1. Review basic features of desktop personal computers.
2. Compare desktop PCs to laptop and notebook computers.
3. Find out more about suppliers of desktop computers.

Action Steps to Shop Smart for Desktop Computers
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore computing options offered by desktop computers

When shopping for desktop personal computers, there are various speeds, security software packages and other performance options from which to choose. In fact, most desktop computer manufacturers allow buyers to configure custom desktop PCs to ensure they receive exactly the type of system they need for their unique business operations.

I recommend: Check out Computer Hope for more information on available desktop PC features and what you should look for when buying desktop PCs. Read more about desktop computers by visiting Ten Spider Enterprises.

Evaluate benefits of purchasing desktop PCs

Due to their mobility feature, laptop and notebook computers are very popular in the business market. They allow professionals to review files and close deals from any location in the world. However, despite recent decreased pricing on notebook and laptop computers, desktop computers are still the most affordable choice. In addition to price, desktop PCs offer more power than mobile computers. As a result, many businesses find it necessary to purchase both laptop and desktop computers.

I recommend: Read more about desktop computers at Consumers Union of U.S. Get tips on choosing between laptops and desktop PCs at Computer Buy Advice.

Compare products offered by various desktop computer providers

Apple, Gateway, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba are just a few of today's leading desktop computer manufacturers. These manufacturers offer pre-packaged and custom desktop PC solutions to manage every imaginable business process. In addition to computer hardware and software, turn to suppliers of desktop computers for technical support and business solution services to help you efficiently configure your IT infrastructure.

I recommend: Check out Consumer Search to find out more about products offered by various suppliers of desktop computers. Check out PC Magazine to read reviews on various desktop personal computers available for $1,000.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Desktop personal computers can be purchased new, used or refurbished. Used and refurbished desktop computers generally cost less than new desktop PCs. While price is important to your budget, there are a range of other factors you should review when shopping for new, used or refurbished desktop PCs including memory capacity and upgrade options, hard drive size and computer processor types.

Guide to Selecting the Right Computer Hardware Configuration

With the right stuff, you only pay for what you really need

By John Henshell, Writer/Editor/Communications Consultant, John Henshell

1. Reliability and serviceability.
2. The option of paying for what you need only.
3. To spend between $600 and $1,000 for a desktop PC that includes Windows and no other software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for a tool-free-access mini-tower desktop PC case

The cases for your desktop computers must be big enough (at least as tall as a 17' monitor) and spacious enough to adequately dissipate heat. The power supply should be at least 350 watts. Access for repairs and upgrades should be quick and easy.

I recommend: See comparative pictures of desktop PC form-factors offered by Dell in the manufacturer's Precision and OptiPlex lines. Or consider another computer vendor.

Consider a dual-core processor (CPU) for your desktop computers

Dual-core CPUs may be pricey, but they generate much less heat than single-core CPUs, which will enhance the reliability of your desktop PC. Consider Intel Celeron CPUs for desktop computers that will only be used for clerical work.

I recommend: Webopedia lists the current AMD and Intel CPUs, and explains the differences among them.

Choose an appropriate desktop PC hard drive

For business use, hard drive speed is as important as size (capacity). Opt for an SATA or SATA II hard drive. It should spin at 7,200 or 10,000 RPM and have an access time of about 9 milliseconds. Capacity isn't critical, because you can easily upgrade on that.

I recommend: PC Magazine has some advice on selecting hard drives for your desktop computers.

Choose a removable media drive for your desktop computers

You need at least a CD-ROM drive in your desktop PC but should probably opt for a DVD-RW drive instead, especially if you aren't backing up to an external hard drive or server. DVD-ROM drives and floppy drives are generally unnecessary for business use.

I recommend: Check newegg.com for prices on DVD-RW drives from various suppliers of desktop computers.

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of integrated video in your desktop PC

Most business desktop computers have a video chip on the motherboard. This is cheaper than having a separate video card. However, desktop computers must dedicate a certain amount of RAM (often 128 MB) to providing a display. Also, when the video chip overheats or dies, you're likely to need a new motherboard.

I recommend: Use the PC Magazine directory to compare the prices offered by various suppliers of desktop computers with and without integrated video.

Determine how much RAM you need from your computer vendor

If the computer has integrated video, you will need at least 512 MB of RAM. If it has a separate video card, 512 MB of RAM should be adequate for running Windows XP. Windows Vista will require 1 GB of RAM.

I recommend: Kingston, a memory manufacturer, offers a conservative guide to determining how much RAM you need for various typical computer uses.

Make sure the desktop PC motherboard has enough ports and expansion slots

Look for an Ethernet port and whatever USB or FireWire ports you need for your network. Make sure the motherboard has open RAM slots, an AGP or PCI-express video slot, and open PCI slots for future use.

