Choosing the Best Computer - Things You Should Look For

The fact is, not everyone knows how to choose the best computer. How many of you can recall buying a computer for the first time, was it easy or somewhat a difficult task? No doubt, deciding on what computer to buy is much easier for some people than it is for others. For those who've purchased and used a computer in the past, they already have an idea of what they need in a new computer. However, for an individual who has never bought computer before, or is simply new to the computer world, they could easily get lost in the myriad of choices available.

For those who might be interested in knowing what type of computer to purchase, it's recommended that you buy the "the best'. However, simply suggesting that you buy the "best" is somewhat subjective, because "the best" to one person is certainly different to another. Although here, "the best" means the "fastest and the biggest", still this is not enough information for the newbie, and could further confused them.

So as to avoid any confusion, below are six basic guidelines that the less computer savvy individuals should follow and the reason, when shopping for a computer:

1. Shop for a computer that includes basic peripherals. Every computer has four major components: CPU unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the person who have limited to no knowledge about computer, it's best to buy a computer that has all of these components included so that when it gets to their home, assembling it is nothing but a simple matter of plugging things in where they belong. Only the more experienced individuals should purchase these components individually.

2.You should first decide what your are going to use the computer for. If the purpose is for browsing the web, sending emails, or performing simple word-processing or even spreadsheet tasks, a computer with the basic components that have been mentioned above should suffice. However, if you are planning on using a computer to help with a career in multimedia, you're going to need to accessorize your system with a scanner, printer, digital camera, tablet or a digicam, and so on. If you are interested in pursuing a career in music for example, you will definitely need a good quality microphone and a set of speakers.

3.Think about how much you can afford to spend on a new computer. Although the prices of computers are decreasing, they can still cost you a reasonable amount of cash, especially if you need those additional peripherals mentioned above. In addition, you'll need to factor in the cost of maintenance, servicing, and insurance.

4.Do a comparison shopping, and look for the "fastest and biggest." Here,"fastest and biggest" means the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest modem, the biggest memory, and the biggest hard drive capacity. Even if you believe you'll never need the maximum amount of speed or space that is currently available on the market today, it's still important to have it, just in case you need it in the future. Having such large reserve will save you a lot of money when it's time to upgrade.

5. Stick with better-known brands such as Windows computer, or Apple Macintosh computer. Avoid purchasing a lesser-known brands, leave this for those who have more experience with computers. Although those better-known brands may be a bit more expensive, the computer novice will appreciate the comfort in purchasing a computer from a business that has a good reputation, such as a long standing good record of building quality products, allow returns and trades; plus offers servicing, and warranties.

6.Having an idea of exactly what you are looking for in a computer and the kind of computer that you are interested in, the only task you are left with is to find a place where you can buy it. There are a number of places available, such as computer store outlets,online stores, auction sites, used computer stores, or your friendly neighborhood yard sale. For the computer novice,it is recommended that you buy a computer from a physical store. In a physical store, you have the opportunity to see the computer of interest in person, and you can also have your questions answered. Individuals who are purchasing computers for the first time also have access to store warranties, returns, trades, and services.

Conclusion

These basic guidelines given above on how to choose the best computer, should hopefully help first time buyers a lot when selecting or shopping for quality --- specifically Windows computer or Apple Macintosh computers. Anyone who is owning a computer for the first time, over a period of time, he/she will eventually be able to know more about computers, plus software and hardware.