Once you are sure what you need one for, get cracking. Here is a basic guide to get you started.

Do note: while all potential buyers will benefit from this piece, it is mainly targeted at individuals opting for an assembled PC. Embedded: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-3.html

An indicative price list at end will help you budget accordingly.

Motherboard

The large circuit board into which Central Processing Unit, memory boards and peripheral cards are plugged is referred to as motherboard.

It is most vital part of any computer as it holds and connects all your peripherals and add-ons to give you upgrade options and support for future technologies.

What you must know:

Check whether it comes with all necessary options, support for upgradeability and extra slots for memory and other add-on cards. Processor

Processor chips are primarily available in two brands -- INTEL and AMD.

The Intel chips range from very basic Celeron chip to Pentium series to advanced Centrino processor. Print and Fax: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-4.html

AMD has a chip called Athlon, which is slightly cheaper than higher end Intel chips.

Most users prefer Intel Pentium chips to Athlon as latter heats up soon and isn't as efficient as a Pentium 4 chip. Also, Athlon chip based systems need extra fans to cool system.

The most preferred chip is Pentium 4 2.4 GHz.

You might want to consider Athlon chip with motherboard would cost you about Rs 3,000 less than its INTEL counterpart. Movie Maker: http://www.hardwaresoftwarearticles.com/archive/index.php/f-5.html

What you must know:

Though processor speed plays a crucial role, you need not have latest and fastest one available. If a processor with a slightly lesser core speed can do just as well for your demands, go for it. Make sure chips are box packed with a serial number to ensure they are original. Random Access Memory

RAM is amount of memory available for use by programmes on a computer.

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.

As a thumb rule, always go in for a minimum of 256 MB RAM.

Electronic Medical Record

An Electronic Medical Record is a secured electronic file of patient history, medical transcription notes, billing information, and all other information necessary to have a complete patient profile. It is true that electronic medical record is indicative of a faster-paced informational age in which larger quantities of information require more effective database infrastructure, but there are many more benefits to both medical service provider and consumer. This informational article points out 10 benefits of an electronic medical record of which both practices and patients need to be aware.

1. Speed

As mentioned in introduction, business world of 21st century is fast-paced. Even in medical practices, speed equals ability to compete, especially when managing information. That is why an electronic medical record system, or EMR, is used by most medical practices. In addition, a fast electronic medical record system requires less time invested in trouble shooting and allows more time invested in caring for patients.

2. Storage

An electronic medical record is an electronic database of information capable of carrying much more information than traditional systems. An electronic medical record system can manage records from multiple offices as well as multiple types of records.

3. Security

An electronic medical record system secures records with backup files in case of emergencies. In addition, only authorized users may access them. This double security system is a “preventative medicine” for record viruses.

4. Support

Both practices and patients can access customer support from a medical billing specialist provided through electronic medical record software. In addition to their support, electronic medical record software provides access to medical codes, including, ICD.9, HIPAA, HCFA 1500, and latest CPT code books.

5. Accessibility