Buying Guide for Computer Systems

In buying a new system, it's always a good idea to buy as much system as you can afford, because you'll run less risk of technology moving too far beyond your system in the near future. The good news is that computers are currently a fantastic deal, and you can get a fairly powerful system for far less than you would have paid even one year ago. In choosing a system, always keep in mind its primary use, and find a system that matches up closely to those usage requirements. If you'll be doing basic word processing and an occasional spreadsheet, you can buy a relatively entry-level system. However, if you'll be depending on your system for a multitude of complex tasks, make sure you get a system with plenty of speed, a lot of storage, and room for expandability.

What features should I look for in my new computer?

The features on which you'll want to focus depend on whether you go with a desktop or notebook and how you will be using the computer. Here are the basics to keep in mind:

Hard drive space: Some programs take up more space than others, and newer applications tend to be getting bigger and bigger in size. Therefore, it's a good idea to try to buy as much hard drive space as you can.

Processing speed: It's always good to get as much speed as you can afford. If you plan on running complex programs, such as some of the newer graphic-intensive games, you should consider the faster 1GHz and higher systems.

RAM (Random Access Memory): Most new computers come with at least 128MB. If you know you will be running multiple or complex applications on your computer, look for one with more RAM, or consider installing an upgrade. A shortage of RAM can really slow you down.

Drives: Drives other than the basic floppy or CD-ROM are now included on many computers. A CD-R or CD-RW is a great option if you'll need to store a lot of data or like burning your own music CDs, and a DVD player can be fun if you're a movie buff.

Size: More of a concern for notebooks, size can be crucial if you plan on frequently carrying your computer with you on the road. Weight should be factored in, while keeping in mind that as the weight goes down, often does the screen and keyboard size.

Ports: In general, the more ports your computer comes with, the better. You'll want to pay attention to what kinds are included, because ports such as USB can make it easy to enhance your system with external drives, gaming devices and more.

Do I need a desktop or laptop/notebook system?

Now that laptop computers have almost completely caught up in speed and memory capacity to their desktop counterparts, it largely comes down to screen size and price. If you don't mind a smaller screen than a regular monitor, and you don't mind forking over more money, a laptop can satisfy almost all of your computing needs at home, on the road, and just about everywhere else. There are a few other factors to consider. If you will be traveling a lot and need your computer, a laptop is the obvious choice. If you're away at school, a laptop can be handy, but you will need to be careful with it—it's much more susceptible to theft than a desktop system. Many schools even recommend against them. Desktops may also be a better bet if you won't need to travel with your computer—desktops often offer extra and useful components (drives, ports, etc.) and often have more potential for expansion. Finally, many people buy laptops, but set up a good home workstation for maximum home laptop use. With a docking station, regular monitor and floppy drive attached, a laptop can behave very similar to a desktop when not out on the open road.

What is processing speed, and why is it important?

Processing speed basically represents how fast your computer's CPU (central processing unit, or "brain") can think. If your computer is given complex tasks or multiple tasks to do at once, it will need to process each task quickly, or a crash will occur. Processors are measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of clock cycles per second, and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of clock cycles per second. Most entry-level systems currently start at around 500MHz and go up, while advanced systems start at around 800 or 900 MHz and go up to over 1.5 GHz. If you plan on using your computer for very simple tasks like word processing or basic spreadsheets, speed won't be as important to you, and a processor somewhere under 1 GHz should do, although it's always good to get as much speed as you can afford. However, if you plan on running complex programs, such as some of the newer graphic-intensive games, you will need more speed and you should look at the faster 1GHz and higher systems.

What is RAM, and why is it important?

RAM, or random access memory, is your computer's short-term memory. Along with processing speed, more RAM enables you to open and run bigger, complex applications and files and have more applications opened simultaneously. When you're low on RAM, your computer is forced to run application from your hard drive, and that really slows you down. Ram is measured in megabytes (MB), and most new computers come with at least 128MB. If you know you will be running multiple or complex applications on your computer, look for one with more RAM, or consider installing an upgrade.

My computer comes with a CD-R. What is it, and how does that differ from a CD-RW?

A CD-R (CD recordable) is a drive that allows you to record onto read-only discs, almost identical to regular CDs. Once you record a CD-R disc, it cannot be erased or re-recorded. You can play CD-R discs in most regular CD players, so you can make your own music CDs. A CD-RW (CD rewritable) is a drive that allows you to record CD-RW discs that can be re-recorded with new material over and over again. You can also make CD-R discs with the same drive, which is important, because most regular CD players cannot read CD-RW discs.

What's the hard drive, and how much do I need?

The hard drive is the computer's main storage mechanism—everything from your most basic files right down to your operating system (e.g. Windows 98) is stored inside. Obviously, the more "stuff" you have on your computer, the more hard drive space you'll need. Some programs take up more space than others, and newer applications tend to be getting bigger and bigger in size. Therefore, it's a good idea to try to buy as much hard drive space as you can. Hard drives are measured in gigabytes (GB), and newer desktop systems tend to have drives of around 20GB or more. Notebooks start at around 10GB, although they are quickly catching up to desktop systems. Again, the amount you'll need depends largely on how many applications and files you plan to put in your system. If your only use will be occasional word processing or playing games, a big hard drive may not be as important to you.

I'm looking at a notebook/laptop computer. How long will the batteries last?

The new lithium-ion batteries (li-ion) generally give you about 3 hours of power before a recharge is needed, although battery life can be improved through conservation measures.

I'm confused about ports. What is a USB port? What is Plug and Play?

When you read about a computer's specifications, you will notice that under the area that covers expansion and ports, terms like USB, PCI, and IEEE 1394 (also called FireWire) are thrown around. These terms refer to the different types of ports the computer offers, and those ports support different types of connections/plugs, which in turn offer different speeds and enhancements. USB, for instance, supports Plug and Play, which basically means all you need to do is plug in your peripheral (printer, scanner, joystick, etc.) and you're ready to go—no need for configuration. The bottom line when looking at ports: know which kind you're getting, because your peripherals will need to be compatible with them. Obviously, the more ports you have the better, because it will allow you to plug in more peripherals at once, although you can purchase expansion devices (called hubs) that will give you more spaces to plug things in.

Does a monitor come with the computer? Which one do I need?

Unless you're buying an all-inclusive package or "bundle," the monitor does not come with the computer. The other obvious exceptions are the iMac, a notebook computer, and a few select PC computers with built-in monitors. These days, most monitors are compatible with the PC platform. MAC compatibility is growing, but the choices are a bit more limited. Consult the product description details if you are unsure of a monitor's compatibility, or call Frys.com customer service.