You may not be Condel; nonetheless, it would help that you read the following article. Even though you may have your PC, you may guide your friend.

Hi Condel,

I know you are seriously looking for a great personal computer to help you make the best out of your program here at Midwestern State University. As a computer science major, you need a computer that offers you reasonable speed and outstanding graphic capabilities. Well, as you know, I am also a computer science major; therefore I have done much research on computers. That is why I decided to share with you what I learned in order to guide you in making an excellent choice.

First, let me inform you that the most important component of a computer is its processor chip. This chip is the heart of the computer, so you should be very careful about the type you choose. On the market, there are computers with the following processor chips: Cyrix, AMD, IBM/Cyrix, and Intel. A few independent, non-manufacturing firms like PC Connection, PC World, PC Today, and Global computers have tested these chips and found that the Intel chips, especially the Pentium IIs, are the fastest on the market. These chips work more efficiently than other chips with comparable speed labels. I will not command you to buy a computer with an Intel chip; however, based on my findings from the experts mentioned above, I recommend an Intel Pentium II with a speed of 266 megahertz or better.

Another crucial factor to consider carefully when shopping for a computer is its memory capacity. As a computer science major, you will work with extensive graphic applications, so you need a big hard drive: I mean a hard drive that can store at least 4.0 gigabytes of information. Moreover, you should do well with at least 64 megabytes of SD RAM and about 4 megabytes of video RAM. These storage facilities will significantly enhance your experience with those graphic applications that you will encounter.

Talking about memory, I need to point out a few things about a disk drive called the CD-ROM drive. This drive is very important, for it is the one used most often to transfer program software to a computer. On the computer market, there are CD-ROM drives with varying speeds. Which speed you choose depends on your preferences. However, if I were to buy a computer right now, I would choose to buy one with the fastest CD-ROM drive because I would not like to spend hours transferring data files and program files from a CD-ROM to my computer. As far as I know, the 32X is the quickest salable CD-ROM drive in computer stores.

The brand name of a computer is another factor that many customers consider before they purchase a machine. I am not a brand loyalist, but companies like Gateway, Dell, Micron, Hewlett Packard, and Compaq have established reputations in the minds of the consumers of their machines. You may decide to buy a computer from one of these manufacturers (if you please), but be careful about purchasing Packard Bell machines. I understand that these machines give problems and people question their efficiency.

In addition to these factors I have just analyzed, I believe there is an optional peripheral that is absolutely necessary.

I know you enjoy communicating with you friends and family using electronic mail; you take great pleasure in viewing news on the Internet and in listening to it. You also love browsing the World Wide Web because there are numerous sites that attract you. Well, the fact is you require a modem, but you do not have to settle for one which is inferior in performance to a voice/data - fax modem that runs at a speed of 33.6 kilo bauds per second. This speed is the standard speed that most Internet service providers use to transfer information to computers within their networks. A device with this speed will not only allow you to comfortably navigate the information super highway, but it will also give you the ability to send faxes to your relatives and to speak literally to them using the internet phone. I know you want to have this experience.

Anyway, Condel, as a friend, I have tried my utmost to facilitate your search for a computer. I have analyzed and discussed the factors that make a computer a great machine; however, I trust you will consider all of this information I have given to you, and you will use it to guide you in buying the computer system that is best for you.