| There's one reason and one reason only to buy a | | | | this in writing he replaced it with one that had an |
| used computer online, lack of money which is a good | | | | operating system. If I didn't get him to confirm this, |
| reason. For the purpose of this article, the term | | | | chances are he would have stated that nowhere in his |
| computer shall include laptops. This article will tell you | | | | sales description did he say an operating system was |
| what to look for and what not to look for in a used | | | | included and therefore he won't replace it. If you don't |
| computer, step by step. | | | | have a basic general knowledge of computers and |
| I would only consider buying a used computer if you | | | | you have a friend that does, I would have the friend |
| can't afford to buy the computer you want new and | | | | check out the description before you make your |
| can't afford a new computer at a level below that | | | | purchase. Whatever you do, if you see the words |
| computer provided its features still have what you | | | | "Sold as Is"- do not buy as that is the sellers way of |
| want. IE, if you can't afford to spend $750 for a new | | | | saying you are stuck with it, once you receive it. |
| Core 2 Duo computer but can afford to spend $500 | | | | I would not purchase any computer that is not at least |
| on a new Core Duo computer or $500 on a used | | | | described as being in very good condition as most |
| Core 2 Duo, I would probably get the new Core Duo | | | | sellers have a tendency to describe the condition one |
| Computer unless the features on the used Core 2 | | | | level better then what it is. I also would not buy any |
| Duo you found you couldn't do without. The main | | | | computer that mentions any kind of problem in its sales |
| advantage of buying a computer used is the warranty | | | | listing even its been fixed as you're asking for trouble. |
| and the ability to extend it, free technical help from the | | | | You should make sure the memory, hard drive, |
| computer company and the fact that you know there | | | | operating system, size and CPU is listed and what |
| is no spyware, adware and viruses on it and in all | | | | you're looking for. Assuming everything is in order, I |
| likelihood no pre-existing problems on the computer | | | | would insist that the seller cleans the computer of all |
| waiting to be discovered. | | | | spyware, adware and viruses, if applicable before they |
| Once you decide you can only afford to get the | | | | send it out. I once got a used laptop that I had to spend |
| computer you want used then the first thing I would do | | | | 5 hours cleaning that junk off it. Once you get the |
| is look to to see if it's available online from a large | | | | computer, run any security programs on it and if you |
| company that sells refurbished computers with at least | | | | see that the seller hasn't sent you a clean computer, |
| a 45-90 day warranty. Refurbished computers include | | | | either tell them to refund you for the the whole |
| computers whose boxes were opened and never | | | | computer or tell him you'll keep it but you want a |
| used as well as returned computers with no problems | | | | rebate for sending you an unclean computer. |
| and returned computers with problems. These | | | | One last thing before you make your purchase is to |
| companies usually buy refurbished computers in mass | | | | see what software is already on the computer and if |
| and test, repair and restore them as applicable to their | | | | there's something you don't want, ask the seller to |
| original factory setting before they are resold, so | | | | uninstall it and if there's something you want kept on, |
| you're not likely to get a stiff. If you are, you will be | | | | tell the seller to leave it on. I would have the seller send |
| covered by their warranty. You usually can extend | | | | you the computer UPS ground as its likelier to be |
| your warranty for a few years beyond the original | | | | damaged if sent by air, insured for the full purchase |
| 45-90 days, as long as it's before your original | | | | amount and requiring you to sign for it when delivered. |
| warranty expires. | | | | Once you get your computer I would as I said earlier, |
| The next step below that is buying your computer | | | | run any security programs you have to make sure |
| used online. Usually when you are buying a computer | | | | there's no junk on it. I then would test the computer for |
| used online, there is no warranty. If you are not sure if | | | | its basic functions and once you have an internet |
| a computer includes a certain feature on it, you need | | | | connection established, download Belarc Advisor online |
| to contact the seller and have him confirm by email if it | | | | which is a free download that reads what's exactly on |
| does or doesn't have that feature before you | | | | your computer in detail to make sure everything you |
| purchase it. Sellers are notorious for being deliberately | | | | were told was on the computer is on the computer in |
| vague on used computers. For instance, a few years | | | | terms of software, system, RAM, hardware, etc. I also |
| ago I purchased a computer which the seller confirmed | | | | would make sure you have an anti-virus program |
| to me by email that it included an operating system | | | | operational before you start surfing the web. |
| and when I got it, of course it didn't but because I had | | | | |