Buying a Computer

Buying a Computer What To Do And Why
Summary Articles By Nitikon Lakkason

Those who've purchased and used a computer in the past already have an idea of what they need in a new computer. But those who are new to the computer word could get lost in the myriad of choices available. Here's a quick rundown of what the computer novice should do and why.

• Buy a computer that includes basic peripherals. Every computer can be broken down into four major components : CPU unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
• Decide what you'll use the computer for. If your want to use your computer for cruising the web, sending email or performing simple word-processing or spreadsheet tasks, a computer with the basic components that we just described should suffice. If you want a computer to help with a career in music, you will need a quality microphone and set of speakers.

• Create a budget and stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new computer? Although the prices of computers are decreasing, they can still create a hefty expense especially if you need additional peripherals described above.
  
• Start comparison shopping and look for the "fastest and biggest". By "fastest and biggest", we mean the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest modem, the biggest memory and the biggest hard drive capacity.
• Select a store. There are a number of places available including computer store outlets, online stores, auction sites, used computer stores or your friendly neighborhood yard sale. For the computer novice, we recommend buying a computer from a physical store. New computer buyers also have access to store warranties, returns, trades and services.

These suggestions should give the computer newbie a great start in selecting a quality computer for the first time and they apply to either Windows computers or Apple Macintosh computers.