Buying a computer system/buying a computer

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Expert: - 4/3/2009


Question
Hello,
I am interested in buying a new computer (not laptop) but I'm not sure what the most reliable brands are etc. I really want to suprise my son with a game but need to be able to add microsoft works etc, though I'm sure any PC can do that. So the listed details are the requirements for the pcComputer
100% DirectX 9.0 compatible computer

Operating Systems
Windows 98 SE, Millennium, 2000, and XP

CPU
Required: Intel PIII 933 MHz or AMD Athlon 900 MHz
Recommended: Intel P4 1.5 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 1500+

Memory
Required: 256 MB RAM
Recommended: 512 MB RAM

Graphics Card
Required: 32 MB 3D Graphics card with Hardware Transform and Lighting (T&L) Capability
Recommended: 64 MB 3D Graphics card with Vertex Shader and Pixel Shader (VS/PS) Capability

Monitor
1024x768 capable monitor required

Sound Card
Required: PCI, USB or Onboard Audio Device

CD-ROM
Required: Quad Speed CD-ROM drive

Input Device
Required: Keyboard and mouse

Connectivity Requirements
Required: 56K modem or faster Internet connection

DirectX
Microsoft DirectX 9.0 is included on this CD. NOTE: DirectX may require the "latest" updates for your operating system. This may also include the latest drivers for your particular motherboard, sound and video hardware.

Installation
Installation requires 2.0 GB of free hard drive space. It is recommended that you have at least an additional 500 MB of free space available after installing the game for the Windows swap/page file and additional patch downloads.

I have a screen and mouse/ keyboard etc already and I'm looking to spend no more than £500 is that unrealistic? What sites or actual PCs do you recommend.
Obviously this is the minimum, even a better computer is preferred :)
Many Many Thanks,
Sean

Answer
The requirements you've listed look to be about 10-15 years behind the times, so I wouldn't worry at all about that software running on a new system. I would suggest Dell or HP, you can probably get at least free input devices, if not a free monitor (or massively discounted monitor) with a promotional deal. Basically "anything" modern in the desktop space will more than surpass those requirements, but for grins, why not grab something with a decent discrete graphics card.

Another thing I would suggest is OpenOffice.org, in place of MS Works, as you will gain more functionality, and not pay for it (open source software).


If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.


-bob

Buying a computer system

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Bobbert

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I have nearly two decades of experience in IT, computer repair, and related fields and will attempt to provide the most solid, brand-agnostic advice when it comes time to purchase a new computer, or upgrade an existing machine. I can answer anything from the seemingly basic to the downright complicated - and will do my best to provide this information in a clear and concise manner.

Experience

I have been an enthusiast of PC's for many years, and can answer questions about the purchase/use of a new computer or the purchase, installation, and use of upgrades for existing computers. There probably isn't a whole lot related to the home computer that I haven't seen over the years.

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15+ years of experience

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