Buying a new computer doesn't have to be a nightmare, although the thought of your brand new computer becoming obsolete the day after you buy it may indeed keep you up at night. Just like when you buy anything, the more you know about what you're buying, the better decision you can make. In Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, PC guru and best-selling Dummies author Dan Gookin guides you through the process of purchasing a new computer. But don't expect your typical buyer's guide; you won't find endless, boring lists of prices, products, and useless part numbers. Instead, the book assumes that you need a computer for some reason, and then shows you how to find the right computer and software for the tasks you need to perform. And because this is a Dummies book, you can expect some lively and entertaining writing – not humdrum computer jargon. Nothing is assumed, and everything is explained. Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition, covers these topics and more: Understanding the buying process Computer basics: What all those thingamajigs do How to make the right hardware and software choices, from sound cards and hard drives to operating systems and word processors Dissecting computer advertisements and deciding where to buy Tips for shopping online Searching for computer service and support Setting up your computer and buying the right accessories Top Ten lists of mistakes first-time computer buyers make, warning signs, and commonly asked questions Both first-time computer buyers and experienced computer users looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest can find value in Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2nd Edition. After all, your computer will be one of the most important (and expensive) purchases you'll make (after your house and car, of course). So don't leave it to chance that you end up with a computer that doesn't fit your needs.