• Anatomy of a Desktop Computer

• Choosing Your Ideal Desktop PC

• Choosing Your Operating System: Windows vs Mac

• How to Find Desktops on eBay

• Buy With Confidence

Anatomy of a Desktop Computer

Anatomy of a Desktop Computer

eBay’s Computing category has a wide range of desktop PCs available with all sorts of computing descriptions. You may not know your GHz from your XP, but understanding these terms are crucial in helping you decide which desktop PC is right for you and how much to pay for it.

Here’s an overview of the important features that make up a desktop PC. If any of these features are not specified in a listing, click “Ask seller a question” to find out more.

Processor

A computer’s processor, or Central Processing Unit (CPU), is its brain. Faster processors offer better performance – vital if you use your PC a lot, especially for gaming or video editing. Here are some processor terms that you may see in eBay listings:

MHz and GHz: Processor speed (also called CPU frequency) is measured in MHz and GHz (gigahertz and megahertz; 1GHz equals 1,000 MHz). Now most processors have CPU frequencies of 2.5 to 3.2GHz from AMD or Intel. If you’re running Microsoft’s latest Windows XP operating system, aim for a fast processor of 3GHz or more for best performance. Listings for new computers often don’t mention MHz because the processors are too fast. However, you’ll also find older, cheaper desktop PCs listed on eBay with processor speeds of 700MHz, 400MHz or less.

Intel Pentium and AMD Athlon/Duron/Sempron: Intel and Athlon are the two big makers of processors. Intel make Pentium processors and AMD make Athlon, Sempron and Duron processors. Intel works closely with Microsoft, so Intel Pentium processors are sometimes said to be better suited to Windows XP, but AMD processors (“chips”) tend to be cheaper and are just as popular.

Intel and AMD describe the speed of their processors in different ways. Intel uses processor speed (eg, 3GHz) while AMD compares its processors to their Intel counterparts. So a 2.8GHz Intel Pentium processor is comparable to an AMD Athlon 2800+ processor.

Intel also makes the Celeron processor, a no-frills alternative to Pentium. It lacks the power of Pentium but costs much less.

Dual Processor: When you see “dual processor” in an eBay listing it means that the computer has two CPUs. They can take turns working with data, so enable your desktop to run more efficiently. Intel’s Hyperthreading (HT) technology allows 3GHz+ processors to work on two threads of data at once.

Hard Drive Size: Your computer’s operating system and all your files and documents are stored on the hard drive, also known as hard disk. You only need a 20GB to 40GB hard drive for basic word processing and a few digital photos, but for high-resolution images, video or your entire music collection you’ll need at least 80GB.

Most computers on eBay have hard drives made by a handful of large companies, including Samsung and the drive division of IBM, now owned by Hitachi. Fujitsu-Siemens make specialist laptop drives.

You can access your desktop PC’s hard drive and transfer data to and from it via a number of port (“bus”) types, including USB and the much faster FireWire/IEEE 1394. You can use these ports to expand your hard drive capacity with an external hard drive, a hard disk that’s designed to sit outside the desktop box.

You now find hard drives in all sorts of gadgets as well as desktop PCs. You find them in MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras and personal video recorders (PVRs, like Sky+). Samsung and Nokia produced the first hard drive mobile phones.

RAM Memory: Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer’s short-term memory. The more RAM a desktop has, the more efficiently it runs. For example, Windows XP requires at least 128MB RAM to run, though you’ll probably need 256MB and will see better performance with 512MB RAM, 1GB RAM or more.

Common Components

Connection Ports Ports allow you to connect external devices to your computer – printer, scanner, digital camera, MP3 player or anything else that needs to transfer data to or from your PC. Most of today’s desktop PCs have a high-speed USB 2.0 or FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection, though you’ll find many on eBay that have the older, slower USB 1.1 connections.

Ensure that your PC has enough ports of the right type for the devices you intend to plug in. Here are the different types of port you’ll see mentioned in listings:

Universal Serial Bus (USB): Fast and popular means of connecting USB peripherals like digital cameras and external hard drives.

Firewire/IEEE 1394: Newer and faster than USB, and commonly found on digital camcorders. If you have a DV cam, make sure that you buy a desktop with a Firewire port.

Parallel port: Found on older desktop PCs, typically for connecting to printer or scanner.

Serial ports: Mostly used for connecting to external modems and handheld computers/PDAs.

