If you know nothing about computers and would like to buy one here are a few things you should know.  This guide was created on October 10th, 2006 so do NOT use this guide to buy a computer in 12 - 16 months because it will be obsolete, haha.  These recommendations are all in MY opinion, I know some may not agree with all of these recommendations, but I'm just trying to help! However, if I leave something important out, feel free to leave a note.

Note: This guide is for PCs...if you want a MAC this guide will not help you.
With a PC I highly recommend getting Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

Note: If I use terms you are unfamilar with I highly recommend webopedia.com as a sort of Computer dictionary.

So you don't know a Gigabyte from a Megabyte or a Megahert from a Gigahert, you are in the right place.  I'll help you out in buying your computer.

First you must choose from a laptop or a desktop computer.
Laptop - Small portable computer, ready to use, more expensive but can go anywhere!
Desktop - For use at the home, less expensive, requires a bit of cable connecting.

If you chose laptop I highly suggest you get one that has wireless internet and bluetooth (bluetooth, not as much as wireless).  With wireless internet capabilities you will be able to go on the internet almost anywhere you are now-a-days.  Bluetooh is a wireless communication between computers, digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs and more, if you don't have these it may not be worth it to add on.

If you chose desktop I would also suggest bluetooth technology (see if you chose laptop). Another thing you have to consider with a desktop computer is the monitor:
CRT monitor, cheap but large.
LCD monitor, more expensive but sleek. (RECOMMENDED, between 15'' and 19'')
High end monitor, very expensive but impecable picture capabilites.\
You will also need speakers, keyboard and mouse.

THE SPECS: (I think the most helpful part of this guide)

What PROCESSOR should I get?
Many will argue this but I would recommend an Intel Pentium chip.

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Email, Webbrowsing and Solitaire: 1.8GHz+
Some gaming, photo editing, movies: 2.2GHz +
Extreme gaming, high end movie editing: 2.6GHz +


What RAM should I get?

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Email, Webbrowsing and Solitaire: 512MB+
Some gaming, photo editing, movies: 1GB+
Extreme gaming, high end movie editing: 2GB+


What size HARD DRIVE should I get?

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Email, Webbrowsing and Solitaire: 40GB+
Some gaming, photo editing, movies: 80GB+
Extreme gaming, high end movie editing: 120-160GB+

What CD-ROM/DVD/Burner should I get?

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Listening to CDs: CD-ROM
Listening to CDs and watching DVDs: DVD Drive
Burning CDs, watching DVDs, listening to CDs: DVD Drive AND CD Burner
Burning DVDs, Burning CDs, watching DVDs, listening to CDs: DVD Burner will do all, I recommend getting a CDROM as well for copying CDs.
Being the absolute "MAN" on the block: BLUE RAY BURNER

What GRAPHICS CARD should I get?

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Email, Webbrowsing and Solitaire: 128MB+ (PCI*)
Some gaming, photo editing, movies: 256MB+ (PCI* or AGP**)
Extreme gaming, high end movie editing: 512MB - 1GB+ (AGP)

*PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect: A standard level slot for add-on components to your computer.
**AGP - Advanced Graphics Port: For better graphical performance.


What SOUND CARD/SPEAKERS should I get?

If your computer is used primarily for..____..look for this...____
Listening to music and other sounds: Laptop has built in speakers, buy cheap speakers for you integrated audio on your desktop.
Gaming, Music and Movies:  I recommend a 2.1* Sound System with either integrated card or add-on card capable of 2.1 sound.
Extreme Gaming and Music/Movie listening: 5.1 or 6.1 Surround Sound System with an add-on card capable of 5.1 or 6.1 sound, I recommend the Audigy 2 sound card.

*a.b sound, means a-# of speakers or b-# of subwoofers, thus 2.1 means 2 satelitte speakers and 1 subwoofer