Picking a PC

The Problem:

Sooner or later you’ll decide to get a new PC. The good news is it’s a

buyer’s market. You can get a lot of computer for comparatively little

money. The bad news is there’s so much marketing hype, it’s tough to tell

what you truly need.

The Solution:

If you’re not a hardcore gamer, a professional graphic artist or a motion

video editing geek, $500 will get you a decent Windows machine for

word-processing, Internet access, basic gaming, music editing and digital

imaging. If you want a brand name PC, add about $200 more. If you want a

full feature multimedia computer, complete with TV tuner, plan on about

$1200. A flat screen LCD panel will add $350 to $500.

Here’s an overview of what you need.

Processor

The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your computer. Its speed is measured

in gigahertz. The more gigahertz, the faster the machine. Even the slowest

machine offered is usually fast enough for the mainstream user.

Memory

The memory, or RAM, is the muscle of your computer. Don’t skimp here. Buy as

much as you can afford. As a rule of thumb, make sure your new computer has

a minimum of 512MB of RAM. Check whether the computer shares the main memory

with the video memory. If so, buy even more memory than the 512MB.

Hard Drive

The hard drive, or hard disk, serves as a giant reservoir for storing data

and programs. Most units will come with at least 40 gigabytes (GB), but you

should try to buy at least 100 GB. You can always add another hard drive

later.

Video

Look for a unit with at least 64 megabytes (MB) of dedicated video memory.

Do not get “integrated” video memory.

Audio

Computer speakers are so cheap and so good these days that you should just

spend the few extra dollars to buy a subwoofer system with satellite

speakers.

CD/DVD Drives

Floppy drives are out, CD-RW/DVD drives are in. Buy a PC with a built-in

CD-RW drive so you can create your own music CDs. Make sure either the same

drive or another built-in drive can read DVDs so you watch movies. If you

love the box office, have a DVD burner installed so you can record your own

movies on DVD.

Internet Access

Dial modems aren’t that necessary anymore, so you’ll find most computers

will come with a network card, sometimes called an Ethernet or NIC card.

Ports

Insist on a unit with a few USB 2.0 connections to attach printers, cameras

and scanners. If your video camera has an iLink connector, be sure your new

computer has an ultra high-speed connector called FireWire, or 1394.

Security

This is a biggie. Download the free security patches, upgrade the trial

version of antivirus software (Norton or McAfee), turn on your operating

system’s built-in firewall, download a free version of ZoneAlarm from

www.ZoneAlarm.com, and download Ad-Aware from www.DownLoad.com. You may also

want to install Google in your browser’s toolbar to help ward off nasty

pop-up ads.

Manufacturer

These days the only thing different between one brand and another is the

case. However, unless you are a latent geek, go with the big names, like

Dell, Sony, Gateway, eMachine and Hewlett-Packard.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.