Silicon Valley StRUT (Students Recycling Used Technology)

When purchasing or upgrading a computer that will last at least several years, factor in the following beside the cost factor (we all want to get the most with the least amount of money spent):

CPU

• On the low end, get a Pentium 4  (single processor) running at least 2.8GHz or higher
• If AMD processor, get least Athlon 64 (single processor)  3800 or higher
• The standard for now is dual core or dual processor (2 CPU on the same silicon wafer).  Both Intel and AMD manufactures them.  The AMD version costs less than the Intel version. 
• If doing a lot intensive video graphics, desktop publishing, CAD drafting, photoshop, and other complex and heavy duty applications, recommend  a quad core (4 CPU on the same silicon wafer) .

Memory

• If running Windows 2000, need at least 256MB
• If running Windows XP Pro, need a minimum of 256 MB but 512MB + is preferred
• If running Windows Vista, need a minimum of 2 GB but more would be better

Hard Drive Capacity

• If running Windows 2000, 5 GB+
• If running Windows XP, 20 GB+
• If running Windows Vista, 80 GB+

Port Connections Available

• At least 4 USB 2.0 connections (camera, camcorder, printers)
• At least 2 Firewire connections

Other Devices 

• Memory card reader (SD, microSD, MMC, CF, Memory Stick Pro/Dual)
• Wireless keyboard and Mouse combo (not attached to the computer)
• Good quality 17" or 19" Widescreen LCD monitors w or w/o built in speakers

 Other Considerations

• Major manufacturers such as Dell, Sony, HP/Compaq sell very small footprint desktop systems with built-in video graphics, built-in sound, built-in network port, and DVD/CD RW writer.  Typically these type of systems are non upgradable or non expandable except for the system memory module and hard drive.  Most likely the CPU is upgradable if you know the manufacturer of the system board (This information will be difficult to find).   

• If you want to be able to upgrade or add an expansion board, purchase a minitower system instead by the above mentioned manufacturers.  Expansion slots would available for PCI-Express video graphics card, USB expansion ports, Firewire expansion ports, advanced sound card or controller, TV tuner board.  You can even add another DVD/CD R/W writer or hard drive. 
• When getting a LCD monitor, do not buy the lowest cost one .  You will be disappointed with display performance (grainy and blurry).
• In terms of operating system, get Windows XP Pro w service pak 2 if still available
• Most computers today have Windows Vista installed as the standard.  You may not have a choice unless you build your own computer with the parts you want and operating system software desired.

Software Considerations

• It very important that your computer has a anti-virus and anti-spam software installed.  The two most prevalent company selling the software is Norton and McAfee.  I recommend getting the suite versions (Internet Security Suite) by either company. 
• Just like a car, a tune up software is highly recommended.  The tune up software will perform a complete system diagnostic check of your computer and locate any problems found on the hardware side.  The software can also find excess, duplicate, temp, and useless files but you would have delete them with just one click of your mice.  The software should also repair the Windows registry file by removing internal parameters or values left behind by previous Windows applications installations. Some tune up software can also defrag your hard drive (internal or external) and USB flash drives and optimize your computer for better system performance (keep it from running sluggish or slow).  I recommend Tune Up 2007 (available on the Web only).  The trial version lasts 30 days.  I also recommend System Suite 7 which is available at most stores such as Fry's (if store available in your area), Office Depot,  Office Max, and Staples.