Tech Tips Issue #2-Things to look for when buying a computer

Tech Tips Issue #2
Before buying a computer you there are some questions you need to answer for yourself. Since as you may or may not know all computers are not created equally.
The first question is what do you plan to do with this computer. Some machines are better suited for gaming while others run business applications more efficiently. Games tend to be very heavy on graphics meaning they require a much faster processor, more ram, and more processing power on the video card. Also games tend to be much larger in byte size and heavier in sound meaning they require more drive space and a better soundcard. Something to remember is that games tend to be more on the cutting edge of technology and therefore require all and all a more expensive machine than do business apps. Some people have the idea they can get a new machine for business and use the old one for playing games on this is actually quite backwards.
The next question is how long are you planning to have this machine.
Obviously the faster the machine is the longer it will suit your needs. Another important question is are you planning to upgrade the machine in the future. If you are you need to look at a non-integrated, non-proprietary machine. This means that the sound card, video card, modem, etc are actually separate cards and not built into the main board of the computer. There is a current trend in the current market to build ready to run disposable machines that have very little or no upgrade capability outside of the hard drive and ram. That means that once you outgrow the capability of the machine or in some cases when it goes down it is time to buy a new one. In contrast most custom built machines are very upgradeable.
Another concern is who will work on the machine when it goes down?
If the problem is covered under warranty the answer is the store you bought it from in our area that can mean as far as sixty miles away if you go to a large electronics outlet. Or if you buy it mail order that can mean you have to send it back UPS in either case you could be without your computer for as long as six to eight weeks (I've heard horror stories of even longer). If the problem is not covered under warranty what kind of service can you get locally? Will your local computer store work on it? Most likely they will but odds are they will take care of customers who bought from them first.
What kind of warranty does this machine have?
No one I know of warranties the software from being damaged. It's too easy to delete the wrong file or to catch a virus but the hardware is another story. Is the warranty on just the parts or on both parts and labor? What are the terms of the warranty pertaining to upgrades and it being worked on elsewhere? How long is the warranty for? These are important questions to ask yourself when looking at a new computer.
Price vs. quality.
When computer shopping for a computer on should look at more than just the price tag. Also look at what you are getting for your money. Ask other people you know who have recently bought a computer about the machine they bought. Are they having problems with it? What brand and model did they get? Was it custom built? What would they have done different? What were their needs in a computer? Do their needs match yours?
The bottom line should not be just the price but a combination of all of the aspects of the computer we have discussed in this issue as well as any other concerns you may have. In general I strongly suggest speaking to your local computer store about your computer needs and getting a price quote for a custom built machine first. These local professionals can deal with you one on one and will remember your history of computer problems. When you do have problems (and you will no matter where you buy) it is nice to be able to speak to someone you know by name.
Paul Daume
Computer Repair Technician
Swetland Supply Co.
Vandalia IL