RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is the primary area where the computer stores information as it is processed. RAM is supplied in chips and is one of the easiest upgrades to do on your computer. If you plan to use a lot of video or game applications you should have as much RAM as possible. Once the computer uses all the physical RAM in the computer, it uses "virtual" RAM – free space on your hard disk. Virtual RAM is much slower than physical RAM since the computer needs to write and read information from the hard disk. The minimum amount of RAM you should get on a new computer is 1GB with 2GB fast becoming the new standard, especially with the new Windows Vista operating system, it is a memory hog.

The hard disk is an internal storage device which holds programs and data used by your computer. It consists of magnetic platters with read/write heads that float above the platters to record and play back data. In many respects, it is similar to a phonograph turntable. It is susceptible to strong jarring, which could cause the heads to physically damage the disk. The disk is enclosed in an airtight casing to keep it dust-free. The minimum hard disk size that you should get on a new computer is 320 GB with 500 GB or more now standard.

The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer and as such acts as the "circulation system" of the computer. All signals used by the computer are processed by the motherboard. Memory chips, the central processor, expansion boards and cables to disk drives all attach to the motherboard.

A computer virus is a malicious computer program that infects the computer memory or hard disk. Some are comical and will simply change the display on your monitor while most are designed to do damage to the data on the computer. Boot sector viruses are especially damaging since they rewrite the information needed to start up and access your computer’s hard disk. Trojan horses are destructive programs disguised as something harmless like a game. Worms are programs written to replicate themselves until the computer’s memory or hard drive is completely used up at which time the computer crashes and becomes inoperable.

If you buy no other piece of software for your computer, buy a virus protection program. Don’t share files without first checking the files or disks with a virus protection program. Do not download any email attachments, even from people you know, without first checking with them to make sure they sent it. Some viruses automatically send out harmful emails to replicate themselves. The Computer Man recommends Norton Antivirus to protect your system.

It depends. If your computer is more than 2 years old and you want or need a number of new technologies, then a new computer may be your best option. When comparing the costs involved, remember that a new PC is not configured for your specific needs and will probably have more features than you even want if you buy a "consumer-grade" PC. If you do any shopping/comparing, you will soon find capabilities that are important to you and will want to have. For example, do you need need the capability to read memory cards from your digital camera? Do you need a specific productivity software suite? Do you need an office/business PC vs. a consumer electronic device? When buying new, buy the right tool for the job. If your PC is almost adequate except for capacities and/or software items, an upgrade may be more appropriate.

You should keep you computer on most of the time, as it will increase the longevity of your machine. You can turn it off when you are going on extended leave from you’re home or place of business or if there is an electrical storm. On newer systems an alternative to powering down the system is to put it to sleep, another advantage is that it will save you time during startup.

The proper way to uninstall programs is to use Windows XP/Vista “Add/Remove Programs” feature in the Control Panel. Never delete programs just by using the delete key or command as this will result in severe problems/conflicts with your operating system or the inability to boot your system.

The steps to follow are: Press CTRL + ALT + DEL keys at the same time only once. This should bring up a window showing what programs are running. If you see one that is not responding then close the offending program. If the system still does not respond, then press CTRL + ALT + DEL again to “soft boot” the system. If that does not work, then as a last resort, press the reset button on your computer case.