I recommend: This diagram shows and explains the standard connectors on the back of desktop computers. Zoom in on this picture of an ECS motherboard to see an example of internal slots for DDR memory, add-in cards and video cards.

Consider desktop PC service and support options

Get desktop computers with a 3-year warranty or pay your chosen computer vendor to upgrade to a 3-year on-site warranty unless you have an in-house support and repair solution. Be aware that you may find the tech support provided from the Third World or the warranty service provided by third parties inadequate.

I recommend: Check the PC Magazine subscriber survey, published each July, for comprehensive information about reliability and customer satisfaction with individual desktop PC brands. Also check the directory on Business.com for more information on desktop computers by brand.

Consider refurbished desktop computers

If you find costs to be too high even with the above suggestions, you should also look into refurbished desktop computers. Even the biggest computer vendor now offers them, and they can be a a great option for those who want to have some extra bells and whistles on the cheap.

I recommend: Check the directories on Business.com for more on refurbished desktop computers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your local desktop computer vendor can often build better desktop computers at lower prices than the international brand manufacturers. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints against a business.
• •  Advertising costs are built into the purchase price of branded desktop computers.
• •  Profit margins are very small for desktop PC manufacturers and retailers; expect your computer vendor to require a major purchase in return for a volume discount.
• •  Monitors may or may not be bundled with desktop computers. Buy the same brand desktop PC and monitor only if the monitor looks good to you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become familiar with hardware for major suppliers of desktop computers

Learning to change out and install computer hardware helps make upgrading a breeze. It also comes in handy when you need to create refurbished desktop PCs with little to no spare parts. If you know what makes the computer tick and understand how to utilize the hardware, you can build a computer specifically for your company's needs.

I recommend: View the e-Learning Center's programs for various desktop computer providers' hardware training. ITT Technical Institute offers a variety of class specifically about desktop PC hardware. ELearners.com provides a listing of online courses complied from many universities. These courses focus on all aspects of hardware that is common to all desktop computer manufacturers.

Find desktop computer software courses

Desktop computer software courses teach you how to use the many features involved in a specific computer software program. This allows you to work faster and more effectively within that program. Courses are available for all the latest versions of most software on the market.

I recommend: Find online courses at Education Online for Computers. The courses teach about the most popular software for desktop personal computers. For Microsoft software training, turn to the source and learn directly from the Microsoft Corporation. Digital Bootcamp offers online courses for more than 100 different software programs for desktop computers.

Receive a desktop PC certification

Desktop PC certifications are available for both computer software and hardware. With a desktop certification under your belt, feel confident that you are equipped with the knowledge you need to handle even the toughest computer problems. The certification can also be key in acquiring computer-related employment.

I recommend: The Computing Technology Industry Association provides information about all of the many certifications available for new or refurbished desktop computers. Visit and view information about the certification courses that are available for desktop computer manufacturer software and hardware at New Horizons Worldwide. Get certified to work on hardware or software on any desktop PC at Aplus-certification-training.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most software certifications are version specific. Many people choose to be trained and certified in the latest versions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

HDMI monitor

HDMI monitor is short for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface monitor. An HDMI monitor is a audio/video interface that does not compress digital data. HDMI monitors are commonly used in audio-visual productions and for computer gaming.

I recommend: Pacific Custom Cable can help you better understand HDMI monitors. Visit HDMI Licensing to find more information about HDMI monitors.

PCI

PCI, or peripheral component interconnect, is a type of port or connection for devices plugged into a computer. There are two types of PCI slots: basic and express. PCI express slots have a higher bandwidth for communicating with peripheral devices.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks provides information about PCI slots and PCI express slots. 4Crawler.com also has information and diagrams about PCI slots.

Optical drive

An optical disk drive uses electromagnetic waves or a laser light to read data on disks. The most common optical drives are CD and DVD drives. These are available in both readers (which read the disk) and writers (which record data on the disk) for both CDs and DVDs.

I recommend: TechTerms.com supplies information about optical drives. Discover more about optical drives at iWebTool. Darren Desepoli offers detailed information about optical drives.

Chipset

A chipset is a group of chips or integrated circuits that are designed to work with each other to control the components in a computer. Most commonly when a desktop computer description includes a chipset it is referring to the chipset on the motherboard.

I recommend: Cheap56K has more information about chipsets. TechTarget also has details regarding computer chipsets.

Processor

A processor is the device that allows the computer to run programs. Processors are available in both dual and quad core. The dual core processor has two processing units on one piece of equipment. The quad core has four processors within the unit.

I recommend: Explore more information about processors at ComputerHope.com. Windows Reinstall has more information about processors available online.

Platform

A computer platform is the software that allows the computer to run. Platforms are also referred to as operating systems. There are three major computer platforms Windows, MAC and Linux.

I recommend: Find more information about computer platforms at TechTarget. Read more about computer platforms at The Linux Information Project.