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WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is designed to run programs, also known as 'applications'. These programs are written to perform a particular set of functions, such as word processing or editing pictures. These programs run on the computer's operating system, the software that controls many of the computer's functions; examples of operating systems include Microsoft's 'Windows' and Apple's 'Mac OS'.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING?
To avoid disappointment it's important to ask yourself these questions before you make a computer purchase:
- What will you use your computer for, both now and in the future?
- What software will you need to run - now and in the future?
- Do you want a widescreen monitor?
- Do you want to connect to the internet easily or send emails?
- How much memory do you need for current and future uses?
- Will the computer be used for playing graphically intensive computer games?
- What external devices do you want to be able to connect to your computer
WHAT IS INSIDE A COMPUTER WHICH I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
It's important to know what is inside a product which you are purchasing. You may be put off by the complexity but well and truly there is not much you need to know to be able to make an informed computer purchase decision.
Processor:
The Central Processing Unit (CPU or 'processor') is the 'brain' of the computer that drives and controls all its functions. There are a number of different processors. PC users have the choice of chips from a number of manufacturers. Intel offers the Core 2 duo/quad processor, amongst others, which are designed to cope better with running multiple applications. Other, equivalent chips are supplied by AMD.
So which one's better out of AMD and Intel? The long and short answer is both! They will both perform perfectly well with most everyday tasks with the equivalent AMD chip being cheaper, which normally helps lower the overall cost of the PC. However, if you're serious about power savings and silence it may be worth investing in an Intel chip.
Random Access Memory (RAM):
Also known as 'on-board' memory - RAM is used for processing and storing the data that the computer is currently working with. To operate efficiently a computer must have sufficient RAM otherwise it will run slow, especially when you have more that one application running. RAM is measured in mega- and gigabytes (MB and GB), with a gigabyte being a 1000 megabytes; 2GB should suffice for most applications or tasks.
You will need to consider the amount of hard disc space your computer will need, and the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Hard drive:
This is the space where programs, files, data and documents are stored. Hard drives come in different sizes, measured in gigabytes (GB). Aim to buy at least 320GB of hard drive space - the more the better - particularly if you'll be using programs that use a lot of disc space, such as images or MP3 files.
"Optical" disc drive:
We only supply the latest industry standard parts. Your computer will come with one of the following "optical drives":
DVD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank DVD, as well as reading it. Useful for burning home movies to DVD.
BD ROM drive - Reads Blu-ray discs containing high definition video or data. Will nearly always play and write to CD and DVD media too.
BD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank Blu-ray disc, as well as reading it. Useful for burning high definition home movies to Blu-ray disc. Will nearly always play and write to CD and DVD media too.
Ports:
In order to be able to connect and communicate with other devices and to send and receive various types of information, a PC needs a number of input and output channels, known as ports. There are a number of different types of port:
VGA out - used to connect your PC to your monitor or compatible TV.
HDMI out - used to connect your PC to your monitor or compatible HD TV.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) - The most common method of connecting printers, scanners and other USB peripherals like digital cameras and hand held computers.
Firewire/IEEE 1394 - A very fast method of file transfer, much quicker than even USB speeds. To make use of this, both your computer and accessory will need a Firewire/IEEE 1394 port. This is essential when transferring video images to and from digital camcorders.
Modem:
To send and receive data and connect to the internet for email and net browsing, you'll need a broadband modem of some kind. Connecting to your PC via its Ethernet or USB port is possible, but all out computers come with wireless capability as standard. So connecting to that wireless access point is not as difficult!
Monitor:
The computer's display screen will either be supplied with the computer, or be available as a separate purchase. View our range of monitors.
WHAT SHOULD I SPEND ON A COMPUTER?
The decision will mainly hinge upon what you intend to do with your new PC. We have broken it down for you to help with your choice of budget. With every PC we offer it is assigned badges which indicate that particulars systems capabilities. This allows you to choose a PC suited to your needs. For a breakdown click here.
Bear in mind that a more expensive computer will be more likely to run the latest software, and that a more affordable model may need replacing more frequently.
