How good is a good PC?

Basic economy PC's (like the ones found at your local Walmart) can run simple programs, and access online content; but quite often, home use extends beyond the basics. In general, people also want to be able to edit their home movies and photos, download music and movies or burn DVD's. Bottom of the line, entry-level computers are often not equipped to run such demanding applications. However, with a few upgrades, these low-end computers can run popular programs and are ready to use out of the box with a monitor, speakers, printer, DVD burner, the whole nine yards! Sometimes even out performing the more expensive top-of-the line computers.

So are probably wondering what exactly can a good home computer do?

• Home: With a functional home computer you should be able to manage your finances or run your home business. A good home computer can easily run programs like those found in the Microsoft Office suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Quicken and TurboTax.

• Multimedia: Everyday digital cameras and camcorders are becoming more and more popular, many people need a computer that can store images and run editing programs. My recommendation is that If you have 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive and a DVD burner, you can run most of the popular editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Dexster Audio, PowerDirector or publishing programs like Art Explosion Publisher Pro, Print Shop Pro or Macromedia Fireworks not having to worry about bouging down your computer.
  

• Gaming: Gaming has grown tremendously over the past few years, especially on-line gaming. Many home computers now days are used for gaming at some point in time. With a decent 128MB graphics card and 1GB of RAM, you can play most games. These computers can, without difficulty, run on-line flash games, most DVD games and many MMORPGs. However, if you are really into gaming (games such as World of Warcraft), I would suggest you have at least a 256MB graphics card to handle some of those more intense graphics.
  

• Security: Often security software runs alongside other programs (if it doesn't it should, and you should check out my other blog on that topic). Security software will often put a heavy burden on a computer (sometimes bringing it to a screaching hault), and making other programs run slowly due to it's heavy use of resources. However, with a good processor and at least 1GB of RAM, security programs like BitDefender, Spysweeper or AVG can run behind your programs unnoticed, not slowing down your everyday PC use one bit.

There are a few things an upgraded low-end PC cannot do, such as run multiple complex programs at once. You won’t be able to run a video editor, an audio editor, record streaming video, burn a DVD, download your favorite music, and play a game simultaneously. If you are a multi-tasker or want to edit large volumes of video, you may want to look into a PC geared towards Multimedia. If you are a gamer, and you do heavy gaming, checkout some of the great gaming machines out there, or if you are interested in a PC to hook up to your home entertainment center, you may want to search for a PC built for Media.

There are three things to consider before purchasing a new computer, and it is usually a good idea to think about all three before buying something that may-or may not-fit your computer needs.

1. First, you will need to decide what kind of programs you want to run.
2. Second choose what components are needed to run those programs.
3. Probably the most important/deciding factor for most people... how much you want to/have to spend?

Here are some examples of upgraded entry-level computers to include everything needed to have a great out-of-the-box computer package that can run popular programs like photo, audio and home movie editing. These computers can also easily access on-line content such as news, internet radio, streaming video, and can handle common production applications like Microsoft Word and Excel effortlessly.

To assemble practical home computer you will want to upgrade the RAM to at least 1 GB (if it is not already), the hard drive to at least 160 GB (the more the merrier) and added peripherals like a monitor, speakers, DVD burner, printer and card reader to complete a functional and capable computer are always nice!

Remember, the most important factors when choosing which new computer to purchase are:

• Processor: A fast CPU, or processor, will run productivity software smoothly. Most newer computers now have at least dual core processors that allow you to run multiple programs at one time without sacrificing performance.

• Memory: Large amounts of memory will allow the computer to quickly access frequently used information or programs. This is important for people who use their computer(s) for a variety of tasks. It's recommended to have at least 1GB of RAM and sufficient hard drive space.
  

• Video & Audio: The graphics and audio are secondary to the processor, memory and I/O devices in a computer. Most home computers have integrated audio, which is sufficient for home use. However, if you are into gaming then you will want to highly consider upgrading both the video, and audio adapters in the computer.
  

• I/O Device: Home computers should come with various peripherals including a mouse, keyboard, speakers and a monitor. It is a smart idea to add a DVD burner, media card reader, and a printer as you will most likely need them at one point in time.
  

• Value & Price: A typical computer with all of the above should be easily obtainable for under $1,200. Home computers will vary in price depending on the software, peripherals, and components. The leading companies are value oriented - providing lots of power for a good price. You should always shop around, and compare prices to get the best deal possible.
  

• Support & Warranty: Most first-class manufacturers provide quality help and support through email, phone and online chat. They also provide up to three-year warranties at no additional cost. It is wise to check the details of any warranty that comes with a new computer, if it is under 3 years parts/labor then you could probably talk your way into getting a longer warranty on the package.

Hopefully this will help you out when you purchase your next computer. Keep in mind that technology changes rapidly, and enough power out of a computer now, may not be the same in the near future!