Tuesday 30 December 2008

PC Buying Help

It isn't fair, but purchasing a cheap desktop PC is simply easier for some than it is for others. Those who've purchased and used a computer in the past already have got an approximation of what they need in a brand-new computer. But those who are newbies to the pc community could get stuck in the myriad number of choices available.

The short solution to "What should I purchase?" is "The best." Of course that answer is highly subjective because "the best" to one individual is surely different to another. Our definition of "the best" is the hottest and the fastest, but yet that leaves the pc noob confused. Here's a simple list of what the computer beginner should do and why.

1. Buy a pc that includes basic computer peripherals. Every PC can be broken down into four main components: CPU (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the noob, it's best to buy a computer that has got all of these components included so that when it's taken home, putting together the pc is a effortless matter of plugging things in where they belong. Spare the individual purchases of these parts for those who have more knowledge.

2. Decide what you'll use the pc for. If you want to use your pc for cruising the web, sending e-mail, or carrying out simple word-processing or spreadsheet tasks, a pc with the standard parts that we just mentioned should suffice. If you want to use a computer to help oneself with a career in something that involves multimedia perhaps, you're going to need to accessorize your system with a digital scanner, printer, digital camera, tablet, or digicam for example. If you want a computer to help with a career in web design, you will need more memory and possibly a faster CPU.

3. Create a budget and stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new pc? Although the costs of computers are decreasing, they can still create a hefty expense particularly if you need extra pc peripherals described above. In addition, you'll want to figure in costs for maintenance and possible servicing.

4. Start comparison shopping and look for the "hottest and fastest." By "hottest and fastest.," we mean the pc with the fastest processor, the fastest modem, the best memory, and the biggest hard drive capacity. Even if you imagine that you'll never need the amount of speed or space available on the market today, it's important to have in the case that you genuinely do require that much in the future. Having such a large reserve will cut costs when the time comes to upgrade for more than what you may decide for in a pc that offers less.

5. Stay with the famous brands. Venturing off the beaten route with lessor-known brands is again, an option for those who have more experience with computers. Although those better-known brands may be a tad more pricey, the pc novice will value the comfort in purchasing a pc from a company that has a long record of making quality products, and that has the monetary funds available for fulfilling returns, trades, servicing, and warranties.

6. Select a shop. Having an estimation of what you need in a pc and what kind of computer that you want, your only job left is to select the place in which you want to purchase it. There are a number of places available including computer shop outlets, internet stores, auction websites, used pc shops, or your friendly neighborhood yard sale. For the pc noob, we recommend purchasing a pc from a physical store. In a physical shop, you have the opportunity to see the computer of interest in person and ask questions. New pc buyers also have access to store warranties, returns, trades, and services.

These suggestions should give the computer newbie a fantastic start in picking out a quality computer for the 1st time and they go with either a Windows pc or a Apple Mac computer. After making these decisions and eventually selecting one that fits your desires, you can then venture into the engaging world of computer software - a world that is just as great as the world of hardware!