please offer advice-new to computer -its my first?
484042
Personally, I use trillian, it's an instant messanger program. It allows what is called tabbed windows so each buddy list shows up in a single window, this helps. If you want to go to live chat which I also use, Get a headset mic this helps eliminate a lot of background noise. Web cams I would go with logitec they are awesome excellent quality. Down sides - static sometims like a really bad cellphone, delays, sometimes don't work with certain programs. web cam's always have a delay fster speed connection and your computer speed all of that factors into the length of the delay. I use Skype it allows even phone calls to land lines and is crystal clear though I haven't as yet tried the video function it works well and even has a conference feature though I believe that does cost.
689015
When I got my first computer I hate it too. But now I understand everything it is so easy. I just buyed a book about computers or windows (xp,98,...). And I learned from the book. It would be easier for you to understand.
125005
When you find your best deals, list them all and show them to a computer knowledgable person at a computer shop (hopefully where you are buying some stuff from - I would recommend the case, because then you can always go back there and ask how to hook something up and they should be familiar with it) and ask what they think and if everything is compatible. They should offer suggestions or let you know that you are doing good. If they don't, go to another one.
548757
Very Good!! Asus socket 939 Mobo; AMD Dual core 4400+ processor; Zalman CPU Fan; 2GB Kingston ValueRAM; EVGA 256MB or 512MB AGP or PCI Card; Two-74GB Western Digital Raptor (10,000 RPM) SATA Hard Drives; a 600 Watt Power Source with fan controls; one 250GB Western Digital SATAII Hard Drive (with the 16MB Cashe) for backups; one 16x Plextor DVD-RW; one Lite-On DVD/CD Combo Drive; one Floppy Drive with Card Reader; Plenty of case fans to keep your cool. 19" monitor, keyboard, optical mouse, 5:1 amplifyed speakers. Joysticks and other interfaces. That'll probably shoot down that $2500 real fast! Try buying at Newegg.com or at Tiger Direct. That might save you some $$!
436336
As far as I know, and I've had quite a bit of experience with computers, \n-the first thing you should look for is a motherboard. The motherboard is the main part of the computer (the part that all the other devices are connected with, which means that the motherboard (hence its name) connects, and makes all components that a computer requires to boot work together.)\nAfter choosing your motherboard, you go after a processor. -Some motherboards come with a built in processor, and maybe additional components as well. However, I would buy all components separately, since it is more likely that the quality will be better.\n-After that, you look for a fan, and the electricity/power device.\n-Physical RAM memory.\n-You'll also need a graphics card (and by the way, you've gotta check for compatibility with the motherboard before purchasing the components.)\n-Sound card.\n-cd/dvd drive\n-network card, or a modem\n-you might also find USB ports useful\n-the keyboard and mouse ports usually come with the motherboard, but you still have to check on that first.\n-and a case for the main unit\n\nNow that you're done with the main unit, you can go pick a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. And you're done.\nOf course, it is not as simple as it sounds, but I'm sure all the components that you will buy come with instructions, and if you have the time and nerve to go through them, I'm sure you'll be able to get it up and running successfully.\n\nI hope you find this info useful.\nGood luck
1149322
I don't know how old you are, but maybe you are old enough for babysitting or a paper route.  My first job was a paper route at 15 years old.  I would try one of these kind of jobs, which might show your parents how much you want one (just don't let your schoolwork suffer).  Secondly, you had better lower your sights for your first computer, $1500 is a lot of money as you already know.  Someone already suggested a low cost Dell for around $500, that is a good idea, and there are a few other brands that have a low cost entry-level computer.  If you try to earn some of the money yourself and search for a reasonably priced system for your age and experience, they might help you out with the difference.  If you get that one and learn more about what you like and want to use your computer for, at sixteen you can get a better job and save up for a more powerful computer.  You might try upgrading your first computer along the way, but I've heard that some basic systems are difficult to add on to.  Lastly, remember that it might take longer than you want to get it, but prices are coming down all the time.  Good luck!
205780
Ask hp--- a friend of mine had 1 of these computers and it was back with them more times than he had actually used it. I have been told that these Pre loaded comps dont like being messed with. if you try yourself it always seems to go wrong. They must do something with them that stops you messing.
