PC Resource Guide, Before you Buy...

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Tips for Purchasing a new computer

Purchasing a new computer system today can be exciting and fun if you know what you are looking for ahead of time. It is much easier for most people to purchase a home, car, or furniture then it is to purchase a PC.  One of the biggest problems I have found about buying a new PC is deciding what you want versus what you need.  If you visit a computer store and talk to a salesperson, normally the first question he or she will ask is, "what kind of computer were you looking for and what do you want it to do" most people will respond with "I don't know, what do you have and what can it do".  TOUCHÉ, now the salesperson knows that you don't have a clue of what you want and they are going to talk you into purchasing a PC that will do everything and last forever.  Let's see, the salesperson is there to give you a great deal, save you money at the expense of their commission, NOT LIKELY!  When you decide it's time to purchase a new computer you need to consider the following:

The PC you purchase today will be outdated tomorrow - Much like the car you purchased, the day you purchase and start using your new computer there's a new model out that will put yours to shame.  Don't worry about it, as with the new car, use it without worrying about age, it is impossible to buy the latest PC.

Warranty First - Purchase your new computer from a reputable manufacturer and insist on at least a three year warranty.  This is the norm and should come with the purchase price. Most reputable vendors will give you a three year warranty and the first year onsite.  If you purchase a notebook PC it's a good idea to request an extended warranty, notebook PC tend to take a beating and you will probably use this warranty.  Onsite warranties mean onsite, they must come to you in a reasonable time.  Get it in writing, don't assume that because the salesperson says you have three year warranty, that you do.

SUPPORT - What type of support does the seller/manufacturer offer. Do they offer 24/7 telephonic and online support. Don't take anyone's word for it either, the salesperson nor a friend that has had good luck with a manufacturers support.  Find the technical support phone number, this should be a 1-800 number with no charge to the caller, and call them. This will give you an idea of the response time. Also find out the internet online address and contact them prior to purchasing the PC. There are few things more frustrating then purchasing a new PC that doesn't work.

Just what are you buying? - That's the easiest question I have ever been asked!  You are purchasing a CPU (Central Processing Unit), in a box.  You want the fastest processor for the lowest price.  Once you decide on the processor that you can afford, start looking at all the other nice-to-have items on the PC. Here is a checklist to use while searching for your PC.

   What kind of processor does it have?  The higher the number, (MHz speed) the better.

   What is the warranty and how does their technical support work.

   How much RAM (Random Access Memory) comes with it and how much can it be upgraded to.   All new PC's should include at no additional cost:  VGA Video card, with at least four megabyte of video RAM,   512 Cache, 56K, V.90 standard Modem,              3.5" floppy drive, at least a 20x CD-ROM,  3D Sound card,    USB (Universal Serial Bus) on board,  one parallel port (printer port), two serial Ports, communications ports one and two, OS (Operating System), such as Windows or Linux with the manufacturers              software on CD.

Bottom Line - Buy the computer NOT the Stuff.  Be weary of gimmicks, just because a PC comes with free software, printers, scanners or whatever freebies they think will get you to purchase their PC, doesn't mean it's a good deal.  You can bet the seller spent less that fifty bucks on any of these. It's also a sure bet that you will pay more. DO YOUR HOMEWORK, you will probably shell out a thousand dollars or more for the system you want, take your time, compare PC's and prices.