This guide is designed to give you some basic guidelines when heading out to buy a new computer.  We get asked a lot of questions by clients & friends about what they need or should look for when getting that new system.  So here it is, all the things you need to know when heading down to your local computer shop to buy a new system.

What kind of user are you?

First things first, what do you plan on using this computer for?

• Are you planing on using it for e-mail and surfing the web?
• Do you have children that will be playing games?
• Do you or are you planing on running a business on this computer?
• Will you be playing games on this system?
• Is sound quality a major factor?
• Is this system intended to be a multimedia center?
• Does the system need to be portable?

These are all questions you should know the answer to before you look at the first system on the showroom floor.

What you plan to use the system for will be a major factor in what you're looking for.  Most companies will separate systems based on 3 different user groups, with a 4th that is rapidly becoming a feature of more living rooms.

Personal or Family Computer

People & young families that are looking to get online, share photos, chat with friends & relatives, some online shopping & play the odd few games.  First of all, you don't need an expensive computer.  For the general family system your looking in the price range of $350 to $900, with used systems coming in at less then $200.

• Go with Windows XP or Linux, Personally I would avoid Vista but hey if its on for a good deal, why not, it's still going to do everything your looking for
• Memory (RAM): Your system's memory is where the computer stores files and applications while you're using them.  The more RAM you have the more files you can have open, the more operations your computer can process.  Now keep in mind your operating system uses memory so make sure you know which OS your installing.

• As far as the Processor is concerned, your looking for something that is the 2-3gHz range.  Don't go with the fastest processor you can buy.  You will not see any major difference between 3.0 gHz and 3.24  gHz.  Go for the best value on this component.  As far as brand, AMD makes an excellent processor, the systems tend to be $100 to $200 less then Intel systems.
• Hard Drives, most systems come with 500 GB of hard drive space.  Even 1/2 of that is a lot of space. 250 GB - 500 GB will hold all of your music, photos, games, and applications with room to spare.

• Chances are your going to find your favorite CD in the play-lists of your computer, so spending a little on speakers and a separate sound card will go a long ways.  Creative Sound Blaster is the major audio manufacturer at the consumer level.  If you're not too concerned with sound quality the standard on-board sound will work out just fine.
• Video cards, like the hard drive you're going to want to go for the best deal on this.  ATI or Nvidia are the two major manufacturers, and 256 MB to 512 MB is rather standard.  Go for the best bang for your buck, unless you're big on movies or games.  Then making an investment here is well worth it.
• Accessories like printers, monitors, keyboards and so on. All I can suggest is that you look for products that suit your style & your budget.

Business Computers

Business users can go one of two ways, you either want a really powerful system for multi-tasking and handling all the applications you plan on running.  Or you want a very inexpensive computer that will be used in store installs.  Linux is an excellent option for this kind of setup.  The operating system does not require any major hardware, and can be transferred to a new system easily when hardware fails.

• Memory (RAM): If this system is going to be running a lot of applications all day, spend your money on some extra RAM.  It will help the overall performance of your system.  If your running Windows or Mac I would suggest 2 GB minimum 3 to 4 on the top end.  If you're building more of a workstation type of system then 512 MB to 1 GB is lots.
• Processor (CPU): Again take the best bargain, you will not see a big difference for .25 gHz
• Hard Drive (HDD): OK this is where you need to take note.  The most valuable thing to any business is their information.  Taking care to make sure it's secure and redundant will save the bottom line.  Get an external HDD, and backup AND CHECK your data.  CD / DVD are a good option, but they don't live forever and can be damaged easily.  Network Storage is also a really good option for most business.  Bottom line is back up, back up, back up.  Raid setups are an option, but they are expensive and can be complicated for the average user to figure out.  Keep in mind that it will cost you upwards of $800 US to recover data from a dead drive.
• Printing: For economy your best off getting a laser printer, they are more cost effective to run, have less delicate parts, and the toner cartridge is going to last much longer.  If you don't do a lot of color prints, heading to the local print house for good quality prints at low cost, for a system you don't have to maintain, is a good option.  If you need quicker access to color prints go for an all-in-one model to help conserve office space.  Wireless on a printer is a huge bonus.
• Network:  Business is always changing, the more things in your office that can easily move to the plug across the room, the better. This is why wireless hardware is a big asset.  Having an internal network with a simple website that can help keep different stores updated on company events, message boards, special articles of interest, contact, legal, invoicing, purchase tracking, so on and so forth.  Sounds difficult but its easier than it sounds.
• Remember the average life of a typical computer is around 4 -5 years.  You put that computer into a production environment your going to 1/2 that.  I would suggest going with a system that will do the job, rather then buying a system that you can grow into.
• Heat: This is what kills computers. If you want to increase the lifespan of those systems on the shop floor make sure the fans are working correctly and the system is not in a closed cabinet.  You should blow out your computer and fans on a regular basis to ensure they are working correctly.

Gaming Computers

Gamers are going to want the fastest of memory, motherboards, hard drives, and processors.  Over clocking is not out of the question either.  Cooling the system without going deaf could become difficulte.  Liquid cooling systems are a great way of doing this, but it will cost you.  Video quality is paramount and if your system lags so does your game.  There is not much I can really suggest for gamers, other then to research every part and read customer reviews on anything you consider.  Gamers tend to invest a lot in their systems, make sure you don't pickup hardware you're going to be disappointed with.  Better yet head to http://www.alienware.com these are the people that make real gaming systems.