What
To Do And Why
It
isn’t fair, but buying a computer is just plain easier for some than it is for
others. Those who’ve purchased and used a computer in the past already have an
idea of what they need in a new computer. But those who are new to the computer
world could get lost in the myriad of choices available.
The
short answer to “What should I buy?” is “The best.” Of course that answer is
extremely subjective because “the best” to one person is certainly different to
another. Our definition of “the best” is the fastest and the biggest, but even
that leaves the computer newbie confused. Here’s a quick rundown of what the
computer novice should do and why.
1.
Buy
a computer that includes basic peripherals. Every computer can be broken down
into four major components: CPU unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the
novice, it’s best to buy a computer that has all of these components included
so that when it’s taken home, assembling the computer is a simple matter of
plugging things in where they belong. Save the individual purchases of these
components for those who have more experience.
2.
Decide
what you’ll use the computer for. If you want to use your computer for cruising
the web, sending email, or performing simple word-processing or spreadsheet
tasks, a computer with the basic components that we just described should
suffice. If you want to use a computer to help with a career in multimedia
however, you’re going to need to accessorize your system with a scanner,
printer, digital camera, tablet, or digicam for example. If you want a computer
to help with a career in music, you will need a quality microphone and set of
speakers.
3.
Create
a budget and stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new computer?
Although the prices of computers are decreasing, they can still create a hefty
expense especially if you need additional peripherals described above. In
addition, you’ll need to figure in costs for maintenance, servicing, and
insuring.
4.
Start
comparison shopping and look for the “fastest and biggest.” By “fastest and
biggest,” we mean the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest modem,
the biggest memory, and the biggest hard drive capacity. Even if you think that
you’ll never need the amount of speed or space available on the market today,
it’s important to have in the event that you truly do need that much in the
future. Having such a large reserve will cut down on costs when the time comes
to upgrade for more than what you may settle for in a computer that offers less.
5. Stick with the better-known brands.
Venturing off the beaten path with lessor-known brands is again, an adventure
for those who have more experience with computers. Although those better-known
brands may be a tad bit more expensive, the computer novice will appreciate the
comfort in purchasing a computer from a business that has a long record of
building quality products, and that has the funds available for fulfilling
returns, trades, servicing, and warranties.
6.
Select
a store. Having an idea of what you want in a computer and what kind of
computer that you want, your only task left is to select the place in which you
want to buy it. There are a number of places available including computer store
outlets, online stores, auction sites, used computer stores, or your friendly
neighborhood yard sale. For the computer novice, we recommend buying a computer
from a physical store. In a physical
store, you have the opportunity to see the computer of interest in person and
ask questions. New computer buyers also have access to store warranties,
returns, trades, and services.
These
suggestions should give the computer newbie a great start in selecting a
quality computer for the first time and they apply to either Windows computers
or Apple Macintosh computers. After making these decisions and finally
selecting one that fits your needs, you can then venture into the fascinating
world of software – a world that is just as grand as the world of hardware!
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