To use the Internet effectively, it is important to have a powerful computer capable of processing the vast amount of information traversing the Net. It is not necessary, however, to spend a fortune. The personal computer industry is, fortunately, still at the point at which innovation far outstrips competition. As an example, the cost of purchasing an 256 MB random access memory module is currently about one quarter of what it cost to purchase three years ago. Because of rapid improvements in technology, it is wise to pay close attention to market prices of computer systems and component parts.

The following recommendations may seem to encourage the purchaser to buy more computer than the average user needs. However, keep in mind that computer technology changes rapidly, and what is state of the art this year will seem outdated next year.

There are several key factors in making decisions on equipment purchase. Some important factors follow, roughly listed in order of importance.

Price is always paramount. The general rule in pricing a computer is this.  At any given time, $500 - $1,000 (or less) buys a solid entry level machine, suitable for most personal and small business users.   $1,000 - $2,000 will buy a well-configured system, and above $2,000 will get more than you could possibly want. For the great majority of users, a system costing from $500 to $1,200 should be sufficient.  A notebook computer will cost slightly more, but has certain advantages over desktops.

The Processor, also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the brains and muscle of the computer. The CPU moves data through the computer to peripherals and provides speed as well. Standard personal computer CPUs are Pentium  IV or AMD Athlon XP grade.   When you buy a computer, the faster the CPU, the better. Gigahertz (GHz) is a measure of the CPU’s speed. The computer to buy will operate between 2.4 GHz (entry level) to 4.0+ GHz (state of the art). With increases in processor speed, most new computers are sold at 2GHz or more.  1GHz is equal to 1,000 MHz (the old processor speed standard).  Although some factors cause certain CPUs to run faster than their listed MHz, the general rule is the higher the MHz or GHz, the faster the speed of the computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is an extremely fast storage area in the computer in which currently used programs are placed temporarily. For example, if Internet Explorer is running, this means that a command was issued to retrieve Explorer from the hard disk and store it in RAM. When in RAM, programs run thousands of times more quickly than if run from a disk or CD-ROM. Again, more RAM is better. Computers are routinely sold with at least 512 MB (megabytes) of RAM. Given current low prices at least 1GB are recommended.

Sufficient Hard Disk storage space is also imperative for an Internet-ready computer. All of the computer programs used on a daily basis are located on a hard disk, either locally on the computer or on a file server at a remote address. To store basic programs needed (operating system, office suite, Internet Explorer, time management program) to be productive in a research or business environment requires up to 40 Gigabytes (GB) of storage capacity. A good rule is to triple basic needs, meaning a 60 GB hard disk is minimal.  Prices today are unbelievably low, with a 120 GB drive costing about $100 and a 200 GB drive costing less than $200.

A fast Modem is a necessity. For many home computers, the modem is the link to the outside world.  It is  the device that connects the computer to the telephone line that connects to the computer servers from which you want to extract data. Again, faster is better. Standard modems operate at 57,600 bits per second. (56K). This is fast enough to load a web page with moderate graphics in about 10 seconds.  While a fast modem is important, I strongly recommend that an Internet user consider.............................................

Cable and DSL (Digital Subscription Line) services are capable of running approximately 50 times the speed of standard 56K modems are available at about $40 per month.  They are fast becoming the internet connection devices of choice for home and business.  Cable and DSL modems are sufficiently fast to play streaming (online) music at stereo quality as well as to load a webpage instantly.  Besides having the advantage of tremendous speed, Internet service provided via cable and DSL modems is continuous. Dial-up is not required. While the price may be higher than standard modem connections, the speed and continuous service features make cable modems a very viable alternative to typical Internet service.

A good Printer is an important peripheral device for your system. Today, a publication-quality laser printer can be purchased for about $300. It will provide output as clear as the text in this document. A color ink jet printer can be had for as little as $60. Color ink jets in the $300 range can produce spectacular output, with close to 35-millimeter quality. Color laser printers cost as little as $1,000 and up and provide true color output. Take a close look at output quality before buying a higher priced printer.

Backup devices are becoming more feasible purchases as prices fall. As opposed to purchasing a tape backup or a "zip" drive, consider buying a rewritable CD drive (CD-RW). A CD-RW disk is more flexible than standard CD in that information may be saved on it, as opposed to only retrieving information from it. The drive currently costs from $100 to $400 and individual disks cost about $2. Considering that each CD has a storage capacity of up to 1GB, it is a wise purchase.

Flash drives are also becoming standard data transfer devices.  Flash drives are miniaturized drives storing from 64 MB to 4 GB and above.  They are typically USB devices and are extremely fast.  For temporary storage and data transfer between personal computers, Flash drives are becoming the standard.

DVDs and CDs are storage standards on home and business PCs.  CDs store approximately 700 MB (about 14 songs) while DVDs store an entire movies' worth of data.  This means that with a rewritable DVD drive, you can back up your entire hard drive with two or three DVDs.  This is in addition to the enjoyment that a user receives from being able to play full length movies and high powered video games from CD or DVD.

Most computer systems today come packaged with a 17-inch CRT (cathode ray tube) Monitor.  CRT monitors are the typical television set style monitors seen on most desktops today.  Seventeen-inch monitors cost as little as $150. A 19-inch monitor is also recommended, since prices have dropped to the $300 range. With a 17-inch monitor, an 8 ½ by 11-inch page is nearly fully visible.  Flat panel monitors are now eclipsing standard CRT in quality and prices are becoming very competitive.  While slightly more expensive than CRTs, flat panel monitors are

Desktop or Notebook....This is one of the more difficult decisions to make in purchasing a new computer.  Keep in mind that a typical notebook computer will cost about 30 percent more than a desktop.  Notebooks may have smaller monitors and hard drives, and keyboard configuration may be less than optimal.  However, the price point of notebooks is dropping when compared to desktops and notebooks usually are configured with a more complete array of features.  For example, many notebooks now come with standard wireless (in Ethernet and Fire Wire formats) built in touchpad mice, HDTV quality monitors, multiple USB ports and excellent software bundles.   When making your decision, keep in mind that the primary tradeoff is price versus convenience.  A notebook can literally go anywhere runs at or faster than the speed of a desktop.  I personally recommend a notebook, especially since I do a moderate amount of travel and DO NOT want to go without a connection to the wired world.

There you have it. A reasonably priced personal computer system can make the world of information on the Web available at your fingertips. If you are a computer novice, visit several reputable computer vendors and ask for plenty of information before making a final purchase. While electronic superstores sell computers, dedicated computer stores have staff trained to meet specific needs of various customers. Another option is to bring along a neighborhood computer geek to help you navigate the wide variety of systems available.

Home