[Times art: David Williams] |
About this section
We're already a three-PC family, but the one in my 11-year-old daughter's room is too old and weak to run the Sims or hook up to our home network for AOL Instant Messaging. So she's constantly seizing the controls of what's supposed to be the grown-ups' PC. |
Tough sell
It's going to be hard for PCmakers to convince consumers that it's time to replace old PCs, though prices for new computers are low and features are many.
First experiences with XP
From new users to those wanting to upgrade their PCs, a group of Tampa Bay area residents spend some time with Microsoft's new operating system.
Join Gussow online
Discuss computers and the Internet with Times personal technology editor Dave Gussow in an online chat at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Go to tampabay.com/chat. If you can't be there for the live event, you can go to the Web site to submit questions in advance. A transcript of the chat will be available online after 4 p.m. Thursday.
Sub-$500 PC mostly thing of the past
While inexpensive PCs are still available, the average price is $800.
Buying a PC
This year, the least-expensive computers are a bit more expensive, while top-of-the-line models are more economical.
Sub-$1,000: Don't skimp on random access memory when buying a budget system
The low end of the PC spectrum seems to be shrinking.
$1,000 and above: Features, not just speed, make more expensive PCs stand out
As the price rises on a PC, so do the choices and the chances for consumer confusion.
Solutions: Taking precautions now can prevent headaches later
It is getting easier to use a PC right out of the box. But even with labeled or color-coded cable connections and software preloaded, some homework and preparation might prevent a small problem from becoming a major headache.
Picking a computer for the road
I first considered a laptop over a desktop computer last year as power and battery life rose and prices fell for mobile computing.
Software helps Macs in role of digital hub
The computer, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs says, is more than a machine. It's the hub of a digital universe. And that's how Juan Fernandez uses his Mac.
Where to buy
The Web wins as a place to shop for a computer, according to PC World magazine.
Trials and tribulations of moving to a new PC
It's moving day, time to lug electronic files from the old PC to the shiny new one. I have only this bit of advice before you start: Be afraid, be very afraid.
Site Seeing
Feel free to browse...
Review: Notebook winners from Apple, IBM, Sony
Titanium G4 PowerBook
The specs on Macs
Apple's Macintosh computers share several common features, including:
What's inside your computer
Here's a guide to help you sort through all the techno terminology.
Technical jargon cheat sheet
CPU: Central processing unit. The computer's main processing chip. Its speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
