Buying a computer is a major purchase so it�s important to know the kind of computer that will meet all necessary requirements before deciding on the one to purchase. Generally, the term computer refers to any device that has a microprocessor -- usually we think of a computer as receiving input through a mouse or keyboard, processing data and displaying results on a screen.

Types of Computers
There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. These terms usually refer to the size, use or capability of the computer. There are also a lot of different types of computer available for both home and business use. The following list of definitions should help make the decision-making process more straightforward.
  • PC -- The PC (or personal computer/microcomputer) is designed either for general use by a single person or it can be linked with other PCs on a network. While a Mac/Apple computer is technically also a PC, this term is usually reserved for systems that run Microsoft�s Windows Operating System, used by IBM-type machines. Apple computers are usually referred to as �MACs� and do not run Windows but run their own operating software. A workstation is a PC with a powerful processor, added memory and expanded capabilities -- it may often be used for a special job, such as graphic design. A desktop computer is the term used for a PC that is not portable -- this kind of computer will be set up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility at a lower cost than laptops. While IBM-type machines (PCs) are most often used for home and business use, MACs have excellent capabilities and intuitive operating requirements when dealing with multi-media, such as music, graphics, photos and video and can suit a variety of business and domestic needs.
  • Laptop/Notebook -- a laptop or notebook is a portable computer that integrates a display, keyboard, mouse-type pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive in a battery-operated case about the size of a sheet of paper. It is designed to be portable so it can be used in any location and can be taken out of the home/office for use elsewhere.
  • Palmtop/Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) -- Palmtops or PDAs are integrated, very small devices that use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers rely on touch screen technology for input.
  • Server -- A server is a computer that provides services to other computers over a network.
  • Mainframe -- A mainframe is a huge computer that could fill an entire room and handle millions of transactions daily. Today such computers are more usually known as enterprise servers.
  • Minicomputer -- A minicomputer falls in between microcomputers (PCs) and mainframes (enterprise servers). Minicomputers are often known as mid-range servers.
  • Supercomputer -- A supercomputer is comprised of many high performance computers working in parallel as a single system.
  • Wearable Computers -- The latest trend is wearable computers. Here, common computer applications such as e-mail, databases, multimedia and calendars/diaries are integrated into watches, mobile phones and even clothing.
How to Buy a Second-hand Computer
Buying a second-hand computer can work out cheaper than going for a new model. The easiest way to check this is to go online to compare the prices of second-hand and new computer systems to get a feel for the market. It�s important to have a clear idea of the things that the computer will need to do (i.e. will it be used as a simple word processor or will it need to be able to cope with more complex tasks such as game playing, streaming and downloading from the Internet) before coming to any decision. Then work out a budget and assess the best system that meets the budget -- getting an up to date and fast system with a lot of memory can potentially save money in the long term. It�s a good tip to avoid buying a computer system that is more than two generations (i.e. two operating systems) old.

Check out each system before deciding which one to buy, using these tips to ensure a successful second-hand purchase:
  • The person selling the computer should have the original receipts, manuals and software disks. If the computer is relatively new it may also still come with a remaining warranty period. If buying second-hand from a computer shop they may give out their own warranty/guarantee if the computer has been refurbished. Don't use pirated software as there is no guarantee it will work correctly, it could harm the system and it�s illegal. If you get the sales receipts, you can be fairly sure the machine is not stolen. Having the manuals and software will help you troubleshoot problems, install software and peripherals and choose add-ons, etc. If the computer comes without the operating system software, then this will have to be purchased before the computer will work and it can be expensive. If it comes with the operating software already loaded on then check that the licenses are up to date. Bear in mind that if it is necessary to buy operating software then the computer -- if an older model -- may not have enough memory to run newer versions of the software. Computers sold at auctions often come without the operating software because they come from large company� computer networks. They can't leave the software on the machine as their licenses would have been issued for their needs � i.e. operating a network or multiple user setup -- and not for a single user license.
  • Look at the machine�s condition by checking for dents, broken parts and missing cables. Try out the floppy and/or CD drives and open a word processing program to check it loads OK. Then press each individual key to make sure they all work and try to print a document to test the printer. Take a look at the monitor and make sure that lines, text, and images on the display are not bent, distorted or discoloured. Any of these signs would indicate that the monitor is dying and monitors can be expensive to replace. An analogue or digital monitor, flat screen or LCD are all fine options here. It�s also a good idea to open the most �resource hungry� programme that is loaded on the computer to test its speed and make sure it works properly.
  • If the computer is advertised as being capable of internet access, make sure that it has a working modem and software for it (for dial-up access) otherwise check out the way the previous owner accessed the Internet.
