Don't Stress; You Know More Than You Think
About Buying A Computer
Contributed by Michael Plontz
Buying a new computer can be an overwhelming experience. All the different brands, styles, operating systems, programs and features can really make your head spin. But it doesn’t have to be difficult; you just need to make a few simple decisions.
There are two decisions that you need to make before you even set foot in a store or go online to make your purchase: (1) PC or Mac®? And (2) Desktop or laptop?
Mac vs. PC
Many Mac devotees claim that their platform is more user-friendly and stable. A few years ago that would have been undeniable, but with the introduction of Windows® XP, PCs became as easy to operate as Macs.
The only company that makes Macs is Apple, but–at least as far as hardware is concerned–there is much competition with PCs. With PCs you have a wider selection, and, all factors being equal, they are less expense. However, Apple remains the design leader.
Chances are, you have at least one friend who uses a Mac and one who uses a PC. Ask them if you can take their computers for a test drive, and talk to them about why they like their computers. If you use a PC at work and you like it, go with a PC. It all really depends on what you intend to accomplish with your computer.
Desktop vs. Laptop
There are several advantages with desktop computers. The first is that you get more for your money. Also, a desktop is all about components: keyboard, monitor, speakers, etc. If you want to upgrade from your original monitor to one of the popular flat panel monitors, you can do so without having to buy a brand new computer. Your hard drive can even be upgraded without spending a ton of money.
Laptops have two obvious advantages: they are smaller and portable. Many people like the fact that they take up much less space, while frequent flyers like the fact that they can take it with them and work from the road. Both types of computers need to be backed up on a regular basis, but with a laptop it is especially crucial in case it is lost, stolen or damaged.
Now that the two major questions are out of the way, there are just a few other decisions you will need to make.
Other Key Considerations for Your Computer Purchase Processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The processor is the component that performs nearly all of the computation and controls the other devices’ behavior. The most common brands are Intel’s Pentium® and Celeron® and AMD’s Athlon® and Duron®. “Clock speed” is the crudest measure of a processor’s power and is measured in megahertz (MHz) or migahertz (GHz). One GHz is equal to 1000MHz. Speaking in general terms, the faster the clock speed, the faster the computer.
However, the highest speed processors available at any given time tend to be expensive, so many people opt for a slightly slower system.
Memory or Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is the memory that the computer uses to store information for the tasks it is performing. It relies on power being supplied to retain that information, and it can be stored on the hard drive. The size of RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and more is usually better.
Hard Drive
This is the storage device that holds information and programs when the computer is turned off. The memory and the hard drive exchange information between themselves according to the tasks being performed. The size of a hard drive is measured in gigabytes (GB) and, again, more is better.
Monitor
The monitor displays information from the computer in the form of windows, icons, images and text. The two principal types are CRT (looks like a television) and LCD (flat panel) monitors. When you see a measurement given for a monitor, keep in mind that it represents a diagonal measurement (just like TVs). If you are doing graphic work or desktop publishing, a large screen might be useful.
Graphics Card
The graphics card presents information in visual form on your monitor. This card will affect the resolution (clarity) that can be displayed and dictates the refresh rate of the display. The refresh rate is the number of times per second the screen is redrawn–a high-refresh rate produces a flicker-free display. The Gravy
There are many other considerations when purchasing a computer, and for these you really need to consult the experts. Most machines these days come with compact disc drives, while others come with rewritable (CD-RW) drives that allow you to write as well as read CDs. This makes it easy for you to back up your files and make copies of other CDs.
Many machines come with a DVD drive that can play movies. The DVD drive is much more useful on a laptop computer as it allows you to watch movies anywhere. More than likely you’ll watch DVDs at home on your TV, not on your desktop computer.
There are a few other decisions to make, but this little tutorial should get you started. A typical entry-level computer (look at the “big” names) will have at least a 700MHz processor, 128MB RAM, 20GB hard drive, 17” monitor and a CD-ROM. Usually a CD writer or printer will be added to sweeten the deal. Look at the warranty very carefully–it’s also a part of the package.
If you don’t know your way around a computer, don’t worry. There is plenty of online computer training available. For a comprehensive look at some more intense and specific training, check out www.vidoeprofessor.com.
Ask yourself, “What end result am I trying to achieve when using my computer?” This will help you pick out the right one for you. Happy hunting!
Mac is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation registered in the U.S. and other countries. Pentium and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Athlon and Duron are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
About the Author:
Michael Plontz is a freelance writer residing in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not provide legal or other professional advice. All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Please read our disclaimer for additional terms and conditions governing access to and use of this article.
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