08-24-2008, 02:05 AM
In today's age of digital media, graphic intense games, and high speed Internet surfing. Having the right computer makes sure that you are able to enjoy the type of computing you do for years to come. There are many things you should consider before making your purchase. This article will help guide you through the process.
What do you need the computer for
This is the first question you need to answer. If the computer is going to be used as the family shared computer you will need to get everyone involved in this question. Questions that should be answered are:
The questions listed above are a good starting point for you to start doing your research. When creating your list of questions make sure to put everything you can think of on it. No question is a bad question.
Set you budget
Now that you know what you are going to be using your computer for its going to be easier to set your budget. Look around online (eBay, craigs list, etc) and locally at as many stores as you can. Look for both the low end and high end prices for the type of computer you are going to need. Also asked your friends and family members where they bought their computer. If you are thinking about purchasing your computer online make sure you budget for shipping costs. You should also consider if you need to pay to have your old computer recycled. Lastly don't forget about taxes.
Should you build or buy a prebuilt computer
It has been my experience that you can build a better high end computer (for gaming, graphic editing, etc..) cheaper than buying one from a store. From middle to low end computers, its cheaper to buy one from a store than building it yourself. Remember that building a computer you will have to look harder for deals that will include items like a free printer, camera, etc.
Shop Around
If you do your homework right here. Not only will you save a lot of money but you will also get a lot of computer for your money. It doesn't matter if you are building your own computer or getting a prebuilt/store system, you need to look around and also ask around. If you are shopping at a local store, ask the store employees when the sales are. Make sure to check the packaged deals. You would be amazed with the amount of items manufactures will include in their packaged deals (free printers, cameras, USB memory sticks, etc...).
Can you install the computer yourself?
Most manufacturers have made it very easy to install and setup a new computer. For the most part all the wires and cables are color coded and operating system setup wizard is very easy to use. If you have used computers in the past you will have no problem setting up a new computer. If you don't feel comfortable setting up your new computer, make sure you ask about home installation when you are buying the computer. Most stores will offer home installation service but can at times take a while to get technicians out to your house.
If you do your research right you will get a computer that you will be happy with for years to come!
What do you need the computer for
This is the first question you need to answer. If the computer is going to be used as the family shared computer you will need to get everyone involved in this question. Questions that should be answered are:
- What type of software is going to be used with the computer?
- What type of devices are going to be used with the computer (cameras, printers, web cam, etc)?
- Do you want to create DVDs?
- Do you want to create audio CDs?
- What operating system do you want (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, etc..)?
- Are you going to video conference?
- Do you need a floppy drive?
- Are you going to play computer games?
- Do you need wireless networking?
- Are you going to do any video or audio editing?
- What size of monitor do you want?
- Do you want to use an Intel or AMD processor?
- Do you need a modem?
The questions listed above are a good starting point for you to start doing your research. When creating your list of questions make sure to put everything you can think of on it. No question is a bad question.
Set you budget
Now that you know what you are going to be using your computer for its going to be easier to set your budget. Look around online (eBay, craigs list, etc) and locally at as many stores as you can. Look for both the low end and high end prices for the type of computer you are going to need. Also asked your friends and family members where they bought their computer. If you are thinking about purchasing your computer online make sure you budget for shipping costs. You should also consider if you need to pay to have your old computer recycled. Lastly don't forget about taxes.
Should you build or buy a prebuilt computer
It has been my experience that you can build a better high end computer (for gaming, graphic editing, etc..) cheaper than buying one from a store. From middle to low end computers, its cheaper to buy one from a store than building it yourself. Remember that building a computer you will have to look harder for deals that will include items like a free printer, camera, etc.
Shop Around
If you do your homework right here. Not only will you save a lot of money but you will also get a lot of computer for your money. It doesn't matter if you are building your own computer or getting a prebuilt/store system, you need to look around and also ask around. If you are shopping at a local store, ask the store employees when the sales are. Make sure to check the packaged deals. You would be amazed with the amount of items manufactures will include in their packaged deals (free printers, cameras, USB memory sticks, etc...).
Can you install the computer yourself?
Most manufacturers have made it very easy to install and setup a new computer. For the most part all the wires and cables are color coded and operating system setup wizard is very easy to use. If you have used computers in the past you will have no problem setting up a new computer. If you don't feel comfortable setting up your new computer, make sure you ask about home installation when you are buying the computer. Most stores will offer home installation service but can at times take a while to get technicians out to your house.
If you do your research right you will get a computer that you will be happy with for years to come!
