The most important thing to decide before you buy a computer is the purpose for which it will be used.

Things to consider:

• What will be the primary function of the computer?

• What type software will I be using?

• What peripherals will I be using? ( i.e. scanners, digital cameras, video, etc.)

• Will I be communicating with other computers?  locally? via the Internet? or both?

• Will the computer be used for application or file serving to a network?

• Will I be working with large graphic files?

• How much local storage will I need?

• How will I back up and protect the stored data?

• Will I need the ability to upgrade components later?

An educated computer consultant can help you get answers to your questions and properly select the appropriate computer hardware components and software to satisfy your needs.

Specific sub-systems within a computer should be designed to adequately address the demands imposed on them by the specific task for which the computer will be used.  For example, a computer used for manipulation of large graphics files will require substantial video card and memory consideration and possibly storage depending on the amount of data to be stored locally.

Gigahertz is only one consideration on how well a computer will perform on a given task.  Slower processors with the proper sub-components will out-perform their speedier counterparts with improperly selected sub-system components.

The large electronic super-stores offer an array of consumer grade PC's ready for "typical" home use.  These are fine for balancing the check book and for typing a letter.  However, most of them are insufficient for use as a CAD or graphics workstation, small office fileserver or even business applications which require consistent "up time" and relatively low hardware and/or software errors.  

Consumer grade PC's typically suffer from slow performance, inadequate video and storage systems and proprietary components which may not be upgradeable.  There are reasons why they are inexpensive and typically bundled with tons of "free" software and peripherals.

The decision to purchase a computer, which will typically cost in excess of $800, should not be taken lightly nor left in the hands of teenage helpers at your local electronics store.