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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04 October 2008
Nintendo Wii..
Brand new nintendo wii console with wii fit and wii balance board, wii sports, wii play and carnival games plus 4 controllers £359. 99 email for details postage available.
£360
KA6
01 October 2008
Desktop Computer ( Window XP )..
Computer plus colour monitor with window xp. in excellent condition, recently serviced. can have the printer and scanner but need little attention. .
£100
OL2
Destop Pc For Pro Gamers Only Or Someone Looking For Ve..
This pc for gameing u can do everything i have a custom computer for sale which is vista 64 bit system and also be used for professional video editing. operating system: windows vista ultimate 64bit (1) cpu: intel quad core pc q6600 clock to 2. 8ghz 11. 2ghz procesor. .
£1,700
TW7
28 September 2008
Free Barebones Computer ..
Free barebones computer - you pick it up. includes case, floppy drive and pii 400mhz motherboard + cpu 01366-728127 / 07780-661579.
IP26
24 September 2008
pc for sale..
300gb hard drive, windows vista basic, 3gb ram, amd athlon 64 processor, 3500+ 2. 2ghz duel core (4. 4), 32 bit operating system. lcd moniter 5. 1 surrond sound. pick up only. .
£200
PR5
22 September 2008
Discount Toshiba Satellite M30 Battery PA3331U-1BRS ..
Toshiba toshiba satellite m30 battery --4400mah--rechargeable li-ion toshiba pa3331u-1brs pa3331u1brs rating : 4400mah,11. 1v (compatible with 10. 8v) average run time:2-4 hours(minimum) technology : li-ion color : black dimension : 201. 60 x 49. 80 x 21. 40 mm . .
N11
17 September 2008
Dell Inspiron 1720..
Dell inspiron1720,17inch screen, 3gb memory, 250gb hard drive, nvidia 8600 graphics card 256mb ddr2 memory, blue tooth module, bought in march08, for £830. wi-fi ready, full original software, for reinstallation of operating system, drivers, etc. .
£350
SL3
12 September 2008
Need flex developer?..
1 our hourly rate is very very low. 2. we are top adobe flex outsourcing service provider. 3. we have 60+ full time adobe flex developers working at our beijing office. 4. our company was registered both in san francisco and beijing. 5. our skill set is "adobe fle. .
N19
11 September 2008
Help your customer find your business for FREE...
get a free domain name like www. yourcompanyname. com with 20 businessemail address 300 mb webspace, free of cost for the first year. you also get1 domain control panel, 1 email list. you already have a domaizname? no problem. we will give you free renewal for . .
10 September 2008
Get products on bargain prices!..
We are going to launch a new kind of online auction where the final prices of the products will be just a fraction of the normal prices! example: lcd tv, retail price £1,000, our final price £100!! go to our website and be the first ones to leave your nam. .
09 September 2008
Toshiba PA2487UR battery..
Battery chemistry lithium ion (li-ion), newer type of rechargable, giving best performance for a rechargable. capacity 4400mah voltage 11. 1v (compatible with 10. 8v) color black dimension 174. 00x70. 00x18. 50mm net weight 361. 90g product brand laptop batteries product nam. .
£36
SE9
Cheap TOSHIBA PA3384U-1BAS battery..
This toshiba replacement battery pack is a 6600 mah, 14. 80v, rechargeable, removable, lithium ion battery designed to work with toshiba pa3384u-1bas laptop. the hi-quality battery meets or exceeds original manufacturer specifications for the toshiba pa3384u-1bas batter. .
£40
NE63
Discount Toshiba Satellite A70 Battery ..
This toshiba replacement battery pack is a 6600mah, 14. 8v, rechargeable, removable, lithium ion battery designed to work with toshiba satellite a70 laptop. the hi-quality battery meets or exceeds original manufacturer specifications for the toshiba satellite a70 batter. .
£45
N19
Brand new Toshiba Satellite A65 Battery ..
New 6600 mah rechargeable li-ion replacement laptop battery for toshiba satellite a65 series this toshiba replacement battery pack is a 6600 mah, 14. 80v, rechargeable, removable, lithium ion battery designed to work with toshiba satellite a65 series laptop. the hi-qua. .
£40
N11
05 September 2008
fujitsu siemans laptop..
Amd sempron 3200+ 1. 7ghz processor 120gb hard drive ati radeon xpress 128mb graphics card realtek high def sound card 3 usb ports ethernet port wi fi with win xp pro or vista ( vista was preinstalled when bought) very good condition cost £500 last ye. .
£300
CO4
01 September 2008
Sims Games..
Pcroms, ring with details, £25 for 7 games, mint. .
£25
DH9
31 August 2008
Computer wanted working or not!..
I am trying to get hold of a computer to strip and rebuild as part of my comptia a+ coursework. i am looking for anything capable of running win98 or newer. i have a few spares i. e win98 disk ram and hard disk + more so even if its a broken computer i will take it. i a. .
BH12
29 August 2008
Computer Tower..
Intel 3. 06ghz processor 1gb memory 320gb sata hard drive 22 speed dvd writer 10/100 internet connection 5. 1 sound 500watt psu.
£170
S60
Dell Latitude D600 Laptop , 1.6ghz ,1024mb ram , 60gb H..
Dell latitude d600 , 1. 6ghz , 1024mb ram , 60 gb hdd , cd-rw , wifi ,windows xp installed and genuinley licensed includes the power supply . good condition. has been used and looked after in a smoke free home and office. please call for full details. .
£200
FY4
24 August 2008
Dual Core PC..
Compaq pc, windows vista home premium, 3. 2ghz dual core, 2gig ram, 160gb sata hard drive, 256mb graphics, 15in1 memory card reader, asud dvd drive and lightscribe dvd/rw drive, 17' flat screen monitor, matching keyboard, optical mouse, microsoft office 2007, avg, james. .
£270
B23
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