There are several terms used in the industry to identify levels of expertise. The “user” is someone who can successfully turn on a computer and has enough knowledge to use Windows and install basic drivers and applications from a CD. The “power user” has a good working knowledge of Windows, is totally obsessed with the latest and greatest hardware and software, knows at least the basics of overclocking and spends much of their time benchmarking their system with PC-Mark or Sisoft Sandra and comparing scores online. Then there’s the “technicians” (A.K.A. geeks, nerds, chip-heads, etc.). These are professional technicians who actually get paid for their knowledge and experience. They are certified through such corporations as Microsoft. They don’t jump at the latest hardware or software just because the manufacturer “sez so”. Their “Windows Automatic Updates” is turned OFF, they scoff online or phone support from any manufacturer including and especially Microsoft. They know that the “latest and greatest” rarely means real appreciable increases in performance! Finally, there doesn’t seem to be a term for those totally void of any computer knowledge. This strikes me as odd because these are the folks that buy Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, E-Machines from such high tech places as K-Mart, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples etc from so called “trained” salespeople who have never even seen the inside of a computer and, often, may not even own one!

That said, I suggest that people new to computers or, unfamiliar/uninterested with technical aspects of a computer, look at buying a computer much like you’d buy a car. Example: both the cute little compact SUV 4X4’s and full size pick up truck 4X4’s share one thing in common, they are both 4X4’s but that’s where it ends. The SUV is less expensive but, you wouldn’t expect to plow snow or carry heavy loads for a living with it . The cheap off the shelf Walmart computers are the same as the $1500 plus custom builds as they are both “computers” but, you can’t edit and render video with a cheap computer or run any application that requires a fast processor, hard drive or lots of memory. Like cars, it’s what’s under the hood that counts! So when considering a computer purchase, don’t only think of what you expect it to do now, but what you may expect it to do in the future. Off the shelf computers from large manufacturers like Dell and Compaq are not upgradeable because they want you to buy anew one. You can add a little memory and change the hard drive but that’s about it.

One common misconception is that processor/CPU speed determines the speed of the computer. Like a chain, a computer is only as strong as it’s weakest link. The Processor/CPU is only one link. Processors can process data no faster than they get it. That’s where the rest of the chain comes in, hard drive, memory and motherboard components. These all feed data to your processor so, slow or inadequate memory and slow hard drives equal a slow system. The bottom line is, if your content to surf the web, check emails or hang out in chat rooms, a cheap off the shelf system is all you need or hell, just go for one of those web-TV deals. It’s been our experience that, most people who buy cheap computers find that as they become more familiar with computers, they are sorely disappointed once they find out they don’t have enough computer to do the job. Our custom built computers are completely upgradeable.They may cost a little more in the beginning but save the buyer alot in the long run. You wouldn’t ask Ferrari to build you a Chevrolet or vice versa. That’s why we don’t build cheap systems like, Dell, Compaq, HP, Gateway etc