Holiday Park Computer Club

 

Looking to purchase a computer?

Whether you are a first time buyer, or just want to replace what you have,  here are a few things to keep in mind.

Do’s and Don’ts


  1. BulletDo make a check list.  This is probably a good place to start.  Take some time to think about it.


  1. ✦What do you want to use the computer for?

  2. Bullet    Email? 

  3. Bullet    Web Surfing?

  4. Bullet    Digital Photography?

  5. Bullet    Business Applications: Word Processing, Database,  Accounting, Spreadsheets?

  6. Bullet    Music, Video, playback, recording?   

         

  1. ✦How long do you expect to keep the computer?

  2. ✦Go back to your list and give some thought about what else you might use the computer for in the future.



  1. BulletDo some research.     Look at what is out there in the marketplace. 


  1. Bullet    Read up about or, talk to someone who knows,  See if you can find someone who already has the computer, or software, or operating system you are thinking of buying.


  1. Bullet    In your browser’s search bar type in “How to buy a new computer” and check some of the sites listed.  Since change is constant in the computer world,  you will find up-to-date information there faster than us trying to keep up on this site.


  1. BulletDon’t just get one at the “best” price.    You may find you have purchased a computer that just barely meet your needs, and have no room to grow.  Or the quality turns out to be less than expected.    Remember the old saying “you get what you pay for?”  Still true.


Don’t just buy one that meets your needs today.  How might your needs change tomorrow, or next year? 


Minimums


No matter what operating system, or brand you purchase, here are a few basic minimums to keep in mind.   Note, these will change as operating systems, software and hardware continue to evolve.  Also, it is usually more cost-effective to upgrade memory, hard drive, or video graphics card at the time of purchase rather than later.


Thinking of buying a PC?

  1. ✴Core 2 duo Processor -  Many computers come with these now.

  2. ✴4 gb  Ram for a PC,  1 -2 gb for a Mac,  4 if you are planning to make videos.

  3. ✴New - look for the new 64 Bit machines, capable of running Windows Home Premium

  4. ✴128 to 256 mb video graphics Card   (If you play games at high-resolution, and quality graphics settings enabled, get a card with enough memory to do so.)

  5. ✴120 gb  Hard drive (or larger if you plan to do a lot with music and/or photos and videos.)

  6. ✴For a Desktop computer,  get a Widescreen Monitor LCD at least 17”. 



Thinking of buying a Mac?

Whether you are looking at an iMac , a MacBook laptop, or a Mac Mini, all units come equipped with great hardware and software, and say goodbye to viruses etc., unless you load up the Window Operating System and go on line with it, then use the normal protection.   

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