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Computing
Guides and Advice
Wrap your head around laptops
Our handy buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about our huge range of super-portable computers, whether it’s for work, play, or a mix of both.
Land a deal
Head over to our computing deals page and check out some of the amazing offers on our huge range of top brands.
Upgrade your desktop
Whether it’s a new family computer or personal purchase for your home office, our desktop buying guide has all the info you need to make the right choice.
Representative example
29.9% APR Representative (variable). 29.9% PA Purchase rate (variable). £1,200 Assumed credit limit
*Credit and availability of offers are subject to status. Terms apply.
Credit is provided by NewDay Ltd. AO Retail Limited acts as a credit broker for NewDay Ltd on an exclusive basis and is not a lender.
FAQs
- What is cloud computing?
A server is a special type of computer with the sole job of running a program or service that other computers can connect to and use. It’s a way of linking computers together over the internet, as well as making sure that they’re all safe and secure. Every time you browse a website, you’re connecting to the server that hosts that website – without servers, there wouldn’t be a world wide web!
- What is computer hardware?
A computer’s hardware refers to all the physical bits and pieces that make it work. This includes the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card, as well as the motherboard, fans, and power supply unit. In short, it’s all the stuff your computer is made up of.
- How do I factory reset a Windows 11 computer?
Resetting a Windows 11 computer to its box fresh factory settings only take a few clicks. First, go to the Start menu and scroll down to Settings. Then choose System and click on Recovery. There you should see the Reset this PC option, and you want to select Reset PC to kick off the process. You’ll be able to pick whether you want everything to be deleted, or saved on the cloud if you don’t want to lose anything.
- What is a server?
A server is a special type of computer with the sole job of running a program or service that other computers can connect to and use. It’s a way of linking computers together over the internet, as well as making sure that they’re all safe and secure. Every time you browse a website, you’re connecting to the server that hosts that website – without servers, there wouldn’t be a world wide web!
- What is RAM?
RAM is your computer’s random access memory (that’s what it stands for). It’s a temporary storage space for all the data your system needs to run an app properly, and makes sure the info is readily available for your computer to quickly grab when it needs to.
- What is an operating system?
Your computer’s operating system is the software it uses to manage the hardware and resources it needs to use when it’s turned on. The 2 most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS, but there’s also Google ChromeOS found on Chromebooks, and Linux or Ubuntu for more advanced users. Even smartphones and tablets use an operating system depending on which brand they are.
- What’s the difference between a desktop and laptop?
A desktop is a computer tower that you need to plug into your mains. You’ll also have to connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard to be able to use it. A laptop is a portable computer with a rechargeable battery that has a built-in monitor, keyboard, and a trackpad for mouse movement.
Whatever your lifestyle, we've got a load of computing tech for you to choose from. This includes Laptops and tablets for people that are always on-the-go, as well as PCs and Macs to set-up at home.
If you're looking for a laptop, you'll still have a decision to make. We've got 2-in-1 laptops if you need something portable, plus powerful models like the Microsoft Surface and Apple's MacBook. Or if you're just looking for something to type up an email or do a bit of online shopping, we've got a load of Chromebook Laptops too.
You can also say goodbye to a keyboard with our choice of tablets. iPads and Galaxy book laptops are great for any creative work, although they can be just as good for using in meetings or downloading and playing a load of games on.
Or if you're on the hunt for a more substantial set-up, our all-in-one desktops will give you all the computing power you need to breeze through your work.
Across the whole range we have all the top brands for you to pick from. Whether you're an Apple-or-die kind of person, or you swear by Microsoft, you'll be able to shop both of their ranges, amongst other names like Samsung and Lenovo.
If you're looking to set up your very own home office, you'll find all sorts of extras with us to help you kit it out in our computing accessories page. We have a range of printers for everything from reports to family photos, and if you regularly work with a whirlwind of tabs, have a look at our monitors for some more screen-space.
Not sure on the right computing product for you? Check out our laptops and desktops best buy pages, which is full of recommendations from our experts that might help you out. We've got a buying guide with all the best tips too, as well as a deals page to help you find the best price around.
