| Upgrade or Replace? | | | | tech support reviews as well as for their consistent |
| If your current computer provides the majority of your | | | | desktop reliability. |
| computing needs with the exception of a few | | | | According to consumer report surveys, Macs are |
| functions, an upgrade may be the way to go. | | | | targeted by viruses and spyware much less often |
| Sometimes adding a second hard drive, adding | | | | than Windows PCs. It's also good to know that the |
| additional memory or a CD burner would obviously be | | | | newest Macs do let you run Windows as a second |
| more cost-effective than buying an entire new | | | | operating system. |
| machine. So, if you're simply running out of room for all | | | | Software Concerns |
| of your digital photos, for example, an upgrade is | | | | When you first start looking around for a new |
| probably your best bet. | | | | computer, they will appear "ready to go" with software |
| However, if you're trying to do something like upgrade | | | | that will take care of scanning for viruses, managing |
| to a new operating system like Windows Vista, there | | | | your finances, and dealing with audio/image files. A lot |
| could be software incompatibilities, security upgrades | | | | of this software is considered to be "teaser-ware" and |
| required, or new drivers needed. If your computer is | | | | will work only for a limited amount of time, if not |
| not up to running certain software or your machine is | | | | needing an actual upgrade in order to be fully |
| not reliable anymore, then a new PC will be more in | | | | functional. Whatever model you select, be sure that it |
| order. | | | | includes antivirus software and antispyware software |
| Picking the Right Desktop | | | | that will work for at least a year and has the ability to |
| When picking the right desktop, you'll need to decide if | | | | be updated. |
| you need a budget computer or a workhorse | | | | Oftentimes you will find that the majority of your |
| computer. Budget computers are great for routine | | | | needs in this category can be fulfilled by free |
| tasks like e-mail, word processing, photo editing and | | | | software, double check any additional software costs. |
| surfing the internet. If you download things like videos | | | | You will definitely want to include these costs when |
| and music regularly, you will need to copy it to DVD's, | | | | comparing computer prices so that you will have a |
| CD's, or a portable device because the hard drive will | | | | more true idea of overall pricing. |
| quickly fill on a budget computer. | | | | Security Concerns |
| Of course, a workhorse computer is going to cost a | | | | There are a few things to consider when thinking of |
| little bit (a few hundred dollars) more, but it will prove to | | | | security for your new computer. When shopping, keep |
| be quicker and perform more duties. For example you | | | | in mind that your hardward and software choices will |
| can run complicated 3D games and video editing with | | | | affect your ability to defend your data. Windows PCs |
| no problem. | | | | are targeted by viruses and spyware are much more |
| Which Brand is Best? | | | | frequently than Macs are. Windows Vista is touted to |
| According to consumer report surveys, tech support | | | | have tighter security thaan XP, but it is suggested that |
| and reliability are indistinguishable between most | | | | because Vista is so new, it's too early to know how |
| computer brands. The only exceptions are the tech | | | | safe it will ultimately be. |
| support for Apple's desktops and laptops, and Leovo's | | | | If you do choose a Windows PC, you should definitely |
| for laptops. The tech support for these far surpasses | | | | have antivirus, firewall and antispyware programs for |
| all others. Because prices of the different brands vary | | | | Windows. As mentioned in the "Software Concerns" |
| by price, knowing this can help you decide between | | | | section, be aware that the Norton Internet Security, |
| two similarly equipped computers. | | | | McAfee Security Center software, and the like that |
| Preconfigured or Custom-built? | | | | are included on many computers are usually limited to |
| An obvious choice when buying a new computer is | | | | 30 to 90 days of use. Upgrade, update, or replace this |
| buying one off the shelf at a store or over the net with | | | | starter software so that you can have the necessary |
| features and options that are preconfigured by the | | | | protection you need over the long haul. |
| manufacturer to meet the needs of the average | | | | Although less of an issue, Apple users should protect |
| customer. If one of these models suits all of your | | | | themselves as well. |
| computing needs, this route may be the most | | | | Are warranties useful? |
| convenient one for you. | | | | One computer user survey found that the average |
| However, you can also have a custom-built computer, | | | | repair cost and the cost of a desktop service contract |
| configured to your specification either online or in the | | | | were very similar. So, you may actually be better off |
| store. Online, you will usually be presented a series of | | | | paying for desktop repairs as the need arises. |
| on-screen menus showing you the various options as | | | | On the other hand, Apple computers that are sold with |
| well as how each choice you make affects the overall | | | | a short tech support by phone limit, purchasing an |
| purchase price. This option will require that you do your | | | | extended service plan may be in order. |
| homework and know what choices you want, as well | | | | Be educated! |
| as compare what items are included by default. | | | | By using the checklist above and making an educated |
| Windows or Mac? | | | | decision based on needs and computer capabilities, |
| Keep in mind that more home and entertainment | | | | you're sure to make a purchase that you'll be happy |
| software is readily available for Windows based | | | | with for a long time. |
| computers than for Macs. Nevertheless, Apple's are | | | | Much success! |
| great in their own right, with the consistently best in | | | | |