Buying a Computer

Buying a computer isn't terribly difficult.... it's simply a matter of weighing the things you want to against the amount of money you have to spend.
In this section, we will take a look at some of the things one should consider before deciding on a computer system, including when it make sense to it economize and when it doesn't.

Make a Little List

Of primary importance are your reasons for buying a computer. Make a list of the tasks that could be made easier with the aid of a computer as well some of the things you cannot do now, but would like to do. Then consider any special needs that those tasks entail. For example:

1. If you want to keep track of person finances, almost any computer on the market today will do job, but if you want to receive stock and bond quotations, research a company's earnings performance, or purchase stroke with the computer you would need a modem (and a fast one -- but more about that later).

2. If you plan to bring work home from the office computer, you need to be sure that your home computer is compatible. Some thing if a child is bringing computer files home from school.

3. Balancing a checking account or writing letters can be accomplished with a calculator on an inexpensive word processor, respectively. However, if you want to automate the writing of checks or personalize from letters, you need a computer.

4. Using a computer for research on the worldwide web requires a modem, but the compact disc drive should be considered as well because of the wealth of material including encyclopedia available on CD-ROM. Most also include sound and support super VGA, but they are not necessary.

5. If you just wanna play games -- think high-tech. The best of today's games require a sound card, speakers, lots of RAM, and super greasy monitor to see all of those graphics. A joystick or other computer may be required, depending on the program.

Be sure to plan enough tasks for the computer to make the investment worthwhile. If you simply want to learn more about computers in general, consider an adult night class at a local high school or college. Such a course might help you decide if you really want a computer and if you do, it offers a further opportunity to interact with others and possibly gain some insight into which computer is right for you.

Consider the cost of the computer

Computer systems are available in a wide change of configurations... and prizes. So shop around.

1. Computer outlets, electronic stores, and office supply stores often offer the best deals, but beware of playing phone lot of bundled software or features that you don't want. Make sure that the store employs knowledgeable personal who can help if you run into trouble and as our policy of replacement without fee if a problem cannot be resolved. Few things are so frustrating as to have your new computer sent back to the manufacturer will be tied up for days or weeks.

2. Mail order firms generally offer the best prices for high-end machines, and some will configure a computer to your specifications, but be sure that the firm has the reputation for reliability, would customer service, and and equitable return policy. Keep in mind that delivery is not immediate and if that are problems, the whole unit may have to be packed up and sent back for evaluation.

3. If you know exactly what you want, that advice and prizes from my local computer shop that can configure a machine to your specifications. And that is the added advantage that is anything goes wrong you know where to go for help.

There are places where you can save and some that you shouldn't:

1. The general admonition is to buy as much power and memory as you can afford in anticipation of future needs. There are exceptions, however:

2. RAM is the fast memory that holds programs and data that you are working on. More RAM means less searching of the hard drive for data, so more RAM generally means more speed... but only up to a point. You probably don't need 8MB of RAM unless the operating system or programs you plan to run require it. You can usually add more RAM later if you need it, but check with vendor will be sure.

3. Weigh the cost of a large hard drive (over 1 Gigabyte) against the cost of an external storage device. Our philosophy has been to limit the hard drive to between 500 and 1000 MB, sufficient to hold all of our programs with plenty of space left over. Large data files are then stored on an external device. This provides fast access to that data on the disk; and larger datafiles, then they are needed, can be quickly downloaded to the hard drive. ... And the external device never runs out of room -- we just had another cartridge when we need one.

4. If you think you need a compact disc drive, you should get it. Software vendors are increasingly offering their programs on CD-ROM, and even those who offer a choice of CD or 3.5 inch disks often throw in a lot of extras on the CD that are not available on the 3.5" disks.

5. We recommend a high resolution (super VGA) color monitor. For one thing, it's generally easier on the eyes and for another, you will need it if you plan to view high resolution graphics from a CD or the web. On the other hand, a monitor larger than 14 or 15 inches may not be necessary.

6. Printers come in a variety of flavours -- impact, laser, inkjet. If high quality or high-speed is not important consider a low-priced printer-most vendors can provide a sample sheet that demonstrates the quality of output. Color is fun, but the sometime to be desired. In any case, check out the cost of consumables as they can quickly overshadow the cost of the printer itself.

More about the specifics of equipment on the following pages. If the computer you select does not include a monitor, be sure to allow for the extra cost. And don't forget the cost of a printer on other devices.

Often overlooked is the cost of software. If your computer comes complete with all the bundled software you want, no problem; but if you have to purchase high-end software, the cost of three or four apps can easily double the cost of the computer system.

Depending on how much power you think you need, you may want to search the classified ads for used computer -- great buys on often available when a user decides to upgrade from a machine that is only a year or so old.

Buying a Computer

Make a Little List

Consider the cost of the computer

Post Comment:

Subscribe to Email

Online Members