If you need a computer for home, school or work, then your choice should be based on the following data: price, warranty, accessories and preinstalled software.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the purpose of the computer
If you need it for work, then a simple but high-quality computer with Microsoft Word or OpenOffice installed (OpenOffice is a free program that can be downloaded from the Internet) is suitable for you. If you are buying a computer for home (for all family members), a simple computer is fine for you. If you love listening to music and watching videos (that is, you use multimedia), then buy a good quality computer. If you are a gamer, then you need a gaming computer.
Step 2. Think about your computer settings
Here are the recommended computer settings for different purposes.
- For home. Processor: 1-2GHz (Intel / AMD); RAM: 2GB (DDR2 / DDR3), hard drive: 40-160GB, mid-range video card, DVD / CD-RW drive, 3 USB (2.0) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 B / G / N Wi-Fi.
- For work. Processor: 2GHz (Intel); RAM: 2 + GB (DDR3), hard disk: 320 + GB, integrated video card, DVD / CD-RW drive, 3 USB (2.0) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 B / G / N Wi-Fi.
- For multimedia (video / photo editing, music / video playback). Processor: 2.5-3GHz (Intel); RAM: 4 + GB (DDR3), hard disk: 500 + GB, high-end graphics card, DVD / CD-RW drive, 3 USB (2.0) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 B / G / N Wi-Fi.
- For games. Processor: 3 + GHz (Intel / AMD); RAM: 6 + GB (DDR3), hard drive: 500 + GB, top (one of the most expensive) video card, DVD / CD-RW drive, 3 USB (2.0) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 B / G / N Wi -Fi.
Step 3. Modern operating systems consume significant system resources, so select the appropriate system
Linux and Windows XP are much less demanding on CPU and RAM. Windows Vista and 7 can consume significant system resources. So choose a system that suits your budget. If you want to save money, opt for XP or Linux and you get a system that is as fast as the more expensive Windows 7 (XP is no longer available, but you can download and install it yourself. install Linux).
Step 4. Buy a suitable monitor
Its screen size (diagonal) must be at least 17 ". Choose a CRT monitor with a 17-22" screen. LCD monitors are getting bigger and cheaper. You can purchase a 14-30 "LCD monitor for $ 100-300, and the LCD takes up less space than a CRT monitor.
Step 5. Buy the accessories you want
For example, a gaming mouse, a multimedia keyboard (with special keys for starting and stopping playback), a printer, a speaker system, a second monitor.
Advice
- Before purchasing an extended warranty for a work computer, ask your boss for advice, as in most cases such a warranty is not required.
- Most of the software you need can be found on the Internet as free software (software) or open source software.
Warnings
- Don't buy accessories if you don't need them, such as a card reader or webcam.
- If you are planning to upgrade your computer, make sure it is possible. For example, some Dell computers can only be upgraded with Dell components, while most HP computers are upgraded with third-party components.
- If you plan to install Linux, check the availability of drivers for your computer (its components).
- The computer vendor will most likely offer you several options for completing your computer, including software. Never buy software that you won't be using or that can be downloaded for free (for example, you can download a good free antivirus).