How to Purchase a Computer

By: Owen Jones Click author's name for more of his/her articles

It is much simpler to purchase your next computer than it is to buy your first one, because those who've bought 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 can easily become confused in the numerous of choices to be had.

The short reply to "What should I purchase?" is "the best". Of course that response is very personal because "the best" to one individual is not going to be the best to another. Our definition of "the best" is the fastest and with the biggest memory, but even that can leave the computer newbie mystified. Here's a short list of what the computer greenhorn should do and why.

1. Purchase a computer that includes all the fundamental components. Every computer system can be broken down into four major components: CPU unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the learner, it's best to purchase a computer that has all of these components incorporated so that when it's taken home, assembling the computer is a straightforward matter of plugging the components in where they belong. Leave the individual purchase of these components to those who have more knowledge.

2. Decide what you'll use the computer for. If you want to use your computer for surfing the Internet, sending email, or performing simple word-processing or spreadsheet tasks, a computer with the fundamental components that we just talked about plus a printer should be adequate. If you want to use a computer to help with a career in multimedia however, you're going to have to increase your system with probably a scanner, digital camera, tablet, or digicam too for instance. If you want a computer to help with a career in music, you might need a good microphone and array of loud-speakers.

3. Make a budget and stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new computer? Even though the price of computers is declining, they can still be quite a hefty expenditure especially if you require further components as discussed previously. In addition, you'll need to figure in overheads for Internet access, maintenance, servicing, and insurance.

4. Begin comparison shopping and look for the quickest and largest. By quickest and largest, we imply the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest modem, the largest memory, and the largest hard drive capacity. Even if you consider that you'll never need the amount of speed or space available on the market today, it's essential to have in case that you truly do need that much in the future. Having such a hefty reserve will cut down on expenditure when the time comes to upgrade.

5. Stay with the better-known brands. Going off the trodden path with lesser-known makes is again an adventure for those who have more familiarity with computers. Even though those better-known makes might be a bit more costly, the computer learner will be thankful for the comfort of purchasing a computer from a company that has a long history of building quality products, and that has the money available for fulfilling returns, trades, servicing, and guaranties.

6. Choose a good store. Once you have an idea of what you want in a computer and what type of computer that you want, the only task left to do is to decide on the place where you want to purchase it. There are many places, which embrace computer stores, online stores, auction sites and used computer shops. For the computer novice, we recommend buying a computer from a real store. In a bricks-and-mortar store, you have the chance to see the computer of interest itself and ask questions. New computer buyers will also have a store warranty, returns, trades, and services.

These suggestions ought to give the computer newcomer a handy start in selecting a good computer for the first time and these recommendations apply to both Windows computers or Apple Macintosh computers. After making these decisions and finally choosing one that suits your needs, you can then venture into the spellbinding world of software - a world that is just as grand as the world of hardware!