Tips for buying a new computer

Today I thought I would take a slightly different tack and tackle one of those questions that friends, family and people I hardly know are always asking me... What should I be looking for when buying a new computer.

With computers bigger is almost certainly better and this doesn't mean the size of the computer it means the components. A bigger hard drive will give you more space for your files, more memory will help with computer performance, a faster processor will make tasks take less time and so it goes on.

So what should I be looking for from my components...?

Hard drive

• If you download large video, music and other junk (like me) then space will eventually run out so if this is you then get a big hard drive. Currently 500Gb should serve you well.
• If you use your computer for word processing, email and not much else then hard drive space won't really be an issue for you. However still choose enough space to get you through to your next computer. 1-200Gb should be fine in this situation.

Memory (RAM)

Windows is a memory hog so this is an area that has become a little grey (especially after the release of Windows Vista). I now recommend that people try and get a computer with at least 2GB of RAM. I know you can add more later, but 2GB will last you for a few years at least.

Processor

Processors have gone through another change as well recently with the new dual core (and even quad core) offerings from Intel and AMD. The core2duo is wowing everyone at the moment and with good reason, it is one impressive processor. Basically a dual core processor means what it says - two processors in one. This leads to an improvement in multitasking and eventually, when the programs are made for it, an improvement in program speed. I am currently recommending the best processor that comes within my clients budget. In other words get the best you can afford, but make sure it is a core2duo (for the moment anyway!)

Optical Drive (DVD, CD, Blu Ray)

Currently dual layer DVD writers are cheap and this is what you should expect for your money. They have large storage space and provide great quality backups. The new generation of data storage is upon us though and Blu Ray and HD-DVD are becoming more and more common. However, at the moment Blu Ray and HD-DVD are not worth the price unless you really really need them. I am advising people to stick with a good dual layer DVD writer for now as it will do everything most "normal" people need.

Other storage media

I get asked on a daily basis "do I still need a floppy drive?" The short answer is no. They our outdated and I would be surprised if you can still find a computer with one in it for sale in a showroom. Get a good USB flash disk instead.

Graphics Cards

Now becoming essential even for Windows these are often overlooked. If you are a serious gamer then get a serious card. Otherwise just get a standard graphics card. I usually say that 128mb will be fine for most people and 512+mb for gamers.


Other Stuff that most people overlook (the boring stuff)

Motherboards - These can make a difference in regards to speed, upgradability and even stability. You can find great information about motherboards by searching the product name and number on google. If people are having problems with the model you should find it with google.

Sound Cards - These are usually integrated into motherboards and most people just want basic sound so this works out fine.

Modems - I remember my old dad had this huge clunky modem in his office that would connect magically to the world at speeds of about 2 kb/s and I though it was amazing! However, in the day of braodband and cable internet built in 56k modems are now basically useless, but if you need one it might even come as standard.

Ethernet and wireless - Most computers will come with an Ethernet port and it will have a speed rating. If you don't know what that means then it shouldn't bother you. Get a wireless card if you need it and think about it even if you don't. They are cheap and you might decide to go wireless at some point. New laptops should have wireless built in and if it doesn't walk away from the salesman in disgust!

Well that about covers it. I really hope this little guide helps you in what can be a daunting task of buying a new computer. If it did feel free to leave me a comment.

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Speed up your computer - adding RAM

Name: Adding RAM
Category: Speed up your computer
Operating System: ALL
Difficulty: Most people can do this, but many are scared.

RAM?... Isn't that a male sheep?
RAM or Random Access Memory is basically a type of data storage used by computers. Computers use RAM to store the information needed in the short-term. Any program that is running (including windows or other operating systems) use RAM to do what it is supposed to do. To put it very basically the more programs you want to run, the more RAM you have to have. Common signs of RAM shortage include:

• Computer running slowly
• Computer taking ages to boot up
• Hard Drive light is constantly flashing
• Programs take a long time to load/close

How much RAM do I need?
Bare minimum RAM standards are as follows
Windows 98/ME: 32MB
Windows 2000: 64MB
Windows XP: 128MB
Windows Vista: 512MB

(Noticed anything...? Yep Windows is a RAM hog!)

Now remember these are bare minimums, with this amount of RAM you will notice very poor performance (and probably be annoyed at how long everything takes).

For a really smooth computer RAM standards would be as follows:
Windows 98/ME: 128MB
Windows 2000: 256MB
Windows XP: 512MB
Windows Vista: 1GB possibly 1.5GB

How do I check how much I have?
Luckily it is easier than pulling apart the computer.
You simply right click on my computer ---> click properties and all the information is there for you

Step 1 Step 2

Ahhhh I don't have enough what do I do now...?

Lapto RAM (SODIMM) Desktop RAM (DIMM)

You probably should upgrade your RAM. RAM is not all that expensive and the increase in performance is usually quite noticeable so this can be a worthwhile upgrade. There are a few steps involved in adding RAM and these should be followed very carefully

1. Open the computer (I can't tell you how they are all different, but suffice to say there is usually a screw or two). Laptops have RAM slots underneath and you usually only have to undo one screw - Easy!

2. Locate the RAM (Don't touch anything) and find the numbers on the RAM stick they might look like DDR 333 or pc2700 write down everything you can see

3. Order the RAM - just do a google search to find someone that sells RAM (There is a google search box at the top of my blog if you need one). Most RAM sellers will be able to give you the right RAM if you know the model number and make of your computer. Eg. Dell Dimension 4100. If you don't know the model/make then use the numbers you wrote down to search for the type of RAM in your computer.

IMPORTANT TIP: If you want to keep your old stick of RAM then you must try to get a matching stick eg. of you have a 256MB stick installed try to get a matching 256MB stick of RAM

4. Wait patiently until it arrives (the hardest part)

5. Install the RAM - there are hundreds of guides on the Internet and I am not going to write another one (use that google search box again if you like). Two of my favourites are illustrated guides over at:
Fonerbooks.com
Kitchentablecomputers.com

IMPORTANT TIP
Computer components are sensitive to static charges. Make sure you are working away from carpet and that you ground yourself on something metal first. Even better buy an antistatic wrist strap!

Is that it...?
Yep you are finished until Microsoft brings out a new operating system and we all have to fork out for another stick or two of RAM. To check the RAM is installed correctly simply follow the same procedure that is listed above under the section "how do I check how much I have...?"


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