| Computer Buying Tips From
the CPU Crafter
The first thing you must ask yourself is how much do you want to spend. The cheap systems you see advertised are just that, cheap systems. Upgrades to these systems are very expensive. Ask for a system that has these qualities. 1. A case that uses a generic ATX motherboard (it costs less to replace a motherboard of this type than one built for a specific manufacturer and the extra bonus is that as technology advances it costs less to upgrade). 2. A motherboard that has no built on sound or video (you will have a much wider choice of add on cards and again replacement costs are lower). It must also have 1 AGP slot, at least 2 ISA slots, at least 4 PCI slots, USB, and supports the ultra DMA33 or DMA66 standard. 3. For Windows 98 at least 128MB of ram. Windows 98 uses about 30MB's of memory itself, additional programs may boost that to about 60 MB's just starting your computer. A quality computer running Windows 98 NEEDS at least 128MB's of SDRAM with 256MB's preferred! 4. A case with at least three 5-1/4 and two 3-1/2 external drive bays, at least one internal 3-1/2 bay. 5. Supports the Pentium 3 CPU (it is the best on the market and the only logical way to go). 6. Look at a custom built unit, builders are usually more proud of their work and therefore provide a better product than a retail unit. It is the only true way to get what you want! 7. Shop around. Builders are competitive and by getting proposals from several of them will help you get the best price overall. 8. A hard drive to suit your needs (you generally do not need a drive larger than 10 GB unless you do video editing), although for about $150.00 a 7200RPM hard drive is a bargain and if you need the disk space it is well worth the investment. 9. A zip drive (either internal or external). 10. A DVD ROM is now a worthwhile addition, just keep in mind that to watch a movie on a 17" computer monitor is frustrating. 11. Buy the largest monitor that you can afford to buy! A 17" monitor has only about 16" viewable area, a 19" has about 18" viewable, while a 21" monitor has a 20" viewable area! Do not buy anything less than a 17 inch monitor (viewing a full web page without having to scroll left or right is a pure JOY! 12. A CD-RW (rewritable CD recorder) is another good investment. You can make system backups, record music or videos, and make backup copies of your software CD's. 13. If (and only if) you are considering a Micro-Case (very small case) there are combination CD/DVD/CD-RW units available. Remember you will not be able to copy CD's if you only have this unit without a standard CD ROM or DVD! 14. As silly as this seems (too many people fall for it) stay away from extended service contracts. For the most part if a computer component is going to fail it will do so within the first three months and most components carry manufacturers warranties of at least a year, if the part fails UPGRADE. Look for at least a standard one year full warranty, some builders offer up to 3 years at no extra cost! 15. Ask your local cable company if they are capable of Internet service. A cable modem costs about the same as a good phone modem and will provide a better internet experience. 16. Check the internet for prices! 17. If you have a computer custom built make sure that it is burnt in (used so that if any problems develop they can be repaired before the builder releases the system) for at least 72 hours. 18. Stay away from the rebates for internet services, while it seems to be a great deal to get a computer for about $400.00 you must consider that the the payments on the Internet service for a three year period can cost about $800. There are a lot of free Internet service providers around.
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