How to select the best PC system for your home
Issue date: 3/15/09 Section: Technology
Graphics card
The graphics card is a circuit board that controls screen displays of graphics and text. "I always recommend a high-end graphics card with memory," says Dula. "Why? Mom and Dad look at spreadsheets, Junior does gaming and Suzy shops online. Each function relates to graphic quality. A moderately-priced card, between $50 and $80, is well suited for home use."
Storage
Memory storage on the hard drive is measured in gigabytes. "Typically, software requires 50 gigabytes of storage. In addition, families want space for music, taxes or the household budget and homework," Dula says. "Storage fills quickly, so I recommend storage space of at least 250 gigabytes."
Another factor to consider before purchasing a computer is the number of USB (universal serial bus) ports available. "You'll want to have at least four USB ports to accommodate a camera, recorder, perhaps a flash drive and external storage," says Dula. "In addition, be sure there are additional expansion port slots in case you want to add on to the system in the future."
Dula also recommends splitting the hard drive among system users. "It's a logical configuration to slice up the C drive into different partitions. With partitions in place on the hard drive, each member of the family gets their own separate storage space. If Junior gets a virus, only his partition becomes corrupted. Other family members are not affected," he says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The graphics card is a circuit board that controls screen displays of graphics and text. "I always recommend a high-end graphics card with memory," says Dula. "Why? Mom and Dad look at spreadsheets, Junior does gaming and Suzy shops online. Each function relates to graphic quality. A moderately-priced card, between $50 and $80, is well suited for home use."
Storage
Memory storage on the hard drive is measured in gigabytes. "Typically, software requires 50 gigabytes of storage. In addition, families want space for music, taxes or the household budget and homework," Dula says. "Storage fills quickly, so I recommend storage space of at least 250 gigabytes."
Another factor to consider before purchasing a computer is the number of USB (universal serial bus) ports available. "You'll want to have at least four USB ports to accommodate a camera, recorder, perhaps a flash drive and external storage," says Dula. "In addition, be sure there are additional expansion port slots in case you want to add on to the system in the future."
Dula also recommends splitting the hard drive among system users. "It's a logical configuration to slice up the C drive into different partitions. With partitions in place on the hard drive, each member of the family gets their own separate storage space. If Junior gets a virus, only his partition becomes corrupted. Other family members are not affected," he says.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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