| Purchasing a home or business computer can be a | | | | operation. More memory also helps your |
| confusing and sometimes costly decision. Read on | | | | computer reduce the time spent switching |
| for a listing of helpful suggestions for what to look | | | | between programs. |
| for and ask when purchasing a new home or | | | | What about the processor? |
| business computer. | | | | The Processor or CPU is an important |
| How do you plan to use your new computer? | | | | consideration when buying your new computer. |
| * Internet; Browsing, email and chat. | | | | The processor is like the brain or the engine that |
| * Playing games | | | | powers the programs and controls the hardware. |
| * Listening to music or watching movies | | | | The Faster the processor the quicker your |
| * Work related; Spreadsheet, word processing, | | | | programs will run but this speed also comes at a |
| database, etc. | | | | price. |
| * Shopping: EBay | | | | Will you need a printer? |
| Do you plan to connect to the internet? | | | | * Print photos - colour printers |
| Will you connect to the internet with dial-up or | | | | * Print work documents - laser printers |
| broadband (cable or ADSL)? Dial-up internet is | | | | Also, consider 'combo' printers, which include an |
| slow and uses a device called MODEM. A modem | | | | inbuilt Fax machine. These combo printers also |
| connects to your phone line. Cable or ADSL falls | | | | come with photo print capability and / or laser |
| under the broadband category. It supports very | | | | print quality. ASK Questions. |
| fast downloads. Websites open quickly. | | | | When buying a computer remember to ask |
| What type of screen (Monitor) do you prefer? | | | | questions about what you are getting in the pack. |
| * Flat LCD | | | | Here are some questions you could ask next time |
| * CRT (standard tube monitor) | | | | you go shopping: |
| High quality, smooth graphics. | | | | * Are all computer parts covered by warranty? |
| Most computers come with a standard graphics | | | | * Are the parts installed new or second hand? |
| controller or processor. If you plan on playing | | | | * How long is the warranty period? |
| arcade style computer games or edit photos then | | | | * Do you have to pick up your computer from |
| you could consider a high quality Graphics Card. | | | | the seller or can it be delivered to your home or |
| What about sound? | | | | office. |
| The standard option is usually a set of stereo | | | | * Can the seller provide setup and on-site support |
| speakers if you plan to listen to music. If you plan | | | | or will you have to pay extra? |
| to watch DVD movies on your computer then | | | | * Does the total price include the operating |
| you could consider a 5.1 Speaker system. 5.1 | | | | system like Windows XP |
| Speakers means 5 speakers and a sub woofer | | | | * Are you buying Legal software? |
| much like a standard home theatre setup. Some | | | | * Will the seller custom build the computer or will |
| computer games now provide surround sound | | | | it be 'off the shelf'? |
| environment. | | | | ASK Questions |
| Smooth operation | | | | It is important that you understand what you are |
| Computer Memory (RAM) is an important | | | | buying. Ask questions. If the seller does not have |
| consideration when buying a computer. More | | | | time to answer all your questions then you might |
| memory means more efficient and a smoother | | | | want to proceed with caution. |