Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Beyond Human PC question for buying a computer

help!

I need to buy a pc.
The only things i want to do w/ it are get on the web---use one of those cameras and that's it

1. how much memory do i need 128--256?
2. how much of a processor do i need?
3. for the camera, what kind of a card do i need?

is there anything else i need to ask?
gateway? dell? compaq? There seems to be nothing around here.

thanks a bunch for any help

Dell Computers are tops with Compaq coming in second.

My advice: Get a Dell.

Jonah's got a point. Dell computers have had a reputation of reliability.

I would recommend at least a 1.5Ghz processor (since so many people nowadays are putting up poorly-coded websites done entirely in flash), 256MB of RAM (512 if you're working with a lot of hi-quality pictures).

The digital cameras can be plugged into your computer several different ways. The most common are USB and Firewire. Firewire is also called IEEE-1394. USB is standard for every computer today, however firewire can be found on most of them as well.

There are two types of USB
USB 1.1 - runs very slow since it is the old USB technology
USB 2.0 - runs much faster, but USB 1.1 devices will still run at USB 1.1 speeds.

If you have a choice of how it will be connected, get Firewire.

Hope this doesn't confuse you too much. If it does, Photoread some back issues of "Maximum PC", that's where I learned a lot of my computer knowledge.

Dells are custom made, you cant go out to the store and buy one.

Have you considered going Macintosh? They're a lot of fun and pretty easy to use.

thanks all for your advice...appreciate

Margaret,
We have two Dell desk top computers and one lap top. We have been very satisfied with Dell and the services provided--

Dell would be the way to go. What kind of camera are you going to use.

Check out online for prices. www.dell.com

1. for windows 2000 and XP 256mb is a minimum. (any less and it makes things less responsive when you have alot of windows open or such) IF you multitask alot get 256 or more.

2. Speed depends on what other things you will be doing. If you have a camera, making movies? If you have the cash go for a 1.7ghz. But if not go for a slower p4. And if you still do not go for a celeron. Remember a slow p4 is still better than a celeron. Even if the celeron is faster. Also if you buy online with dell you can customize your order. ASWELL as get some Awesome deals. EG. Free ram upgrade, Free monitor upgrade, Free dvd/cdrw upgrade.

3. Depends on what kind of camera connection aswell. But if it is only USB, no card is needed as that is standard now a days. Also transfer speeds arent really that much of a problem when your only transferring digital pictures or mini movies. As they will be only small and the difference wont be that much that you really care.

[This message has been edited by krisk (edited July 17, 2002).]

Thanks, Krisk. Appreciate the info. I'm looking to buy around Labor Day in the US when all the kids are going back to school.

I build and repair computers as a part-time job, and I think that even a 1.5ghz is overkill for what you want.
Anything 1ghz or over will do you fine. Get 256mb or more memory (it's cheap right now, and the biggest increase in performance that you can get cheaply), and a 40gb hard drive, since they're so cheap now.
If someone does their whole website in flash, it usually dosn't matter how fast your processor is, only your internet connection's bandwidth.

If you can find a nice cheap Dell, go for it. Dells ARE some of the most reliable and quiet-running machines out there. I highly reccomend against Compaqs. I used to work at Compaq, as one of the tech guys who fixes all the broken Compaqs. Most flimsy, hastily made, hot-running computers I've ever seen.

Try one of the systems from http://www.tigerdirect.com or http://www.pcconnection.com they're very reliable companies, and their systems are well-priced.