). The latter though, might give some headaches to install, but it's a free Operating System.


Someone said wireless is standard protocol these days. That's true. But, so are the tens of thousands people who got cracked because they couln't secure the wireless connection good enough! Wireless is NOT recommended for computer illiterates.

Answer 4

I think you'd be content with the choices from Dell computers. Just visit their website.
Most companies package computers fairly reasonably or let you choose your options for a custom machine. Most laptops come ready for wireless that is the standard protocol of today.
Your sole hurdle will be making the wireless router work -- it's the newest technology and still mysterious to the layman.

I compare computers to cars. When we first got cars everyone had to know what went on under the hood and had to learn an arcane language. But as we refined the technology we got to the point where we don't have to know what a fan belt is anymore to make the sucker go.

Luck!

Answer 5

Your dilemma seems unnecessary to me, unless you have 'special' needs you haven't mentioned then you are just a normal person in need of a normal computer.
Go to a shop in your area that has been around for awhile, with nice people or else go with one of the big players, Dell HP...whatever and just buy an ordinary computer, they all do pretty much what most people like you want to do.
Hopefully it won't break the bank and unless you are unlucky it will be reliable and easily last until you want to upgrade when times have changed.

Stop worrying and go and do it ;)

Answer 6

First of all, don't get too frustrated about computers, sweetheart. Besides, you have to understand computers inasmuch as learn them.

1. GIGS are short for Gigabytes.
2. You need GEAR software to burn CDs + DVDs.

Answer 7

The cheapiest way to buy a computer is to buy the componets and have the system put together. IF you will do a little reading and learn some of the terms thier is a site that you can get parts at a very good price.I bought my system from them and put it together myself. It's tigerdirect.com... Good luck... If you need some advise on the subject my screen name on messenger is biloximan29 hit me up

Answer 8

Most of the computer manufacturer's website should be able to give you recommendations. CNET (http://www.cnet.com) and Tom's hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com) also give good hardware reviews.

I like HP and Dell computers so you want to check them out.