Buying A New Computer Tips?

Question

Ok im getting a new computer nothing big or special just a normal running computer with windows xp operating system on it. I need to know the following stuff though so i know im not getting cheated for my money. I need to know around what numbers these should be at: GB(giga), MB(mega),Mhz(hertz), Or Ghz? Just for a normal but nice running windows xp system. Also anything that i should look for in the computer if im getting broadband internet or satelite internet - why the computer would need as requirements. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Unfortunately it's not that simple.

GB is hard drive size and it doesn't really matter. Even 80GB is big enough for most uses but if you want more, go for it.

MB is ram. You want at least 1024MB (1GB) if you're running Windows XP, and twice that for Vista.

MHz/GHz is clock speed of the processor and here's where it gets tricky. Clock speed only matters within the same family of processors. A 3GHz Pentium D is faster than a 2.6GHz Pentium D, but slower than a 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo.

You want a dual core processor, and of those, in general:
Intel Core 2 Duo > AMD Athlon 64 X2 > Intel Pentium D

Dual core processors deliver better performance in many applications and they allow you to multitask much more smoothly, but if you would rather save money and get a single core processor:
AMD Athlon 64 > Intel Pentium 4

If you want a budget single core processor:
AMD Sempron > Intel Celeron D

Most PCs are priced appropriately and if you shop around you shouldn't get gypped. Extra features and bundled software will influence the price. If you ever plan on doing any sort of gaming, make sure it has an expansion slot for graphics: a PCI Express X16 slot (PCI-E X16)

Any computer will be fine for whatever kind of internet you want or what have you else.

Answer 2

Look for a computer with at least 1 GB of RAM, you will need this much RAM to run the new Operating System from Microsoft "Vista", a 120GB-250GB hard drive, a Intel P4 or AMD 4200+64 bit processor, or even Dual-Cores if you can get a good price on one, a DVD-RW burner, and a DVD-ROM drive, an internal or external floppy drive will cost you a little extra, but when you do backups it will come in handy. A separate video card would be nice, but not needed. A Ethernet 10/100 will be needed for broadband hook ups. Most computers come with these nowadays. That pretty much would be a basic computer that would do you fine.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDCWAA2&s=dhs

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto/computer_customize_components.do

http://www.gateway.com/configurator.php?product_recid=529664018&fromPage=/systems/product/product_detail.php#conf:page_1

Here's a nice package from Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999967600050002&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050050&id=pcmprd67600050002

Answer 3

Well, you should want your front side bus to be at least 1.6 GHz, your cache size to be at least 512 KB, your RAM memory should be at least 512 MB...but 1 GB or 2 GB is even better! The hard drive should be at least 80 GB, but if you're planning on storing a lot of media on your computer, then go for a hard drive that is at least 100 GB or more. Oh yeah...shared video ram should be at least 128 MB, but 256 MB is even better.

And for the person who said you can't get computers with XP now...yes u can..some are still being sold with XP...I've seen them.

Answer 4

Is this a new computer? How much are you paying for it? A typical new "low end" computer would have:
2.6ghz (there are 1000 megahurtz to a Ghz)
80 gigabyte or larger hard drive
512mb ram
If it is not new, then you could get by with much less. I would not recommend XP on any computer that was not AT LEAST:
Pentium 3 or above
20 Gig. hard drive (larger if you download movies, music, or pictures)
256 mb ram

Answer 5

.
If you want a nice system, but don't require a RACE CAR
and want to save a few bucks
watch your Sunday paper SALES
and you should be able to snag a buy under $500 for:

An eMachine AMD Athlon or Semptron 3400+
800+ MHz,
2 Ghz
100+ GB Hard drive
256 RAM
(You should add another 256 for best performance, or request that in the "deal")

which includes Windows XP
(don't forget to download Sp2)
and a bunch of cool programs.
They should toss in a nice Photo Printer
(Best Buy is good for adding goodies)

Don't forget to use some of that ginormous hard drive space to increase your virtual ram for even faster performance. (see below)

h2h

Answer 6

If you are looking a system about 1000 dollars it may contain:
- Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon CPU
- At least 256MB RAM ( i recommend 512MB)
- 64MB Graphic Card
- On Board Sound Card
- DVD Rom or DVD-R/RW ( you might buy additional CD-ROM)
- A good Main Board (maybe ASUS)
- 80GB Hard Disk
- Ethernet Card for internet connection
- And ADSL Modem
- Standart Mouse and Keyboard
- Windows XP Operating System

That's all i think...

