How to Choose a Computer: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-01 14:11

Buying a new computer is an exciting experience. What today's technology promises is hard to resist. Unfortunately, you may be buying the wrong computer and not what you need. The sheer number of computer options available can be confusing. The following guide aims to direct you to buy the right computer.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Evaluating Needs

Step 1. Ask yourself what you need a computer for

The main function of the computer will determine the type of computer you need. By knowing how your computer works for you, you can save a lot of money.

• Do you use your computer primarily for checking email and browsing the web?

• Are you going to complete office work on your computer?

  

• Do you love games and plan to spend a lot of time in front of the computer playing the latest releases?

  

• Are you an artist or musician? Do you want to use your computer to make pictures, music or videos?

  

• Will your computer be used by all family members? Will your computer be the center of entertainment in the living room?

  

Step 2. Decide between laptop or desktop

Laptops are portable, and suitable for students or office workers, but are less than optimal when it comes to gaming. Desktops are usually much more powerful than laptops, and they are also more expensive. The space required is also larger than a laptop.

• Ask yourself how much time you sit at the table. Laptops allow you to work from anywhere as long as there is electrical power or a Wi-Fi internet connection.

  

• If you choose a laptop, pay attention to the battery life listed, because the battery will determine how your laptop can be carried around.

  

Step 3. Compare Apple with Windows PC

This is a matter of preference. If your business is mostly run from Mac computers, having a Mac at home can make work more comfortable. Apple computers are usually more expensive than Windows PCs for the same specs, and Windows PCs can run more games than Apple's (though more games are now available for Macs).

• Apple computers are preferred by musicians and artists, as they typically run content creation programs that are much more efficient than Windows PCs.

Step 4. Check your budget

Netbooks can be purchased for less than $200, while computers for heavy gaming and graphics processing can cost up to $2,000. Balance your needs against your available budget.

Step 5. Check the basic computer components

When it comes time to buy components, know the price of each basic piece available, as it will help you make a good comparison.

• Hard disk - this is the storage for the computer. Storage is measured in gigabytes (GB). All documents, programs, photos, videos and music will use this space. In general, the more storage the better, although the average user typically uses 500 GB of capacity.

  

• RAM/Memory - This is a special storage used to temporarily store program information. If you don't have enough RAM, programs will run sluggishly or even crash. 4GB is the ideal amount of RAM, although gamers and graphic designers have at least double the RAM.

  

• CPU - This is the processor in the computer, and what makes the computer run. There are two major manufacturers for processors - Intel and AMD. AMD is usually slightly cheaper than Intel for comparable performance, quality and support. Be sure to figure out which CPU you are going to buy, as the market changes frequently.

  

• Video Card - If you don't play games or do 3D development, you don't have to worry about the graphics card. However, if you are a gamer, a video card is an essential component of your computer.

  

Part 2 of 3: Getting a Desktop

Step 1. Look at the pros and cons of assembling and buying a computer

One of the things you can do in the computer world is build your own computer. The desktop has several components that are designed to be easy to build and upgrade. Building your own desktop is also significantly cheaper than buying a finished computer. The downside is the lack of support on computers; all replacements and technical issues should be handled by yourself.

Step 2. Look at the available finished computers

If you don't want to build your own computer, you can buy a finished computer from a major manufacturer. Be sure to compare specs across brands, and to avoid computers that have a lot of features but you'll never use. On the other hand, don't buy a computer just because it's cheap, but make sure it has the features you need.

• Popular desktop manufacturers include: HP, iBuyPower, Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Gateway, and many more.

  

• Apple runs Mac OS X instead of Windows, and is less customizable or upgradable. The advantage is that the hardware is solid, which means that many programs are designed to run more efficiently, and OS X can be a little relieved to catch a virus.

Step 3. Look for computer components at the nearest store

If you have decided to build your own computer, you will have to purchase the individual components. The nearest store will make sure you get the best price, and have a good return policy in case a component breaks (this is common in the computer industry). Once you have all the components, put them all together.

Part 3 of 3: Getting a Laptop

Step 1. Compare each manufacturer

Laptops are not easy to build, and you have to choose the options offered by the manufacturer. Compare not only the features but also the available support. Be sure to read reviews on the internet about the customer support and returns services available.

Step 2. Pay special attention to components

Laptops are much harder to upgrade than desktops, and mostly impossible. If you choose to use a laptop, you really have to make sure that you are satisfied with its performance and specifications. You can upgrade your hard drive easily, but changing the video card is almost impossible and changing the processor is completely impossible.

Step 3. Try it before buying

After finding a laptop sales place, try it first before buying it. If you can't try it, look up some trusted reviews on the internet.

Tips

• Remember that the highest price is not always the best. Make sure the brand you choose has an impeccable post-treatment track record. This is very important!
• In a year or two, your computer will be worth half its purchase price, so buy the newest model for whatever brand you choose.
• Don't buy on a whim. It will take you at least a few weeks from when you start looking to buying a new computer.