Your desktop computer system should meet certain minimum requirements. Here's what experts recommend for a gaming computer or a desktop computer for multimedia or multitasking:

  • Get a quad-core processor if you can afford it. With the steady introduction of new Intel quad-core CPUs and forthcoming quad-core CPUs from AMD, prices are dropping rapidly. Experts say the advantage is especially notable with multimedia multitasking, such as recording a TV show in the background while surfing the web.
  • For gaming computers, get a dual-GPU graphics card or two matched SLI (preferred) or CrossFire cards. Multiple GPUs make for faster, more realistic games.
  • In a high-performance desktop computer, get at least 2GB of RAM. Games and multitasking are significantly smoother with more RAM. Get as much as you can afford. Keep in mind that you can usually add more RAM later, but make sure the computer system you buy has empty slots for upgrades. Reviewers highly recommend at least 2GB of RAM for Windows Vista Premium, Business or Ultimate. More is better.
  • Choose an appropriate case and power supply. Look for a tool-free-access mini-tower case. The case should be big enough and spacious enough to adequately dissipate heat. The power supply should be at least 350 watts for business use and at least 450 watts for gaming. Access for repairs and upgrades should be quick and easy. For gaming or intensive image manipulation, look for a cooling system that goes beyond fans, tubes and ventilation. Zalman coolers and water-cooling systems are popular.
  • Get a fast hard drive. For performance in work or play, speed is an advantage over size. SATA II (also called SATA/300) hard drives are the minimum standard. SCSI interfaces are also fast. Rotational speed is a factor, too. Western Digital's Raptor hard drives are small, but they spin at 10,000RPM and have very fast access times. Other hard drives spin at 7,200RPM. Experts disagree about the performance value of multiple hard drives. However, multiple hard drives are great for redundancy in business and storage of multimedia files.
  • All high-end computer systems have recordable double-layer DVD drives. DVD discs hold 4.7 times more data than CDs, including video. Some computers have both a recordable DVD drive and a DVD-ROM drive, so you can make direct copies, but the major programs will copy discs using a single drive. DVD-RW drives can also burn to CDs. Blu-ray DVD drives promise the ability to store up to 50GB of data on a single disc, but this technology is still new, and in reviews, Blu-ray drives have so far proven finicky.
  • Look for front-mounted USB and FireWire ports, and make sure the motherboard has enough expansion slots. Front ports are handy for plugging in a digital camera, flash drive, camcorder or MP3 player, and save you from having to access the back of the tower. You need PCI slots for sound cards, SCSI cards, analog modems and other existing hardware you may need to install, and you want open PCI slots for future use. An upgrade card is usually necessary to add future technology that your motherboard doesn't currently support.
  • Make sure you get backup media. If you buy a preboxed consumer model, you often will not get a Windows CD. In some cases, you will get a recovery disc, but that will force you to reformat your hard drive every time you need to repair or reinstall Windows (or you will have to buy a Windows CD). Check the specifications to see what, if any, backup media is included.
  • Check out the warranty and support policies. Manufacturers have quietly downgraded warranties in order to provide a market for retail warranties and maximize their profits with upgrades. Limited warranties range from one to three years. Upgrades are optional.
  • For high-end systems, budget for a monitor, sound card and speakers if you need them. Many top-end desktop computers don't include these items in the base price, but you can always add them when you order. All motherboards now have integrated sound, which is fine for everyday use. For bangs and booms in games and movies, you may want a gaming sound card. However, gaming sound cards are terrible for music. For that, you'll need a specialty sound card. Some have midi interfaces.

The stock option with most high-end desktops is Vista Home Premium, yet many articles and reviews say that Vista is not quite ready for gaming. Unless you are wealthy enough to replace your computer often, consider this a temporary snag.

Your choice between Vista and XP should be about which system is best for your short- and long-term needs. If, for instance, you need to run your employer's proprietary software or an old workhorse laser printer, you may need to run XP. However, if you have no likely compatibility issues, Vista is a future-proof solution, because it will save you the expense and hassle of upgrading in the future when you need to do so. Eventually, new software and peripherals will require Vista, and Microsoft will stop providing security upgrades for XP.

The key additions to Vista are all available in third-party software. The practice of integrating extra functions into operating systems has kept Microsoft lawyers busy throughout the world, but Vista is loaded with new goodies. These include voice-recognition software, parental controls and a comprehensive system-search function. The hyped security upgrades do not reduce the need for third-party antivirus and anti-spyware programs, but Vista does include a two-way firewall, which XP lacks.

Windows Vista Basic Home replaces Windows XP Home. Microsoft carefully named these products to make the more expensive ones sound more necessary, functional or professional. In fact, the Home versions are suitable for most business and entertainment purposes. Many of the extras in the higher-end versions are also available in third-party software, which is usually more sophisticated.

Windows Vista Home Premium replaces Windows XP Media Center Edition. Vista Premium includes the Macintosh-like Aero interface. Reviewers love the look and feel of Aero, but it consumes a lot of RAM, which makes 2GB of RAM almost essential. Windows Media Center includes Windows Movie Maker and Movie Maker HD, DVD and CD recording software, Xbox 360 compatibility, Windows Photo Gallery and tools for organizing and locating media.

The Business version doesn't include the multimedia features, but it does add backup and restore software, faxing and scanning software, and remote access. It also uses Aero. The Ultimate version combines all the features of the Home Premium and Business versions, with an additional encryption feature that lets you lock your hard drive. Check the Windows website for more details: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx

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