'Tis the season to give -- and if you're giving a computer, shopping can quickly become a nightmare as you scan the specs on each model. As you work your way toward a purchase decision, your Tech Team recommends first deciding what's important to the end users now, and guessing what will be important to them in the future, even if they don't know it yet. 

How much should you spend? Currently, the life of a computer is approximately three years, and a top-of-the-line model may not extend that usable life much longer than a bargain basement model. On the other hand, you get what you pay for, so you should study all the details of an inexpensive computer before deciding that it's "good enough." Buy from a reputable dealer and shop for brand names. 

Carol Ann Hewitt, CIPS, president and broker/owner of Oxford Realty Inc., knew she wanted a Gateway computer but called the Tech Helpline for advice to make sure she got a machine that could handle her specific needs. 

"I was looking for a computer that could handle a lot of graphics and constant usage," says Hewitt, a Realtor for 28 years who specializes in luxury and estate property. "I felt it was important to have immediate access to tech support from the manufacturer and the flexibility to include whatever software programs I needed to use. Because I specialize in estates 10,000-, 12,000- and even 14,000-square feet, I cannot tell a home's story with only a few pictures. With this computer, I have the memory space to run all the graphic software I need." 

Consider the following details as you shop: 

• RAM. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a place for the computer to store programs and data while processing both. While information is stored on the hard drive, the active type of memory used as you work on projects is RAM; and as a rule of thumb, try to buy as much RAM as you can within your budget. 

At a minimum, do not purchase a computer with Windows XP if it has less that 256 MB (megabytes) of RAM; the Tech Helpline recommends 512 MB or more. Many manufacturers offer specials that include a RAM upgrade, and it's generally cheaper to maximize RAM at the time of purchase. In the past, you could sometimes add more memory to the amount that was installed at the factory, but most systems now make you replace all your existing RAM with new upgraded memory chips. 

• CD-RW. Purchase a computer with a CD drive that can read and write (create) CDs. To get files onto the CD, software must tell the computer how to “burn” the information onto the CD. Manufacturers usually include a trial version of CD-burning software, but when the trial period ends, the software may need to be upgraded -- an additional cost to the people who received your gift. 

• Warranty. The Tech Team suggests that you buy an extended warranty for the computer hardware. While manufacturers offer different types of warranties, look for one that offers next-day, in-home (office) service. With this type of warranty, the manufacturer will try to solve the problem over the phone; but if he cannot, he'll arrange for a service technician to visit the next day with a replacement part. 

If you do not purchase a next-day warranty, check to see who pays shipping charges. If the entire computer must be returned for repair, the owner could end up paying shipping fees coming and going, perhaps as high as $100 each way. 

• Data storage and transfer. Most computer users now backup data onto a CD. Because new computers do not have floppy drives, many people now use an external memory key, Zip drive or Jump drive (a small external drive about the size of a house key) that plugs into a USB port, which is a common connector in the industry. 

Note: New computers may not have a parallel port, which is common on older computers. Translated, that means an old printer may not connect to the new computer. Printers have come down in price, however, and the least expensive fix may be to simply buy a new printer. Ask the seller about any special computer-with-printer deals. 

• Software. Many computers come with software (the programs) already installed, though the selection can vary greatly between manufacturers and stores. In any case, however, the computer seller should include backup CDs for each separate software program, which allow the user to reinstall any program, usually without losing personal data stored as part of that program. Computers that come with only a "restore CD," however, force the user to reinstall all software at one time and may take the computer back to the same setup it had when first taken out of the box -- with the included software but minus all personal data added later. If the computer you're giving does come with a restore CD, consider buying a separate version of any software used extensively. The Tech Team recommends that PC users buy at least the Windows CD. 

Note: Don't assume you can save money by installing your old software into the new computer -- it may not work. A program designed for Windows 98, for example, may not run on Windows 2000. Also, under your software licensing agreement, you agreed to use the program on only one computer. That means your contract does not allow you to install the same program on a new computer you give away to others. 

So… ready to shop? Begin your search online and visit manufacturer sites such as Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, etc., to compare new computers. Also, check the sites regularly. Dell, for example, changes “specials” weekly. If you see a specific model you find interesting, do some research. Go to sites such as www.cnet.com or www.pcmag.com and check the reviews. Next, perform a search for the model on Google, MSN, AOL or any other reputable search engine. Read some of the chat forums and look specifically for any complaints about your favored product.