ATLANTA -- The wsbtv.com computer expert is here to offer some holiday computer buying tips. Traditionally during the holidays, businesses reduce their prices on computers hoping to draw customers. So here is his list for the top things to look out for when buying a new computer.

Let's talk about the new Windows 7 Operating System:

· Microsoft poured their resources into fixing Vista after many complaints about the operating system. So, basically Windows 7 is Vista version 2.0. The new operating system is leaner, meaner, and rocks. So, it is okay to get Windows 7 for your new machine. But it's a bit complicated to figure out which version of Windows 7 to buy.

o 32-bit versus 64-bit – Go for the 64-bit version. Today’s hardware standards are beyond the limits of what any 32-bit operating system can fully use. The downside – older peripherals like printers and scanners may not have 64-bit version of their drivers. It is up to the vendor of the devices to make both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. You should be safe with new peripherals. Additionally, some software may not like the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Again, the newer the software, the better the chance you will not have a problem.

o Five versions (Home Basic, Starter, Premium, Professional, or Ultimate) – Get the Home Premium version.

· Upgrading an existing machine to Windows 7 – If you bought within the last two years and it was “Vista Certified” then Windows 7 will be fine. Buy the “Upgrade” version and save some money. Note that Windows XP does not do a direct migration to Windows 7. You will need to back off your data and erase the hard drive. Vista can migrate up to Windows 7 without erasing the hard drive. Note you will have to stay at 32-bit if the Vista operating system is 32-bit. I still recommend backing off your data, erasing the hard drive, and install Windows 7 cleanly. This avoids keeping legacy issues of Vista around, and you can install the 64-bit version if your hardware is up to standards. Oh, if you bought a system (desktop/laptop) after July 1st, you probably qualified for a free upgrade to Windows 7. Check with your vender.

Netbooks

· Over the year very small versions of laptops emerged. Running basic hardware and stripped down versions of operating systems, these Netbooks are cheap, light, and very basic. If you wish to only surf the web and check email then Netbooks are right in your alley.

· There is not much in available customizing options, so you pretty much go by price. You can have a very basic system at $300. When you hit the $600 level, you are getting to near laptop status, and possibly should consider doing a pure laptop instead.

So, here is a bullet point list:

· CPU: Intel is faster. AMD is cheaper.

o Intel - Here they are in increasing horsepower:

§ Atom – found in Netbooks

§ Core 2 (Duo, Quad, or Extreme)

§ Core i5

§ Core i7

o AMD - Also in increasing horsepower:

§ Neo – Netbooks

§ Athlon II

§ Phenom II

· Memory: 4 GB of RAM minimum. The more, the better, like six or eight gigs. (Note: you must have 64-bit OS to see anything beyond 3½ GB of memory.)

· DVD Burning: Dual-layer DVD is still cheaper than a Blu-Ray burner. And how many of you have a Blu-Ray player in the living room? Remember to buy the blank discs at the computer section as they are usually cheaper than the music section. Roxio DVD Creator Ultimate is a pretty good burning software suite.

· Extended warranties:

o Desktop: No, unless you are going to do dial-up (and risk lightning damage).

o Laptop: Yes, as you could drop it.

· Surge Protector: Spend $30-$40 on one. If you do use a dial-up modem, then hook the phone line through the protector.

· Antivirus/AntiSpyware software: Symantec, McAfee, or Trend Micro will be fine. Commodo is a free program that does pretty good.

· Broadband Router: Share your Internet connection and get basic firewall protection from hackers. Either device below is great.

o NetGear WNR2000

o LinkSys WRT310N

· Mobile Broadband (for laptops): You can buy a card that taps into a cellular data system. You will need to buy a data plan for the card.

· Web Browser: Download Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for free. Safer than Internet Explorer.

So, let’s build a PC or Laptop:

· Desktop (Budget $800 to $1000):

o Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

o CPU: Intel Core i5-750 or AMD Athlon II X4 620

o RAM: 6 GB

o Hard Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA)

o Video Card: Integrated with PC, a nVidia GeForce GT220, or an ATI Radeon HD 4350 card

o Monitor: 20 inch widescreen flat panel

o DVD: DVD+/-RW dual-layer burner (but think about Blu-Ray as an alternative)

o Sound: Integrated with PC or Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme

o Speakers: Nice pair that comes with subwoofer

o Wired Network Card: 1 GB Ethernet card

o Wireless Network Card: Wireless-N

o Mouse: Optical 3-button

o Keyboard: Standard is fine

o Modem: 56K (with Fax)

· Laptops (Budget $1200 to $1500): You use the above specs with the following changes:

o CPU: Intel Core2 Duo T6600 or the AMD Turion II Dual-Core Mobile

o Hard Drive: 250 GB

o Monitor: 15 inch widescreen

o Mobile Broadband card