CD-ROM drive

While I'm classifying a CD-ROM drive as non-essential, we all have to face the fact that a computer without a CD-ROM drive is pretty obsolete.

It's quite simple. Don't get anything less than a 24x speed drive, and don't get the bargain CD-ROM drives if your kid's use the computer a lot.

Two good brands would be Sony and Creative. These will be much more expensive, yet you can rest assured that they will last you a long time. I still have an antiquated 2x Creative and an ancient 4x Sony that outperforms my 24x NewCom CD-ROM (don't get NewCom!).

Also, you may consider getting yourself a CD-Writer or a CD-RW.

What's the difference? Well a CD-Writer (CD-R) can write on regular blank CD's (which cost about 50 cents to a dollar), but never erase or write on them again. A CD-RW can write on both regular blank CD's, and rewrite, erase and modify special blank RW CD's (which cost about 1 to 2 dollars). Again, if you want to get a CD-R (or CD-RW) stick with Creative or Sony.

So that's about everything you really need to know about what to buy! Next, you'll learn how to assemble all of the new computer hardware and to finish it up by installing your operating system (OS) software.

Next Page: Assemble your Computer Hardware