Computer Buying Considerations
Why buy a computer?
Think long and hard as to why you want to buy a computer. Do you want
to buy a computer to get on the Internet or do you want to run a specific
software application? Do you want to buy a computer just to play games?
Then you might be better off buying a game console like a Sony PlayStation
2.
It makes a lot of difference for which purpose you buy a computer,
as to what hardware configuration you should look for and the price
you have to pay for it.
This document is intended to help you make those choices. There will be many decisions to make so that your computer may better serve your needs. Will you be using it for travel, business, research for school, or just to play around on? Do you want a laptop for business meetings or to plan a vacation to Cancun resorts? Or are you going to use it to edit video and photography of the wedding you went to at the hotel Punta Cana?
Once factors like these come into play you have to choose your hardware that will make up your computer. Hopefully you will be more prepared when you think about buying a new computer, and get the right configuration for you needs.
If you have children aged 5 and up, it is almost a must to have a personal
computer in your house. But even if you don't, computers and the Internet
already form a big part of today's life style, and you don't want to
be left out.
Hardware
This question will be answered in great detail. We will look at all
parts of the computer and what to look for if you go for those bargains,
which might not be bargains at all.
You also want to buy a computer that lasts. If you buy a computer that
is already outdated, you might run the risk that you are not able to
run the latest software on it.
A computer is as fast as it slowest components. This means that you
can have a fast computer, but if a component like a hard disk slows
down the computer, you might have just wasted lots of money on a high
speed CPU that will never be fully utilized. That's why this document
also talks about some technical specifications that might be important
when selecting the right machine for you.
Additional features
We will also talk about additional hardware, like printers, scanners,
digital cameras, modems and networks.
The right additions might get you more use out of your computer for
only a little bit of extra money.
Software
We will also take some time to look at some software features and what's
best to buy when you are just starting out.
Where to put the computer
The best spot to install your computer is the living room or family
room. This way, if you have children, you can all share the computer.
It's important to chose a location that in not too humid, not in direct
sunlight, away from heat vents, and away from electrical appliances
that could cause interference.
Problems and Support
The time that you would probably find that there was anything wrong
with a computer from a hardware point of view is in the first month
that you operate your computer.
If your machine is running okay for a couple of months, it will probably
be okay forever (figuratively speaking). You can buy a computer from
a company like Dell, or Gateway and get technical support with it.
I have only had good experience with Gateway's technical support service
as long as you keep buying everything from them (both hardware and software).
As soon as you buy something through another source, they will not support
it and tell you to contact that manufacturer.
[The same is true with other computer manufacturers, they will not
support other companies' products. - Ed]
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