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What you must know:
Since it ensures smooth running of your system, more better. Make sure memory capacity is upgradeable. Games: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-6.html Make sure RAM is original and opt for DDR range of RAMs. Duplicate RAMs will not function on Windows XP operating systems. The RAM comes with a year's warranty. Hard Disk Drive
HDD capacity counts for a great deal.
A 40 GB hard disk is sufficient disk space but you may choose an 80 GB variant.
The brand SEAGATE is a very reliable brand for hard disks and is preferred by most computer manufacturers and assemblers.
What you must know:
The hard disk comes with a three-year warranty. Monitor
Monitors are computer screens available in varied sizes, most popular being 15" and 17". Windows Update: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-13.html
You can choose between a flat panel plasma screen and a regular desktop monitor.
The Dynaflat type monitor is preferred to conventional CRT type, which is technically referred to as Cathode Ray Tube.
The various brands for monitors are Samsung, Mercury and LG, to name a few. Samsung is preferred alternative for monitors and is also leading peripheral components dealer.
What you must know:
Monitors usually come with a three-year warranty.
Peripherals
These include keyboard, mouse, web cam, printer, scanner, joystick, etc.
Samsung and Microsoft are preferred brands.
Choose an optical mouse over usual one. The price difference is marginal. The same applies for Internet keyboard.
Don't opt for a wireless mouse or a keyboard as sensors get spoilt with time. Besides, you have to charge batteries every week.
For printers and scanners, Hewlett Packard is market leader.
What you must know:
Don't choose cheapest printer in sight. You will spend money you save in less than a year on cartridges. Don't go for ones cheap ones as they have poor resolution. Voltage stabilisers and Spike guards Photos: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-9.html
If your locality has frequent power failures or severe voltage fluctuations, opt for a voltage stabiliser. This will prevent any damage that could reduce life of your machine.
Regardless of locality and power supply, opt for a spike guard. It will provide four power plug points for your computer and peripherals.
Adam Fletcher is the webmaster of Hardware Software Articles http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com .