A computer is designed to run programs, also known as 'applications'. These programs are written to perform a particular set of functions, such as word processing or editing pictures. These programs run on the computer's operating system, the software that controls many of the computer's functions; examples of operating systems include Microsoft's 'Windows' and Apple's 'Mac OS'.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING?
To avoid disappointment it's important to ask yourself these questions before you make a computer purchase:
- What will you use your computer for, both now and in the future?
- What software will you need to run - now and in the future?
- Do you want a widescreen monitor?
- Do you want to connect to the internet easily or send emails?
- How much memory do you need for current and future uses?
- Will the computer be used for playing graphically intensive computer games?
- What external devices do you want to be able to connect to your computer
WHAT IS INSIDE A COMPUTER WHICH I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
It's important to know what is inside a product which you are purchasing. You may be put off by the complexity but well and truly there is not much you need to know to be able to make an informed computer purchase decision.
Processor:
The Central Processing Unit (CPU or 'processor') is the 'brain' of the computer that drives and controls all its functions. There are a number of different processors. PC users have the choice of chips from a number of manufacturers. Intel offers the Core 2 duo/quad processor, amongst others, which are designed to cope better with running multiple applications. Other, equivalent chips are supplied by AMD.
So which one's better out of AMD and Intel? The long and short answer is both! They will both perform perfectly well with most everyday tasks with the equivalent AMD chip being cheaper, which normally helps lower the overall cost of the PC. However, if you're serious about power savings and silence it may be worth investing in an Intel chip.
Random Access Memory (RAM):
Also known as 'on-board' memory - RAM is used for processing and storing the data that the computer is currently working with. To operate efficiently a computer must have sufficient RAM otherwise it will run slow, especially when you have more that one application running. RAM is measured in mega- and gigabytes (MB and GB), with a gigabyte being a 1000 megabytes; 2GB should suffice for most applications or tasks.
You will need to consider the amount of hard disc space your computer will need, and the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Hard drive:
This is the space where programs, files, data and documents are stored. Hard drives come in different sizes, measured in gigabytes (GB). Aim to buy at least 320GB of hard drive space - the more the better - particularly if you'll be using programs that use a lot of disc space, such as images or MP3 files.
"Optical" disc drive:
We only supply the latest industry standard parts. Your computer will come with one of the following "optical drives":
DVD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank DVD, as well as reading it. Useful for burning home movies to DVD.
BD ROM drive - Reads Blu-ray discs containing high definition video or data. Will nearly always play and write to CD and DVD media too.
BD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank Blu-ray disc, as well as reading it. Useful for burning high definition home movies to Blu-ray disc. Will nearly always play and write to CD and DVD media too.
Ports:
In order to be able to connect and communicate with other devices and to send and receive various types of information, a PC needs a number of input and output channels, known as ports. There are a number of different types of port:
VGA out - used to connect your PC to your monitor or compatible TV.
HDMI out - used to connect your PC to your monitor or compatible HD TV.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) - The most common method of connecting printers, scanners and other USB peripherals like digital cameras and hand held computers.
Firewire/IEEE 1394 - A very fast method of file transfer, much quicker than even USB speeds. To make use of this, both your computer and accessory will need a Firewire/IEEE 1394 port. This is essential when transferring video images to and from digital camcorders.
Modem:
To send and receive data and connect to the internet for email and net browsing, you'll need a broadband modem of some kind. Connecting to your PC via its Ethernet or USB port is possible, but all out computers come with wireless capability as standard. So connecting to that wireless access point is not as difficult!
Monitor:
The computer's display screen will either be supplied with the computer, or be available as a separate purchase. View our range of monitors.
WHAT SHOULD I SPEND ON A COMPUTER?
The decision will mainly hinge upon what you intend to do with your new PC. We have broken it down for you to help with your choice of budget. With every PC we offer it is assigned badges which indicate that particulars systems capabilities. This allows you to choose a PC suited to your needs. For a breakdown click here.
Bear in mind that a more expensive computer will be more likely to run the latest software, and that a more affordable model may need replacing more frequently.
Prices available on the site are indicative and you should obtain a quote for the best firm price. Any data given from you will be considered private subject to Data Protection laws and its is not our policy to pass data onto any third party's. Any data retained now and in the future will be for market research, tracking of sales and in order that we may contact you if needed.
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