Need a New Computer? Things to Know.

Everyone approaches this moment sooner or later.  It is the moment when the old computer has passed the point of no return, and the performance of it just doesn't cut it anymore.  It is the moment when we know it's time to move on, and purchase a new computer.

However, with dozens of brands, hundreds of models, and thousands of customizations, how do I know what to look for?  What will be best for my needs?  How do I know I'm not getting ripped off?  Whether you desire to custom build your own, or purchase a pre-loaded computer, we have all the info you will need to make the right choice.  The following is a list of important components of a computer to consider when choosing, and we have listed our recommended brands and partners as well.

Processor (CPU)

The processor is most important component to any computer.  Think of it in comparison to the brain of the human body.  Without the "brain", none of the other parts are able to function at all.  The processor sends electrical signals down threads located on the motherboard that communcate to the different extended adapters, such as a video card.  AMD and Intel are the two primary manufactuers of processors, and you can't go wrong with either.  Ensure that you note the hertz rate (frequency) of your processor, as it denotes the speed at which your computer will think over a single thread.  Also be mindful of multithreaded processors, which do this at a much higher rate.  Core i3, core i5, and core i7 processors are examples of newer Intel processors which can even contain multiple 'cores' that maximize throughput of communciation.

Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is most definitely the second most important component of a computer.  Think of it as a computer's ability to multitask and to respond to massive amounts of input from the user.  Memory in this form is primary, meaning that it is not permanent storage space, but is a form of capacity that a computer can store temporarily and function.  You know how we tend to open 500 web browsers, Solitaire, Quickbooks, and whatever else all at the same time?  The amount of memory affects how well our computer functions in those environments.  Most slowness on computers that isn't software related is usually attributed to a lack of sufficient memory.  This is an area where one should seriously consider purchasing in quality, and also not be afraid to upgrade.  Memory comes in different measurements of DDR, or double data rate; most RAM these days is either DDR2 or DDR3.  Also, be mindful of the amount of gigs your RAM comes in.  Although we recommend having atleast 4gb (four gigabytes) of RAM, a 64 bit version of Windows is required to support anything over than 3gb of memory.  Some good companies to purchase from are Kingston and Corsair.

Video Card (GPU/Graphics Card)

You will find that some computer don't actually come with a dedicated video card; instead, they will have onboard graphics.  For users that don't plan on doing anything graphically intensive, this is not a problem.  However, if you are, you will be wise to invest in a good video card.  NVIDIA and ATI/AMD make the best video cards around, and any graphics card over 1gb of dedicated video memory will be sufficient.  If you want top of the line graphics for gaming, I'd consider buying NVIDIA or ATI/AMD's newest products, which will usually go for around $200-$300.

Hard Disk (Hard Drive)

Hard drives are where all the information of your computer is permanently stored.  Hard drives are measured in two ways: the amount of storage they hold in bytes, and the rotations per minute (RPM) speed that they read.  Typically, a 500gb standard hard drive (HDD) will be more than enough space for a casual user.  However, those looking to be involved in the use or production of any sort of media will want to consider getting atleast 1 terrabyte (1tb) of storage.  Also, the RPMs of a HDD are noteworthy, whereas 5600 RPM is a slower reading HDD than 7200 RPM.  Even still, for those that are looking to create a blazing fast computer, no matter what the cost, there are solid state drives (SSDs) that are incredibly expensive, but are several times faster than a standard HDD.

Popular Computer Companies

For most people a basic Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Sony, or HP will be fine. Be sure to look at the specs of the computer you are planning on purchasing before you actually do purchase it! If you are really into design and art, an Apple may be good for you.  ASUS and Alienware make great gaming computers if you are looking for that. Also, another option is to build a computer yourself. I would only recommend doing this if you know what you are doing and you need a higher end computer. It is not worth building a computer just to check email and browse the web.


We would also highly recommend NewEgg.com as well if you are looking for a new computer or computer parts.

Browsing Through Web Browsers by Matt Meier

When asked what web browser someone uses, or what a web browser even is, many don’t know the answer or even how to answer.  So in today’s blog, we’re going to explain what a web browser is, and the differences of the many web browsers available.

Different from Windows or Mac (operating systems), or google (search engine), a web browser is a program on your computer in which all website access must go through.  Most all major web browsers are free to use, and there is no right or wrong choice for web browser.  Every computer comes with a default web browser, Internet Explorer for Windows and Safari for Mac, so there’s no need to panic. However, with the proper knowledge of the available web browsers, one would be able to choose the browser best suited to their needs.  So, let’s meet the browser family!

Internet Explorer(IE) has been widely been a browser of notorious reputation for quite some time, even though it is estimated that more than 50% of people use it to browse the web.  In years past, IE had known security leaks, which are the cause of nasty viruses and other harmful programs called malware.  Many people have shied away from IE for this reason alone, but with recent versions, IE is just as safe as the rest.  Two major cons however, is that IE has tons of “security alerts” which could slow web browsing, and the browser itself has been widely known as the slowest.

The second most common web browser used is Mozilla Firefox.  Due to its’ efficiency, user-friendliness, and safety, it has become well known and respected in the browser family.  Firefox also has very aesthetic and customizable themes, allowing you to recreate the image of it endlessly.  Firefox’s downsides?  Firefox uses tremendous system resources, and the more complex you make your browser, the slower it runs.  

Safari is the default web browser for all Apple products (Mac and iPhone/iPad), and has one of the best looking interfaces of the entire browser family.  Safari can be a little mysterious at first glance, due the distinction in appearance it makes from IE and Firefox, but it is just as easy to use.  Its’ most redeeming quality is that it remembers how you customize each web page you view and bookmark, allowing you to review the page in the exact format that you left it.

Last but not least of the browser family is Google Chrome.  The fastest of all mainstream browsers, Chrome believes that less is more.  With very little customization and excess, Google Chrome sticks to the essentials of web browsing.  Chrome is mild-mannered also, in that one web page crash will not cause the entire program to crash. It’s not completely lackluster either, as Chrome’s “power tabbing” features enable you to seamlessly add or remove tabs from the current window to or from another.  The only issue Chrome has is the lack of compatibility with media-filled sites that are specifically designed for IE or Firefox.

Changing web browsers is easy: simply open your current web browser, visit the website of the browser you wish to change to, and follow several yet simply step-by-step instructions to download and install it.  Make sure you select “make this my default browser” when you open your new web browser for the first time!  Almost all bookmarks, cookies, saved pages and history is transferrable across browsers, so that’s a huge sigh of relief.  If you still feel uncertain about which browser to choose from, take some time and visit each of their websites yourself, as well as look at the many other browser possibilities that are available other than these four.