Computer Buying Guides - How to Buy a Desktop Computer
From humble beginnings on a journey that began in the 1970s, desktop computers and every other related accessory have far exceeded mans expectations as they continue on an upward spiral to greater heights of technological wonder.
Buying a desktop computer at one time was a simple task - visit a showroom, select a model and pay for it; the computer is delivered and installed and that's all there is to it.
Today, you would be lucky if you even knew where to begin your search for the ideal desktop computer.
Use the information in this article to guide you in your purchase.
You have decided you need a desktop computer, but before we begin looking into CPU performance and the right type of Hard Disk Drive you will need, you have to ask yourself the all important question "what do you need the desktop for?" because that is what determines the best buy for you.
Desktops are generally bought by people who want a computer at home to check emails and chat with friends, type up household budgets and track income and expenditure, or type up the occasional word file.
You can easily get a low end system that will cost you around $500 to perform these tasks.
If on the other hand you have specific needs, you can choose a high end model.
Alternatively, you can upgrade storage and add a truly mind boggling array of features to the desktop.
It is recommended that you buy what you need with the option to upgrade in the future when required.
You can always upgrade memory because more memory means that you can run several applications together very smoothly and get a better performance from your system.
Upgrading after you buy the desktop is not all that difficult but if you know exactly what you need, you can buy the desktop with the specific amount of memory pre-installed.
Even if you are not a techie you can still ask intelligent questions about the motherboard capabilities and make sure that the one you buy has at least 2-3 USB ports in the front for your memory drive or audio player.
Additional ports in the back will be helpful for attaching a host of additional equipment like printers and external hard drives.
Color coded cables simply the setup and a high end audio and video output with Fire Wire ports should be part of the package.
Ask about warranty and technical support, without the right warranty and less than adequate after sales support you will be in trouble.
Make use of our guide to help you research the available models and make the right choice.