Gaming computers: Don't be duped by marketing

Ever since computers became a staple in the home, gaming has been one of their biggest applications. A few decades ago, simple games like The Oregon Trail™ and Zork were enough to keep people entertained. These days, however, gamers demand a little more excitement.

Purchasing a desktop or a laptop computer for gaming purposes can be a daunting experience. Sales people are known for dishing out a lot of jargon that can confuse the buyer. Additionally, a well-delivered pitch can end in the customer purchasing a less-than-stellar computer.

Education is key when purchasing a gaming computer or components. Gamers must know how much processing power is needed to run a certain game. They must know how much RAM their motherboards can support. They should also be aware whether a video card is even necessary.

Perhaps the most important thing for buyers to know, however, is whether they're being sold a lemon. To avoid this, a potential gamer should go into the store -- or onto a website -- with a clear idea of what he or she is actually looking for.