How To Buy A Computer

How To Buy A Computer

Author: Owen Jones

As with everything else, purchasing a computer is easy if you know what you are doing. For those who do not know though, it can be a complete nightmare. People who have used a computer before have a good idea about what they require and what they would like, but for those who have never used a computer before, all the components that make up a computer can appear confusing.

The clear answer is to buy the best that you can manage, but this still might puzzle some people, because the best is not always the most expensive. In the computer world, 'the best' usually means the biggest and the fastest.

Just to make it more confusing, 'the biggest' here does not always mean in size, but in capacity. The only large size that is important is the monitor. This is a quick rundown of how to buy a computer and its components:

Before you buy a computer, think about why you want one. If it is for educational reasons: that is surfing the web and looking up content, you do not need more than a basic desktop computer. If you are constantly on the move, then you might need a laptop, or maybe cyber cafes will meet your requirements.

This kind of machine is also sufficient for writing letters and emails and almost any type office work. Top flight computers are only required by games players and exhibitionists.

Buy a complete computer. That means buying a kit of: CPU (the 'computer'), monitor (screen), keyboard, mouse, speakers and printer. This way you will just have to plug everything in and off you go - you can be sure that they are all compatible.

When you purchase your next computer, you can buy all the components individually to get even better value for money or a system more precisely tailored to your preferences.

Go for the largest screen, the fastest memory and fastest hard drive and the biggest memory (RAM) and biggest hard drive (gigabytes) that you can afford. You do not have to have a lot of 'space' for normal office work or normal surfing, but if you get into downloading music or films, then memory soon gets eaten up, although you could always add a new external (plug-in) hard drive later, in need be.

Make sure that you purchase a computer that is not too old, if you go second-hand. This is because you can up-grade computers for two or three years, but after that manufacturers change the casings and new components will no longer fit - planned obsolescence, it is called.

Get your computer from a well-known, trustworthy local store and ensure that it has a good guarantee. Computers do not often go amiss, but you do not want to have to send it half-way across the country and wait three weeks for it to come back. If you are in business, get two. Maybe a laptop and a desktop and synchronize the contents of both so that you always have your data.

Following these guidelines will ensure that the computer novice gets 'enough' of a deal and an adequate machine that is fit for purpose without paying through the nose.

If you are looking for new custom PC cases, or any other type of computer case, please go over to our website now at Clear Computer Case for further details.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1594551_10.html

About the Author: [Owen Jones has travelled extensively for many years and has various websites]

http://welsh-products-online.co.uk