What to look for:
No matter which brand PC you get there are four important things you should consider very carefully (look closely at the specifications).

    I heartly recommend Windows 10 for your new PC!

32bit or 64bit OS
    Generally you will not need to be concerned since all new Windows computers are now 64bit capable (x64 based processor) and have a 64bit version of the Windows OS installed. You would not want a 32bit OS in any case, since this would limit your available RAM to less than 4GB.

Processor: The brains of the PC
    Both of the major PC processor manufacturers, Intel and AMD, have continued to introduce newer and faster versions of their PC processors and rankings have become a bit muddled.

    For the most part, I recommend that you avoid weak processors such as Intel's Celeron, and Pentium, and AMD's E-series and low-end A-series processors (A-9 and higher are still barely acceptable). Tasks that PC processors are expected to perform without hiccups and slowdowns are growing more complex daily as are many websites on the internet. These processors will tend to make your new computer nearly obsolete out of the box. When you look at PC specifications look for commputers with Intel core i3 or higher (i5, i7) or AMD A-10 or higher (Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7)

    Top of the line PCs usually have an Intel Core i7 (or occasionally an AMD Ryzen 7 series) processor installed. These processors, especially the i7, are expensive, when compared to the others above. A PC containing one of these will usually be priced at least $200 above those with a less powerful processor. However both processors will normally provide upscale performance, even in a laptop PC.

Cheap PCs price range: (These are prices for Desktops. Laptops may cost a bit more.)

• low-end - $250 to $400, (Don't bother with one of these unless you're desperate)
• High low-end - $400 to $550.

Do you really need to purchase an extended warranty?
    No matter where you buy your new computer you will be faced with the choice to purchase an extension to the standard one-year in-home warranty that comes with nearly all new PCs. If you are buying online it will be easy to ignore the offers for extended warranties but if you are in a local store the salesperson may strongly suggest that you really need one.
    My advice is to firmly decline. Why? Because if there is a manufacturing defect with with the computer you buy it will almost always show up sometime in the first few months of use then the standard warranty will take care of it. You will either get your computer repaired or get a replacement for it straight from the manufacturer.
    Extended warranties are big money makers for those who sell them since it's rare when a manufacturing defect waits more than a year to make itself evident. If there's something mechanically wrong with your new PC it won't take long for it to go belly up!
    You were trying to get a cheap PC anyway, right? So why pay more than you really need to pay?
    Be aware that manufacturer's warranties do not normally cover software problems.

Also, if you bought your new PC from a place such as Amazon, which has a firm 30-day return policy for damaged or DOA electronics then the best thing to do is to return it for a full refund or replacement with another new PC. That way you won't even need to provide evidence (such as proof or purchase) for warranty purposes.

What about a Mac?
Apple makes quality computers, but Mac PCs are not cheap. The least expensive iMac you can get is around $1100. It comes with a 21.5-inch screen, an Intel i5 processer, 8GB RAM, and a 1TB hard drive.

     The Mac Mini is the the least expensive Apple PC you can get right now at around $800.
    It comes with the excellent MacOS, an i3 Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD hard drive - but no standard DVD drive, mouse or keyboard.
    Take note that Apple believes this is the least powerful computer you should get.

    But for $500 to $700, you can get a Windows 10 Desktop PC with an Intel i5 quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1 Terrabyte 7200rpm hard drive - with a DVD burner, keyboard, and a mouse included. (Add $40 to $70 for a 256GB SSD Hard Drive, if you buy it and install it yourself)
    Think about it!

Laptop (notebook PCs) vs Desktop PCs
    The benefits of a laptop PC are: Display included - no need to buy a separate monitor. Compact and portable - use it almost anywhere. Touch screen models are available at a higher price.
    On the other hand Laptops are usually a bit more expensive than desktops with comparable specifications. Laptops use lower-power mobile processors that are generally less powerful (and cooler running) than comparable desktop processors. Batteries generally do not last that long before requiring recharge, especially in low-end PCs.

    If you don't absolutely need a portable PC you may be better off with a traditional desktop or an All-in-One PC. You will get more PC for the money. Expect to spend at least $500 to $600 for a good, 15.6 inch, well-equipped laptop PC. Again, if you want to spend less for a good laptop PC, WAIT FOR A SALE!

Concerning touch sceens on Laptop PCs
    Do you really need a touch screen on your new laptop PC?
    This depends on whether you really want a touch screen, not whether you need it.
    In my opinion, no one really needs a touch screen on any PC, except a tablet PC that does not ship with a keyboard/mouse or a touchpad.

    A laptop PC with a touch screen will normally cost at least $50 to $100 more than one without a touch screen.
    As an example, I found two laptop PCs for sale online. One had a touch screen with 4GB of RAM and the other had no touch screen but had 6GB of RAM. The PCs were priced the same.
    Personally, I would rather have the extra RAM than a touch screen on my new PC.

