subject: Things To Remember When You Buy A New Computer [print this page] Many American households now have at least one type of computer; about 95% in fact. You must take time and plan your purchase carefully when looking to buy a computer. What type of machine do you need?
Even most children have computers now. Computers are just about as popular as televisions in most households. In fact they even take the place of most other forms of entertainment in the majority of American households. YouTube, as well as other video sites; people enjoy their favorite tv shows directly from the station's website.
You must know which features are important when you plan to buy a computer. Highly sought-after features include:
RAM: RAM is the memory that makes things happen on your computer screen. For better performance, go for a high amount of RAM. 4GB of RAM is the minimum recommendation for surfing, watching streaming videos and playing multimedia games. Many people who play computer games with 3D graphics choose at least 8GB to 12GB of RAM.
Hard Disk Drive: This is where programs and data are stored long-term. Unlike RAM, the HDD holds programs long term and stores things until the data is destroyed or deleted. The least recommended hard drive size is 500GB; many people who play computer games prefer 1TB or bigger.
GHz: GHz, or Ghz, describes the speed of the processor that actually processes data within the computer. The minimum recommended is 2GHz; people who play video games or run other taxing programs on their pc usually need 3 or 4GHz for efficient functionality.
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.
Other Peripherals: A CD or DVD drive is required if you intend to install programs on your new computer; which is the objective, 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 Trusted Name Brand
Don't fall prey to the hoopla! 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 helper 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.