  • Ask how much memory and storage the machine has -- the more, the better. Most users will need a minimum of 256 megabytes of memory, but, if budget allows, go for at least 512MB or even 1GB if using demanding applications such as gaming, downloading and music and photo storage, for example. Memory and hard drive storage are relatively inexpensive and can be upgraded easily enough. If the computer will be used to play videos and/or games then look for better models that have a separate circuit board, called a video card, with the video processor and memory. For video cards, 64MB of RAM is fine. However, if there will be a lot of video work or advanced gaming, get a card with 128MB of RAM.
  • Nowadays most computers should come with optical read drives -- i.e. drives that can play CDs, DVDs or both. CD-RW drives will create/burn CDs -- these are the most common recording options but more expensive machines may have the ability to burn DVDs.
Take some time to assess the right kind of computer before making a purchase. It�s important to do this research and then to look at both new and second-hand machines both over the Internet and in shops. The one to buy -- whether new or second-hand -- is the one that can meet needs and budget and that comes with the best speed, memory and storage capacities. If buying a second-hand machine, be sure to follow the above tips and try to get a guarantee.
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30 August 2010
gaming pc ..
Hi this is a lates gaming pc all bild by me this pc is all brand new parts on it i have used it for 2 months now the spec on it is intel[r] core[tm]2 cpu 6400@2. 13ghz , ram, geil 4gb gaming ram ddr2 , power suplly gaming 700w sata , graphic card is nvidia geforce 9800 gt motherb. .
£550
PE30
27 August 2010
Packard Bell Quad-Core PC & Full HD 24" HP Monitor..
8870 ipower gaming pc, 2. 4ghz, 4gb, 1tb hdd, nvidia 8800 gtx, steel tower, upgradeable, manual & full hd 24" hewett packard monitor 1920-1080, hdmi, very good condition. .
£520
25 August 2010
320GB Vibration-proof Portable Hard Disk with Screw-fre..
specifications: integrated elegancy and fashion elements, ipod style design gorgeous colors, varnish surface, stylish and noble feeling high shock resistance, multilayer structure vibration-proof design screw-free structure, slit width less than 0. 1mm, delicate and. .
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NN11
16 August 2010
wanted for free or very cheap..
Laptop wanted with windows xp on in good working condition please. .
BH1
06 August 2010
AMD Athlon Tower PC 2.2GHZ, Desk and Office Chair..
Tower pc amd athlon 64x dual core processor 4200 2200mhz (2. 2ghz) hp l1740 17" lcd monitor geforce 6100pm-m2 motherboard 2 gb memory 55. 9 gb hard disk nvidia geforce 6150 se nforce 430 graphics card nvidia nforce networking card windows 7 fully working (no recovery dis. .
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GL51
21 July 2010
Black Stallions International Connecting People Worldwi..
Voip call termination providers, voice over ip telephony and voip for internet phone business. best voip providers in uk, india, middle east and worldwide. make voip calls and transmit your voice over the internet. black stallions is a leading international voice carrier and who. .
GU22
20 July 2010
UMPC-netbook-laptop - 10.2 Inch Ultra-mobile PC - UMPC0..
Ultra-mobile pc, umpc laptop, china umpc, china umpc manufacturer, china umpc wholesale mini laptop - umpc02 * cpu: intel n270 1. 60ghz * operation system support vista/windowsxp/linux etc. * memory 1gb(ddr2) * storage device sata 120g,160g can choose * lcd size 10. 2"wvga w. .
SW1A
GREAT LAPTOP FOR SALE OR WILLING TO EXCHANGE FOR APPLE ..
Great toshiba satellite laptop a300-d-13g, in good condition from female owner. it has great spec’s . i am selling because i am now interested exploring my creative side so looking for mac. quick sell for 250. 00 or willing to exchange for good spec apple mac (intel dual core p. .
£250
E17
16 July 2010
Custom Built Gaming PC..
Selling my custom built gaming desktop or willing to trade for a laptop with same value with warranty etc. amd phenom ii x4 955 4gb ram ddr2 1066mhz pk series hitachi 1tb sata2 16mb nvidia gtx 275 1792mb asus m3n72-d nf750a hybrid sli am2+ winpower psu 850w lg dvd. .
£500
SR5
14 July 2010
New Apple MacBook Pro MA611LL/A 17"Laptop(2.33 GHz Inte..
Apple macbook pro ma611ll/a 17" notebook pc (2. 33 ghz intel core 2 duo, 2 gb ram, 160 gb hard drive, dvd/cd superdrive) processor, memory, and motherboard hardware platform: mac processor: 2. 33 ghz intel core duo system bus speed: 667 number of processors: 1 ram: 2 . .
£310
EC1M
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