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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Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 20 of 42 ads found )
01 July 2009
SONY VAIO LAPTOP..
Dual core 16. 4" wwxga++ (1600x900) lcd. 3 gb ram, 250 gb hdd. 2. 26 ghz, webcam, bluetooth and camera, plus much more. mint condition, only few months old. case included and boxed. .
£450
LN1
27 June 2009
3Com® SuperStack® II Dual Speed Hub 500 24-Port..
Used but fine 3com® superstack® ii dual speed hub 500 24-port ports per hub: twenty-four 10/100 mbps ethernet; one transceiver media interface: twenty-four 10/100base-tx, rj-45 connectors optional transceiver . .
£10
BB1
26 June 2009
mini laptop..
I have a mini laptop for sale, notbook i think. .
£100
MK6
25 June 2009
hp/compaq presario cq60-305ea..
Amd sempron tm processor, 2. 1ghz, 512 kb l2 cache, 160gb harddrive, 1024mb ddr2 sdram, lightscribe supermulti 8x dvdrw with double layer support, windows vista operating system, webcam, 15. 6 diagonal high definition brightview widescreen display, 802. 11b/g wlan, 5in1 d. .
£280
TD2
23 June 2009
Emachine laptop M5116..
Excellent working condition. requires new hard drive (so i am unable to provide a demo). check out the website trusted reviews . com for the laptops specifications.
£150
E17
22 June 2009
Acer computer tower,40gb, 640 mb ram , complete..
With 15 inch monitor, keyboard and mouse,windows xp pro and office, many other packages. work desk, printer 3 in 1. pc spare box. first to see will buy.
£80
BD3
ps3..
Ps3 with 1 controller and 2 games. 40 gig, only 1 month old, no reciept but do have the box, selling as i prefer my xbox. only willing to sent to the uk. no time wasters please .
£220
EX12
18 June 2009
APPLE MACBOOK 2.4 GHZ WITH 3 YEARS APPLE WARRENTY..
Macbook is 2 weeks old and is still looks brand new. the only reason im selling it bec im havin difficulty using mac bec this was the first time i bought it. the macbook looks brand new if u find a sincle scratch on it u can claim ur money back and i also got 3 years w. .
£200
N8
03 June 2009
Brand New 17" Apple MacBook Pro £1000..
brand new 17" apple macbook pro £1000 17" apple macbook pro brand new in the box, never been opened. the aluminium enclosure is perfectly integrated with the glass screen, so the sharp picture appears larger and more stunning than ever. and with powerful n. .
£1,000
B48
Home Built PC for sale..
Black tower case 2gig dual core processor 320 gig hard drive 1 gig of ram dvd rewriter. windows vista + recovery cd £270 ono.
S2
31 May 2009
acer 15in LCD monitor..
Acer 15 inch lcd monitor still in box, never used. a bargin at £20.
£20
DL2
28 May 2009
Packard Bell iExtreme AMD Athlon 64 Processer 3400+ (2...
2005 packard bell iextreme. amd athlon 64 processer 3400+ (2. 2ghz. ) perfect condition. 2gb ram. 160gb hard drive. ati graphics(radeon x600 256mb. dvd writer. 15 in 1 card reader. xp professional,ready for vista. incl. 17" lcd monitor,keyboard, speakers and mouse. great. .
£250
KT13
26 May 2009
Acer Aspire 6920G Laptop 250 GB HD Intel Core 2 Duo 2 G..
Acer aspire 6920g laptop. blu-ray/250 gb hd. intel core 2 duo,turning into 4 ghz processor. 3gb ddr2 sdram. primary drive-blu-ray/dvdrw combo. windows vista home premium home edition licenced,wifi enabled,bluetooth,modem,full dolby home theatre 5. 1 surround sound. hd 16" . .
£400
BB2
Acer aspire 5720Z laptop 80GB 2GB HHD Core Duo 3GHZ..
Acer asprie 5720z laptop,dual core t2310 . porocessor intel core duo,giving 3 ghz. hard drive 80gb,memory 2gb ddr2. primary drive dvd+/rw. screen 15. 4 inch acer crystalbrite lcd. intel graphics x3100,wifi enabled,10/100 lan card,usb,modem,windows vista home premium with lic. .
£240
BB2
25 May 2009
Are you sick of your slow computer? Then this is your l..
Pc slowdown!. we can help speed up, clean and protect your desktop and laptop pc. save your money, the software is free, the results amazing. check us out at our website www. ezfixpc. com you will not be disappointed. email us at sales@ezfixpc. com.
£9
DE45
24 May 2009
SEO friendly online information guide....... (Risk Free..
Seo friendly online information guide. (risk free) submit your url to seo friendly online home business directory - virtual real estate, affiliate marketing, health related, reseller program, cash flow ref. - (paste your user id before posting). visit &ndash. .
S71
15" Macbook Pro, 2.1 Intel core duo, 2Ghz Ram, 120..
The macbook is in full working order, although please take note of technical and slight cosmetic damage listed below. 1. needs new battery, therefore should always be attached to mains until new battery is replaced. 2. needs new optical drive. 3. finally has slight c. .
£450
CW3
23 May 2009
Various Bits+Bobs..
Box full of various computer components. there is; - 2 motherboards (v266b + p5mma) - 2 graphics cards - 3 56k voice/fax/data modems - 2 soundcards - 2 ide 2x channel controlers - belkin 2xusb 2xieee pci card - pci scsi controller - 3 cd-rom drives - cd-. .
£75
GU11
IBM Laptop..
Ibm 15" screen laptop. great laptop for work. 12gb hdd (can be upgraded) 256mb ram (can be upgraded) wireless/wired enabled free mouse + mat 1 tiny problem :- slight fading on "m" key 1 average problem :- intermittent fault with speakers that can probably be f. .
£140
NG34
Laptop-Toshiba with Vista..
Toshiba satalite pro model l40, 1. 86 ghz cd/dvd copier windows vista loaded good condition. can retore to factory settings if wanted with free laptop bag/case. first to see will buy £299. 00.
£299
DL6
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