Desktop Computer Buying Tips
https://www.computersprofessor.com/2017/06/desktop-computer-buying-tips.html
Desktop Computer Buying Tips:
Purchasing
a home or business computer can be a big and sometimes costly decision. Below
is a listing of helpful suggestions on what to look for and what to ask when
purchasing a new computer.
New
vs. refurbished or used
If you
are looking to save money buying a used or refurbished computer can save you
money. A refurbished computer is a computer that has been returned to the
company has been checked out as good but cannot be sold again as new. All major
computer manufacturers have a refurbished section showing all their available
refurbished products. Buying one of these computers instead of a new computer
can save you hundreds of dollars.
In
addition to refurbished computers individuals and companies for various reasons
also sell their used computers. When buying these look out for the following.
- Verify it has no physical damage
by inspecting the ports as well as the inside and the outside of the case.
- Make sure you pay for what you are
getting. See the scam
section below for additional details.
- Make sure computer comes with any
CD's for the operating systems or programs that are promised to be
installed.
- Realize that many computer
manufacturers will not transfer the computer warranty from the old user to
you.
Mac
vs. PC
The
decision between buying a Macintosh and PC computer running Microsoft Windows
is always a heated debate. See our Mac
vs. PC document for a list of advantages and disadvantages of both of these
systems if you're still not decided.
What
to look for
When
purchasing a computer it is likely that you are going to have a general idea of
what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the
computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a
computer and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below
components.
Case
The
case or chassis is often overlooked when buying a new computer. Below are some
things to think about regarding the case.
1.
Do you want a desktop or
tower case?
2.
Will the case fit on top
of or below your desk?
3.
Will the drives be
accessible or will they be positioned the way you want them to be positioned?
4.
Does the case support the
standards of motherboards, for example, the ATX motherboard standard? This is
important if you want to upgrade the computer in the future.
CD media
Most
newer computers today have an included disc burner in the computer. If you want
to make CD's or DVD's make sure the computer supports it.
Hard drive
The
hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information. Make sure
you get a hard drive with plenty of available space and runs at speeds that
don't slow the overall computer down.
Memory
Memory
is one of the more important purchasing decisions on a computer. The more
memory in the computer, the more efficient the computer is capable of running.
Modem
Depending
on how you plan on connecting to the Internet the Modem may not be that
important of a buying decision. Most users today are using broadband Internet,
which does not require a modem. However, if this is not available in your area
make sure your computer includes a modem.
Network card
Almost
all computers today have a network card or network option on the motherboard.
The network card allows you to share files between computers in your home and
connect to a broadband Internet connection.
Processor
The
computer processor is and will always be one of the most important
considerations when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor
manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look
at all options for computer processors.
Sound card
Today,
the standard sound cards that are included with a computer are sufficient for
almost all computer users. However, if you plan on doing sound editing or
mixing make sure to look at the sound cards capabilities.
Video card
For
computer gaming the video card has become one of the most important factors
behind memory and processor. If you plan on gaming with your computer make sure
your video card GPU and video memory meets the requirements.
Brand
of computer
There
is no such thing as a computer manufacturer who has a perfect history with all
its users. Therefore when it comes to recommending one brand over another it
would be impossible for us to say who's better than the other. Instead we'd
suggest relying off the below considerations.
Add-ons
All
computer manufacturers give you the option to buy additional accessories when
buying a new computer. Keep the below in mind before buying these add-ons.
- Make sure your buying accessories
you actually need. For example, almost all new computers will include a
keyboard and mouse. Also, if you're upgrading from an older computer many
of your older peripherals and accessories may be compatible with the new
computer.
- If you're buying your computer
online, check elsewhere. Many accessories available through the computer
manufacturer are sold at a premium price.
Documentation
Most
manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with
their computer and substituting that documentation for online documentation.
Make sure the documentation found online appears to be sufficient and that
software and driver downloads are available if needed.
Hardware
As
mentioned in the above what to look for section, make sure the
hardware included with your computer meets your needs.
Return
If the
computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned if
unsatisfactory to that store or does it have to be sent to the computer
manufacturer? If the computer is purchased online or through a mail order can
it be returned if unsatisfactory?
Service
1.
Is the service onsite,
meaning a technician will come to your location to replace or fix a bad
component. If the service is onsite, is it for the complete time
of the warranty?
2.
If onsite is not offered,
what is and for how long?
3.
Can the computer be taken
to a local service center? If yes, what is the closest authorized service
center?
4.
What is the time frame
the service takes to occur? For example, if the computer has a bad component,
what is the time it takes for a technician to come onsite and replace that
component, or if sent in how long does it take? Finally, if that time frame is
not acceptable, what is the company willing to do, for example, are they
willing to provide you with a loaned computer.
Software
1.
Does the software include
Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and
a spreadsheet.
For the most users this should be an important consideration.
2.
Is it the full versions
of the software or is the software a demo, trial, or shareware? Many companies
will include programs that will expire after 30-90 days and require you to
purchase the full program.
Support
While
you can always contact Computer
Hope for support, manufacturer support is also an important
consideration as if an issue arises with the computer.
1.
Is support open 24 hours,
7 days a week? If not, what are the hours?
2.
Is support open on
holidays? If not, what days are they closed?
3.
What support options are
available? Phone? E-mail? Web? Chat?
Upgrade
While
this option may not be considered at first when purchasing a computer, it is an
important consideration. When purchasing a computer make sure the hardware you
may want to upgrade can be upgraded. Common
upgrades for most users today include: Memory, Video card, and Sound Card.
Warranty
Finally,
does the computer manufacturer offer a warranty? How long is the warranty? Does
the warranty cover both hardware and software issues?
We
highly recommend that a computer only be considered if it has at least an
one-year warranty. Many cheap computers only come with a 90-day warranty.
Meaning if a part goes bad, you pay for the part as well as the service. This
may not be an issue for users who just need a cheap computer and are willing to
replace parts and service the computer themselves.
Scams
Watch
out for the below scams and tricks when buying a computer.
1.
Make sure you pay for
what you are getting - A common tactic
is to overclock the
processor, memory, or other component. This can be done by anyone with a little
computer knowledge. For example, you may buy a 733MHz processor but instead get
a 500MHz.
To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked.
To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked.
2.
Legal software - When purchasing a computer, make sure it was legal
purchased and the CD or other disc and its CD-KEY is included.
Many end-users or small computer companies who build or sell computers may not
provide you with legal copies of the software, which is illegal and may leave
you with a fine or the inability to get updates.