I need help buying a computer.?

Question

I am needing to buy a computer that will be good for my kids and myself for school. I know my kids will be wanting to buy games also so I need enough memory for that too. My question is how much memory do I need for this, and if you have any suggestions on a brand please tell me. I know how to use a computer but I know nothing about what I need in it.

Answer 1

Get an Intel Duo Core 2 processor. Any computer you buy now will come with Vista operating system. Microsoft says you can run Vista in 512Mb of memory, but you should really have at least 2Gb of memory to successfully run Vista.

If your kids are going to run games, then upgrade the graphic card.

I'd also recommend a 20" or greater flat screen monitor.

Another recommendation is to get a physically larger tower, which will probably be less expensive than the cooler looking slim chassis. The larger chassis dissipates heat better, which will lead to more trouble free life with your new PC.

Personally I'm a fan of Dell PCs. I think a Dell XPS 410 would be a good choice. Go to their web site and run their configuration program it will list out your various options.

Answer 2

As a Mac user, I recommend a Mac Mini or an iMac. The processor inside allows you to run the Mac OS (the most secure one out there, so no spyware, malware or the like), and Windows (so you can play all the latest games and popular software. You still may have to buy Windows separately and a program called Parallels to run both Windows and Tiger (the name of Apple's latest operating system) if they're not already included.

The iMac has the monitor built in and comes with a keyboard and mouse, but the Mac Mini is maybe 1/3 or 1/2 the size of a DVD player, and you need to purchase the monitor, keyboard and mouse separately (if you don't already have one).

1 MB of memory should be enough for the applications that your family will use, but think of memory as a desk size: the more memory you have, the more applications and larger applications you can run at the same time. Email me at [e-mail] if you need more help.

Answer 3

I am sure everyone will have an answer about what brand to buy. I am partial to HP compauters. I have had one of my HPs for 8 years, and I take care of it, and it still runs fine.
Most computers come with 512-1024 memory standard and that is plenty for anything. Stay away from Intel Celeron processors, they are slow and unreliable. I would stay with AMD. If your kids are heavy into games, and if you are ok with that, then you might want to make sure it has a good video card, and not intergrated/shared graphics. Windows Vista operating system is a nightmare, and it may be a few months befor a more stable operating system comes out, but dont go for the vista basic. It is horrible. A cd burner is pretty much standared and is good to have for backing up files, which is a great idea. Hop this helps.

Answer 4

I had exactly the same problem a year ago, so looked at the dell website, as you can build your own starting from the very basics, when i say build your own, don't worry I don't mean literally and it's really easy. I got a 19" monitor plus the computer tower thing and a keyboard with windows vista for £421.00 inc delivery. If you go onto their website www.dell.co.uk you can choose exactly what you want. I can't remember exactly what I got and I didn't really know what I needed so I whent for the middle option ie not the cheapest at not the most powerfull, I got as much as I could for what I could afford, and I'm really pleased with it.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Hi there, sounds like the typical family pc... I grew up in a family of 7!!!

For a basic family pc where your kids could homeschool or play games on, and you could check the web/email I would suggest something not so expensive...

Here are a few typical links that have great deals on computers...

http://www.dealnews.com (Site that posts great deals)
http://www.slickdeals.net (Site that has consumer posted deals).

Your best bet is probably to pick up a pc for around 500-700 from dell or hp.

#1 Get a dual core
#2 1GB of RAM at least.

Answer 6

You might want to worry about your memory bar\stick-- It isn't only how much your harddrive can hold (say the 40Gig, 80Gig, etc spec.), but it's also about how fast your PC can process running programs, multiple programs, background programs, etc.-- It'll probably have a name like SDRAM, but it depends on your system. My Dell can use up to around 4+ Gigabytes, but they shipped it with 256MB DDR SDRAM. I had to go out & buy more & they are expensive. People now are saying get at least 2G.--Also an 80G harddrive or more should be safe. I'm good with 40G, but I'm the only user.

Answer 7

buy a pc with windows xp, and about 1gb of ram. avoid a brand name, unless they have a nice warranty. you will not especially need a lot of hard drive space, i would say 120gb is more than enough. for the kids, get a 256 mb graphics card. all the things i have aforementioned are presented as the low standard, but have enough power to run 90% of todays games and programs. this should not run you more than $399 or so. if you want more hard drive space, just buy one separately as they are very easy to install and cheap these days.

Answer 8

well if you quastion is just about The RAM I should say that for that usage you need at least 512MB DDR2 800 or even DRR3 , it depends on your money but I think for kids DRR2 800 is enough no need to spend more money and I comment u to buy KINGSTONE orginal Ram it's the best but be careful to buy the orginal one(the orginal kingstone rams have chips that is written on them :"KingStone")

Answer 9

its depends on ur budget
some brands like compact is at a moderate price and reliable quality
some brandy one might be sony and toshiba
for normal use and games,
P4 and above
1G ram
graphic card
dvd writer

Answer 10

you need 250 gig hard drive, at least 2 gig ram, and at least 256 or higher video card. that should get you through for a couple of years. those are the very minimum that i would recommend for a good starter system.