How To Buy A New Computer

If you are not a computer wizard and are trying to get accustomed to the benefits of making your everyday transactions with a computer, knowing how to buy a new computer can appear overwhelming. Regardless of your skill level or computer experience, choosing the best new computer comes down to what you plan on doing with it. By asking yourself these brief questions, you will be able to demystify "computer jargon", and purchase the new computer you really need. 

To buy a new computer you will need:

• Checklist of your computer needs
• Money
• Internet sold separately

1. PC or Apple? Deciding whether to buy a PC or an Apple Macintosh computer really comes down to what you are involved in—office/business work (PC) or creative arts (Apple). PC's are the most widely used computers currently and the majority of software applications are available for them. You will want a PC for running your own business, doing corporate duties, and if your budget for a new computer is under $1000. Apple Macintosh computers are generally more expensive, but they have the added benefit of less worry in terms of computer viruses. Apples are optimum for graphic designers, video editors, and animators due to their ability to reproduce more colors than PCs, and a wealth of artistic software options. 
2. Desktop or Laptop? Desktop computers are generally cheaper than laptops, but unfortunately you will also have to buy a separate monitor in most cases. They tend to be more powerful than their portable counterparts due to having more room for upgrades. But if you love the idea of writing your novel on the beach instead of your bedroom, or doing homework at a coffee shop instead of your dorm room, choose a laptop. Many locations now offer free Internet access that your new laptop computer can utilize. 
3. Is it fast or slow? Luckily the days of having to go eat dinner while your slow computer gets around to sending an e-mail are virtually over. Most desktops and laptop computers come equipped with enough random access memory (RAM) to keep your software programs running at full speed. You will want at least two gigabytes of RAM, but four gigabytes will keep things flying at or beyond your expectations. The closer your hard drive gets to being full, from downloading programs and music, the slower your computer gets, so RAM is definitely your friend. 
4. How big should my hard drive be? If you are doing anything with video or graphics on your new computer you will want a hard drive that is at least one terabyte, which equals 1000 gigabytes. Video and photos will take up your computer's hard drive space fast. Music and text documents need much less hard drive space, so 300-500 gigabytes would be sufficient. But if you know that you will be adding quite a bit of software to your new computer, go in the 500 gigabyte direction. But don't worry, external hard drives that you can hook up to a desktop or laptop computer are becoming super cheap. So if it comes between memory and hard drive space, spend more money on memory. 

Buying a new computer should be a fun experience, not one filled with confusion and paranoia. There are enough affordable options, and flexible computers to allow you to stay within your budget and fulfill your needs.