All-in-One PCs
    In the last few years computer manufacturers, such as Dell, Hewlett Packard, and others, have introduced Microsoft Windows based computers with all PC components tucked into the case behind the display, very similar to Apple's popular iMac. Lower end computers of this type are similar to Laptops in that they sometimes contain low-power processors, less RAM, and slower hard drives than comparable priced desktop PCs.
    Not all All-in-Ones are handicapped in this manner so it is wise to look closely at the PC specifications before buying an All-in-One PC. Be wary, if it's priced too low you should be suspicious. As with Laptops, touch screen equipped models will be more expensive.

What about an inexpensive tablet?
    By now everyone has either seen or heard about the iPad and its lower cost Android copycats. Most electronic tablets are great for reading books (or any kind of reading). Cloud computing and surfing the internet is also relatively simple, albeit on a small screen, but only if you have either a wireless router or cellular. Taking and viewing photos with a tablet is usually simple.

    However if you really need a computer (to get real work done) then buy a real PC. You will have a physical keyboard to do your typing, a large hard drive to store your files which will be easily transferable by means of USB flash drive or disk, as well as internet downloads.

    A tablet's main drawback is its dependence on wireless communications and, with the possible exception of photos, its poor and clunky data transfer capability, especially without wireless availability. Memory space for tablets is usually very restricted and low compared to laptop or desktop PCs.

    Another glaring weakness of many tablets is that the battery is usually non-replacable or not easily replaceable. If the battery fails your tablet is bricked unless you pay a substantial fee for replacement. Occasionally the cost is prohibitive - possibly as much as a new tablet in some instances.
    Be sure you do your research before purchasing a tablet PC!

Bottom Line - Recommendations
    For a Desktop PC with a late-generation Intel i3 or AMD A-10 dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive is my least recommendation, even if you are strapped for cash.
    But if you can afford a little more then choose a PC with an Intel i5 dual core or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 6 to 8GB of RAM, and a faster hard drive running at 7200rpm.

    As I have implied above, the least powerful PC I believe you should get is one with a Intel i5 quad-core processor (or an AMD A-12 processor), 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive (in a Desktop PC.
    For a Laptop PC my least recommendation is a PC with an Intel Core i3 processor, 4-6 GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.

Software - Download free software to save money
    If you want to get any real use out of your new PC you will need software for it. You will need a decent word-processing program and a good anti-virus program at minimum.
    The good news is that you don't need to spend a lot of money on computer programs if you have internet access. You can download a free office suite - Libre Office or Open Office - that has much of the functionality of Microsoft Office.

    Also, you really need and can also get a free antivirus program. Activate Microsoft's Windows Defender (it's already installed on your new PC) or choose from Avast or AVG. Just be sure to always choose the free option when installing or updating the latter two programs! Take the free stuff and run!
    If you activate or install another (free) antivirus program you should first uninstall any paid (subscription based) antivirus software that came with your PC. Running two active antivirus programs at the same time is not recommended - you will likely not be protected.
    Always restart your PC after uninstalling security software!

Computer Monitors (Display)
    Think about your computer monitor. You will be looking at it a lot. If you have a bad or worse yet, an old, bad display, eventually your eyes will pay for it.
    You can now get a good 20inch flat panel PC LCD display for less than $150, or even less than $100 if you look hard enough. Most lower-cost LCD monitors are usually standard HD (1366x768), sometimes referred to as 720p. But for a bit more money you can get a full HD LCD monitor (1920X1080). Your eyes will thank you! (If you are picky about color reproduction and wide viewing angles, you should look for a monitor with an IPS screen as well as Full High Definition)

    You don't always get the best price for a monitor simply because it's bundled with the PC when you buy it. Get the best computer display you can possibly afford!

Use your HD TV as a computer monitor
    Alternatively, if you have a late model 4K or full HD 1080p 40 inch or smaller LCD TV you can connect your PC to it with a HDMI cable which will give you both video and sound. Use your TV for double duty and surf the net on your TV! Get a wireless keyboard and mouse so you can back up a bit for comfortable viewing.
    Note: A really large TV (46 inch or larger) may be overwhelming for a computer, but it's really a matter of choice. You'll almost certainly need a wireless keyboard and mouse to enable you to back away from a large TV for comfortable viewing.

    If you already have a good flat panel monitor look around to see if you have an adaptor for it for the newer video connections that come with new PCs. Most older PCs use a VGA connection. Many newer PCs use a connection called DVI. Some even use HDMI. Some have multiple video connections.
    Be sure you have the correct connector or adapter so you won't have to make another trip to the store before you can use your new PC. Either a DVI or HDMI connection is full digital and necessary for full HD (1920X1080) resolution.

    I recommend a PC with an HDMI connection if you can get it.