But if your requirements are greater, you want to edit media files, images, youneed databases, you want to play the newest games? you have to think on a lastgeneration computer. Even if technology progresses in a rapid pace, theacquisition of a top computer can help you save money in the future because itwill face (up to a time) future software demands. Maybe one of the most activesegments market sales of computers is a PC-gaming segment, for computer games. Crazyusers spend hundreds of dollars for last generation graphical card andprocessors not just Dual-Core but Quad-core to get maximum performance. Do notbe fooled, to play a game is not just a hobby, a passion for those who give youthe money. Games industry worth billions annual.

But enough for now? let's talk about the computer componentsand see what you have to know when you want to buy a computer:

Like I said, using a computer for applications like internet, emails anddocuments do not require a performing computer. But if you want more, then theprocessor can do what you want.

At this point processor market battle goes between Intel andAMD, two American companies. In many tests Intel Core 2 Duo have proved betterthan AMD rivals as AMD Athlon 64 X2. Do not consider however that AMD processorsare weak. It's just a situation of moment; not only once AMD was ahead ofIntel. Anyways, in this case, Intel is in front of AMD, even both processorsare dual-core (dual core - two independent processors connected in one circuiton the same silicon plate) so that processors that enable fast multitaskingfunction through (several operations performed at the same time) with goodperformance for gaming and multimedia.

In case you still want a dual-core processor but do not have enough money forone of the top, you can find dual-core processors at lower prices but usuallyit falls in performance. Refurbished or used computers could be good optionsfor a low budget.

It you are a game passionate, remember that even if a quad-core processorsounds great, one dual-core is definitely enough for most users. At this momentthere are few applications that need quad-core processors and surely you willnot use its full capacity.

Computer memory (an electronic component that retain information andinstructions so the processor can access them quickly) is measured in capacity.If more memory is installed in your computer, the applications will run easilyand the system will work better. Memory is an essential component of the computer,without it it will not work, reason for which come preinstalled. However,anytime can be added a new memory module that will increase the capacity andthe operations speed.

A motherboard should be bought thinking at the future and of course, dependingon the facilities that it offers. The second generation SATA connectors (whichreached a transfer rate of 3 Gb / sec), high-definition sound on board, andeven dual graphics card (SLI or CrossFire) can help a lot in present as well inthe future.

A very appreciated motherboard is Intel "Skulltrail". Its configurationis: Dual-socket LGA 771 for procesors which support Penryn chips on 45nmtechnology and also supports four x16 PCI Express 1.1 slots, two PCI 2.3 slots,six SATA 3.0 ports and two eSATA ports.

BUT before buying a motherboard, consider all the components you would like tobuy them, choose the desired configuration and then go shopping

A good computer case could make your day better when you want to do an upgrade.It should let you add almost any type of new component, it should be easy to openand let you move the components and everything should be proper ventilated.

If you plan to keep your computer a longer period of time, leave room in computercase for future components. Let free slots for memory, one for another soundcard etc..

The most common cases are ATX format. ATX specification not only indicate whereyou should connect the plugs on the back of the case but also show you whatsource to use.

You can find different shapes and formats as MicroATX, NLX, BTX (new formatseems to replace ATX, supported primarily by Intel).

Video card is responsible for generating all images on the monitor and can bepreinstalled on the motherboard or bought separately. Their maincharacteristics is power. The integrated graphics card typically use the systemmemory to operate, while the dedicated video cards use their own dedicatedmemory. For the vast majority of users, integrated boards are sufficientlyadvanced, however, if you want to run games, graphics and other multimediaprograms, a dedicated video card is recommended.

If you already have a computer, before you go shopping, find out what type ofcard fits your system. Or, if you get a computer try to find a system that havePCI Express x16 slot for graphics card. Although there are still motherboards usingthe AGP and PCI slots, they are already the past.

The hard disk size has increased enormously in the last 12 months, the currentsize reaching from 160 Gb till 1 terabite (1000 Gb). If planning to store largeamounts of data, then the higher, the better.

