Significance

• How do you use your computer daily? Are you going to just surf the Internet or play graphic-intensive games? Use this information to focus on what your computer needs are.
  
  

Define Your Constraints

• Morgue File
  
  Are you on a limited budget? Does it need to be portable? Make a list of wants and prioritize them. Use this to begin the shopping process.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The computer is nothing without software. You could purchase great hardware, but if you don't have software, the hardware is useless.
  
  

Research

• Use the Internet to see which computers are good. Search computer reviews of makes and models or configure your own computer online to see how far you can stretch your dollar.
  
  

Absolute Musts

• Do not purchase a computer with less than 3GB of memory. If graphics are important, get a discrete video card, which will improve your graphics performance noticeably.
  
  

PC vs. Mac

• This is dependent on your needs. Follow the above steps and try both at stores to see which one does the best given your budget.