confusing would be an over-simplification of criminal proportions. Unlike the 1980s, where you simply bought a home computer with its own software tailored to run on it, the modern personal computer market is littered with the corpses of those who'd decided to take the plunge into the digital age, and came a cropper.

British computer expert Paul Rose guides you through the minefield if you are buying a PC as a Christmas gift for someone special or will be getting one from Santa this year.

WHERE TO BUY? The first rule when buying an IBM-compatible PC is this: DO NOT BUY FROM A CHAIN. I have, on occasion, seen PC rigs priced at twice what they can be bought for from mail order firms or independent retailers.

Buying via mail order or through a small shop will not only net you a cheaper How to really make a wise choice deal, but you'll usually get a better - and more honest -quality of advice.

The spotty oiks employed by the big electrical chains are more interested in their commission than ensuring you have the best hardware at the best price.

Obviously, the chains offer a certain degree of security, so it's a matter of whether you want to take a slight risk, or fork out an astonishing additional $700 at the start.

THE BASICS Before you've decided on the power of your machine, there are two things you need to ensure that your PC is equipped with - a CD-ROM drive (of at least double speed), and that it has Microsoft's Windows 95 installed as its operating system. Most software packages now require Windows 95 to run.

Both of these are usually standard in PCs today, but it's best to check. That done, now you need to decide what you want your PC for. If you're working on a reasonably tight budget, and simply want the thing as a glorified word processor, you can probably pick up a PC with a 486 processor, and a printer, for less than you think.

You won't be able to run any of the newer games, but it'll let you write angry letters to your local newspaper complaining that your current PC isn't powerful enough to let you do what you want! THE STANDARD It's currently regarded that the entry level PC is a Pentium 133, with at least 16 megabytes of RAM, a quad-speed CD drive, and a one gigabyte hard drive. A set up like this, providing you're buying from the right place, will cost you. It's possible to get this cheaper, of course; there's always the second hand option, and many places allow you to buy your PC in kit form.

It requires you to build it yourself, but can shave quite a bit off the price.

However, given the complex nature of PCs, it's not something that comes highly recommended.

As is the nature of the PC market, within four months the entry level requirement is likely to rise to a Pentium 166 processor. If you can afford it, going for the higher option now is probably a good idea, particularly if you intend - as is increasingly becoming the main reason for PC purchasing - to run games on it.

If this is your reason for buying, it's worth your while also investing in some extra RAM, which will speed up performance. 32 megabytes should do it.

Then there are dedicated 3D graphics cards, which can dramatically alter the appearance of games like Tomb Raider, Quake and Carmageddon. Any card that's 3DFX-compatible is usually the one to go for there. It isn't a pre-requisite, but if you want the best looking 3D action games, then it's something to go for.

THE INTERNET Of course, these days it's impossible to mention PCs without also mentioning the Internet in the same breath. For all its faults (and there are many), the Internet and the World Wide Web is slowly changing the world.

There will come a time when having access to the Internet will be as essential as your TV and telephone. Yes, there's plenty of unsavoury stuff on there, but providing it's properly monitored, and your kids aren't allowed access to your credit It's easy to select the best for you card - they won't find any of it.

By the same token, the Internet is a true font of knowledge. Every topic is covered in any number of ways, by people with any number of opinions. Also, it's one heck of an entertainment tool, and you'll be able to talk, instantly, with any number of people from around the world.

Getting hooked on the net requires a modem. A 33.6 mhz machine will set you back a few dollars. You'll also need an account with an Internet service provider. Some charge an hourly fee, while others charge a monthly one. It's a matter of shopping around, and seeing what best suits you. Phone bills are, of course, a problem. But if you're clever, and you have a cable telephone which offers free off-peak calls, you might be able to find a service provider that's compatible. Et voila - le free Internet access! Top Ten Multimedia CDs.

Design Works 3.5. (GSP): Art package which uses Page Pilots to guide you through the steps to producing cards, certificates, logos and more.

Quicken 6 Deluxe (Intuit) Personal finance package, including help with self assessment tax returns.

Family Tree. (Europress): As the name suggests it allows you to create a digital family tree going back 255 generations!.

The Complete Interactive Cookbook (The Learning Company): Has a huge database of recipes plus photos of each dish and hints and tips. You might need a printer for this one unless you want to be cooking next to the computer! Encyclopaedia Britannica 97 (EB): If you can afford it the good old EB is a must for all fact fans - and it doesn't take up lots of shelf space.

Encarta World English Edition 97 (Microsoft): Cheaper than the EB and a visual tour-de-force, this encyclopaedia is must for any multimedia collection AutoRoute Express Great Britain (Microsoft): Difficult to beat for ease of use this route planner will do everything bar drive the car for you.

Millie's Math House (Iona): suitable for very young children it is a fun way to get them learning about numbers.

My First Amazing World Explorer (DK Multimedia): For children 4-10 years old, it combines facts with puzzles and games.

Command And Conquer Red Alert (Virgin): Very addictive game that pits your battle tactics against your computer opponents.

Do your homework before you invest your cash Computers are great learning tools for kids