Four (4) Important Features Of Buying a Desktop Computer

For most non-techie people, buying a desktop computer is confusing and frustrating. With all the terms, features, and functions that one needs to consider and understand, it often becomes a hassle that few want to deal with. For the basic user, who just wants a computer for Internet, email, and word processing, there is no need for bells and whistles. Basic features will be enough to get the job done. But if you are looking for a computer for entertainment, gaming, or business, you will need more intricate features that will provide high performance. Desktop computers offer more flexibility than their mini and micro counterparts.

Desktop Computer Advantages

1. Processor or CPU: CPU stands for the Central Processing Unit; it is the brains of the computer. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system. The speed of the CPU is given in GHz. The higher the speed, the higher the quality and performance of the computer. There are budget, mid-range, and high-end processors. The one that you need will depend on what the computer will be used for. Oftentimes, you can get a nice high-end processor that is no longer manufactured for the same price as a brand-new budget processor.

For basic computer functions, such as email, the Internet, and word processing, a budget or mid-range model is fine. But for 3D gaming, video editing, and processing, and for some business software, a high-end processor is necessary. These high-end processors have top-of-the-line processing features. The desktop computers are upgradeable to fit any recent high-end computer. Unlike mini and microcomputers, you can upgrade the processor of a desktop computer to suit your needs and class.

2. RAM Memory: RAM memory refers to the number of programs you can run on computers without running into slowdowns, crashes, and drags in performance. The more RAM, the better, as it greatly affects the speed and performance of the computer, especially for video, entertainment, and gaming. 4 GB is good for most computer functions; 8GB is really great. At least 2 GB, but 8 GB and 12 GB are best for the ideal gaming and media experiences. A desktop computer can fit more RAM than a laptop. This makes it a better choice than the rest. It is a good idea to check and make sure that there are open memory upgrade slots so you can always add more memory RAM. RAM is cheap and easy to install.

3. Ports and Connections. Ports are the connections that come with a computer for attaching peripherals, such as printers, scanners, and others. One of the most important and useful ports is the USB, of which the computer should have at least four. Other useful ports are Ethernet for high-speed Internet and networking, a FireWire port, and a printer port. Media card readers are also important and support a variety of flash memory cards for peripherals. Overall, the more ports you have the more variety and options you will have for peripherals. Desktop computers have more peripherals than laptops. This makes it a better choice for someone needing more ports for business.

4. Optical Drives: CD/DVD/Blu-ray. A useful part is an optical drive such as a DVD/CD or Blu-Ray high-def burner. If you want to burn movie and music disks or do disk backups of your data from your computer, then a burner optical drive is most handy.