CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2/X4, or Intel dual or quad core Processor running at 2.4GHz Higher - The higher the processor and GHz (Gigahertz) number, the faster your computer will be.
Storage: Two Hundred Gigabyte Hard Drive or Larger- The hard drive is what keeps all of your programs stored on the computer. One gigabyte is equal to one thousand megabytes, and one megabyte will fit on one standard floppy disk. For more space for programs, ask for more gigabytes on the hard drive. A byte is equal to one character (letter). One megabyte is equal to one million bytes or approximately 2 copies of Shakespeare's Hamlet. This sounds like more space than you would ever need, but graphics (pictures), sound, and video often require a substantial amount of space.
RAM: 1.0GB (Gigabytes) of RAM (memory) or More - Because hard drives are relatively slow, the computer uses high speed memory (also called RAM: Random Access Memory) to load the part of the program you are running. Thus, more memory usually speeds up the computer.
OPTIONAL: Standard Floppy Drive (1.44 megabyte)- A floppy disk drive will give you the ability to transfer and backup information on your hard drive. These disk drives are still standard for most personal computers, but fading fast as many forms of data are too large to fit on a standard floppy disk.
USB Flash Memory Drive - Currently replacing the floppy disk drive, a USB Flash memory drive is small, compatible with nearly all computer systems, and several times larger than floppy disk drives. Memory in the pin sized devices range from 32 Megabytes to about 16 Gigabytes. Fast, small, larger memory capacity, and convenient, the floppy disk drive is already disappearing from many computers to be replaced by these devices.
Communications:
Optional: 56Kbps Fax Modem- A modem gives you the ability to connect with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and sign onto the Internet. A modem can also be used as your own personal fax machine. With a fax modem, you can send faxes directly from your word processor to someone else's fax machine with the click of a button, and receive faxes just as easily. Once you have your modem, all you need to send faxes and connect to the Internet is a standard phone line. With high speed Internet pretty much standard today, a modem is good to have if you want to use your PC as a paperless fax device (i.e. each fax does not have to print to paper unless needed).
Ethernet Port - Be sure your computer has an Ethernet port. If you are planning to use High Speed Internet (which is highly recommended) via a Cable Modem or ADSL connection, chances are you will need to connect to this port with a Cat-5 Network Cable. High Speed Internet services usually cost between $30 to $50 a month, and allow you to connect to the Internet at speeds more than 25 to 50 times faster than a 56K modem without tying up your phone line.
Dual Layer DVD +/-RW Drive: (Digital Versatile Disc- Re-Writable) -- Now not only used by those who like putting their home movies on DVD, but also becoming a standard in data backups. These drives are now the standard in any new PC. Backups on DVD media can also save you quite a few discs, as each disc can usually hold up to 4.7 Gigabytes of data. There are currently two types that are popular DVD-R(W) and DVD+R(W). Both formats operate pretty much the same way, and the DVD-R and DVD+R formats are readable on most all DVD players and DVD-ROM Drives, however the Re-Writable forms of each of these have compatibility issues with both DVD players and other DVD-ROM drives. If you're investing in a DVD Rewritable drive, I would suggest one that writes in either format. Also, keep in mind that these drives were not designed for duplicating store bought DVD movies. (It's possible, but often very complicated, however many DVDs are copy-protected to prevent duplication.)
NOTE: These drives also hold the ability to write standard CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable Discs for data or music, so it's not necessary to also have a CD-RW drive if you own a DVD+/-RW drive. It also is not necessary to own two of these drives to make a duplicate of a disc, as most CD/DVD duplication software will copy the entire disc to the hard drive from the original, and then ask for a blank disc to write the data. The temporary data is then erased from the hard drive when complete. All of this is done now at such high speed that it is actually faster than of duplication between two CD/DVD drives.
Recommended Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows XP: Home Edition or Professional OR Windows Vista (64bit Editions). Windows XP is still the preferred choice for many professionals, but buying a PC with Windows Vista, be sure it is the 64 bit edition. In our experience the 64 bit edition of Windows Vista is more stable than the 32 bit edition. Be sure all of your software and hardware (printers, scanners, etc.) that you plan to use with your PC is Vista 64 bit compatible before choosing this Operating System.
What's the best brand to buy? The best computer is a computer built by Baham Labs. I can give you better parts, better prices, and better warrantees. I will also build very solid reliable systems that go through several hours of testing before being delivered. However if you can't catch up with me, Dell, and Gateway also build pretty good computers. However, never buy a Compaq.
WHAT IS A GOOD PRICE RANGE?- Try to buy a computer under $1,500. Remember: Prices always drop after a faster computer comes out. Of course you will not have to buy a whole new computer when new programs start to run slow. Just buy a new processor chip. Processors cost around $100-$400 new, but by buying a new computer now, you will not have to replace the processor chip for about another two to three years. Of course be sure your the computer is upgradeable before you purchase it.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Many times a computer that costs less than $600 is already out of date. Use these specifications on this document to compare to those "on sale" or "special price" computers you may see on Television to see if it is.
Need help? Want Steve to build you a custom computer? E-mail me.
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