Computers

All systems can play casual games such as solitaire and Angry Birds. Systems designated as suitable for gaming are more powerful and can play modern mainstream and intensive 3D video games with a frame rate and visual effects that does not make the game stop or stutter.

Comes with a mouse that is wireless.

Comes with a keyboard that is wireless.

At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.).

Voice control allows you to control your computer by speaking to it. Depending on the software you can perform commands such as search the web, play music, check and reply to email, and, update your social media.

A built-in webcam for videoconferencing.

The form factor determines the general size and design of the desktop. "Full-size" is a standard tower that can typically be opened to upgrade or replace parts. "Compact" is a slim or smaller-sized tower that will take up less room, but may limit what size hardware can be installed. "Mini" is a smaller box-size that takes up even less space and may be easier to hide away. "All-in-One" combines the display and computer into a single device. To reduce desk clutter, consider a Compact, Mini, or All-in-One.

For all-in-one desktops, the diagonal measure of the display.

The operating system that was installed on the computer at the time it was tested. The operating system is the software that controls the basic operation of the computer. Common examples are Windows and Mac OS. The operating system determines the "look and feel" of the PC.

Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks. This is the brand, or manufacturer, of the processor.

Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks. This is the listed model name and speed for the processor.

Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance. We recommend at least 4GB of memory, or 8GB if you plan to run several large applications at the same time.

The amount of storage, a permanent area for the operating system, programs and data such as documents, music, and media files. Storage can be a hard drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or hybrid drive.

The video adapter, or graphics card, processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory), and desktops may have one type or both installed. Integrated graphics can be suitable for mostly daily tasks, but consider a dedicated graphics card if you perform demanding media editing or play video games. This is the brand, or manufacturer, of the integrated graphics.

The video adapter, or graphics card, processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory), and desktops may have one type or both installed. Integrated graphics can be suitable for mostly daily tasks, but consider a dedicated graphics card if you perform demanding media editing or play video games. This is the listed model name of the integrated graphics.

The video adapter, or graphics card, processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory), and desktops may have one type or both installed. Integrated graphics can be suitable for mostly daily tasks, but consider a dedicated graphics card if you perform demanding media editing or play video games. This is the brand, or manufacturer, of the dedicated graphics.

The video adapter, or graphics card, processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up system memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated VRAM memory), and desktops may have one type or both installed. Integrated graphics can be suitable for mostly daily tasks, but consider a dedicated graphics card if you perform demanding media editing or play video games. This is the listed model name and VRAM of the dedicated graphics.

For desktop ratings, this size only applies to all-in-one desktops, which have a built-in screen. It is the number of picture elements ("pixels") across the horizontal and vertical dimension of the screen. The higher the resolution within a given size screen, the finer the detail that can be displayed. No scaling is needed to view a picture or movie of this size, or to match the display resolution with the native resolution, sometimes called Default or Recommended.

The maximum listed refresh rate supported by the display. Higher rates can show smoother motions on the screen.

The optical drive reads and/or writes to CDs and DVDs. Most PCs come equipped with a DVD-RW, also known as a DVD burner, which lets you read and write to DVDs.

The height of the computer chassis.

The width of the computer chassis.

The depth of the desktop chassis.

The length in months of the manufacturer's standard warranty.

The length in months of the manufacturer's free technical support by telephone.

The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. A compatible router is required to get the fastest speeds available.

Maximum speed supported by the wired networking. A compatible router is required to get the fastest speeds available.

Has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt video output for sending a digital video signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.

Generation and speed of the Thunderbolt port, for connecting peripherals. Later generations may support additional features. For example, Thuderbolt 4 supports up to two 4K monitors or one 8K monitor, compared to one 4K monitor on Thunderbolt 3.

Number of free USB ports for printers, hard drives, flash drives, or other peripherals.

Generation and listed speed supported by the USB ports, allows for faster communication with peripherals such as backup drives.

An HDMI out port for sending a digital video/audio signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.

Has an HDMI video input for using your all-in-one computer as a monitor.

A connection for a digital flat-panel display.

Has analog rear speaker connectors for surround sound.

A free memory slot inside the PC for upgrades.