Copyright 2006 Michael Cottier
A computer is perhaps the most important part of our daily
lives. We see it everywhere from our homes to the places we
work. Since it is used so much in our lives, we want to make
sure that a PC we purchase is a good computer that will be able
to do everything we want it to, and last a long time.
But purchasing a new computer is not as easy as you might think
it is. Sure you could shell out lots of money and buy a brand
PC, but sometimes you are spending money on speed and features
you don't even need. They also come with offers and built in
software that they dangle in front of you to stay ahead in the
business. You can also custom build your own computer, but is it
really going to be cheaper then if you bought a brand PC with
the same features? Since I have been using, and buying
computers, for the past 12 years I know exactly what you need to
look for when buying a fully assembled desktop computer. Use my
tips below and you will save time and money.
- You need to know what hardware you will need. If you don't
know, talk to someone who has knowledge of computers, and tell
them what you will be using the PC for. They should know what
you will need. Once you know what you should get, then look for
a computer that meets those needs.
- Make sure the store you buy your new computer from has great
service and are willing to stick by their computer.
- If you will be using the computer for video games or other
graphic related applications, you need to have a good graphics
card. Most motherboards come with a built in graphics card, but
usually that is not suitable for high end graphic demands.
Purchasing a nice ATI or NVIDIA graphics card would be a good
idea if you plan on using the PC for graphic related
applications. There is a slot available to slide your new
graphics card in if you choose to buy a separate one.
- The computer and hardware parts should have a warranty. Most
hardware comes with long and good warranties, but just to make
sure you might want to purchase a warranty from the store that
you are buying the PC from. This way if something goes wrong a
few years down the road, they still have to fix it or replace it!
- The next thing you need to consider is the computers case. A
good computer case should have USB slots available on the front
of it, for easy access, and in the back. It should also have a
powerful power supply (for additional parts) and at least 1 fan
in front of the motherboard to keep the computer cool. Flash
drives can also be found sometimes built into the front of the
PC, for instant access to your flash media. These are very handy
and should be considered especially if you have a digital camera.
- Another very important aspect of your PC is CD/DVD drives and
burners. A DVD burner is what I recommend for everyone, since
the price is basically the same as a CD burner, but it will also
play DVD's and regular CD's, plus be able to burn DVD's and
regular CD's! Two types of burners for the price of one!
- Your computer's mouse is how you interact with your PC. The
latest mouse technology available is the optical mouse, which
uses a laser light instead of a mouse "ball". Old fashioned
mouse balls got stuck and were hard to use sometimes, with an
optical mouse that problem is no more.
- Perhaps the most important aspect of a computer is the
monitor. No longer are we in the realm of old fashioned CRT
monitors. The LCD monitor is now readily available when you
purchase your new computer, and in my opinion should be
required. LCD monitors are so vivid and crystal clear that you
will never want to go back to an old CRT monitor. LCD monitor's
also consume less power and take up less space, plus they come
on much faster.
- Almost as important as the monitor, is the sound system and
speakers. Good sound on your computer can really make a
difference, especially if you play a lot of games and listen to
a lot of music and watch movies. Desktop speakers have gone down
significantly in price and in combination with a good sound card
your experience will be complete. I recommend a sound card from
"Creative" called Sound blaster Audigy.
- Your operating system is a very important factor of how well
you will love or hate your new PC. I have always used Windows,
so I recommend Windows XP, or in the future, Windows Long Horn.
There are of course other choices like Linux, and you could go
for a Mac too. Just make sure you have experience with the
operating system that you choose.
- Last but not least is your printer. If you are a photo hound,
and use a digital camera a lot, then you definitely want a high
quality printer that can print out all of your photos. Another
good idea to consider is an all in one printer that can scan,
copy, and print with just one machine.
That is all of my advice for you when buying a new desktop
computer. Follow those steps and maintain your computer
properly, and it will last longer and function better.
About the author:
For more information on customizing your computer to fit your
needs, with step by step help from an expert, go to:
http://www.computer-customizing-guide.com/
