Top Five Tips to Buying a New Personal Computer

Buying a computer can be an intimidating and confusing process. There is tons of technical information and a wide selection of sizes, shapes and different levels of power flying around. Where does one start when choosing a new personal computer? And where is the best location to buy one?

Remember that a computer is a fairly personal machine, built for your use and often tailored to your preferences.  That means there may not be a right and wrong answer when it comes to the “best” machine.  You should be able to find something that suits you well, is built to your specifications and performs the tasks you need it to without hassle.  These tips will help get you there.

Tip 1 – Think First About What You Will Use the Computer For

Don’t go shopping for a computer until you have defined what you will use it for.  If you simply go into a store and buy what appears to satisfy your potential needs you’re bound to be way off the mark.  Usually you will spend too much money on something with features far beyond what you need.  And occasionally you may even purchase something that gives you substandard quality and makes using a computer much less enjoyable.

Have a list of software you would like and a list of tasks you will use the machine for.

Tip 2 – Choose a Processor

Your new personal computer will have a CPU (central processing unit) that is responsible for the actual computing your machine does. You need to find one that has the right design and the best speed. You’ll also find various cache sizes and front side bus speeds – all information that you can research ahead of time. It’s best to get the fastest, most reliable processor that you can at the time, since advancements are moving quickly and software continues to push CPUs further ahead.

Tip 3 – Move to RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is what your computer uses to hold and access the stuff you’re currently working on.  If you buy a computer with too little RAM it will be slow and sluggish from the very beginning.  The best alternative is to find something that includes decent sized RAM now plus the ability to expand that amount later.

Tip 4 – Hard Drive Stability and Speed

There are a few options available for your hard drive, which is the disk space where all of your data and software is stored.  You need a hard drive with plenty of space, but might want to consider a moderately sized hard drive coupled with a larger external hard drive.  That way you can have enough space to use your personal computer well, with the added protection of a back up drive that is simply used for storage and is less likely to crash.  Watch for the RPM of the hard drive as well.  This stands for the revolutions per minute and will determine the seek speed of your computer – generally the higher the number, the faster your computer will operate.

Tip 5 – Graphics and Sound

You’ll also need to be sure that the graphics and sound are up to par for your use. If someone in your home is a hard core gamer, opt for the best quality video card that will deliver high resolution graphics and crisp sound.

With these tips in mind you should be able to choose and buy a personal computer that will deliver just what you need for work or play.