We can talk all day about SDRAM vs. RDRAM, HyperTranport vs. 3GIO, and AMD vs. Intel, but meanwhile, the majority of folks are just plain undereducated when it comes to computer technology. As a wise man once said, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. On Friday, the fine folks at Radio Shack (here in the U.S.) put out a press release on Friday to help folks sort out all of the confusing issues related to buying a personal computer. As the release states it "can be a daunting task. RAM, megahertz, gigabytes, CD-ROM - what does all this mean for the consumer?" The tips are targeted at parents buying computers for kids returning to school. Here's the short list:

1. Consider how the computer will be used.
OK, we'll buy that, but how well trained is the salesman at helping buyers assess their needs? Last time I went to Radio Shack, they had trouble explaining cell phone plans.
2. Make sure the computer has multimedia capability.
Here's a good one too. This tip says "One of the most important computer features is a CD-ROM drive for multimedia performance. A CD-ROM disc, which stores photographs, animation, video, sound, text and graphics, looks like a compact disc that contains music." They should probably tell folks that if they want to store their own files, they'll need a CD burner. And if you're only going to have a read-only device, better go with DVD.
3. As a rule of thumb, you cannot have too much processor speed, memory or hard drive space.
That's not bad advice, but this tip goes on to say "Generally, the higher the processor speed, which is measured in megahertz, the faster your computer will be able to accomplish tasks." No mention, however, of the fact that a 750 MHz Celeron is probably going to be a tad slower than a 750 MHz Athlon.
4. Choose computers and peripherals with brand names.
OK now, if you know nothing about computers, how can you possibly know what brand names are worth noting? This tip goes on to say, "Generally speaking, you are better off with a recognized brand name like Compaq for hardware, or Microsoft for software. On the hardware side, brand-name computers and peripherals have been extensively tested for compatibility. And on the software side, most reputable software manufacturers will provide you with upgrade packages as they advance and refine their products." Don't even get me started on this one. What about the computer's guts? Compaq doesn't make them. And last time I needed an upgrade, it cost about $200.

It's painful to think that people just walk into a store and buy an expensive machine based on an uneducated guess. Maybe Radio Shack really is just trying to help, but I'll bet they don't recommend anything other than the few prebuilt boxes they've got on the shelves. On the other hand, it can be difficult to get people to take your advice no matter how well educated you are. Last month, the friendly folks at Dell got my sister-in-law to drop around $3,000 on a desktop system she'll use exclusively to send email (despite my screams of despair). If you need a laugh, you can Read Radio Shack's press release and, next time some newbie refuses to take your advice, print it out and point them toward the Shack.