Drives and Burners

Previously the only drive you found on a desktop PC was a floppy disk drive, which allowed you to transfer a couple of Word documents to a floppy disk. You’ll still find these computers on eBay, but the vast majority have far more sophisticated drives that let you transfer huge amounts of data onto CD-RWs and DVDs for storage. Here are the main types:

CD-ROM drive: Reads CDs that play music or contain software.

CD-RW drive: Can “write to” (record on) a blank CD as well as reading it. Useful for saving MP3 files onto disk, or for storing lots of data.

DVD drive: A DVD has up to 4.7GB of data storage capacity, much more than a CD-ROM, so you can save an enormous amount of data to free up your desktop’s hard drive. Can play films as well as reading CDs.

DVD+/-RW burner: Multimedia fans should look for a computer with a DVD+/-RW drive to back up data, create music CDs or burn video to DVD. A combination DVD+RW/-RW burner can write to the popular DVD+RW and DVD-RW media formats

Networking

If you have broadband Internet or home network, 10/100 Ethernet Card. These cards come as standard on most new PCs. If you’re interested in setting up a home network, read eBay’s Networking Buying Guide.

Software Most desktop PCs come pre-loaded with a full operating system and other software such as an internet browser (usually Microsoft Internet Explorer) and an email client such as Microsoft Outlook. If you need to kit out your desktop with software, you’ll find what you want on eBay. The best-known full software suite is Microsoft Office, which offers a comprehensive range of utilities including word processing and spreadsheets. Also look for anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security or Panda Antivirus, desktop publishing packages such as Corel Draw and Adobe Pagemaker and operating systems such as Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS. Make sure that your computer is compatible with the software before you buy.

Upgrading

Upgrading means replacing an older system with more recent hardware or software to bring the computer up to date and improve its efficiency. Common hardware upgrades include additional RAM, larger hard drives, improved graphics cards and cards to enable faster external connections. For example, you can buy a 1GB RAM stick to increase your computer’s memory or add a FireWire (IEEE 1394) card or USB 2.0 card for fast data transfer to and from your MP3 player or camcorder.

Software upgrades, including operating system upgrades, can often be downloaded from the Internet. Often the download is a “patch”, which means it doesn’t contain the whole new software version, just the new features. Patches usually enable better security (for example, Microsoft regularly issues Windows XP security patches) or improved functionality.

When upgrading hardware such as RAM, make sure the new hardware is compatible with your desktop PC. Before you bid, check with the seller that the PC can be upgraded and ask them to include the computer’s instruction manual.

Choosing Your Ideal Desktop PC

Choosing Your Ideal Desktop PC

Step 1: Decide How You’ll Use Your PC
There are thousands of computers for sale on eBay: from the most basic IBM desktop PCs to the latest Windows XP multimedia computers made by top brands like Sony, Compaq, HP and Dell.

Before you bid on a high-end Sony system with Windows XP Pro and LCD monitor, think about why you want a PC. If it’s for hobbies like computer games, video editing and music management, your computer will need features like a graphics or video card, plenty of memory (1GB RAM or more), lots of hard drive space (80GB or more) and a fast processor of 3GHz or more. You may also be interested in components like Ethernet cards for wireless access and DVD/CD-RW writers.

However if you just want to update your CV and check personal emails, basic processor (less than 700MHz), less hard drive space (40GB or so) and memory of 128MB-512MB will be adequate – and you’ll save a lot of money.

To help narrow the field, work out what kind of user you are.

• Occasional Home PC User
  You use your desktop PC for word processing, checking emails, online shopping, basic digital photo editing and transferring data to and from gadgets like your MP3 player. Here’s what to look for:

  • Processor: Faster than 800MHz, typically by Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon/Duron/Sempron

  • Hard Drive: 40GB or more

  • Memory (RAM): 512MB or more

  • Software: Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works, plus child filtering software

  • Utilities: Anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security

  • Ports: USB 2.0 and FireWire (also called IEEE 1394)

  • Writer: CD-RW or DVD burner

  • Wireless Networking: 10/100 Ethernet Card

• Home Office PC User
  You want to bring your work home with you, so require absolute reliability. You’re also a regular Internet user.

  • Processor: Faster than 800MHz, typically by Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon/Duron/Sempron

  • Hard Drive: 100GB or more

  • Memory (RAM): 1GB or more

  • Software: Microsoft Office, plus accounting software such as Microsoft Money

  • Utilities: Anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security

  • Ports: USB 2.0 and FireWire (also called IEEE 1394)

  • Writer: CD-RW or DVD writer for DVD+RW/-RW

  • Wireless Networking: 10/100 Ethernet Card

• Multimedia Power PC
  User You love digital photography, music or video.

