You need to decide what you will be using it for first. If is a gaming computer, you will want a fast processor (CPU), a good graphics card and 2GB RAM, more if using Windows Vista. If you are not gaming at all and just going to surf the internet, play some CDs or DVDs and email, then just about any PC will work. If you are just going to game occasionally, you will still need a decent gaming PC because those few times you play, you will still want the game to work. A crappy PC won't run modern games very satisfactorily, if at all, so why bother?

As mailput put no. 1 is "What are you going to be using it for?" Is it for business or pleasure? Are you a heavy user or just occasional? What is your financial range? If you want it for games you need to consider the processor speed and video capabilties with relationship to the games you want to play. If it's work related, are you doing heavy spreadsheets, lots of graphics, etc. or just word processing? The more graphics, the more memory you need and the more expensive equipment.

When I bought my new computer I went for ram and processor speed. The processor will take awhile to get outdated so you don't have to spend a lot, but get it high enough for the time right now. The one thing that tend to get outdated is ram speed. If you pay a little extra for ram, in the idea of more gigabytes, it will even out because you won't have to replace it earlier. I know you can install more, but it can be a pain and if you do it right the first time, you don't have to worry about it later. Last tip, I had to get a new computer for college, but I got a subscription to computer shopper and some of those magazines. They will give you deals and keep you up to date on the latest trend in computers so when you buy you can get a great deal with up to date equipment.

That it computes

Overspending.

You should consider how much you want to spend. Next what will you be using it for. Do some research on the programming you are going to install and see what the requirements are. Graphics programs and gaming will need more memory and a better grade of graphics card than a business machine. Shared graphics just don't cut it with heavy gaming and graphics works. If you get a computer that has shared graphics you can always disable it and add a graphics card of your choice. One rule of thumb is to put as much ram as the motherboard and your budget will allow. You'll need to determine how much space you need on a harddrive. remember that the harddrive has to be defraged at least once a week if not more often and 10% of that must be free(empty) for the defragging process to work properly. Defragging will help the system to run more smoothly. You'll want to get the best bang for the buck so that you don't have to replace it in a year, so plan carefully. Get a PC with extra slots, just in case you want to add components such as an extra harddrive, dvd, etc. This way you can upgrade as you can afford it. How are you going to connect to the internet? This determines the networking card, modem or ethernet. If you are going to fax from the machine you'll need a modem.(Mightyfax is a program that is reasonable in price and you can use your PC so that you don't have to invest in a separate fax machine.) Don't forget to consider the moniter size, especially if you will be doing heavy graphics work or gaming. You'll be surprised how much difference those few inches can make.