Desktop buying guide

Monitor
Desktop liquid crystal displays (LCDs) now provide a legitimate alternative to standard cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors but the difference in price remains substantial. A 15-inch LCD costs roughly the same as a 19-inch flat CRT monitor. LCDs are slightly dimmer but take up much less space and cause less eye fatigue.

Most people choose the old, reliable 17-inch flat CRT that comes standard with most systems and comfortably supports a roomy 1,024x768-resolution desktop. With some systems, a 19-inch monitor comes standard or as a very inexpensive upgrade, enabling you to move up to 1,280x1,024 resolution, but make sure your desk has enough room to handle that big a monitor.

Processor

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Memory

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Hard drive

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Optical drives

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Monitor

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Video

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Networking

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Support