Yellowknife (Feb 10/03) - Knowing your family's needs will take the edge off of buying your first computer, said Stuart Ridgely, technical web consultant for GNWT Education, Culture and Employment.

Ridgely works as a consultant for territorial schools, maintains the Internet access and the NWT Virtual Library computer kiosks.

"It's best to do a self-evaluation of what your needs are," said Ridgely.

Ask yourself if your family needs Internet access, what kind of software programs you'll be running, if games will be played and know your price range before going to the computer store, he said.

A new computer system, including monitor, speakers and more, can cost between $1,200 and upwards of $3,000.

The average computer should last two to three years before becoming outdated.

The computer itself is the backbone of your new system. And it's not something to be frugal about.

"I always tend to tell people to buy on the high end because you won't have to buy a new one (as soon)," said Ridgely, adding an upgradeable system is best.

A top-end model will have better video cards and a faster processor, making it better to handle future software.

Choosing between a Macintosh and a Windows-based personal computer is a matter of personal preference, said Ridgely.

Whichever you decide, it should have a minimum of 128 megabytes of RAM, a 17-inch monitor, a comfortable mouse, a CD burner to back up files and a 40 gigabyte hard drive.

Sound cards, video cards and speakers are necessary for most videogames.

"With speakers, buy yourself a good set of headphones and give them to your kids," said Ridgely. "A good set of head phones will go along way to saving your sanity."

There are lots of kid-friendly software programs to choose from.

If your overwhelmed, Ridgely suggests researching programs on the Internet through software review sites.

Type 'education software' into a search engine and surf away.

A must-have educational program is Encarta, said Jeri Miltenberger, virtual libraries co-ordinator for the GNWT.

Encarta is highly interactive and provides up-to-date information, Web links and downloadable maps.

There is also a huge selection of learning programs like the Reader Rabbit, Magic School Bus and Jump Start.

The programs expand as the child learns, she said.