  • Processor: Faster than 3.0GHz, typically by Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon/Duron/Sempron

  • Hard Drive: 100GB or more Memory

  • (RAM): 2GB or more

  • Software: CDRW and DVD-burning software such as Nero 6, plus video editing software such as Pinnacle Studio or Adobe Premier

  • Utilities: Anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security Ports: USB 2.0 and FireWire (also called IEEE 1394)

  • Writer: CDRW or DVD writer for DVD+RW/-RW

  • Wireless Networking: 10/100 Ethernet Card

  • Sound Card: PCI (internal) card such as Sound Blaster Live or USB card/adaptor such as the Sony PCLKMN10

  • Video Card: Either an AVG type card from NVIDIA or a PCI card such as the 128MB Radeon 9800 Pro. If you buy a video card on eBay, make sure your computer’s motherboard supports the type of card you buy (AGP or PCI Express).

• Computer Gamer
  You want your desktop PC to be a 3D games machine with super-fast Internet access for online gaming.

  • Processor: 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 with Hyperthreading or equivalent AMD Athlon 64 or Athlon XP

  • Hard Drive: 80GB or more Memory

  • (RAM): 1GB or more

  • Utilities: Anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security

  • Ports: USB 2.0 and FireWire (also called IEEE 1394)

  • Burner: CD-RW/DVD-ROM

  • Wireless Networking: 10/100 Ethernet Card

  • Sound Card: PCI (internal) card such as Sound Blaster Live or USB card/adaptor such as the Sony PCLKMN10. Gamers should look for the Sound Blaster Audigy 4 Pro, which supports 16-bit audio and includes microphone, inputs for speakers or headphones and a line-in for audio devices.

  • Video Card: At least AGP 8x or PCI Express ATI Radeon, NVIDIA GeForce or 3dfx Voodoo3.

Step 2: Do you need a PC hard drive or complete system?
When you say “my computer” you probably mean the whole system – hard drive, monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse. But the PC (personal computer) is actually just the hard drive. If you’re happy with your existing monitor and keyboard, just buy a PC hard drive in desktop or tower form (towers are desktops that stand on their side).

You can upgrade different parts of your computer system later. For example, you can add the latest monitor, mouse or keyboard and even add components such as a DVD writer or external USB drives. Dell, IBM, Fujitsu-Siemens, Athlon and HP are among the popular makers of components and parts that you’ll find on eBay.

If you want to buy or replace a full computer kit at once, consider getting a complete system. You’ll find a full range on eBay, from basic systems right up to high-end brand name multimedia centres with full Windows XP operating systems, more than 2GB RAM memory and over 100GB hard drive capacity. These systems often come from brands like Sony, HP and Compaq, and boast powerful 3GHz+ processors from Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, Duron or Sempron. They also have features like USB 2.0 and FireWire ports, DVD and CDRW writers and wireless Ethernet cards – plus the very latest Logitech keyboards and flat-screen monitors. Some sellers even include printers or scanners.

The disadvantage of buying a full system altogether is that you can’t choose your preferred individual parts – you take what’s included. However, the bundle costs less than you’d pay for the separate parts.

Step 3: Decide whether you want a brand name
Buying a computer from reputable specialists IBM, Dell, Sony, HP, Athlon or Compaq brings peace of mind, but you pay more for a famous name. A generic desktop PC costs less for the same hardware and capability.

Tip: IBM, Dell, Sony, HP and Compaq make PCs, not Macs. PCs are desktop computers that use Microsoft’s Windows operating system. If you want to use the Mac operating system from Apple Macintosh (who also make the iPod), you’ll need to buy a Mac computer. Read on to find out more.

Choosing Your Operating System: Windows vs Mac

Choosing Your Operating System: Windows vs Mac

PCs are often a reference to computers running on the Windows operating system (OS). But Microsoft’s Windows is not the only OS available – many users prefer an Apple desktop that runs the Macintosh operating system (“Mac” for short). Both operating systems have strengths and weaknesses, and the one that suits you depends on what you want from a computer.

Generally speaking, Windows PCs work better with the Internet and business applications, while Macs are better for graphics and are widely used in publishing.

Tip: While most desktop computers sold on eBay come with an operating system installed, some don't. If you want to plug in your computer and use it straight away, make sure it has an installed OS.

