The Other Stuff
Modem
An adequate Modem should be part of the package. This is for sending faxes, using your PC as a phone and for accessing the Internet over your phone line if you use a dial-up internet connection.
If you're on a dial-up connection (the type that stops you using the phone when you're on line) the modem should be built into your PC. This modem is also used for sending faxes.
If you're on a broadband connection you probably have a modem or a modem/router supplied by your ISP. You'll need a modem with an incorporated router (a modem/router) if you intend to use more than one PC with your internet connection.
If you wish to use a laptop wirelessly for connecting to the internet or to a home network the modem should be wireless capable.
Sound
New PCs come with a sound card to drive your speakers built in as an integral part of the motherboard. (And a built-in network connection for broadband internet connection and in case you wish to hook up to another computer).
If you’ll be using your PC for listening to, playing, or creating high fidelity music or for audio editing, you may want to spend a little extra:
- for better speakers than the standard cheap and nasties. Or, with an adaptor, you can plug your PC's soundcard into the AUX connection on your stereo.
- for professional sound quality buy a dedicated sound card with connections for a sophisticated speaker setup.
If your PC is in a part of the house where other people are likely to be disturbed you might consider a good quality set of lightweight headphones or a headset: a combination earphones and microphone instead of speakers.
The Mouse & Keyboard
A few dollars more for an optical mouse is a worthwhile investment. You don’t have to worry about dust building up inside the rolling ball in a standard rodent and it’s far less fussy about its operating surface.
Keyboards now usually have a few extra buttons for special jobs like instant Internet connection, music playing and checking your email.
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
Another alternative is the wireless mouse and keyboard combo. These help to reduce the cable clutter inherent in PC setups.
The downside of the wireless setup is regular battery replacement or charging and, with some motherboards, possible difficulty with accessing your keyboard at boot time, for instance if you wish to use your function keys to access special boot routines, or your CMOS setup.
Computer Desk and Chair
A few things to watch out for when buying computer furniture:
- The keyboard tray or shelf must be at the correct height for your comfort. When you're seated, your forearms should be parallel to the floor. Either the seat, the keyboard tray, or both must be adjustable to attain this.
- The seat must be a typist's chair. i.e. it should be armless. Otherwise you'll have difficulty typing.
- The keyboard tray should be deep enough to suit the keyboard with room to spare. Many (mine for a start!) are so shallow that you can't even see the function keys, let alone have space enough in front of the keyboard to rest your wrists.
- The keyboard tray should be wide enough to accommodate your keyboard when it's centred in front of your screen and still allow sufficient mousing area on whichever side you use – left or right.
If you're forced to use your mouse on the level above and forward of the tray, you'll get neck and shoulder pain.
Nothing surer. Trust me.