subject: Things To Remember When Shopping For A New Computer [print this page] Nearly 95% of households in American have at least one desktop personal computer (Desktop PC) or laptop. Planning to buy a computer takes time and strategic planning. What type of machine do you need?
Almost everyone has a computer these days. They're actually more popular than televisions in some households. In fact they even take the place of most other forms of entertainment in the majority of American households. Netflix, and other streaming video websites make it very easy; many people watch their favorite movies and television shows directly from their computer.
Understand which features are required before you make your purchase. Highly sought-after features include:
Memory or RAM: This type of memory doesn't store things long-term; it is the short-term memory that makes things run smoothly on the screen. Higher amounts of RAM increase the performance of your computer. 4GB of RAM is the minimum recommendation for surfing, watching streaming videos and playing multimedia games. Many folks who play video games with 3D graphics favor at least 8GB to 12GB of RAM.
HDD: The HDD or Hard Drive Disk (or simply HD or Hard Drive) is where all of your programs and data are stored. Unlike RAM, the HDD holds programs long term and stores things until the data is destroyed or deleted. The minimum recommended hard drive size is 500GB;
GHz: GHz, describes the swiftness of the C.P.U. that actually processes data within the pc. The minimum recommended is 2GHz; people who play video games or run other burdensome programs on their personal computer usually need 3 or 4GHz for efficient performance.
Graphics Cards: Most "out of the box" computers have an onboard graphics card built in; this simply means it can display 2D games, videos, and websites with ease. Some may even be able to display 3D graphics, but this is often very taxing on the pc. Gamers often purchase a graphics card separately.
Other Peripherals: A CD or DVD drive is required if you intend to install programs on your new computer; which is the target, right? Look for the ability to write, rewrite and read. Terms like 16X means 16 speed; look for something with at least 16X to 32X so you can write to CDs and DVDs quickly.
Operating System: The most important part to consider when you plan to buy a computer is the operating system. Most companies include a copy of the latest operating system such as Windows 7 Home, Windows 7 Home Premium, or Windows Vista.
Stick to a Reliable Name Brand
Don't fall prey to the hype! Many off-brand names offer some incredible "deals" on computers; the problems begin when you realize the computer needs some work but the company you purchased from is out of business. Always buy from a trusted, reliable source that you know has been in business for a long time.
Read all reviews about the computer before you buy it. Don't just buy something because it's cheap. If all else fails, ask a trusted associate or advisor before you buy a computer. Show them the ad and ask them to help make sure you're getting something that won't make you regret it later.
