Recommendations For a New Computer
The good news is that computer prices have dropped a lot over the past few years, and the computing power you get for your money is going up! I don't recommend used computers for anyone, because the rate of change of computer technology will render most systems nearly obsolete within three years. If you're a computer novice, wondering what kind of computer, monitor, hard drive, memory, and operating system to get... here's some advice to get you rolling.

Windows or Mac?
You may have friends, relatives or neighbors trying to pull you into the "Windows vs. Mac" holy wars. In my opinion, the choice of operating system really doesn't matter. From a beginner's perspective, each has point & click interfaces that are pretty easy to use. Both will take you to the same Internet, and enable you to send and receive email. Both offer word processing, and the documents they create are interchangeable. Because Windows-based computers make up 90% of the market, they are cheaper. It's the law of supply and demand in operation. And in some areas, it may be hard to find technical or repair support for Apple Macintosh computers. So if you're budget-minded, and you don't have any friends willing to help you with Mac issues, I suggest you go with a Windows-based PC.

A good entry-level computer with monitor can be purchased for under $400, and sometimes you even get a printer in the deal. So what should a newbie look for in terms of speed, monitor, memory and hard drive specs? It doesn't have to be all that confusing...

What about Horsepower?
The CPU (central processing unit, or "processor" for short) is the brain of your computer. In general, the faster the better. Processor speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz) and as of this writing, the fastest models available operate at about 4 GHz. Entry-level machines start at about 2.0 GHz and are more than adequate for web surfing, email and word processing. If you see a computer with a processor that has a speed specified in megahertz (MHz), steer clear -- these are older models.

Thanks for the Memory
The next decision you have to make is how much RAM memory you need. Don't confuse RAM with hard drive (file storage) space. RAM is the temporary working memory that your computer uses to perform calculations and manipulate files. When you open a document, it is copied from the hard drive into RAM. As you and your word processor work on the file, the modified copy exists only in RAM. When you save the file, it is copied from RAM back to the hard drive, or permanent storage. And as with CPU power, the more RAM you have, the better your computer will perform. I recommend you have a minimum 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM, but with 2 gigabytes (2048 MB) you'll notice better performance.

Hard (Drive) Decisions
The hard drive is your permanent file storage. All of your personal files, such as word processor documents, photos, music, and emails are stored here, in addition to software packages and the operating system. Most new PC's come with a hard drive that's several hundred gigabytes (GB). I recommend you start with a hard drive of 320 GB or more, but consider moving up to 500 GB if you plan to keep lots of photos, music or videos on your computer. Hard drives that can store a terabyte (1000 GB) are now available for around $100, so there's really no need to skimp on disk storage space.

Go For a Large Monitor
Here's the formula: Larger Monitor = Less Eyestrain and Less Scrolling. I recommend a 17-inch monitor, or even a 19-inch if you don't mind spending a bit more. Don't worry about brand names here, they're all pretty much the same. Stay away from 14 or 15-inch monitors, they're just too small to be practical. (My personal desktop setup includes two 22-inch monitors!)

What About Software?
Most of the software you need will come pre-installed on your new PC. Windows comes with Internet Explorer (for web browsing) and Outlook Express (for email). Many PC systems include a word processor, such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice. If your computer doesn't come with any of these, I suggest you purchase Microsoft Works, which will give you a word processor similar to MS Word, a spreadsheet similar to MS Excel, and other useful programs. If you don't mind downloading your own software, you can also find free office software that works just as well.

Look for a computer that comes with anti-virus software pre-installed. If yours doesn't come with any anti-virus package, check with your Internet service provider to see if they offer anything for free. Another option - you can download an excellent free anti-virus package to replace the one that comes with your system when the free trial period expires.

Summary
So in a nutshell, here are my recommendations:

Look for a Windows based PC with monitor for around $400
Processor: 2.0 GHz or better
RAM memory: 1 GB or better
Hard Drive: 320 GB or better
Monitor: 17-inch or larger
Software: Microsoft Works and free anti-virus

Where to Buy?
Look at your local computer store first, they may have some good deals and offer local support. Office supply and electronics stores such as Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy are good options to explore too. If you're comfortable buying online, check out Dell, Gateway and other vendors to compare features and pricing.

Ozzy's 2 Cents

I used to build my computers from scratch in the old days. Now I have been a loyal Dell customer. Dell allows you to build the system you want online from the actual computer to all the software and peripherals that go with it. If your only using your computer to write letters and email and to surf the internet you can go LOW end. If you do a lot of gaming or high end graphics I would go as high end as you can afford.