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How to Choose a Personal Computer
A step-by-step way to pick a personal computer: list what you will do with it, set a budget, weigh the options and check support before you buy.
PC care
Understand your computer, and keep it running well.
Practical, brand-neutral guides to choosing, maintaining, fixing, backing up, securing and upgrading your personal computer.
133 in-depth guides 19 topics Oct 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
What Is Inside a Computer?
A plain-language tour of the main parts inside a desktop or laptop computer, what each one does, and how they connect to work together as one machine.
Why Computers Slow Down Over Time
A plain-language map of why a computer feels slower with age, from full drives and background programs to heat and aging hardware, and how to tell them apart.
How to Clean Your Computer Safely
A safe, general routine for cleaning a computer: the case, keyboard, screen and vents, plus what never to spray, soak or leave plugged in while you work.
Basic PC Troubleshooting Steps
A calm, repeatable method for fixing computer problems: note the symptoms, change one thing at a time, check cables and power, and know when to ask for help.
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Know Your PC
Understand what is inside a computer and how to choose one.
Buying Basics How to decide what kind of computer fits your needs. 4 guides Inside Your PC What the main parts do and how they work together. 4 guides Storage And Memory Drives, cards, file systems and memory explained in plain language. 9 guides Buying And Selling Used Evaluating secondhand computers and handing yours on safely. 8 guides
Keep It Healthy
Routine care, speed, cleaning and fixing common problems.
Speed And Performance Why computers slow down and what actually helps. 4 guides Cleaning And Cooling Dust, heat and physical care for desktops and laptops. 4 guides Troubleshooting A calm, step-by-step approach to common computer problems. 6 guides Laptops And Batteries Everyday ownership, charging and travel habits for portable computers. 10 guides Software And Updates How operating systems, drivers, programs and browsers work in general terms. 11 guides
Protect And Improve
Backups, home security basics and sensible upgrades.
Backups Protecting your files from loss, failure and mistakes. 3 guides Home Security Basics General defensive habits for keeping a home PC safe. 7 guides Upgrades Explained What can be upgraded, what cannot, and when it is worth it. 3 guides Eco-Friendly Computing Using less energy and handling old equipment responsibly. 8 guides
Setup And Connections
Screens, accessories, home networks and printers that connect to your computer.
Displays And Monitors Choosing, connecting and caring for screens. 7 guides Keyboards, Mice And Peripherals Accessories that connect to a computer and how to keep them working. 8 guides Home Networking Basics How your computer reaches the internet and other devices at home. 9 guides Printers And Scanners Setting up, using and fixing home printing and scanning. 10 guides
Play And Comfort
Gaming basics and a workspace that is comfortable to use every day.