Buying a PC

[natalie_1982]

Hi, I don't know alot about computers, RAM or meg or anythihng like that. I need to buy a computer soon, can anyone advise the best places I should be looking? I would like a PC as opposed to a laptop, and it will be for personal use mostly i.e music downloads, surfing, game playing, etc but occasional (possibly fortnightly) work use. Many thanks, nat :-)

[zinnie]

Hi Natalie.....a lot depends on where you live...but ther arn't many different stores to visit. The biggest selection will be in 'PC world' , then Currys ,Comet, Apollo.....the thing is you are going to get the 'hard sell' there especially if you have little knowledge.
Some towns have a small specialist computer shop, which are a go place to go.
The first thing is to fix the amount of money you want to spend...then go to PC world....then look around ,talk but don't buy...maybe make several visits...you will get some idea of what's available for the money you want to spend.
The other issue is support...the 'big stores' are not good on this and this where the local shop scores.
Hope this helps...if you have any specific questions, post them here and I will try to help

[fo3nix]

Here's what to look for:

RAM: at least 1GB, ideally 2GB.

Processor: Most will do. Ideally a Core Duo of some sort (just look for the words).

Hard drive: as much (in GB) as you can find. The more the better. You shouldn't get less than 100GB. Most PCs now will probably be around the 200GB range.

Try, if possible, to get a computer with XP and not Vista. Vista is a huge failure, and not worth the bother. XP works better.

If you're into more demanding games (the latest 3D stuff), then make sure you get more RAM and processor than usual, and also make sure it has a dedicated graphics card, and not just built-in.