The online UGeek magazine at www.geek.com includes a buyer's guide that features recommendations for selecting a processor, case, storage devices, sound system, and display system. BusinessWeek runs a great site at www.maven.businessweek.com where you can enter specifications for a computer system or printer to get information on its features, price, and performance. For additional Web shopping, try the following sites:

PC Magazine sponsors an annual survey that evaluates the service and reliability of PC vendors. You can search its site for the most recent survey. Before you purchase anything by mail or online, read "Ten Tips for Direct Success" on page 80 of the July 1997 Computer Shopper. Connect to Consumer World at www.consumerworld.org for links to consumer information, the Better Business Bureau, and product reviews.