This is a simple guide to follow for buying a new desktop or laptop computer. There are speed variations for just about all of these items but if you stick to the basic words you should be fine.

As far as brand goes, I am partial to Toshiba for laptops and clones for desktops (built by local computer shops). Of course other brands have their advantages and disadvantages. This is just my personal opinion (31 years in the business).

The most important thing to remember when buying a new computer is hardware, hardware, hardware!!!!

I say this because of Windows Vista. This operating system really needs a lot of resources (hardware) to run efficiently.

The minimum processor should be a dual core processor. To run Windows Vista, I use the Intel Core 2 Duo processor at 2Ghz or higher. You can also use the AMD equivalent dual core processor (I always use Intel but I know there are lots of AMD people out there).

The internal memory should be a minimum of 2 Gigs RAM with 4 preferable. A lot of systems are coming with 1 gig of RAM and waiting for the OS (Windows Vista) to do things is slow and painful. Get the 2 Gigs minimum and you won't be watching your grass grow while waiting for the machine to do something. I believe this is the biggest factor in making Vista work correctly.

The hard drive should be a minimum of 250 Gbytes for desktops and 160 Gbytes for laptops. All other factors are personal preferences, DVD burner, card reader, floppy, etc.

When looking for that new computer just look for these things;

Intel Core 2 Duo processor  ---- 2 Gbytes of RAM memory ---- 250 Gbytes Hard Drive ---- Add your personal preferences and needs.

If this guide has been helpful to you please click yes below.

Thank you

Jim