by Blaize Shepherd

Created on: April 23, 2009   Last Updated: April 25, 2009

When choosing a computer an individual needs to consider what the computer will be used for including the following:

Applications (programs and software) that will be run, loaded, or used on it. Hardware that will be connected to it, now and in the future. Upgrade and support and compatibility with other programs. Budget available to you and cost. Space and movable function of equipment.

COMPUTER USAGE

Most computers for the average home user will be used for simple letter writing, email checking, photo printing or viewing, chat or online services (browsing the web), uploading/downloading music, videos or managing them and playing games, either online or with installed programs.

For the home user with only these purposes of use it is important to remember that game programs, videos, music and picture files take up a lot of space. Most average computers are being sold with around an 80 gig hard drive. This will hold a fair amount of programs and files of these types. If you plan on loading an increased amount of photos, videos or games, you will want to consider a larger drive so you don't run out of space when you least expect it. A solution to this would be to buy an external drive or backing up videos, music and photos to disks and storing them separate from your hard drive.

For the small business with similar needs to the home user with the exception of presentations, web design, specialty software for your business use and the need for increased speed only a few adjustments may be needed. Increased processor speed (to be able to enter data and retrieve it faster) and additional ram (Random access memory) to run more programs simultaneously as well as increasing hard drive storage space to minimum 120 gig and including additional back up and data storage drives externally to store information without consuming your entire hard drive and give yourself back up in the event of data loss or corruption.

For the large company, it is recommended you contact a networking company and install a server for companies with more than five computers.

APPLICATIONS

Every program or application takes a minimum amount of space on your hard drive and minimum amount of ram to function. That doesn't mean it will run effectively or properly. If you are able to purchase the maximum or recommended amount of RAM and disk space for your programs to run properly and optimally, do so. If you are installing more than one program or application that requires a high amount of RAM memory and plan

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