| 1. Why do you need a computer? | | | | of your system is the memory available. |
| Whether you are a new user or advanced one, | | | | The more the memory, the better it is. Make sure you |
| whether this is your first computer or second (or even | | | | can upgrade your computer's memory as and when |
| third), be clear as to why you want a computer before | | | | required. |
| you even think of buying one. | | | | The RAM chip comes in capacities of 128, 256, 512 |
| How will you use your computer? Are you only | | | | MB, even 1 GB. Most computers function efficiently |
| interested in browsing the Internet and checking e-mail? | | | | with 256 MB RAM, though a 512 MB RAM does offer |
| Do you plan to use your PC as a programming | | | | you an edge. |
| machine? Do desktop publishing or video editing | | | | Hold off on the printer or a software application and |
| feature on your agenda? Or is it a gaming rig? What is | | | | other accessories that you really don't need right |
| a computer? | | | | away. You shouldn't have any problem installing these |
| Consider these factors before stepping into a | | | | after the original purchase has been made. Just ensure |
| hardware shop. | | | | you buy components that are compatible with your |
| The basic components of a computer system are the | | | | system. |
| motherboard (containing the processor and memory), | | | | 3. Should you go for a branded PC or an assembled |
| keyboard, mouse, monitor, diskette drive, CD-ROM | | | | one? |
| drive and hard drive. | | | | Assembled machines are popular because they are |
| In addition, there are several other types of devices | | | | more economically priced. |
| you may or may not need. A trackball, joy stick, | | | | Branded PCs cost around 35 to 40% more than their |
| modem, tape drive, zip drive, printer, plotter, scanner, | | | | assembled counterparts. |
| sound card and speakers, television card and video | | | | Besides, you can choose your own specifications with |
| capture card, to name a few. | | | | assembled PCs. You are not forced to accept a rigid |
| Whether you buy these will depend on what you need | | | | component configuration. You cannot customise a |
| the computer for and which software applications you | | | | branded PC to suit your exact requirements. Games: |
| intend to use. | | | | With the same price that you would pay for a branded |
| Remember the golden rule: the fastest or most | | | | piece, you will be able to own a superior assembled |
| expensive computer is not necessarily the one you | | | | PC. |
| need. | | | | Make sure the components purchased for the |
| Finally, the length of time that you plan to own the | | | | assembled PC are original. Take along an informed, |
| computer before replacing it will also help determine | | | | reliable assembler to purchase the components so that |
| which computer to buy. | | | | you are not fooled by counterfeit parts. |
| 2. What is your budget? | | | | The advantage of a branded PC is the reliability of the |
| This is the next thing you need to be certain of. How | | | | brand, the after sales service and the technical |
| much are you willing to spend on a PC? | | | | support. On the flip side, the after sales services and |
| After you arrive at a figure, keep a margin of a few | | | | repairs offered by the brands are a tad expensive |
| thousands. It will give you some room for flexibility. If | | | | and not prompt most times. |
| you are short on money when you buy your computer | | | | Don't forget to look at the warranty. Generally, a |
| and cannot add all the peripherals you want, be smart. | | | | warranty period of a year is normal for all major parts |
| Hardware: | | | | of the PC. But there are good brands that offer either |
| Buy as much as you can afford. Don't cut corners on | | | | more years or the option of an additional payment to |
| the main system unit (monitor, processor, memory, disk | | | | top up the warranty period. |
| space). | | | | Talk to your friends and colleagues who have |
| Remember, you want the computer to last at least | | | | assembled PCs. Ask them about their experience and |
| four years. You don't want to run out of disk space or | | | | recommendations on whom to approach. Question |
| memory in the very first year, all because you trimmed | | | | them as to what happened when they had a problem. |
| down on the memory or got a smaller hard drive. | | | | Was the individual easy to access? Did he offer |
| Hard disk capacity matters a great deal as it takes no | | | | prompt service? Does their computer give a lot of |
| time for data to fill the available space. A 40 GB hard | | | | trouble? |
| disk is sufficient disk space, but 80 GB is the standard | | | | If possible, meet two or three individuals before you |
| recommendation. | | | | finally zero in on one. |
| Random Access Memory is the amount of memory | | | | Spend some time on these three issues and you will |
| available for use by programmes on a computer. One | | | | be all set to buy your very own PC! |
| of the important factors to ensure the smooth running | | | | |