The more memory, better it is. Make sure you can upgrade your computer's memory as and when required.

The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 MB, even 1 GB. Most computers function efficiently with 256 MB RAM, though a 512 MB RAM does offer you an edge.

Hold off on printer or a software application and other accessories that you really don't need right away. You shouldn't have any problem installing these after original purchase has been made. Just ensure you buy components that are compatible with your system.

3. Should you go for a branded PC or an assembled one?

Assembled machines are popular because they are more economically priced.

Branded PCs cost around 35 to 40% more than their assembled counterparts.

Besides, you can choose your own specifications with assembled PCs. You are not forced to accept a rigid component configuration. You cannot customise a branded PC to suit your exact requirements. Games: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-6.html

With same price that you would pay for a branded piece, you will be able to own a superior assembled PC.

Make sure components purchased for assembled PC are original. Take along an informed, reliable assembler to purchase components so that you are not fooled by counterfeit parts.

The advantage of a branded PC is reliability of brand, after sales service and technical support. On flip side, after sales services and repairs offered by brands are a tad expensive and not prompt most times.

Don't forget to look at warranty. Generally, a warranty period of a year is normal for all major parts of PC. But there are good brands that offer either more years or option of an additional payment to top up warranty period.

Talk to your friends and colleagues who have assembled PCs. Ask them about their experience and recommendations on whom to approach. Question them as to what happened when they had a problem. Was individual easy to access? Did he offer prompt service? Does their computer give a lot of trouble?

If possible, meet two or three individuals before you finally zero in on one.

Spend some time on these three issues and you will be all set to buy your very own PC!

What can be done?

In first place, above examples should emphasise obvious fact that loss of data is a problem that can happen to anyone, no matter how knowledgeable or how careful you are. It is important that you do what you can to prevent fatal loss. Keeping backups of any important, irreplaceable data is something we should all do, but are quite often found not doing. Not having a backup copy of your data could be biggest mistake you make.

However, even if you don’t have a backup and something happens to your storage device it may not be a complete loss. There are specialists who deal solely with recovery of lost data and they can sometimes truly work miracles.

Use anti-virus software regularly and keep it updated as often as possible. Many viruses attack hard drive and can be spread very quickly. Without a decent firewall and anti virus system in place this will invariably lead to a loss of data integrity.

Keep your storage devices as clean as possible. Also, be sure to avoid contact with electric components with your bare hands. Keeping your storage devices cool will reduce risk of magnetic burnout and may save you from a total loss of data.

Virtually all of us store important data on our hard drives, with possible exception of people who use their PC only for playing games; even gamers would consider losing weeks of saved games as being something of a disaster. Even most knowledgeable and careful of us will probably face data loss of some sort in our lives, and while it may not be our fault that a device becomes corrupt of was faulty when leaving manufacturers, it is our fault if we haven’t stored data elsewhere as a backup copy. Remember, accidents do happen, so we should always prepare for worst.

© 2005 Nick Carter