Buying a Desktop Computer

If you are thinking about buying a desktop computer, you've come to the right place. Here you will find many tips and hints to help you decide what computer to buy. I've put together this site so that non-geek, normal people can make a more informed decision about buying a desktop computer. We've got many difference brands listed. So, take your time and read as much as possible.

Some of the cool things you'll learn on this site include: 

• Essential tech lingo
• What software you need
• How to protect your investment
• How much computer you need for what you plan to use it for

Of course, you'll learn a lot more about buying a desktop computer, but that is a brief overview. But where do you start? Let's start by learning the different parts of a computer. Some of you may not need this, but this is here for anyone who does. These are the basic parts of a standard desktop computer and what each does. This is essential knowledge to have when buying a desktop computer. So, let's begin.

Parts of a standard desktop computer

The Computer Case

A computer case is simply what holds the computer system components. When buying a desktop computer system, you generally want to look for a computer case that is expandable to your needs. Some people may refer to this as the "CPU". This is an incorrect but commonly used term. The actual CPU (Central Processing Unit) is actually a small part located inside the computer case. This is a computer case, computer chasis, or in geek shorthand, a box.

If you are buying a desktop computer from a manufacturer such as Dell or any of the others listed on the left, you will not get to choose many of the specifics about your case. If you are building your own computer, you will be able to choose the drive bay configuration and such.

Most of you will be probably be buying a desktop computer system from a manufacturer, so the only thing you should be worried about here is form factor. Form factor relates to the size of the case. There are a few standard sizes to choose from usually. A "desktop" usually sits horizontal on your desk. A tower typically sits on the floor or in a compartment on your desk. They are built like the one pictured, with a vertical configuration. There are mini form factors available from Dell and other vendors which are very small and can be used for special purposes or for to eliminate desktop clutter. Note, however, that the smaller form factors like a "mini" design are typically less powerful than an equal-priced full-size alternative.

The Monitor

Computer monitors can correctly be called many different things. This particular monitor, shown to the left is a monitor, an LCD, a flat panel, or a display. These are the most modern form of computer monitor available. Notice that these aren't called "flat screens". They are flat panels. There's a difference in these two terms, but many people mistakenly use them interchangeably. The term "flat screen" actually refers to a flat screen CRT monitor. CRT monitors are the old bulky monitors which looked like 80's style Television sets. The older CRT monitors had a rounded glass display. This was due to the way a CRT operates. Sony invented a technology known at Trinitron which allowed them to create flat screen CRTs. These were a vast improvement over the older style rounded CRTs.

My kids mistakingly think that the monitor is the computer. I'm constantly reminding them that this is a monitor and not a computer. When buying a desktop computer, it is important to understand what kind of monitor you need. Some desktop computer systems don't come with a monitor. Others do. Some require a monitor with a VGA connection. Some require a DVI connection. Then you have to consider the native resolution of LCD monitors. Depending on you eyesight, a higher native resolution monitor may not be the best for you. We go into more detail in the "how to buy a monitor" section.

The Keyboard

A keyboard is a simple input device. These things haven't changed much over the years. There are two main connection types used by keyboards today. They are the PS/2 and USB connections. PS/2 is a round connection, whereas USB is a flat rectangular connection. USB will work with any modern computer, but PS/2 will only work with computers that still have a PS/2 port. Most desktop computers have both ports, but when buying a desktop computer, confirm that it has a PS/2 port if you plan to buy a keyboard that is PS/2. You can also purchase an adapter which allows you to plug a PS/2 keyboard into a USB port. If you have a lot of computer to work on, like me, it's good to have a PS/2 keyboard and a converter. Most people will be best off buying a USB keyboard. All modern "wireless" keyboards are either bluetooth or have a USB receiver. There are different key layouts and configurations, but the standard US 104 key keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard, names such due to the letters across the top row of letters.

The Mouse

This handy-dandy device probably single-handedly made computers a common household item. Mice are another important input device. Along with the keyboard, they allow users to manipulate every aspect of their computer. Like the keyboard, modern mice are either USB or PS2. If you are buying a desktop computer from a manufacturer, it will almost always come with a keyboard and mouse. However, if you have to upgrade your mouse in the future, you will want to make sure that you only buy a mouse that is compatible with your computer. Most desktop computers have a PS/2 port. However, modern laptops do not. So if you buy a laptop and wish to use an external keyboard and mouse with it, you'll want to make sure that you purchase a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to go with it.

Mice can be configured for use by left-handed people as well, but some mice do not have a universal form factor. If you are left-handed and/or prefer to use a mouse with your left-hand, make sure that you buy one with a universal form-factor or one specifically for left-hand use.

The Speakers

Besides a monitor and a printer, these are your main output device. Computer speakers range from extremely cheap to pretty cheap. A good set of speakers with a subwoofer will not be very expensive. For a good sound, you should go with a set of speakers that include a subwoofer. This will give you much better audio over standard desktop speakers or the hideous speakers built into some monitors.

For most users, a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system is complete overkill. I discuss this more on the "Speakers" page. If you are buying a desktop computer, you may have to buy a good set of speakers separately. So pay careful attention to whether the system comes with speakers or not.

These are the main parts of a desktop computer. Check out our other pages for more in-depth buying advice for each of these components and more. Knowing about these components will help you tremendously when buying a desktop computer.