If you are buying a new PC computer ensure the below essential specs.

1. Serial Port-RS232 port, 1No., for modem, mouse or peripheral.
2. Parallel-Centronics port, 1No. ,for printer, external drive, peripheral.
3. PS2 ports- 2 Nos., one for keyboard and one for mouse.
4. LAN Card 10-100 Mbps, with windows, linux and unix drivers in floppy.
5. Mouse with web scroll wheel and optical ball-less sensor for PS2.
6. CDROM-RW drive 48X or less with ability to burn normal CDROM and RW.
7. CDROM-48x drive with DVD reading capability if you need.
8. Speakers with woofer and a small microphone.
9. Motherboard should have integrated video and sound.
10. PS2 keyboard with buttons for cut-paste, windows control.
11. Monitor that supports 1024*768, flat, black, anti-glare.
12. Sturdy Cabinet with reset and power buttons in front and good SMPS.
13. USB ports 2 in back and 2 in front of PC or use a USB Hub.
14. Floppy drive for start up, testing and troubleshooting.
15. Modem internal or external 56 kbps with drivers for linux and windows.
16. Motherboard with 256MB ram with 4 PCI slots and drivers for linux and windows.
17. UPS with built in mains voltage regulator, surge suppressor, and high voltage cut off.

Others : printer cable, serial cable, USB hub, printer, scanner, midi port.