Choosing between Apple and PC, well the choice is yours! A general rule is to buy the fastest CPU, most memory and hard disk storage for your budget – “the most bang for your buck.” Desktop computers are generally categorized two ways PC or Mac, both will run basic applications like Microsoft Office, Internet Browsers and Anti-virus software with ease. More advanced applications require faster processors, memory, hard drive space and graphics performance.
PCs run Windows Vista and are compatible with thousands of software titles, offering excellent performance and price. PCs usually come in a more traditional form factor, a tower and monitor.
Glossary
CPU
It’s a good idea to purchase a CPU powerful enough to run your daily applications fast and efficiently. CPU is considered the brains of any desktop computer; the CPU determines the overall system performance. A general rule is the more powerful the CPU the faster tasks are completed.
CPU – Core 2 Duo
CPU – Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor Intel’s newest addition to the Intel® Pentium® processor family with dual-core processor technology that delivers great desktop and mobile performance, low power enhancements, and multitasking for everyday computing. Intel – the power to perform. With power-optimised enabled dual-core technology and exceptional energy efficiency, the Intel® Core”2 Duo processor excels, running the most intense applications.
Memory/RAM
Look for as much memory you can afford. Also remember, RAM can be upgraded at a later stage. Random Access Memory, RAM or memory is used to run software applications.
Hard Drive Storage
Hard drive space is used for simply that, space! A common misconception is a hard drive “makes the computer go faster”, and while there is some technical merit the answer is, not really! Storage for all your digital photos, music and more is done using the hard drive and the larger the better.
Monitor
The largest screen size for you budget is usually the best option, even the most basic model flat screen from leading manufactures offer good picture quality be sure to check what screen performance you need. Most desktop computers come with a flat screen monitor as standard and usually range from 15″ to 24″.
Optical Drive (optical and multi drives)
Making an emergence is the Blu-ray optical drive. Blu-ray has superior storage capacity over CD and DVD discs however, cost more. CD/DVD optical drive will only read, not to be confused with a Multi Drive, which reads and also writes to these discs.
Graphics
A dedicated GPU has its own memory and is inserted into a special main board AGP expansion slot or accelerated graphics port slot. There are two types of graphics processing units or (GPU) integrated and dedicated. Integrated GPU are inbuilt into the desktop computers main board, sharing system RAM or memory. The result is increased graphics performance making games, videos and more look better and perform faster.
Network Card
Be sure to check what speed your network is and purchase a configuration that supports it. A network card connects a desktop to a network router or hub. Usually these are between 10/100Mbps however, 10/100/1000 or gigabit networks are becoming more common.
Bluetooth
Usually Bluetooth devices have a range of around 10m. Wirelessly connect devices to your desktop such as keyboards, printers, mobile phones and more. Bluetooth works on paring devices together on an ad-hoc network called a piconet. A piconet represents multiple devices that are only connected when required.
Operating System
Without the operating system, a desktop computer would be useless. The OS or operating system like Windows XP, Vista and more create a platform to run applications like email software or internet browsers. Without the operating system, a desktop computer would be useless.
