Office Computer
Getting the most out of your home desktop computer
Desktop computers are perfect for carrying out day-to-day business activities in your home office. With just about any desktop computer, you can surf the Internet, check email and type documents and spreadsheets. Desktops are popular for prolonged use because they are easily customizable. You can set them up on your office desk in a configuration that suits you comfortably.
Unlike a laptop, which has all of its elements in one unit, a standard home office computer is made up of a number of individual elements that all connect. These elements include a case (which holds all of the electrical components and the power supply), a monitor (the screen), a keyboard, a mouse, computer speakers and a modem (the Internet connection).
A reasonably fast office computer should have at least 512 MB of RAM if running Windows XP or 1 GB of RAM if running Windows Vista. Keep in mind that desktop computers are easy and affordable to upgrade when you need more RAM, more disk space or a larger monitor.
When shopping for cheap desktops, look for the one with the best value; you don't need the latest cutting-edge technology for your everyday activities. Don't be afraid to mix and match your computer components because most of them are compatible and this can save you some money.
Must-Have Features
- 19- or 21-inch LCD monitor
- 512 MB to 1 GB RAM
- Midrange AMD Athlon 64 X2 or Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 250 GB or 300 GB hard drive
- DVD burner
Major Considerations
- Do I want to build a computer myself or buy it already built?
- Are there any features I can sacrifice for more important features?
- Am I going to run Linux, Windows XP or Vista?
- Does the computer come with a manufacturer's warranty?
- What tasks do I actually need my office computer to perform?
Top Manufacturers
- Dell
- Apple
- IBM
- HP
- Toshiba
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Computer Speakers
- Compatible inkjet or laser printer (depending on your budget and printing needs)
Price Range
A dual-core CPU desktop computer with the power to perform business-related tasks, edit photos, and play mp3s, videos, and games will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500.
Summary
Get the most out of your home desktop computer by making sure you get a model that is reasonable in price and still meets your requirements, even if it doesn't have all the latest features and add-ons. You'll get the best experience by choosing and arranging your computer in a way that allows you to work comfortably for long periods of time.
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