137109
You mean replace your computer, I presume.\n\nThat's really up to you.  Obviously technology continues to advance at a rapid pace and better components continue to be made at lower prices.  In the end, it's all about whether you feel your computer serves your needs.\n\nDoes your present computer adequately run all the applications you use?  Can it easily multi-task?  Does its graphics capability match your needs?\n\nIf you're considering an OS upgrade (maybe the soon-to-arrive Windows Vista), that alone may provide the reason to shop for "newer-faster-better".
220184
Buy an intel mac then install windows too and dual boot you can run everything plus osx is beautiful and really never crashes but neither does xp if you have enough memory. You'll need windows for alot of stuff though. The guy who said something about the mouse - try the Mighty Mouse it right clicks and has a scroll ball that lets you scroll in multiple directions - ITS AWESOME
875465
If you really want to save money, you should go the long haul and use or switch to Linux, or (better still!) start with Linux in the first place.  Do the research yourself;  this board might give you a few pointers.  Google answers might also be worth using if you get stuck.\n\nUnless you have plenty of serious Linux geeks at your firm, get outside help.  Once you've made the transistion, you'll need sysadmins that'll be more expensive than Windows sysadmins, but they'll be more skilled, and probably be able to fix your Windows systems too.  Also, it'll still be much cheaper overall.
258646
GO FOR COMPAQ PRESARIO V2381.CHAEP AND BEST.......
34342
Buy the most that you can afford.  I would make sure that the computer has at least 512mb memory, 2ghz processor, 128mb video card and 160gb harddrive.
25890
Rate your level of expertise:\n1- Computer Dude.  I can handle anything.\n2- Experienced. I don't know it all, but I've fixed a few in my day.\n3- Unafraid Novice.  I'm not technical yet, but I want to learn.\n4- Joe User.  I can browse the web, send e-mail, and play games, but I don't want to mess around with the thing.  It should be easy and just work.\n5- Total Newbie.  The insides of a computer might as well be the insides of a nuclear reactor.\n\nIf you put yourself anywhere from 1 to 3, then go for a clone.  You get more machine for your money, but you will have to handle the tech support yourself.  If you are a 4 or 5, then buy branded.  Anything that goes wrong will be backed up by a decent warranty, web support, and updates.
449491
get a computor specailist in, and don't put any deatails on the computor. Infact turn it off! NOW.... Huh hum NOW! Are you listening to me NOW! Fine I wont help you then! Ha I know I'm loony, NOW
261425
You seem to be decently knowledgable about computers, and as a result, I can't help but suggest you might upgrade some components of that computer. Even for "googling", a computer with those specs can have trouble running the newest versions of Internet Explorer (rather it can, but if you try doing 2 or 3 things at once, it's going to slow down drastically). For $25-$50 you can get a significantly faster processor, and if necessary, for another $50 you can get a newer motherboard to put it on. You'll likely be able to keep every other component of the computer, yet you'll have a significantly more useable computer.\n\nOn that note, I would recommend staying away from Windows XP and ME. I would personally suggest sticking with Windows 98 SE. The reason is that as we've gotten new operating systems, the hardware requirements have went up. I upkeep 50+ computers that are about 6 years old and are running Windows 2000. The OS isn't my choice, though it's probably the best for my situation. But I've seen how much troule the computers have on the internet because they're pretty close to the minimum requirements for the OS. Stick with an older OS and you'll have faster speeds as a result.
110601
Learn all that you can about hardware devices, C and assembly language.  Then learn everything you can about the operating system(s) that you intend to use. Next, check out the Linux and its driver projects to get a feel for what is going on.\nDon't give up and best of luck!
681655
Not a single person can answer that question accurately without you FIRST providing the following:\n\n1a: Is this going to be an entirely new system, or are you planning to re-use the components from your current system? (CPU, RAM, Video, etc.)\n1b: If re-using components, what are they? You'll need a motherboard that's compatible with them, obviously...\n2: What's your budget?\n3: What's the purpose of this computer? (gaming, or simple web browsing, email, etc.)\n4: How long would you like to see it last? This plays a major role in deciding what features you'll need in order to provide future upgradability potential and options.\n5: How confident are you in your own ability to maintain and diagnose/repair your system on your own? I've seen far too many first-time system builders run into problem after problem, and who would have been better off buying a complete system from a reliable manufacturer. (IBM, Dell, HP/Compaq, Gateway, etc.)\n\nSimply, you haven't provided nearly enough information for ANYONE to accurately answer your question.