Today, almost every desktop computer offers a wealth of options: You can opt for a computer with fixed hardware and software configurations, or you can choose to customize your PC, if you’re an advanced user. Customizing a system almost always entails being confronted with a dizzying plethora of choices from a configure-to-purchase vendor. When you choose the latter option, you’re not restricted to use only the components the vendor pre-installed for the model.
There are three major categories of desktop PCs, namely, compact PCs, classic tower PCs (subdivided into high-performance, mainstream and budget categories), and all-in-one PCs. Each category has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on what you use it for.
When presented with an array of varied hardware and software options, often differentiated by hard-to-decipher naming conventions, we recommend you narrow your choice by considering the tasks you intend to use the new desktop to perform. If you’re a budget-minded photographer who needs a fast system for editing high-resolution pictures, then go for one with discrete graphics card and extra memory RAM.
If you have a large media collection and want a cost-effective, compact way to connect it to your HDTV, your best option would be a compact desktop PC configured with an eye for media sharing and playback.









