Who wouldn't love to find a brand new computer under the tree on Christmas morning? If you are planning to purchase a computer as a gift this holiday season, there are some things you should consider carefully before making a final decision.

The first thing you will want to consider is whether the person for whom you are buying has experience using a computer. This will help you determine what type of computer you may want to consider. For instance, a more experienced computer user will probably need a computer with more bells and whistles, while the novice computer user will probably only need a computer with basic programs and hardware, at least until the computing bug hits and they become more proficient.

I think this it is better to purchase from a chain store or a large computer dealer. In the event that the computer must be returned or exchanged, it will be easier for the recipient to find a major chain retailer as opposed to the local computer dealer. This is especially true if the recipient lives in another town.

I also recommend purchasing a well known brand, especially if the recipient is a newbie in terms of computer use. I have had really good luck with HP and Gateway, but I think that any well known brand will provide you and the recipient with great customer service in the event that you should need it.

You will also want to be sure that the computer has enough RAM or Random Access Memory and a large enough hard drive to meet the needs of the user. For the average user, I recommend at least 1gigabyte of memory since today's programs use more memory than those of the past. For an experienced user who runs lots of programs and burns lots of DVDs, I would consider purchasing a machine with at least 2 gigabytes of memory. Most computers on the market today are equipped with larger hard drives, but again, if you are using the computer for multiple tasks or for storing large amounts of information such as photos or music files you will probably want at least a 200 gigabyte hard drive. You will want to check out the processor and be sure that it runs fast enough and will multi-task for an experienced user. The processor will make a huge difference to those who need to complete complex tasks quickly.

Almost every computer comes equipped with a CD-ROM drive and many with a DVD drive, but you will want to be sure that the user can burn CDs and DVDs if that is important to them. You will also want to make sure that the burner will copy at an adequate speed to meet the needs of the user.

While all of this may sound quite complicated, reputable stores have many salespeople who will assist you in making a sound decision. Take your time to try the machines and ask as many questions as you feel are necessary to make the right choice. Then sit back and watch your recipient's eyes light up when they open your present.

Learn more about this author, Lee Ann Doskocil.
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