What+to+look+for

What To Look For...

When purchasing a computer it is likely that you will have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.

 || The case or chassis is often overlooked when buying a new computer. Below are some things to think about regarding the case. What type of case should be purchased or is needed? Do you want a desktop or tower case?
 * __Device __ ||  ||
 * Case

A destop case lays flat (like the ones in class). A tower case stands straight up.

Will the case fit on top of or below your desk? Will the drives be accessible or will they be positioned the way you wish them to be positioned? ||  || Most newer computers today have an included disc burner in the computer. If you wish to make your own CD's / DVD's make sure the computer supports it. ||
 * CD media
 * Hard drive

 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">The hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information. Make sure you get a hard disk drive that will have plenty of available space and will run at speeds that don't slow the overall computer down. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Memory

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Memory is one of the more important purchasing decisions on a computer. The more memory in the computer, the more efficient the computer will run. || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">The computer processor is and will always be one of the most important considerations when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look at the different processor manufactures as well as the type of computer processors. || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">For computer gaming the video card has become one of the most important factors behind memory and processor. If you plan on gaming with your computer make sure your video card GPU and video memory meets the requirements. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Modem || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Depending on how you plan on connecting to the Internet the Modem may not be that important of a buying decision. Most users today are using broadband Internet, which does not require a modem. However, if this is not available in your area make sure your computer includes a modem. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Network card || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Almost all computers today have a network card or network option on the motherboard. The network card is what will allow you to share files between computers in your home and connect to a broadband internet connection. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Processor
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Sound card[[image:music&mac_icon.gif width="280" height="182"]] || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Today the standard sound cards that are included with a computer are sufficient for almost all computer users. However, if you plan on doing sound editing / mixing make sure to look at the sound cards capabilities. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Video card