🚀 go-pugleaf

If you are looking for a computer from a company that isn't scheduled to go
bankrupt soon, buy a PC.  However, buying a PC is much more complicated
than buying a Mac.  I would recommend buying "Computer Shopper"   You can
find it in most news stands and computer stores, and I've even seen it on
some grocery store shelves.  It is always the thickest and heaviest
magazine in the store.  Then, decide what features you want:
1) Are you looking to buy a computer that will cost less now, but will be
obsolete in a few years, or do you want to pay a few extra $$$ and get a
really good system that will last your for 4 or 5 years?
 	Either way, don't even think about getting something less than a P133
with 16 megs of RAM.  If you 	want a system that will last longer, give
some consideration to a Pentium Pro, but don't get 	anything less than a
Pentium 200.
2) Are you planning on doing any graphics or number crunching?
	If yes, make sure to get 32 megs of RAM-- at $5/meg, it is very cheap now.
3) Will the computer be used to run games?
	If so, get a good sound card (32 bit is the best) and a fast CD-ROM (8x
are relatively cheap now.. 	don't settle for anything less than 6x)
4) Will the computer be used to surf the Net?
	If you have these plans in mind, consider getting a 33.6 modem.  Even if
there are no ISPs in your 	area that support 33.6 modems, they will upgrade
soon.  New technologies like ISDN and cable 	modems aren't for mainstream
markets yet, so don't invest in them yet.  They are always easy to 	add
afterwards.

Also, give some consideration to getting a SCSI 2 machine.  This will mean
higher prices, but the peripherals are plug and play, and they usually run
faster than EIDE.  Also, ask the company that you are getting your computer
from to use 16 meg SIMMS.  When I got my computer, it came with 8 MB of
RAM, all in 1 MB SIMMS, and filling in all available memory slots.  Now I'm
not able to add more RAM because of this.  Zip drives are really nice, but
only if you use 2 or more computers and need to exchange files between them
often.  Floppies are defiantly out.  As for processor speed, the higher the
better.  166 is very common now, with 200 MHz becoming more and more
popular.  Also, depending on the prices, get 2 or 4 megs of RAM on your
video card.  As for a monitor, all work fine.  14" are very uncommon now,
and 15" are standard.  NEC makes some really nice monitors, but they cost
more.  

Anyway, call some companies with ads in Computer Shopper.  Most
salespersons are knowledgeable, but some can be a little pushy.  

Good luck with your purchase.
Yinon Bentor
yinon@boone.net