Sit down with them, talk to them, and learn as much as possible about what you want and need. It doesn't have to be a high-priced computer consultant. A friend adept in computers can serve as an excellent adviser, Stewart said. Buying a computer can be confusing, but it doesn't mean you should throw up your hands and put yourself at the mercy of salesmen who may not know much more than you do. Here are some factors to consider.
Big hardware is good.
So is the right kind of software. Some programs require more computing power than others. In order to figure out how powerful a computer you need, therefore, you must first determine which programs you are likely to run. Go to your local computer store, and look at the software that's available. Most programs spell out their minimum hardware requirements right on the box.