RAM (Random Access Memory):
Memory is one of the key components of a computer which is measured in megabytes. Note that 1000 MB is equal to 1 gigabyte (GB). So the more megabytes you have the better your computer works. Most computers today come with a minimum of 512 MB (about half a gigabyte) of RAM. You should try for 1 GB and more because your computer will run that much faster. Not that Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard operating systems require 1 GB for good performance and 2 GB to run at top speed.

Recommendation: I suggest buying at least 1 GB (1,000 MB). Remember that Windows Vista and Mac Leopard are memory hungry so I advise buying as much RAM as you can afford. Memory is the crutch of making a computer run like it should.

Insider’s tip: Buy the minimum amount of memory and then purchase extra memory components called “sticks” from a site such as www.datamemorysystems.com. This can save you up to a couple hundred dollars.

Buyer Beware: It is not uncommon for low end computers ($300 to $600) to come with low amounts of RAM. Make sure to check on the ability of your computer as it should be able to handle 4 GB.

Central Processing Unit (the brains):
The CPU handles all the calculations of the computer. For the average user, CPU speed is not as important of a gauge as it used to be. The common computer user will not need to worry about cpu speed as much as a gamer or multimedia user.

CPUs are made by either Intel or AMD and both companies have great product options. Intel controls most of the market share and costs more than AMD.
Recommendation: CPUs come in two forms: 32 bit and 64 bit. I suggest the 32-bit processors because the 64-bit processors have a lot of problems working with software programs.

Dual Core processors are all the rage right now. What’s Dual core? This means that your computer has two CPUs which give the user twice the computing power. Dual core is a must for high end computer users.

Hard Drive: the storage unit
All of your personal data such as your documents, digital photos, music, and software programs are stored on the hard drive which are available in many sizes and speeds. Hard drive Storage is measured in gigabytes and computers usually come with at least 80 GB of storage.

Insider’s tip: Computers can be configured with two hard drives.
Option 1: Two drives giving which can double your storage.
Option 2: One hard drive keeps an exact copy of the other drive. So if you have a hard drive fail it is not a big deal because you can run off the other drive

Recommendation: You are best getting a 120 GB drive with a speed of 5400 rpm.
Video Chipsets: graphics eye candy1
Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard are the new operating systems that require a lot of fancy 3-D animation that requires better graphics hardware.

You have two choices when choosing video chipsets:
1.An integrated or built in Video card right into the motherboard of the computer. If you are an average computer user than this option should work just fine.

2.ATI and NVIDIA offer video cards that produce much better graphics and can handle Windows Vista and Mac Leopard with ease. Cards by these two companies are your only option if you on gaming.
Recommendation: Check out these websites www.nvidia.com and ati.amd.com. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the model number-the better the video card.

Recommendation: Look for an Intel GMA3100 (model #) or better with the higher numbers being more advanced.

Now that you have mastered the basics of how to buy a computer, it’s time for you to make some decisions. Don’t worry, we are here to help!

In baseball, a “utility player” is one who plays more than one position.  These players are usually backups, but they have a job in the major leagues because of their value to the team; since they can play more than one position, they have that much more value to their employer.

Too often in IT, workers become either LAN or WAN engineers, knowing little if anything about the other side.  Many LAN administrators I worked with knew little about routing and switching, while many WAN engineers I knew not only didn’t know much about the LAN side of their network, but they didn’t want to know anything about the servers!

In today’s IT world, it’s a bad idea to specialize in only one thing and not know how to do anything else.   Not only does it limit your future career prospects, but it limits your current prospects as well.  Employers don’t want to hire someone and have them get up to speed on the job – they want someone who can walk right in and do the job.  The more you know, the better your chance of getting a better job – or quickly being able to get another job if you were laid off tomorrow.

A term often heard on Wall Street is “diversification”, meaning that investors should not invest heavily or totally in only one stock; if that stock plummets, they’re in big trouble.  Your career is the most important stock you will ever own, and you’re 100% in charge of it.  Diversify.  If you’re working primarily with servers, learn some routing and switching.  If you know the routing protocols your company uses on its WAN, learn something about that protocol.  (If you don’t know the protocol, ask!)

While you’re adding these skills, get certified while you’re at it!  Adding a CCNA, MCSE, or other computer certification looks great on your resume while signaling to employers that you’re constantly adding to your skills.

Adding more skills and knowledge to your IT skill set is always a good idea.  Don’t limit yourself to the technologies you work with every day.  Make an investment in yourself and become a well-rounded network engineer.  This will help you keep the job you have – and open doors in the future that might otherwise have remained closed.