[Valnity]

So my current computer is laggy, and slow, and I'm scared of getting viruses since this thing always pops up and say 'Your computer might be at risk' 'Virtual Memory is low'. My dad decided that I can get a new computer, from his friend's computer shop and I can get some custom settings/whatever/blahblah. So can anyone help me? What is a good processor (Actually i have no idea what that even means o_o), but urm I want lots of ram (whatever that is >_>) And a good video card/audio card. Blah blah blah. A good fast computer that can play games like Maplestory/Audition, Counterstrike, and have loads of mp3 files/programs. And also one that is extremely good for Photoshop. Someone help me? xD;; How do you "determine" a good computer?

[Valnity]

Also what is a good windows software. XP or Vista? My cousin was complaining about Vista saying that it was hard to use and had to configure stuff.

[achu]

XP is more compatible than vista. i just got a new computer and i'm sticking with XP. furthermore, vista is a ram hog meaning it slows down your computer.......unless you're going for vista ultimate. then its probably worth it.

i dont think you need a really powerful computer to work photoshop. i mean. even my crappy school comp can do it.

with XP, you can get 3gb of ram as the maximum (somehow i got 3.25)...
the most important factor for gaming is actually the graphics card....

loads of mp3s/files = big hard drive. but....how much? if you need 1 terabyte or something (1000gb) then i'd just buy 2 x 500gb hard drives instead. its safer that way.

[cluu1]

XP is more compatible than vista. i just got a new computer and i'm sticking with XP. furthermore, vista is a ram hog meaning it slows down your computer.......unless you're going for vista ultimate. then its probably worth it.

i dont think you need a really powerful computer to work photoshop. i mean. even my crappy school comp can do it.

with XP, you can get 3gb of ram as the maximum (somehow i got 3.25)...
the most important factor for gaming is actually the graphics card....

loads of mp3s/files = big hard drive. but....how much? if you need 1 terabyte or something (1000gb) then i'd just buy 2 x 500gb hard drives instead. its safer that way.

vista 32bit you only get like 3.5? gigabytes o don't remember
butt if 64 you can get more
you can also get 64bit xp which lets you use..
i don't know how much ram

[awdark]

I think it was in June where Microsoft no longer allowed manufactures to sell computers with XP so if you want it, it will no longer be included.

You will get spyware and virus problems on windows if you aren't careful. Vista is no exception. But if you install and use Firefox you will be able to avoid most of the problems A lot of people will say get Apple or Linux but I honestly dont think its worth a change like that just to avoid that...

What makes a good computer?
Basically the only thing you will need to look for is about 2gb ram and balance the amount of drive space. You can get a AMD or Intel and although I think there will be some who will argue with me, you can't tell the difference between them. If you get something with dual core or better I think you will have more than enough speed. You might want to get one with a video card, your needs are nothing extreme so normally whatevers included will be just fine but you can get something with a Geforce 8400 or higher and it should be fine.

Post what you find if you want an evaluation of it

[Valnity]

Well xD;; Since I'm getting it from buy father's friend...I can't go to his shop since it's on the other side of city, so I can only discuss it on phone with him. What should I request? o_o No more xP? So does that mean in a few years, most computers will be running on Vista? Also what is intel/AMD, and o_O dual core? I'm ...no computer smartie. Please help. 0_0 I just want a good computer that can tolerate big memory, and is realllyyyy fast! and stuff.

[achu]

you can ask your father's friends for the options...might still have a legal xp if you ask. always ask =D
intel and AMD are brands of processors,
dual core, means 2 processors instead of one.

[Valnity]

What kind of Windows are they selling now? Just Vista? (Let's put windowsxp aside xD) And is Vista hard to use? 0_0.

Oh so for dual core, do I get both brands of processors O_o or....just 2 of same brand? Also for dual core....do I need a better fan? 0_0

Should I get Vista Home Preminum or Ultimate? o_O Are they for like....really advanced hardcore computer scholars to use? 0_0

[The Fey]

vista is "difficult" because it's new and different. but, it's actually pretty nifty and useful once you get the hang of it. No more XP, so you should get used to vista...

[Valnity]

Does this mean Windows xP is getting old? I heard it's better than Vista since Vista...it's hard since you have to change so many settings to get programs you ilke, for example, MSN, and Maplestory...games...\
Oh and what are they talking about when they compare GHz? o_o;;

Also is this a description of a good computer O_o Windows XP/Vista 2GB Ram? o_o DualCore

[achu]

XP is gettin old. but i still like it. sorry. i'm a fan of XP lol.
well in your case, home premium would suffice.
but if it were like me, and i'm pissed at vista but am forced to use it. i'd go with ultimate because it offers the most functions, and i heard can emulate back to windows xp. or something. not sure. dont take my word.
ultimate is more expensive than home premium though.

oh. you have to consider whether to get 32 or 64 bit versions....64bit is really good (can have more ram and stuff), but isnt compatible with alot of things.

usually for dualcores, you have 2 of the same processor brand and model. to avoid any conflicts.
there is also quadcores.
ehhh. maplestory isnt an intensive game, i could even play it on my old computer, so you wont have to worry about that.
but if its recent release games...then iunno.

Ghz, i would say is the measuring unit of a processor speed. for eg. a 3.0ghz processor is faster than a 2.4Ghz. simple?

getting long here...
you are picking the individual parts? i think you should get your friend or something, to check it over at the end...to make sure that they all can work together. there can sometimes be hardware conflicts..i think. heh.

[sayuri43]

if i were you, i'd shell out a bit more cash for a solid laptop rather than looking for a "value" laptop.

Usually if you find a deal for a laptop for 500-600 bucks, you'll end up with the problems you have now in a couple years.

Dell has a great selection of laptops and they have deals all the time such as $300 off of $1000+ laptops.

The Dell XPS is a great series of laptops that you can look at such as the M1530 (like i do)

Visa runs fine with 4 gb ram and a core 2 duo processor. If you're looking for a processor like a core quad, its up to you. But keep in mind that odds are you won't be using that kinda power if all you're doing is word documents and play games.

Also if you're afraid of getting your laptop scratched and stuff, you might wanna google "invisibleSHIELD". Its a great protector.

[Vidalia]

Doesn't take much to run PS and games as low as Maple story and CS. PS I would suggest more HD space since it takes quite a lot of space saving work in PSD. format. Say 300-400 GB with the option of a external drive if your really going overboard.

As for choosing an OS I would go with XP. Even though Vista's been out for how long 1-2 years? It's still considered a fairly new OS and isn't as flexible with a lot of other software plus still contains a lot of bugs. But I don't see much of the difference between XP to Vista except Vista might have a little more security Windows offers and a new fancy desktop look, other than that it ain't so great.

Graphics card for your needs anything above the GeForce 7 series is fine. No need to go hay wire on simple games like CS.

And Processor anything above 2.4Ghz is fine for a normal running computer these days, Dual core. Personally I'm an Intel fan so Id tell you to pick Intel performance wise but AMD tends to be cheaper if your on a budget.

*Note* Building your own computer can be much much MUCH cheaper just buying a barebone kit and installing the components yourself but since you confess to not knowing much about computers I suggest you not to build the computer lol but just saying it's alot cheaper.

[photo.ollie]

you are all so naive.
GET A MAC!
and be wise.