So you want to buy a computer?

Americans have been purchasing home computers at a staggering pace. Sales in 1991 were 3.9 million; sales for 1995 are projected at 7.7 million. Why all the growth? Because computers, like television, have become a necessary tool for information, entertainment and education.

Many personal computer users have discovered that with their rapidly changing lives, they've outgrown the computer system they bought just two or three years ago. Others who put off buying a computer year after year are deciding that it's finally time to get on the bandwagon.

If you are among the millions who will purchase a computer this year, remember--buying a computer is like buying a car. All the options could lead you to buy a system you may not need.

First, "Do your homework!" is the emphatic suggestion from Laurie Levy, public relations manager for CompUSA in Dallas. She says consumers should determine what their true needs are. If you need to compute on the go, try the portability of a laptop. If you use your computer only at home, a desktop model might be sufficient. If you are a parent with small children, you'll probably need a sound card and loads of memory for computer games and educational software. If you're running a home office, then speed, power and memory to run your spreadsheets may be your main concern. If you're upgrading, you should thoroughly reevaluate your needs.

Only you can answer such questions, but don't forget to ask your friends and colleagues for advice. "These people are your best resource for information. They're more accessible and sometimes easier to understand than technical support," says David Hoisch, vice president of engineering for CCOPS, a black-owned, high-tech engineering firm in Los Angeles. Hoisch, a computer consultant, says friends who own computers can tell you what's good or bad about a system before you buy it. And after you've made your purchase, they may be as helpful as the techies who answer the manufacturer's 800 number--and more accessible.

Whether to purchase a PC or a Macintosh is another big decision. The Mac has a "user friendly" reputation, Levy says, and is "great for those who are creative and those who do desktop publishing."

However, most work environments use PCs because they are so efficient for word processing and business applications like financial spreadsheets. They also have more flexibility because most software being introduced is designed for the PC.

Once you've decided what to buy, shop around. Make sure you get some basic features. Purchase no less than a 486SX computer running at 33 MHz. The 486 is the previous generation of the new, powerful Pentium processor systems. Pentium systems run faster, but 486 models use less energy and cost less. Standard memory is 4 MB of RAM, but you'll need at least 8 MB of RAM to run multimedia software.

You can purchase full PC packages at prices that range from $1,000 to $3,500. A Mac system costs $1,200 to $5,500. These prices reflect the variety of options available. At CompUSA, a 486 processor with 14-inch color monitor, 4 MB of RAM plus a 340 MB hard drive, double-speed CD-ROM drive, fax modem, color printer and $600 worth of preloaded software costs from $1,500 to $1,700. Of course, if you're upgrading, options such as a CD-ROM, fax-modem card or adding more memory may be all that you need. Also, be sure to check your service contract.

Once you've gotten the computer home and set up, start using it! "The best way to learn your new system is to play with it," says Hoisch. So go for it!