Buying a Computer: Basic Questions - Part 1

The “but which one” question is very difficult? Many people will ask anyone with any sort of computer experience what to buy. The problem: no research has been done on the buyer's part. Treat the purchase of a computer like you would a car. It is a major purchase. But beware, just as in a car search, when shopping for a computer, you will find both helpful & concerned salesmen and sleazy & uninformed salesmen. You should be prepared with knowledge to buy a computer that is usable now and for the future.

Start with the basic questions

1. Do I buy a laptop (mobile) or a desktop (stationary) computer?
Laptops can be moved to any location and are great for the traveler that needs to work on it. Also if it has a wireless card attached it can connect wirelessly at places like a coffee shop or a library. With a laptop you are buying convenience and you will get less power than a desktop for the same money.

Desktops are cheaper and you get more for the money. They are also more expandable and generally have larger screens than a laptop. However you are pretty much stuck with a desk or some other devoted area.

2. What type of system should I buy? Macintosh or Windows (also called PC)
PCs are inexpensive and have more software available. Most of the world uses PC’s but they are not as easy to use and have more problems with spyware and viruses.

Macs are very reliable, easier to use and rarely have problems with spyware and viruses. Macs are more expensive and programs can be limited.

3. What is this computer for?
Basic use, meaning checking your email, searching the internet, writing documents, keeping track of finances, playing some games, basic editing of your photos, listening to music.

Moderate use, meaning the above plus more intensive photo editing, playing online video games like Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, creating hefty WebPages or some video editing.

Intensive use, meaning the above plus anything graphic intensive like advanced film editing or something processor intensive like analyzing all the data the SETI program receives.

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