Buying a computer...made easy!. Review on Buying a Computer

Well before you rush off on a hunting spree, ask yourself as to what you will be using the computer for.

Then ask yourself whether you want an assembled one or a branded one.

I would personally go in for an assembled computer any day. Reason? Oh yes.they are cheaper. But also they are more configurable, and frankly I think they offer as good a warranty as a branded one.(Provided you go to a reputed assembler).

Now coming back,

If you are going to use your computer mainly for office chores Word processing, spread sheets, email, internet, etc then dont go and buy the fastest processor you can lay hands on. Go in for a Celeron/Duron. You could spend the saved money on a UPS, better monitor, printer etc.

If you are going to use it for multimedia/gaming etc. Be ready to spend some serious cash. Firstly go in for the fastest processor you can afford

Pentium 4 OR AthlonXP

256MB RAM DDR/RD(No SDRAM Please!)

Nvidia GeForce class processor(geforce mx bare minimum)

Creative SB Live!

17' Flat monitor(19' if can afford)

A good 7200 Rpm hard drive(Seagate/IBM/Maxtor/WD)

DVD drive(Asus/Yamaha)

CD Writer(Plextor)

4.1/5.1 channel speakers

A good keyboard(logitech)

A good mouse(logitech)

A good case with extra case fans.

Add any other requirements you may need.

Another thing is that assembling a computer is not rocket science!

Coming to the query on DVD-CD writer combos, well these do not usually give you the same performance of a dedicated unit. Especially so for a CD writer. But if speed is not your primary concern then you could pick one up.