As soon as you buy a computer, a newer, zippier model appears. It’s easy to think your system is obsolete, but you can take advantage of the dazzling speed of computer technology with an upgrade, whether you’re primarily after more power, more space, or more versatility. The best time to upgrade your computer is in the first two years. After that, it becomes progressively more difficult or more expensive to add accessories or performance-enhancing components.
Other factors to consider are how difficult the upgrade will be and how much of a performance increase you’ll see for the amount you spend.
Apple is known for stylish, easy to use computers and its sophisticated UNIX-based operating system, OS X. Apple's success also owes much to the popularity of its iPod portable music players, iTunes software and online store.
Why should you buy a Mac?:
* Stability - OS X is known for its looks, stability and multitasking multi-user capabilities.
* Security - OS X is relatively free of viruses and other malware, although even Apple doesn't claim immunity.
* Simplicity and style - Apple products are renowned for stylish design and ease of use.
That's not to say that Windows, particularly Vista, doesn't have these things too, though opinions on this can differ greatly.
Macs come with all the hardware and software you're likely to need for most computing tasks "out of the box".
The central processing unit (CPU) or processor or chip, is the heart of the computer. To make a smart buying decision you’ll need to know the type of processor and its speed.
Manufacturer and type:
Intel and AMD make processors for the consumer market. Most brand name computers, including Acer, Dell and HP, use Intel chips almost exclusively, while smaller computer stores are likely to sell computers using either chip.
* Intel’s Pentium chip has the longest pedigree, though it has changed substantially from its debut in 1993.
* AMD’s Athlon began production in 1997, and its newer and lower-cost chip, the Sempron, was introduced mid-way through 2004.
The difference between a Pentium and a Celeron, or between an Athlon and a Sempron, is the speed, size of the cache and front side bus (FSB) speed.These differences affect both the cost and the performance of system.





