Decoding Computer Ads

- Processor Choices:

• Intel Core 2


• AMD Athlon 64 X2

- Memory [AKA RAM]:

• Get a minimum of 1GB of memory for both Windows XP and Windows Vista.


• Recommendation of 2GB of memory.


• Find out the maximum memory capacity of your computer.


• To find out what memory is in your computer check out http://www.crucial.com/.

- Graphics Card:

• GPU = Graphics Processing Unit


• Your choices are Integrated Graphics or PCIe Video card.


• The main chipsets are ATI and Nvidia.


• 128MB Graphics card is the minimum.


• 256MB Graphics card is the recommendation.


• For surfing the web and email, integrated graphics are fine, but gamers and picture/video editors will want a separate video adapter.

- Hard Drive:

• Larger the better.


• Most drives in machines you will find will be 250GB or maybe 320GB.

- Monitor:

• Low end packages offer 17" monitors, higher end bundles offer 19" and 20" screens.

- Look for a computer with Gigabit networking which may be noted as 10/100/1000.
- You want to buy a BIT more than you need now so you can grow, but if you buy top of the line you may just be wasting your money.
- For processor reviews check out Toms Hardware and AnandTech.
- However DDR3 is on its way. For more information check out http://www.tinyurl.com/2rspj9.