Answer 7

I dont think you can get a new computer with windows XP, its all windows vista now, but make sure whatever you get has a Warranty on it, i got a new compaq it runs great

Answer 8

Buying a Home Computer

Buying a home computer can be a bit like buying a car-it's a major purchase decision. There are many makes and models, and many people willing to give advice about what to buy and where to buy it. To make the most of your shopping experience, and sense of the variety of choices facing you, you'll want to do your homework before heading out. And, whether buying new or used, know what you want the computer to do for you and how much you can afford to spend.

Deciding On An Operating System

Computers can be categorized into two basic operating systems or types-those designed primarily for graphics work and those primarily intended for word processing. Although both are capable of either function. To help you decide between the two operating systems, determine whether you will use the computer more for graphics or mainly for producing text, the type of software you want to run and which type of computer it runs on (although most software has versions for both operating systems). If you're buying the computer for your child's use, see what kind of computer is used in his or her classroom. If you want to send files back and forth with your sister, check out her system. Both systems are great- one is not better than the other-but it helps to know what you want to do with your computer before you commit to either type.

System Tips

If you are buying a new computer, make sure you get Windows XP (why pay for an old operations system?) XP has the stability of Windows 2000 and the "user friendly" interface like Apple computers. If you wish to do high-end graphic design and/or video editing you should stick with Windows2000 for stability. The only problem with Windows 2000 is that there are often "compatibility problems" so you will need to make sure that all your external hardware and software (i.e scanner, CDRW) will work. You can have the same type of compatibility problems upgrading to XP or Windows 2000 as well so check first.

Buy from a Reputable Dealer

Buying your computer from a reputable electronics dealer means you're more likely to get a better warranty and better service. The computers they carry have succeeded because of the high-quality of their machines and their service.

What to Consider Before Buying a Computer

How will you use the computer? Do you plan to write papers for a class using word processing software, keep track of your finances or business on a spreadsheet, send electronic mail (e-mail) to relatives across the country, surf the World Wide Web, or just play computer games? Knowing how you'll use your computer will help you determine what type of minimum requirements the computer needs to have.

Bigger Programs Require More Memory

Keep in mind that the size of the software you plan to run will dictate how much memory your computer should have. Consider how you will use your computer, then ask about the software you'll need. A sales associate should be able to tell you how many megabytes of memory you'll need based on your planned computer use. Typically, you'll need a minimum of 64 megabytes of memory to adequately run most programs. Most computer systems come with preloaded software. Be sure to check the inventory of what's on the computer, so you'll know what you're getting.


Case Tips

Buy a computer with a large case and less "integrated" features like video and sound for better "upgradeability". E-Machines in particular, use small cases that make it difficult to add additional drives etc.

Monitor Tips

Buy a high quality 17" monitor. Wait on the LCD flat screen models until the price drops more unless you "just have to have one". Recommended Brands: KDS, Hansol, View Sonic.

Printer Tips

Printer prices have dropped tremendously in the last few years but I would not recommend buying a low-end printer (less then $70), because the construction of low-end models is more prone to jamming and problems. I also would not spend more then $250 on an inkjet printer, because the quality after that point is higher than most people require, unless you have specific photo quality printing needs. I prefer HP printers because of the availability of printing cartridges, durability and customer service. Lexus printers are a bit too cheaply made for my requirements and personally I don't prefer Epson printers either. Canon makes some great printers but I would not buy the lower-priced models. Also avoid buying an "All in one" system I.e. fax, scanner, copier etc, because of the high rate of problems and connectivity.

Memory Tips

Memory prices have never been lower so everyone should have at least 128 MB of RAM because it improves performance so much. I use 256 MB of RAM and that is the amount I would recommend for all new computers unless you are a power user and need 512 RAM. The new DR RAM is slightly faster and necessary for some Pentium machines, however, most users will not notice a performance improvement.

Sound Tips
Use better speakers than the ones provided with most new PCs. Spend $29 to $49 on some new speaker for much better sound. Most new computers come with built-in sound. However, if you want to hear music in stereo quality, you should get a separate sound card installed.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

i heard vista kinda suz..id wait until they bring out the vista with all the bug updates first.

as for the computer.

id find the model i want to get first then type the model in yahoo along with "review" and then u will find out if its good or not