Posted on: Tuesday, December 17, 2002
HOW-TO HELP DESK
Computer shopping 101
By Kim Komando
Microprocessor
If you're running business applications and surfing the Web, a 2-gigahertz Intel Pentium 4 chip (or the comparable AMD 2000+) will be fine.
As for Apple, the low-end eMac uses a Motorola G4 processor at 700 megahertz. Apple claims that because of the way the chip works, the 700-megahertz unit is about equal to a PC chip running twice as fast. An eMac should handle business software and surfing.
If you need something faster, Apple offers the Power Macs, which have two G4 microprocessors that work in concert to boost performance. Each of the chips runs as fast as 1.25 gigahertz. You will probably find the low-end Power Mac sufficient. It has two processors that run at 867 megahertz.
Video circuitry often shares memory with the main system, so you don't necessarily need a separate video card with its own memory. Business applications and surfing won't stress your machine's graphics capabilities and don't require a separate card.
If you're a hard-core gamer or working with digital video or photography, equip your computer with a separate video card. It should have a minimum of 64 megabytes of memory known as DDR SDRAM. Choose a card with 128 megabytes and a digital output if you're buying a digital flat-panel monitor.
Hard drive
Most low-end machines have 40-gigabyte drives. That's more than enough for most people. Don't put an extra dime into this area.
Memory
You need 256 megabytes of memory, called RAM, to run the latest operating systems such as Windows XP or Mac OS X. If you want to be on the super-safe side, get 512 MB. Manufacturers sometimes offer a free upgrade to 512 MB as an inducement to buy. While you probably don't need that much straight out of the box, you might in the future.
You don't have much choice here. You'll get what they give you, which is Windows XP or OS X for the Mac. Both are stable, competent operating systems. A few geeks swear by Linux, but unless your life is computers, computers, computers, you don't want Linux because it can be more difficult to set up and there are fewer programs for it.
Here's a good place to invest. You'll want a minimum of a 17-inch CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor or a 15-inch flat-panel display. Prices continue to plummet, so 19-inch CRTs and 17-inch flat panels are cheaper than ever. The vast screen real estate they provide is worth the investment.
If you pick a flat-panel monitor, consider choosing one with a digital connector, often called a DVI (digital video interface) port. Though monitors with digital connectors generally cost more than those with analog connectors, they produce a better picture.
CD or DVD burner
Warranty
Computers are relatively easy to fix because you swap broken parts with new ones. If you're handy, get a one-year warranty. Otherwise, look for a system that offers a three-year warranty. Most companies offer a one-year warranty, but they often sell extended service contracts, such as Apple's AppleCare, to extend it.
Bottom line
You should be able to get an excellent low-end PC or eMac for about $1,000. The eMac comes standard with 128 megabytes of RAM, so you'll want to double that. If you need more power for gaming or high-end creative work, a tricked-out Windows PC should run less than $2,000, and Apple's Power Macs start at $1,699. 
Now is a good time to buy a new computer — new models are inexpensive because demand is relatively low, and manufacturers desperate to move machines are offering a variety of rebates and promotions. But buying a new computer involves fighting your way through the thicket of acronyms, trying to figure out what you really need. Here's what you need to consider:
If you're manipulating photos or playing high-end games, move up to a 2.6-gigahertz Pentium 4 or AMD 2600+. This type of computing requires more power.
Video chips
Operating system
Monitor
The capability to make CDs or DVDs is handy, whether you're backing up data or making music. CD rewriters (CD-RWs) are inexpensive and well-suited for music; DVD burners can put much more data on a disc. That could be important for backups or home movies. CD-RWs run less than $100; DVD burners run triple that, or more.
