When purchasing a computer what should you be looking for? The general rule is that the fastest machine you can afford is the best. So what determines speed in a computer. Many factors, but for your purposes all you probably need to know is the following:

Computer

(a) CPU (the computer chip). Dont buy anything slower than 500 MHz processor (by the way I would avoid the Intel Celeron processor). The fastest CPU you can get today is 1 Ghz. Brand names: any of the following will do: AMD or Cyrix or Intel. (Don't be fooled by the "Intel Inside" logo; it doesn't necessarily mean it is a better CPU. For my money I would go with an AMD any day.)
(b) RAM (random access memory): This is the computer's work space, and it should not be lower than 64mb. I recommend 128mb (or even higher). There are two common types of RAM memory chips available: high speed EDO ram and PC100 SDRAM. I recommend a machine that uses the PC100 SDRAM. (There is also something called Rambus Dram or RDRAM; if you can afford it then get a machine that has RDRAM.)
(c) System Cache: It should not be lower than 512k. (In some machines it can go as high as 1 mb.)
(d) Video Board (the engine that runs the monitor): Do not get a video board with less than 8MB of memory on it. (You can go as high as 64MB.) There are two main types of video boards PCI and AGP. Go for the AGP if you can afford a machine that uses such a board. (System boards--sometimes referred to as the motherboard--with either the Intel 440LX or 440BX chipsets can support AGP video boards.) If you are into computer games (you shouldn't be--there are better ways to spend your time) make sure your video board supports 3D.
(e) Hard Drive (the storage component where programs and files are stored by the computer): It should not be lower than 10 GB, but I recommend a 16 or even a 20 GB hard drive. There are three main types of hard drives: SCSI, EIDE, and ULTRA DMA/33. If you can afford a machine with the Ultra DMA/33 then get that. (Suggestion: ask who ever is supplying you the computer to partition the hard drive into drives no bigger than a half or one gigabyte--depending upon the size of the hard drive.)
(f) CD-ROM Drive: Its speed should be no less than 16x (I recommend 32x).
(g) Modem (the component that hooks you up to the internet): It should not be slower than a 56K v90 modem.

Monitor

After you have decided what computer to buy there is the question of the monitor.  (The screen that you will be staring at for zillions of hours for the rest of your life.)  As a general rule do not settle for the monitor that vendors may throw in with your computer. Why? A monitor that does not meet the following minimum specifications is not worth purchasing: .25mm dot pitch; 60 hz refresh rate; 1280 x 1024 resolution. There are several different sizes of monitors you can purchase; however the bigger the better. I strongly urge you not to go below a 17inch monitor, and if you have money I recommend a 21inch monitor. (The latest type of monitor is the LCD flat panel. The problem is they are much too much expensive. So wait for a couple of more years before you even consider buying a flat panel.) Why should you buy as large a monitor as you can afford? One its easy on the eyes, and two it permits you to do multitasking more easily. (Example of multitasking: working on different documents at the same time with each document open in its own window.)

Printer

Go for a laser printer with at least 1200 x 1200 resolution if you can afford one. However, if you have to buy an inkjet printer then its resolution must not be lower than 1200x600. (You cant go much wrong with any of the following brands: Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark. If you want a color printer, Epson appears to make the best color inkjets.)

Peripherals

(a) Sound card: (the component that allows the computer to produce sound--music, voice, etc.): Do not go lower than a 64 voice wave table engine; however, I recommend a 128 voice engine. There are several different brands available: you cant go wrong with either a Yamaha or a Soundblaster.
(b) Zip Drive: If it comes with a built in zip drive then thats good.
(c) CD-R/W: If you can afford a CD-ROM Writer/Rewriter (sometimes referred to as a 'CD-Burner" in dumb computer jargon) then do not get one that is slower than 8x/4x/24x, and make sure that it has at least 4mb of buffer. There are four types of interface for CD-R/Ws: EIDE, SCSI, USB and Firewire-IEEE1394. Go with whatever interface your computer comes with. (The best is Firewire.) While you probably cant go wrong with any of the following brands: Yamaha, HP, Sony, TDK, it appears that the best is Plextor Plexwriter 12x/10x/32A if you wish to mimimise duds (coasters) during a recording. Coasters are a common bane of CD-R/Ws created by buffer underruns (not enough data streaming into the buffer from the source.)
(d) Scanner: If you wish to buy a scanner (do you really need one, or are you falling for the salesperson's BS?) then make sure that its actual dpi optical resolution (do not get confused with interpolated resolution) is no less than 1200 x 2400. (The salesperson will most likely quote you the interpolated resolution--which is always much higher--don't fall for it!)

There are three ways by which you can buy a personal computer:

1. Go to your local computer store in town and purchase one.

2. Order a computer through mail order (such as those featured in the shopping section elsewhere on this website.)

3. Order a computer through a company called Gateway 2000. The advantage of buying through the Gateway 2000 people is that you dont have to pay all the money up front for the computer. To find out more about this program click here.