I have always been interested in computers, but in the beginning, I would not venture any further than to the software end of learning. However, learning only the software side, and knowing nothing about the hardware side, can open you up to some costly times at the shop.

When I was selling peripherals, I happen to ask my immediate supervisor how he would go about learning the hardware side of computers. He looked at me and flatly stated, "Like I did -- learn by doingbuild a computer from scratch".
Well, that is exactly what I did. And I'll give you a tidbit of what I learned and the problems I encountered.

Lessons Learned

1. I tried to put a floppy drive from my old unit into my new unit. I blew up the floppy drive. Lesson learneddo not put outdated computer components into a new system. Duh!
2. Some of the old programs are not compatible with the new operating system. Did cost me some extra money and time.
3. Don't build a new system from scratchit cost more than a manufactured unit, unless you have money to burn, want to learn more about computers, or you are going to repair computers for a living.

What do you need in a computer?

Since you are going to run your business from your computeryou want to make sure you get the best you can get, at the price you can afford.

1. When money allows, piggyback an additional hard drive onto your primary hard drive for backup. Needless to say, your primary hard drive will not
last forever.
2. CD-ROM(Self explanatory)
3. Hard driveMake sure your hard drive has enough memory -- I have several 40 GB hard drives.
4. Floppy drivegood for quick copies of an Excel, Word, etc.
5. PrinterA quality printer. When looking for a printer, make sure it is compatible with the operating system you have and the operating system that is currently out on the market. Why? It saves you timeyou may have to look for an upgrade for your printer online for the new operating systemsometimes it's free, sometimes it's not, or sometimes the computer will not support the printer with the new operating systems. They want you to buy a
new unit.
6. Power supplysome suggest that the computer unit should have 300+ voltage to give your operating system a lot of snap.
7. FansThe new units usually have additional fans to cool the CPUwhich will help extend the life of your computer.
8. Networking capabilitiesyou'll never know when you want to add an additional unit, it's always good to be preparedand trust me it will happen
eventually.
9. If you have to buy a new operating system, I would suggest going with Microsoft XP Professional. I found it very stable, and less likely to crash.

Suggestions

If you start adding everything up, you will realize that I spent more on a "build it yourself unit" versus that of a complete unit. And the complete unit my friend, is definitely the way I will go from now on.

I have bought several units, and through hard knocks (rebates not received, wrong unit sentpoor customer service)learned that the best deal that I have encountered was from Dell Computers. They offer different computer units, peripherals, printers, etc. with instant savings on select Dell PCs -- great weekly dealsreasonable prices and honored rebates. Okay, as you can see I'm sold on Dellif you want to take a closer look you can go to my website
at www.myaffiliateplace.biz to see for yourself what they have to offer.

To conclude, when you buy a computer unit online always be aware of what you're buying, what you will be using it for and with, and where you are buying it and from whom. Sometimes you have to take the hard knocks to learn, which is okay, however, when the hard knocks include an outlay of moneyit's always good to have some good advise before making a decision.