Buying a Computer

By Lawrence Gates

IFSM 201 6387

February 20, 2010

So you are in the market for a new computer. The first thing you must do is
research online, but don’t completely depend on the reviews and articles you read about
a computer. Go to the store and test computers. You can do this at stores like Best Buy,
Target, and Office Max. The reason you need to go test computers is to see which one
feels best to you. There is a slim chance you’ll be buying a new computer in six months,
so it’s a good idea to makes sure the one you get feels right.

Don’t go for a cheap computer. When you buy a cheap computer, the performance
isn’t very good, even with the simplest tasks. Even if you’re only going to be doing
simple Web browsing and word processing, I would really recommend upgrading at
least one main component in the computer you plan on buying.

Also buy online, not in the store. If you buy online, you can customize the computer,
and toggle how much it costs by upgrading or downgrading components. If you buy in
the store, you basically get what they have in stock. And usually the stores only have
base line computers. Don’t take out a second mortgage to buy a computer. These days,
there is a new and advanced computer every couple of months. Therefore, if you spend
a bunch of money on a computer, another will come out in a couple months that is
better than what you have, and costs less. Even if you plan on waiting a couple years to
buy another computer, this is a good rule to follow. [ CITATION www10 \l 1033 ]

Decide what you need your new computer for. If you need one for work, a simple
bare bones system with Microsoft Word (or OpenOffice.org) will suffice, but if you're an
avid gamer then you'll want something more advanced. With the relentless
advancement of Moore's Law pushing performance up and prices down on processors
and memory, computer systems are poised for explosive growth with the prices getting
down to the point that there is little excuse to not buy a computer now. A full featured
home or business desktop system can be had for under $400 with a good laptop being
available for less than $1,000. So the question is how do you choose?

Choosing the type of system really comes down to what level of price and
convenience you need. Desktop systems are less expensive so you can get more bang
for your buck. Laptop systems have gotten to the point that they are good desktop
replacements and can be found in screen sizes up to 20 inches. For the ultimate
convenience there are the netbooks. The concept of a netbook is a travel companion
that lets you browse the web, take notes, maybe shoot video, with long battery life and
the ultimate in convenience.

Today the primary decision is between getting a Windows system or something by

Apple. Staying away from the religious fervor of the discussion, both are pretty easy to
use, both will get you on the internet, and both are available pretty much everywhere.
Windows systems are far more popular to buy since they can be found in a wide range
of stores and also cost less. Absent a good friend who is an Apple user or a specific
need like you are a professional graphic designer, get yourself a Windows system.

Right now for Windows systems buying a new computer you are going to be faced
with getting the last version of Windows XP which was a fine operating system but at
the end of its life cycle, getting a Windows Vista system, or moving to Windows 7. I've
supported all of them and would generally suggest that you skip Vista and XP and just
move to Windows 7. Microsoft has done a good job with Windows 7 and there will be
little if any development or fixes on the older systems. Windows 7 is the future for the
application developers.

The dirty little secret of both Windows Vista and Windows 7 is that they will use more
memory if it is available and your system performance will improve significantly because
of it. With memory prices as low as they are today I would strongly recommend that you
get the most memory that you can afford to put in the machine. It will have the strongest
impact on system performance of all your choices. [ CITATION www101 \l 1033 ]

Now you are ready to go get your computer. Choose wisely and remember
everything that I just told you and you should be fine. Don’t get carried away with the
price or any bells and whistles and stay in our budget.

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(n.d.). Retrieved January 2010, from www.lockergnome.com:
http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2010/01/12/tips-for-buying-a-new-computer/

(n.d.). Retrieved January 2010, from www.ezinearticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Buy-a-

New-Computer-in-2010&id=3493265