Buying a New Personal Computer
As times change, so do my recommendations. As of June 2010, here's the short version of my general advice:
I sell custom-built desktops and Asus laptops. Buy a computer from me if you want a good quality computer with full service warranty support from me. I have a good track record with my computers, and when they do have problems I have a good track record with getting them fixed quckly and properly. You can get Windows 7 or Windows XP on a new computer, but Windows XP may cost more and/or be harder to find.
The fact is that if you want a cheap computer, I cannot compete with the major manufacturers' lowest priced computers for a few reasons. One reason is that I have to pay more for components. Another is that I have higher standards: I will not use Celeron or Sempron processors, I insist on including an adequate amount of memory, etc. Some of the cheapest brand name systems are painfully slow from day one, and I'm not interested in builidng systems like that.
Do NOT buy any of the following brands: HP, Compaq, Gateway, or Sony. If you're interested in a cheap computer from a major manufacturer - or several - you might consider Dell. In recent years they seem to have the best quality among major manufacturers. Do NOT buy a Dell Optiplex, however! They have a major design flaw that causes memory errors and all sorts of headaches. The Vostro and Inspiron desktops and laptops are generally fine for simple needs (don't get a Celeron; do get at least 3 GB of memory). Their Studio computers seem to be a step up, and they seem like generally okay systems too. The Dell Latitude is an excellent business traveller's laptop; it is expensive but worth it for those who travel frequently.
I like Asus laptops. They are quality, high-performance notebooks for general use. I resell them but may also direct you to buy your own online. They come with two partitions on the hard drive, which I do not like, so the very first thing I do with a new Asus notebook is to press F9 repeatedly while booting up, and choose Restore to Entire Hard Drive. This eliminates the partition problem. (Call me if you're buying one and I can explain this more thoroughly.) Another good laptop is the Lenovo ThinkPad
Regardless of what computer you get, from me or from wherever else, I am happy to help you set it up and/or transfer data from your old computer. You'll need Trend Micro Internet Security, which I sell for $38/year (1-3 computers).
If you need a printer, I recommend HP, but any brand is probably okay for basic uses. I don't like Dell printers.
The PCI Express Slot (don't get a desktop without one):
The longer green slot is a PCI-Express x16 slot; this is where you install a video card. It can be any color but is generally the longest. If you have Intel integrated graphics, your computer will definitely run faster if you install a video card. Some advanced boards have more than one, and some boards don’t have one at all. If it is missing, you may see solder points where it should be, like the box with circles in it below the white slots. The smaller green slot is a PCI-Express x1 slot, and the white slots are PCI. If you need to install a modem, TV Tuner, or any other card in your computer, you would put it in these slots. PCI-Express x1 is a new technology that replaces PCI, and many cards are now available in both PCI and PCI-Express versions. Desktops will probably come with both kinds of slots for a few years and then only with PCI-Express.