How does somebody (dumbass like me) kniw what to get in a new computer?
Aside from going to stores where they might want to sell me features i don't need.
Thank you for advice

Start from your needs .. think for what would you like to use it.
Guess it's going to be surfing the Internet, online banking, reading emails and news, watching videos, sharing photos, skyping maybe .. stuff like that. And if you're not so much interested in gaming, then you might want a simple computer with a dual core cpu (about 2.2 to 2.8GHz, 4GB of Ram, and about 120GB or higher HDD. That would cover your needs pretty well methinks.
Brands .. they're all pretty equal nowadays, so it's going to be the price most likely to make your mind. Apple Mac might be too expensive, I'm afraid ..
A desktop PC or a laptop ..? Depends on your needs again .. if you don't have to carry it with you everywhere, and have enough place at home then a decent PC would be a pretty good choice, imho.
There are also many really good how-to's all over the Internet about buying a new computer, so take some time to check that stuff first.

As computing power has increased, the details of what most people need have become less important.

I'd recommend that you check for warranty coverage, especially for whether you can get on site service if you need it. Some warranties are better than others.

Also, check with who you intend to buy it from, whether they will give you an instant replacement if it fails in say, the first couple of weeks. Some will, some wont.

Thank you so much

One other thing, think about what you are going to do with it. Many of the ones that look really cool, because they are so thin and light weight, are also delicate as hell, and will break if you intend to carry them around a lot.

http://www.newegg.com/Computer-Systems/Store

http://www.frys.com/template/computerspc

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/super.asp?Id=3

Determine the hardware you want.
> More ram means video, games and graphics. I have 10GB ram.
>Hard drive is the space that stores the data, the higher the better especially for graphics and videos. I have 2TB internal and 14TB external.
> Processor is the speed of the computer. The processors that are most common are Intel and AMD. The higher the Gigahertz the better.
> You will probably want WiFi, USB 3.0 ports (at least 4-6 of them), DVDrw or better, HDMI port(s), 10/100/1000 Networking card, 5-7 channel audio.
> Stipulate that you want the operating system on a DVD (as back up) plus a separate drive for internal recovery and diagnostics.
> Large power supply, multiple cooling fans, if possible non-integrated graphics card with highest ram possible.
> Expansion ports, including available memory slots.

Determine how much money you want to spend.
> Consider many sources and look for the best 'deal' as far as hardware.
> If it will not be a high tasked machine, you might consider refurbished with good warranty
> Check pawn shops and second hand stores if new is not critical.
> Considering you potential use for it you may consider building your own starting with a bare-bones kit. There are plenty of help sites to walk you thru the process.

Figure how long you will need it to last.
> Consider expand-ability.
> Consider cost to life ratio.
Most computers are obsolete technology within 2 years. Can it be easily upgraded?

Consider software packages carefully.
Most software, including antivirus are trial periods that you will be bugged to buy into.
There are usually "Free" alternatives available for download.
http://fileforum.betanews.com/browse/freeware

http://www.techsupportalert.com/windows

Try to stipulate only the software that you need or want.

Lastly should be the appearance.

Once you look at and compare narrow it down to 3 and go with the best overall deal for your needs.
Then consider that your new computer may not run the addon's you already have and that some of the software you use may not run on it.
Most systems now have 64bit OS and older software can be 32 bit and may not work properly.

Consider using a TV as your monitor. (HDMI)

Sign up for big Brother/ Sister and get a teenager.. a nerdy kid... computer.. cell phone.. they know what is good and what is not.

Problem solved.