Windows Operating System (PC)
Microsoft’s Windows operating system was developed in 1985 for IBM PCs, as a rival to Apple Macintosh. Mac may have come first, but 95 per cent of desktop computers now have Windows operating systems. Most PCs with Windows ready-installed contain Intel Pentium processors.

You’ll find PCs with all sorts of Windows operating systems on eBay, including Windows 95, 98, ME and 2000. The latest and most powerful version is Windows XP, currently offered in three versions:

• Windows XP Home Edition
  Launched in 2001 to offer greater stability, efficiency and user friendliness than previous versions of Windows. The clean and simple interface works well for most home users, who welcome the new visual effects such as task-based sidebars in Internet Explorer windows. Windows XP Home Edition doesn’t have dual CPU capability, but it does support the Hyperthreading functionality present on some Intel Pentium processors.

• Windows XP Professional
  Windows XP Pro was launched at the same time as XP Home Edition, and is targeted at heavy users and business clients. This powerful 64-bit operating system comes with extra support for wireless networking, a Remote Desktop feature for accessing your computer over the Internet and dual CPU capability.

• Windows XP Media Center
  Edition Released soon after XP Home and XP Pro, the Media Center Edition is basically Windows XP Professional with a new Media Center application. This is a great OS for video editors, music makers and especially TV fans, since it lets you watch, pause and record live TV without a separate PVR (personal digital video recorder, such as Sky+). You hook up your PC to a TV and record shows direct to your computer’s hard drive. Windows XP Media Center also lets you listen to music, watch DVDs and view photos from your sofa with the remote, and the 2004 edition includes an FM radio and Sonic's PrimeTime DVD-burning application so that you can transfer recorded TV shows to disk.
  
  Note that Microsoft uses the US spelling “XP Media Center”, but many eBay sellers may use the UK spelling “XP Media Centre”.

• Windows: The future
  Windows XP’s successor, Windows Vista, is expected to be released to the public in early 2006. Keep an eye on eBay for the first available computers with Windows Vista.
  
  Windows Vista will come in seven editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Small Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. Features will include a Game Performance Tweaker, Podcast creation utility and online "Club" services giving exclusive access to music, video and privileged customer care.

Mac: Apple Macintosh OS
Mac OS, which stands for Macintosh Operating System, was the first operating system with a user-friendly visual interface for “normal people”. Microsoft liked what it saw, produced a similar product called Windows, and now dominates the market.

But the Mac is still going strong, especially since Apple created its stylish iMac desktop computer and produced the iPod.

Apple Macs are still favoured by music, video and graphics enthusiasts. They come installed with lots of useful features and software such as an email client (Mail) video-conferencing software (iChat) and, in many cases, iLife 05, a software suite that includes image-editing software (iPhoto), video editing software (iMovie), DVD burning software (iDVD), digital music management software (iTunes) and sound editing software (GarageBand).

Some Macs have extra features such as Microsoft Office 2004, AirPort Extreme wireless card, wireless Bluetooth capability and LCD monitors. Most are capable of being upgraded to the newer Mac OS X operating system.

• Choosing the Right Mac
  There are many different types of Mac computer all running a similar Mac OS. All recent models support Ethernet wireless networking, FireWire and USB 2.0, and may have more RAM than standard PCs. Before you bid, check with the seller how old the model is and whether it has these features. For the best performance, look for at least 512MB RAM.
  
  Here are the most popular types of Mac you’ll find on eBay:

PowerMac G5
Good choice for: Multimedia enthusiasts and heavy users The powerful standard Mac comes with features such as a 128MB graphics card that allow you to experiment with sound, video and graphics.

iMac
Good choice for: Style-conscious home users

Much more stylish than the PowerMac but (generally speaking) less powerful, the iconic iMac includes a 64MB graphics card and widescreen LCD display. The high-end iMac G5 is more powerful than previous models, and offers similar power to a low-end PowerMac.

Mac Mini
Good choice for: Home users with little desk space

If you want to go online but have no interest in multimedia or burning DVDs, find space for this tiny computer – just 2-inches tall.

eMac
Good choice for: Occasional home users

An all-in-one computer with enough power for word processing, email and some multimedia. Note that its bulky CRT monitor will increase postage costs.

Buying an Older Mac
Recent Macs have G5 and G4 processors and OS X operating system, but on eBay you’ll also find cheaper Macs with G3 processors and the more basic Mac OS operating system. Make sure it meets the minimum system requirements of your Internet Service Provider and of any software you want to use. To clarify this information, click “Ask seller a question”.

