Recently I set about the task of writing down some guidelines for novice computer shoppers on how to purchase the right PC. My goal was to help the “average user” get the most out of their money, and not get taken or severely confused by overzealous sales people.

Two of the edits I regrettably had to make to that already-too-long article were to cut out advice on picking the right display and the right software. A colleague picked up the gauntlet, and talked about finding the right monitor. Now, I’m finally getting down to the latter – a beginner’s guide to getting the right initial software load on your new PC. What to buy, and what not to buy. What you absolutely need, and what you shouldn’t

Target Audience: The Average PC Users

As with the hardware article that came before it, this article targets the “average user”. If you’re the power user who routinely builds his own new gaming PC in advance of the latest MMORPG release, this article probably isn’t for you. Instead, it’s basic, designed for beginners … for those who have very little working knowledge of the guts of your computer.

The “average user” I refer to throughout the article is the person who does word processing, makes a PowerPoint presentation or Excel spreadsheet occasionally, checks email daily, surfs the web, wastes far too much time playing Solitaire, and plays another game or two now and again. You know … the vast majority of the modern world.

So, without further introduction, let's dive in...

Page 2: The Operating System >>