Top 5 tips for buying a new computer
Get info from the three sources Editor's reviews, user opinions and manufacturers information — each has a different perspective.
Make more RAM (random access memory) your main priority with any PC
When a computer has too little memory, it doesn't tell you, it just starts using part of the its hard drive space as a poor form of additional memory known as swap space or virtual memory. Much better is to give a computer the RAM it needs, 2GB at least if you want to run any of the latest operating systems with all their features.
Shop for a laptop online and in store
Take advantage of weekly store specials
Computers are largely commodities, so chase a low price point aggressively.
Don't get hung up on parts
Instead you might want to ask friends and other users online what kind of product support experience they have had with a given brand of computer. That's where PC brands can differ rather substantially.
New Computer Operating System Rides Space Shuttle
A radically different new computer operating system is controlling an experiment on a Space Shuttle mission in late March. The computer controlling the experiment runs Debian GNU/Linux, an operating system built by a group of 200 volunteer computer programmers who tele-collaborated over the Internet and never met each other. The system has many earthly uses — it can replace conventional operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows 95 on personal computers. In a departure from conventional operating system practice, the volunteer group is giving the system and all of its source code away for free. We united Linux with free software contributed by other volunteers to make a complete system of 800 software packages. Sebastian Kuzminsky is an engineer working on the computer that controls the experiment, which is operated by Biosciences Corporation. It uses a miniature '486 PC-compatible computer, the Ampro CoreModule 4DXi. Debian GNU/Linux is loaded on this system in place of DOS or Windows. Educators have also gravitated to the Debian GNU/Linux system. We use it to teach programming, operating systems, system administration, and web page design. People were taking Microsoft off of their systems to install Debian. People interested in the system can learn about Debian GNU/Linux on the group's web site www.debian.org. The web site provides free downloads of the entire system, and instructions on installing it.
How to Set Up Your New Computer
If you're spending the holiday setting up a new Mac or PC, it's time to get filled with free software cheer. Trick out your new rig with our favorite system tweaks and downloads for Windows XP, Vista, Mac, and Linux.
Windows XP and Vista
Top 10 Free Windows Downloads
"Our top picks of free Windows software downloads that will make your PC faster, stronger, more functional and productive."
Power Replacements for Built-in Windows Utilities
"How many times have you wished Notepad had tabs, Paint supported layers, or Windows Explorer let you bookmark frequently used folders? Power users need power utilities, and Windows' default system programs barely get the job done. Windows Vista Power Tips
"After weeks of test-driving Windows Vista full-time, there are several tips and tweaks I wish I'd known before I started."
Automatically Load and Update Your Windows Systems
"One of the best parts of getting a new computer for the holidays—other than that new computer smell—is setting up a fresh, clean system exactly how you want it."
Mac
Top 10 Mac OS X Tweaks
"Mac OS X is a great operating system out of the box, but a few simple customizations can make it even better." Top 10 Mac Utilities
"The system utilities that add extra polish and convenience to your Mac's working environment. The Complete Guide to Mac/Windows Interoperability
"Today Mac OS and Windows can work together in harmony on the same home network, sharing files and printers, mounting one another's drives and using the same equipment, like wireless routers and USB drives."
Linux
Top 10 Ubuntu Applications
"While Ubuntu comes jacked with useful applications out of the box, there's a big selection of free, thriving Linux desktop software that matches or betters their Windows and Mac counterparts in terms of features."
Power Up Your Linux Desktop With Compiz Fusion
"Not only can desktop decorator Compiz Fusion add eye candy to your system that leaves Windows and Mac users drooling on their keyboards, it can seriously boost your productivity."
• Top 10 Gnome Desktop Tweaks
"The desktop environment for many Linux users, Gnome, is fast, organized and very easy to learn.
OK, Thats all about New Computer.
