How-To Guide: Buying a New Computer

Q.   I need a new computer. What should I look for when buying a new computer?

A. There are so many things you can do with a computer. You can keep track of budgets, income and expenses, communicate with others, create presentations, have children play with early learning software, and a lot more. 

But before you purchase a computer, there are a few things to consider. Decide what your needs are and how you will be using the computer. Then look at the system in terms of software, memory, storage, sound, processor (heart of the system), etc. 

Here are some suggestions for buying a computer (as of March, 2007):

Processor	Pentium 4 or higher
Memory	512MB will handle most computer functions Choose 2GB if the computer will be used for programs such as Photoshop, Desktop Publishing, etc.
Hard Drive	120 GB of storage space
Graphics Card	Most computers come with a PCI Express Interface Graphics/Video Card which is integrated into the motherboard.
Monitor	At least a 17-inch LCD Flat Screen Monitor.  CRT’s (TV like monitors) are obsolete and not being made anymore.
CD or DVD Drive	Used to load and play software
CD-RW OR DVD-RW Burner	A burner is a DVD or CD drive that records onto blank DVD-RW or CD-RW disks and is used to back up important data in case the hard drive crashes.
Modem	A modem is used to connect to the internet, and most PCs come with a modem integrated into the motherboard.  So ask about this feature. If the computer does not have a modem, you can purchase either an internal or external generic 56K V.92 Fax/modem.
Sound	All computers come with a sound card integrated into the motherboard. However, you may want to invest in good quality speakers that support the sound card.
Operating System	Windows Vista operating system is the newest operating system available and is loaded on new PCs. Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition may still be available to purchase.
Keyboard and Mouse	These are standard and are included with all new computers.
Warranty and Support	Most computers come with a 90 day warranty to start and offer an extended warranty for a small fee.  It is a good idea to purchase this extended warranty especially if you do not know a lot about fixing computers.  Also, make sure that the manufacturer has a 24/7 support line.
Security	New computers come with a 30-90 day free security package. After the free trial period has expired, you will want to purchase a security package to protect your computer from viruses.  You have the option of staying with security/anti-virus software that came with the computer, or you may want to go with another package.

What should I save when unpacking the computer?

When you get a new computer, the first thing you want to do is unpack everything that comes in the box.

• Boxes – Save all boxes for at least 30 days.  If anything is wrong or goes wrong, you will then have the boxes to send the computer back to the company.
• Promotional material - Look through the material to see if there is anything you want to save and throw away everything else.
• Brochures about your computer - Save them.
• Software disks or CDs - This is the software that is installed on your computer, so save all disks and software.
• System restore disks or CDs – These are used to restore the computer to the original set-up. When calling tech support, they will often tell you to use these to restore your computer to factory settings.
• Receipt – It is very important to keep all receipts since these contain information such as date of purchase, type of computer purchased, price, etc.
• Warranty cards - Fill in the information required and mail the card to the address given.  Keep a copy for your files.
• Any rebate information - Take note of terms and deadlines for rebates and submit them promptly.  Keep a copy for your files in case of dispute. 
• Store all the information and software in a safe place for easy access in case you need to call tech support. 

Now that your new computer is unpacked, here are some helpful hints in setting up your computer.

• Record hardware model and serial numbers for the computer and all components.
• Keep a log of changes made to the computer, software you installed, upgrades downloaded, problems encountered, configuration settings, and communication with the vendor. 
• If replacing a computer, don’t discard the old computer until you are sure all files and data are transferred to the new computer. 
• Plan and implement a data backup system.  To make sure the backup system is working, test it periodically by retrieving a file from your back up disk or CD/DVD. 
• Run scandisk and disk defragmentation routinely, maybe 1 time a month if the computer is used heavily.
• Install, update and run anti-virus and anti-spyware regularly.
• Only open attachments or emails from someone you know.
• Don’t answer email requests for personal information.
• Finally, enjoy your new computer and don’t be afraid to use it and the internet. 

 

 

 

[Posted on March 30, 2007]