Other Guides
Paid Support
Tips for Buying a New PC
Maintaining Your Computer
Spyware Removal Guide
How to Remotely Access Your Computer
Sharing Files on a Network
Backing up Files
Networking Basics (advanced)
Routers and Firewalls (advanced)
Computer Support Links
File Sharing (P2P) Guides
Clients and Networks
College Dorm Guide
What about the RIAA?
|
Tips for Buying a New PC
- Make sure it comes with a recovery CD. Many manufacturers lately
haven't been giving you one.
- Avoid Celerons.
- Try to get one with an Athlon 64 X2 or Intel Core 2 CPU, if you can
afford it.
- Make sure it has at least 512MB of RAM if it comes with Windows XP, or
1GB if it comes with Vista.
- Buy an extended warranty (preferably from the manufacturer) for a
laptop. You don't usually need one for desktops.
- Get one with Windows XP if you can. Windows Vista is not polished
enough yet for general usage.
- Make sure you get a surge protector, printer, printer cable, speakers,
and a monitor, if necessary.
- If you need a floppy drive, make sure it comes with one, or get a USB
floppy drive.
- Make sure it comes with Microsoft Office (which is usually $300 extra),
or try OpenOffice.org (which is
free). Most computers do not come with Office (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Make sure when you decide where to put the new PC that it is near a
power outlet, as well as an Ethernet cable, or a phone line (if you have
DSL), or a cable TV wire (if you have a cable modem.
|