How to Find Desktops on eBay

How to Find Desktops on eBay

There are lots of ways to find your ideal desktop PC or Mac on eBay. Here are a few tips:

1. Basic Search
If you know what you’re looking for, use the Search box on the homepage. Type in your keywords and select Computing from the drop-down box. For example if you’re looking for an Intel Pentium IV 3Ghz processor, type in “Intel Pentium IV 3Ghz” and select Computing.

2. Narrow your search
Just above the listings you’ll see a short list of popular brands matching your search. For searches in the Computing category, these links may include Dell, Sony, HP, Compaq, AMD Athlon, IBM, Duron, Sempron and Fujitsu-Siemens. Click on a brand to see matching items currently for sale.

The list may also include popular search terms such as MHz, GHz, 20GB, 100GB, Windows XP, wireless, operating system, USB, CD-RW and RAM.

You can also narrow your search with the Matching Categories list on the listings page. For the Computing category, the list includes Desktop PC Components, Desktop PCs, Laptops, Networking, Software and Monitors.

3. Browse the categories
Start from the Computing Overview page and click the categories that interest you. These categories might include USB Cables, AMD Athlon, Duron or Sempron; CD/DVD Drives, Wireless Networking or Operating Systems. For example if you want an AMD Athlon 64 processor, click the AMD Athlon 3.1GHz+ link to see all the most powerful AMD Athlon processors and desktop PCs currently for sale.

4. Use the Desktop PCs Finder
Click the Desktop PCs category link on the Computing Overview page and use the Desktop PCs Finder on the left to find your ideal computer.

This tool allows you to choose your ideal type of processor (AMD Athlon, AMD Athlon XP, AMD Duron, Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium I, Intel Pentium II, Intel Pentium III or Intel Pentium IV); processor speed (less than 400MHz, 400MHz or more, 700MHz or more, 1GHz or more, 2GHz or more, 2.6 or more, 3GHz or more); RAM (less than 64MB, 64MB or more, 96MB or more, 128MB or more, 256MB or more, 512MB or more, 1GB or more, 2GB or more); hard drive capacity (less than 20GB, 20GB or more, 40GB or more, 60GB or more, 80GB or more, 100GB or more) and condition (new or used)

You can also enter a keyword in the Desktop PCs Finder. Use this if you want a particular brand of PC or processor, such as Dell, Sony, HP, Compaq, Intel Pentium, AMD Athlon, Duron, Sempron, Windows XP, IBM or Fujitsu-Siemens. Also use the keyword box if you want a desktop with a specific feature, such as wireless capability, Ethernet card, USB or CDRW/DVD writer.

5. Want It Now
Desperately seeking a Dell PC with Windows XP and a 3GHz AMD Athlon processor, or a 100GB external USB hard drive for your Sony desktop? Post a message on Want It Now and tell millions of sellers exactly what you want. Post your message in the Computing category for the widest audience, or target specialists by posting in Desktop PC Components or Desktop PCs.

6. Go to eBay Shops
eBay Shops are run by experienced eBay sellers who sell hundreds of items each day. They tend to specialise in one area such as Windows XP systems, Intel Pentium processors, system parts from brands such as Sony, Dell, Compaq or HP, IBM components or wireless products. Click the eBay Shops link on the eBay homepage, then click Computing to explore items for sale by XP specialists, AMD Athlon experts, Ethernet specialists and so on.

To search just within eBay Shops, go to the eBay Shops homepage and enter your search term, such as “2GHz Intel Pentium”. The results will look similar to any other listings page, but the sellers are all Shops sellers.

Buy With Confidence

Buy With Confidence

You may find the desktop PC of your dreams and want to bid on it. But before you do, here are some tips:

• Work out the postage and insurance: Include the cost of delivery in your calculations when deciding how much to bid. If you spend a lot of money on a component or computer part, make sure the seller will insure it for delivery. Desktop PCs and CRT monitors are best bought from someone who lives nearby, so that you can collect in person and avoid high postage costs. 

• Read the item description carefully: This is particularly important with expensive items like desktop PCs, high-end software and high-spec Intel or AMD processors. Check whether full instructions are included. If the listing doesn’t say so, click the “Ask seller a question” link to find out before you bid.

• Is it under guarantee? If so, what are the terms?       

• Check the return policy: Email for clarification if you need it.        

• If in doubt, ask. Important information about operating systems, processor speed and number of USB ports are crucial to your decision to bid.