Desktop computers are like stereos -- collections of  components that all work together. What's inside the system box...

CPU. Central Processing Unit -- the "brain" (program instruction processor) of the machine. Intel designed the original, AMD makes a clone. Celeron models costs less but are a lot slower. If you can afford to, avoid Celerons.

Memory -- the CPU's workspace. The more memory you have the faster programs run and the fewer "crashes" you'll experience. Get at least 128MB, much more if you use Windows XP or Windows 2000. Memory is a commodity, buy any brand going.

Hard Disk (or hard drive). Since CPUs and memory forget all they know when turned off, you need a place to record (save) your programs and data between uses. This is it. Hard drives are standard equipment on PCs. For a few dollars more you can get a larger (higher capacity) or/and faster hard drive. Think: 80GB minimum. (Room to grow.) Think 7200-rpm. Faster is better (and more expensive). Hard drives are commodities; go with your dealer's choice.

Floppy diskette drive. Still standard on most models. Probably useless today. Removable floppy diskettes were once used to move data and programs between computers. Today a CD Writer is a much better choice. CD-ROMs hold over 500 times the data and cost the same price (50 cents per, in bulk).

CD-ROM Drive. CD-ROM Drives have gone from optional to standard (included) in the past few years. If you don't have one, your PC is getting long in the tooth. Programs come on CDs, so you need a CD Drive these days. But for just a few dollars more you can upgrade to a CD Writer that both reads and writes CDs. CD Writers are a much better value.

That's what's inside your system box. To that, dealers typically add the following standard Input and Output devices (components) which plug into the system box.

Monitor. (Looks like a TV) This output device is how the computer communicates with you. Bigger is better. Color 17-inch monitors are standard. A few dollars more buys a bigger display or/and a better quality display, which reduces eye strain. The hottest models are flat screens, which are still too expensive.

Keyboard. This Input device is how you communicate with the PC. There are "extra keys" on most PC keyboards -- learn what they are for; subsequent hours at the keyboard will be less frustrating. Keyboards gather dust, smoke, coffee and Coke  stains. If yours has sticky keys it is time to invest $29 in a replacement keyboard.

Mouse. Another Input device. Allows you to point and click in the Windows world. Frequently easier to use than the keyboard. If yours isn't as accurate or as easy as you'd like, replace it with an Microsoft Optical mouse for just a few bucks.

Speakers. Modern PCs are "multimedia" systems that handle audio too. Speakers allow you to hear your PC. Particularly useful if you want to listen to your favorite music CDs while computing, or want to listen to a radio station from the other side of the world over the Internet. (This month Radio Iraq has been popular.) Dealers offer standard speakers and deluxe models. Most users are happy with standard.

Printer. (You almost always pay extra for a printer.) There are a lot of models available. Ask any dealer for a demonstration. Ask to compare printouts from various models. Prices start under $100. Printers come in two types: inkjet and laser. Inkjet is cheaper and prints color, but ink refills will cost you more. Lasers are faster, and B&W.

Most dealers typically stock three models of PC.
The $900-$1400 entry level  model; 
the $1500-1900 middle-of-the-road model; 
and $2,000 and up (sometimes way up) powerhouses. 

Most programs, including all genealogy software, will run on any of them. If you desperately need to save money, go entry level. If you want to play games, edit video, or edit graphics professionally, buy a powerhouse. Most users will be happy enough with the middle-of-the-road offering.

And don't forget the supplies: paper, ink and blank CD-ROMs for your CD Writer. Buy extra -- to avoid running out after store hours.