Advice for buying a PC Computer in the UK

The computer you need depends upon the tasks you expect to use it for. This in turn will affect the price you would expect to pay for it. A good way to begin is to list the essential tasks you will want to do on your computer. Is playing the latest 3D action games a priority, or do you only want to type letters and keep your accounts? Your priorities could make a big difference to the type of computer and extra peripherals (printer, scanner, speakers, etc) that you need to buy. As well as your "essential" list, it is also a good idea to make a secondary "possible" list of non-essential - but desirable - computer activities.

When you have a good idea of what you want to do with your computer, you will be in a better position to decide what hardware and software you will need for the job. This will also need to be balanced against your available budget. To get the best possible deal, it helps to learn about some of the technicalities yourself rather than to rely solely upon a computer salesman's recommendations.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the "brains" of your computer and controls the speed at which it processes information. In terms of computing power, it is the most important element of a computer system. Processing speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) and the higher the number, the faster the PC. There are various types of processor on the market. The two main competitors are Intel and AMD.

The memory (RAM or Random Access Memory) is where your computer stores the information it's currently working on. The more memory in your computer, the faster it will run. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB). Software today requires a lot of memory, and a reasonable starting spec is 512MB. However, if you are using graphics-intensive programs, you should consider doubling this to 1 GB. High-end systems currently run with 2 GB (gigabytes, or 2,000 MB) of RAM. Vista users should have a minimum of 2 gigs and preferably 4 gigs

Your hard drive is where your PC stores your work, files and programs. Hard drive space is now measured in Gigabytes (GB). When considering a hard drive size, bigger is definitely better. 80GB is a bare minimum; 100GB or greater is preferable if you intend to edit graphics or video, or plan to install a lot of games.

The minimum specifications for a PC to run everyday, multimedia software or for playing DVD movies and surfing the internet will currently cost about £500. However, for a system capable of running the latest 3D games, graphics rendering, video editing etc, you'll need a higher spec system with a faster processor and/or more ram, 128mb/256mb graphics card and a larger hard drive.

Desireable extras might include a TV card, which allows you to watch TV on your monitor, to record programs to your hard drive and to capture analogue video from a camcorder. DVD writers are now becoming increasingly popular.

When you have a fair idea of the specification you require, your next hurdle is to decide which retail outlet is best for you. The three main sellers of computer equipment are: the big stores like PCWorld, Currys, Dixons, etc (and even the larger supermarkests now come into this catagory); specialist privately-owned computer shops; mail order suppliers like Gateway and Simply Computers. (Other outlets, such as auctions and the second-hand market, are not recommended unless you really know what you're doing!)

The advantages of buying from a store like PCWorld or Dixons include being able to try out various computers and see them in action before parting with your money. If you get your purchase home and decide that you don't like it after all, you can usually take it back for a full refund (but do read the small print first). Store-bought computers usually come complete with operating system, some bundled software and setup guides; various easy payment terms should also be available.

Against this, you should be aware that buying from a store is probably going to be more expensive than buying a similar system from a mail order outlet. You may not be able to personalise your computer to your exact requirements. You should also be aware that computer store staff are unlikely to give you the best advice or information. Telephone helplines for these stores are sometimes on premium rate numbers, so after sales support could work out very expensive.

Here you are likely to get a more personal service, and a computer built to your exact specifications. You can expect to get better advice than from the big outlets and usually a chance to speak with the person who is building your computer and raise any questions you have. Should you need to take your computer back for whatever reason, a local shop is obviously a lot more convenient.

Disadvantages of the local shop are that you are unlikely to get a very competitive price and are unlikely to get deferred payment options. Although you can expect to get warranty guarantees, these will be lost if the shop should unfortunately close. Quality of components may also be an issue that you want to look at closely - in the long run, it is often worth paying a little more for a better quality essential component. Finally you are are unlikely to get all the setup guides and software bundles that you could expect from the big stores or from mail order outlets.

Buying mail order is usually the way to get the most competitive prices and payments can usually be spread. You can usually have your system built to your exact specification and staff are likely to be better at answering technical questions than in the big stores. You can also expect your system to come complete with an operating system, some bundled software and setup guides.

It is also worth noting that mail order companies change their prices and specifications regularly, so prices may fluctuate from week to week. It's a complex pricing policy and they have experts working out just how much the market will be willing to pay for a specific model. Wrongfoot them and you could get yourself a better deal than the average customer.

On the other hand, mail order delivery may take a while and you will certainly need to have a clear understanding of what after-sales support you are untitled to. Telephone helplines may be on a premium rate phone number so that even a simple query could set you back £20-30. Warranties may be Return to Base, which means that you may have to pay carriage costs if your computer has to be returned for repairs. You might want to check that you have the option of an "On-site" warranty rather than RTB. Contrary to popular belief, if you don't like your computer you can't just return it for a full refund.

Some computers have "proprietary" parts, which means that some or all of its components (motherboard, hard drive, memory, etc) are specifically made for that model or brand of computer. If a proprietary component needs replacing or upgrading later on, it will only be possible to buy from the company which made the original part. This is sure to be far more expensive than the equivalent non-proprietory component. So make sure that none of the parts in your computer are proprietory or specific to one particular company.

Always make sure you are clear on the exact terms of warranties and the after-sales support you can expect. Be aware of the difference between a "return-to-base" warranty, where you will be expected to pay the costs of returning your computer to the factory for repairs, and an "onsite" warranty, where an engineer will carry out repairs on your premises.

A PC cannot run without an operating system. This is usually a version of Windows. Despite what advertisements may claim, your operating system is unlikely to come "free" with your new computer. The cost will be factored into the overall price. You should also insist that you receive a complete Windows installation CD rather than a "restore" CD that only allows you to reset your computer to the original factory settings rather than giving you a fully licensed copy of Windows. You will have to pay for the full operating system, but it is an important long-term investment.

The "free printer", or "free scanner" offered with your computer will almost certainly be costed into the overall price you pay. If you don't want these items, or would prefer to look for an alternative model later on, don't pay for them. "Free" software bundles are also frequently offered as inducements. At first glance these may appear to be good value. On closer inspection, you may find that you are not getting the full games or programs offered, but demos or "lite" versions which require that you pay extra to receive the full version. Your "free software bundle" is also likely to contain titles that are commercial failures sold cheaply to the computer vendor to "give away" as an inducement with the PC.

If goods do not arrive or are faulty, start with a complaint to your supplier. If it isn't resolved promptly write to the company's customer service department detailing to whom you have spoken. Keep a record of all correspondence and conversations with the supplier until the matter is resolved. If you do not reach a satisfactory conclusion with the company then write a follow up letter stating your rights under consumer law. You can find out more information about your rights here: OFT/Complaints-Advice

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