Today's most hard disks are Serial ATA and  they do have 7200 rpm; gamers will certainlyappreciate the Raptor X 150GB hard disk at 10,000 rpm from Western Digital.

It does not matter what it looks like, but what it does. Some things you shouldkeep in  mind when you buy a monitor: optimalresolution (at least 1024x768). For higher resolutions, you need a better videocard. Remember this when you want to get a 30 inch monitor. Remember thedistance to the monitor. It is not the old problem of cathodic tubes but thatyou must include the entire screen with his eyes when working at the computer,otherwise you eyes will get tired very soon (and health problems could alsoappear).

Most people use 17 "or 19" monitors. Another option would be a22" monitor, especially because the price difference is relatively smallcompared to the 19"s.

All computers need an optical drive. Optical units are verydifferent and could have multiple options. Unlikely that a new system will haveincorporated less than a DVD-ROM (read discs but not write); but most systemshave a DVD-RW dual-layer multiformat (read and write / rewrite CD / DVD). Lookfor DVD units that can write dual-layer DVDs and offers the option LightScribeDirect Disc for labeling (can burn a disc with a label).

The highest quality range of computers have Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD units. Butthe price is rather high (three or more from a DVD-RW).

USB devices are growing in popularity and today come to rival DVD thanks to theadvantage of mobility and increased life time.  

Today, the Internet is part of our daily life. Any newcomputer has incorporated an internal network card. If you want something more,try a router or gateway.

In the office, the integrated sound card is probably more than enough. At home,you'll probably want surround sound which will require a performing sound card.Prices are not high so there will be no problem to find and buy. Do not forgetthat for a quality sound you need and a wet set of quality speakers too.

The new systems offers quality sound because they already have integrated soundcards with outputs of 7.1, 24-bit (32-bit internal processing) and sound of 192-kHz.

The current trend is to use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but still there area lot of systems using the USB ports. The keyboard can be simple with onlybasic functions or a real machine with lot of buttons worthy of Star Trek.Today the most known is optical (uses a small camera to detect motion and providea much better movement).

For those who doesn't even consider to use an operating system based on Linux,I advise you to think again. Yes, there are many options to be developed inLinux, but the same it's true for Windows too. Linux interface has becomecomparable to that of Windows (for example, try the Ubuntu distribution onubuntu.com).

Windows XP is the best selling operating system. Most applications were builtespecially for it, drivers for the components have been written, so on'If youcan, use Windows XP, but soon will be out for sale. But do not forget to updateit often. Being the most  purchased system,it's the most attacked too. And he has its own problems some even serious.Remember to buy an antivirus, spyware and use firewall.

Windows Vista is a step forward regarding security features including more andbetter than XP. It's cool as design, but also eats a lot of resources.Unfortunately for Microsoft, Vista, which wassupposed to be a replacement for XP failed in its goal to make its users happy.

So, are you ready to buy a computer? Before you leave forshopping, take one more minute and read the tips below:

Look at the warranty and support offered: most problems occur (if they appear)in the first year, so one year warranty should be enough. Moreover, the better.

Do not buy additional software if you do not need them. Buy the computeroperating system (if you decided to Windows), a suite of office applicationsand an antivirus (free antivirus you can find on the internet. AVG or Avast are good choices).

Look at the number of connectors. More, the better, you will use them in time.

Buy what you need. Promotions are interesting but might not help much.

Buy a little over the minimum that you set to use the computer as much time aspossible. Even if it looks like a hard disk of 160 GB is sufficient, over timeyou will need a bigger hard drive. Do yourself a list with minimumconfiguration and then add the extra ?ingredients?.

Check the connectors for the monitor. If your video card has DVI output then themonitor should have DVI input.

If you do not need, do not buy. Good sellers know that they can attract youwith all sorts of components made to take your eyes. Do not buy if you do notneed them immediately. Over a few months when you need them, the product willbe half price.

Hope it helped. And don't forget. If your budget is low, youcould find good refurbished computer systems at a good price.