Online Sources:
Dave's Guide to Buying a Home Computer This guide takes the reader through a step-by-step process of buying a computer. Along the way Michigan State University professor Dave Krauss explains what to look for in a computer and the functions of each component. Dr. Krauss also writes Dave's Guide to Buying a Notebook for those who are looking for a portable computer.
PC World's Hardware Guides - includes reviews and ratings for CD-ROM drives, desktop PCs, graphics boards, modems, monitors, printers, scanners, sound cards and more. The product guide for desktops has system reviews, tips on buying a system, and information on what systems are hot in today's market.
CNET's Reviews offers reviews, specifications and in-depth evaluations of computers and computer products. Don't forget to stop at another CNET page, shopper.com, which is an interactive price finder. You can browse for a computer product by category or keyword and shopper.com will find the best price for the item for you!
Yahoo! Shopping: Computers has product reviews, shareware downloads and a special feature where you can browse for computers by price range, brands or models. If you have a price range in mind and want to compare computer systems or hardware quickly, check this page out.
PC Magazine is another tried-and-true source for technology product reviews. The magazine that had been around for years has now moved online only, but PCMAG and continues to innovate adding video and audio podcasts to its arsenal of experts and product reviews.
Consumer Reports; Jun2009, Vol. 74 Issue 6, p25-31 Laptops & desktops. (cover story)
This article discusses considerations for consumers interested in purchasing a new computer. Laptop computers are compared with netbook computers, which have reduced levels of memory and smaller sizes. The emergence of smaller, less expensive desktop computers with similar configurations is also noted. The varieties of computers available from different companies including Apple Inc., Dell Computer Corp., and Hewlett-Packard Co. are noted. INSETS: Net-tops: Small, affordable desktops.
Interested in Apple? Check out the Apple's Mac site for information about their computer line. For more than 20 years Macworld has been a great resource for people looking for information about Apple computers and software.
Thinking about trying Linux? Haven't heard about Linux? Visit A Beginner's Guide to Linux for more information about the free open source operating system.
Confused by computer terminology? Don't worry, check out the Computeruser's High-Tech Dictionary. You can search by keyword or click on any of the alphabetical tabs to browse a specific letter. Webopedia is an online dictionary and search engine for computer and Internet technology definitions.
Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide has recent ratings for specific computer brands and computer components. The most recent Annual Buying Guide is available at the Reference desk. past guides are also available.
Buying a Computer for Dummies by Dan Gookin
MAIN ADULT 004 Gookin
