Be Wise Buying a Desktop Computer

1. How will you Use the Desktop Computer?

• Always purchase a computer based on your specific needs. Prepare a list of the things that you want to do with it and the questions that you want to ask the sales person.
• Running graphic intensive software needs more memory (RAM) than for simple MS Office applications.
• Running specialized software applications may require more RAM, disc space and a faster processing speed – Make sure your computer can handle the software you are buying.

2. General Considerations when Purchasing a Desktop Computer:

• Computer technology is continuously evolving and is obsolete within four to five years - therefore always buy the latest technology that you can afford.
• In general you should buy more power than you currently need (but buying too much is wasting money).
• Don't skimp on the main components such as processor, memory, and hard drive.
• Users have had bad experiences with all types of manufacturers out there so there is no one preferred computer manufacturer/brand.
• A specific brand name is not so important since computers are commodity products and are manufactured from the same components.
• Research ratings and reviews from highly regarded publications and check consumer reports for computer quality, user support and warranties.
• Buy only from a Reputable Dealer and avoid small unknown shops that just opened or from unfamiliar dealers on the Internet.
• Never take an offer that seems too good to be true but take advantage of store vendor/manufacturer specials when they want to move old stock.
• Talk to friends who use computers and get their advice.
• Avoid PCs with no brand or model and don’t believe everything you hear.

3. Total Cost of Ownership of a Desktop Computer:

• Computer hardware is sold at very low profit margins and even below the dealer cost so there is normally no room for negotiating a lower price. Computer retailers make their own on add-on items and consumables (paper, cables, ink etc.)
• A budget of $500 to $1,500 allows you to buy a dual-core CPU computer with enough processing speed and memory (at least 2GB) to run normal office type, photo and video editing applications and play most computer games (with Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and 4GB of RAM)
• $2,500 and $3,500 is a normal budget for high end desktop computers that are used for advanced digital design and advanced gaming.
• Peripherals such as printers, scanners, monitor, TV tuners, DVD burner and Blu-ray drive as needed.
• Software such as operating system, applications, anti-virus/spy and a troubleshooting program (such as Norton SystemWorks).
• Other services such as Internet and online backup.
• Warranties, maintenance and support.
• Good surge protector and backup battery to stabilize voltage and guard against spikes (get one with a lifetime insurance policy that covers any damage to your equipment).

4. Components Considerations in Buying a Desktop Computer:

• Motherboard is the most vital part of any computer and is the large circuit board into which the Central Processing Unit, memory and peripheral cards are plugged into. (Make sure it is upgradeable for future technologies and have extra slots for memory and other add-on cards.)
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brainpower of the computer and performs many operations. The clock speed is specified Megahertz (MHz) and indicates how many millions of instructions can be processed per second and a 450 megahertz processor is recommended if affordable.
• Random-access memory (RAM) is chip-based memory available for the running of applications. Fast processors can be quickly crippled by too little RAM. (Buy at least 1GB of RAM and make sure that it possible to upgrade since you cannot have too much RAM).
• Read-only memory (ROM) holds the internal commands the computer needs to boot-up.
• CD-ROM Drive to install new programs, play media, make backups, etc. (DVD / CD-R / CD-RW, Blu-ray, HD DVD or combo optical drive).
• Hard drive - Computer's electronic filling cabinet to store the operating system, applications and your documents/data (buy minimum of 40 gigabytes).
• Monitor to display the output of which the most popular is the 15" and 17". (Don't buy the 21" screen unless you are into graphic design or CAD since there is large price deferential between 17" to 21").
• Keyboard and mouse are input devices to input data and move around on the screen.
• Modem connects your computer to a standard telephone line so you can transmit and receive data electronically (including Internet access) and comes standard with practically all new computers. (Make sure it is 56,000-baud speed).
• Network Card allows you to connect to other computers and set-up small networks in your home or office for file sharing, data transfer, sharing Internet connection, printers, etc.
• Sound Card lets a computer produce sound for music, games, etc.
• Video Card sends images to the monitor and is one of the most critical components if you are into gaming (Buy a 128MB or better graphics card using ATI or Nvidia technology).
• USB Ports replaced much of the slower ports for connecting mouse, keyboards, printers, digital cameras, MP3 players, etc. (Get a minimum of four USB 2.0 ports, preferable more, at the back with ports in the front panel to connect devices temporarily to the computer.)
• Speakers – Consider 2.1 (two satellite speakers and the one subwoofer) or 5.1 for surround to appreciate music or DVDs.

5. Warranty Considerations when Buying a Desktop Computer:

• Carefully consider warranties and return policies by manufacturer and dealer.
• The most common options are onsite, carry-in or shipping to services depot. (The last is the most undesirable since it takes long and damage can occur during shipping.)
• Establish for how long the warranty is valid (The industry-average desktop warranty lasts one year for both parts and labor.)
• Some suppliers provide an extended warranty for an additional cost which could be a good option depending on your situation.
  

6. Support Considerations when Buying a Desktop Computer:

• What type of service is offered?
• What support options are available? Phone, e-mail, website and chat?
• When dealing with technical support by phone what is the response time? (Test the number).
• What are the support hours? Is support open on holidays?
• What is the turnaround time for repairs?
• Do they offer remote support?
  

7. Software Considerations when Buying a Desktop Computer:

• It is not always advisable to go for the newest operating system (OS). Wait at least 12 months for most bugs to be eliminated.
• Ensure that it comes with legal software! (License or registration number documentation must be included).
• What bundled software and games are provided? (Such as word processor, spreadsheet, personal finance and reference software).
• Is the bundled software trial/demo or full versions?
  

8. Upgrade Considerations when Buying a Desktop Computer:

• What component of the computer can be upgraded? (RAM, CPU, Hard Drive, Cards, etc).
• To what level can the component be upgraded?
• Does the computer have on-board components that can/must be disabled when new components are added?

9. Home-theater PC:

• A Home theater PC (HTPC) or media PC is a convergence device that combines the functions of a personal computer and a digital video recorder. It is connected to a television or a television-sized computer display and is often used as a digital photo, music, video player, TV receiver and digital video recorder.
• A HTPC can be purchased pre-configured with the required hardware and software needed to add television programming to the PC, or can be cobbled together out of discrete components as is commonly done with Windows Media Center, MythTV, GB-PVR, SageTV, Famulent, or LinuxMCE.
  

10. What to watch out for when buying a Desktop Computer:

• You get what you pay for! In buying cheap computers you might end up getting one with inferior components and not to the advertised specification.
• Free add-ons may be advertised as free but could be discounted in the price – check the numbers.
• Add-ons to sweeten the deal such as printers, scanners and cameras - make sure they suite your needs and avoid being stuck with devices that you don’t want/need or have expensive running costs (ink).
• Internet services discount – Don't take a rebate that locks you into a particular Internet service provider unless you are already using the services and are satisfied with it.