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Types of PC
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Operating systems
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Which processor
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Which ports
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Types of desktop PC
Tower PCs are the traditional, under-the-desk style of PC. Although much larger than the latest mini PCs, they are a lot more compact than they used to be a few years ago. The main benefit of a full-size tower PC is that you can fit much more powerful components inside than you can in a mini-PC, all-in-one or laptop.
The extra space in a tower PC gives you the opportunity to customise and upgrade much more easily. If you need a high-performance PC for gaming, media editing, music production or design, a tower PC is a great choice.
All-in-one PCs are a combination of a monitor and tower PC. This means you can place an all-in-one anywhere a monitor will fit, making them ideal for keeping an office tidy or fitting into rooms where space is at a premium.
Some all-in-ones feature touchscreens, which open up a whole new way to control your PC. Simply touch, tap and swipe the screen to navigate the web and your software. Windows is designed to support touch control and gives you a simple, enjoyable way to use your PC.
All-in-ones suit even the most style-conscious PC users. They don't clutter your desk up with cables and the slim bezels on the latest designs give a clean, modern look that fits into any home or workspace. Apple's all-in-one PC, the iMac, is renowned for its minimalist and distinctive design.
Mini PCs are the smallest desktop PCs available today. Despite their size, they work just like their full-sized counterparts, with the same ports, functionality and software compatibility. However, mini PCs don't have room for high performance components, so are better suited to everyday computing tasks such as typing essays and browsing the web.
Mini PCs are the most design-focussed desktop computers. They've been designed to look just as at home next to the TV as they do on a desk, so if you want a discrete yet stylish way to access your documents and online content, a mini PC is a great choice.
Gaming PCs all have powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards which allow them to handle the demands of the latest and most demanding games. All of our gaming PCs will run any game currently on sale today, although the more powerful PCs deliver better visuals and higher frame-rates for a more immersive experience.
The most powerful gaming PCs even allow you to game in 4k if your monitor or TV supports it.
If you want your PC to really stand out, gaming PCs have space inside for you to customise them the way you like. Gaming PCs feature distinctive cases, with many giving you the option to add LEDs and other visual accessories for a truly personalised look.
Operating systems
The operating system of your PC determines the way it looks, how it works, and the type of software you can use. There are three main operating systems, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Windows
Windows is the most common operating system in the world, so if you've used a PC before, chances are it ran on Windows.
Windows is powerful yet easy to use, with all your files and important documents within easy access. If you're looking for a new PC for university, gaming or creative computing such as music production or video editing, Windows is a great place to start.
Well supported: The majority of software, accessories and components are designed to work perfectly with Windows
The gamers choice: All major PC game releases are optimised for Windows, making it the only choice for a serious gaming PC
If you've never used a PC before, it can take a while to learn the layout and navigation.
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macOS
OS X is Apple’s exclusive operating system. It is only available on iMac, Mac Pro and Mac mini desktops, along with MacBook laptops.
It features a bright, stylised desktop focussed on ease-of-use and stability, making it the preferred choice of professionals with focussed requirements and casual home users that prefer a simple layout.
Optimised for design: Some of the most popular design software, such as Photoshop and InDesign, is optimised for OS X and can give you improved stability and performance
Works best with Apple: OS X is designed to work flawlessly with other Apple devices, so if you have an iPhone or iPad, transferring files, contacts and apps between them is much easier. They share a similar layout too, so you’ll be much more at home and find navigation easier A lot of popular software and accessories don't work with OS X, so if you want to use something specific and it’s only available for Windows, you may need to find an alternative.
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Which processor should you choose?
All of our Windows desktop PCs feature either Intel® or AMD processors. If you're looking for an everyday PC for browsing the web and typing essays, there isn't really much difference between the two brands. Instead, make sure your PC has the features, hard drive capacity and design to suit the way you work. If you're more focussed on performance, here are the pros and cons of both brands:
Which ports do you need?
HDMI
HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a port that allows you to connect your device to a TV or monitor. It is capable of transmitting Full HD video and audio.
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DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a port that allows you to connect laptops, tablets and desktop PCs to a monitor or TV. It is much smaller than HDMI, so is used on ultra-thin laptops, tablets and gaming PCs that support multiple monitors. DisplayPort supports Full HD and 4K video, along with high-definition audio.
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DVI
DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. It was a common way to connect desktop PCs and monitors and transmits Full HD video without audio. It’s largely unsupported on newer PC models.
VGA
VGA stands for Video Graphics Array. It is an older way laptops and desktops connect to monitors and TVs. It is being replaced by HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI. It cannot transmit HD video or audio.
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You might also need...
Software
From antivirus and Microsoft Office to photo editing and education, we have all the software you need to get the best from your new PC.
Accessories
Our peripherals range has everything you need to make computing easier and more comfortable, from ergonomic keyboards and wireless mice to headsets and stands.
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Data storage
Whether you need large-capacity storage for backing up software or simply need a USB stick for carrying documents to university, we have the latest storage technology to keep your data safe and secure.
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Printer
If you're heading to university or want physical copies of your favourite photos, a home printer makes creating documents simple. Look out for all-in-one printers, which feature also feature a scanner and copier for maximum convenience.
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