Buying a Computer

Buying a computer is a big decision. Like a car or an education, a computer is a major investment. To get the most from your computer loan and your new computer, you'll want to do your homework before you begin shopping. Before you start looking, know exactly what you want and need from your computer and how much of a computer loan you can afford. You don't want to buy a computer with an assortment of unanswered questions lingering.

Things to Think about Prior to Buying

Think about what you will use your computer for. Do you need to use a word processor to complete assignments for school? Would you like to track your spending with financial software? Are you into digital photography? Do you play computer games? Will you primarily use your computer for email and surfing the Internet? If you're a music buff, do you intend to download and store MP3's on your computer? Asking these questions will give you a better idea of what minimum requirements your machine should have.

Laptops vs. Desktops

Deciding whether a laptop or a desktop is better for you depends mainly on your need for portability. If you travel frequently with your computer, you will want a laptop so you can do your work on-the-go. Similarly, students often opt for laptops because they take up less space and are easily transported to and from class. On the other hand, desktops tend to have a bigger screen and also tend to be cheaper.

Deciding on Your Operating System

The two competing companies as far as operating systems go are Microsoft Windows and Apple with Mac OS. Each operating system has its benefits and drawbacks. If you plan to work extensively with graphics, journalism, or sound editing, a Mac might be the best option. Conversely, Windows is more universally compatible with software and files.

Comparison Checklist

When you're comparing computers, you'll want to take note of the following features:

• Processor type and speed in MHz
• Memory (or RAM)
• Hard drive capacity
• Cache
• Monitor (size, type, and is it included in price?)
• Sound and video cards
• Extras, like printers, scanners, modems, etc.