Desktop computers are still very popular and it can become difficult to figure out what to purchase. You are probably here because you want to make sense of it all. That’s great, because the following article has a number of helpful tips to guide you towards purchasing a desktop computer that is perfect for you.
You should always make sure that you have a good anti-virus program installed on your computer. Running without antivirus support can leave you vulnerable to malicious software invading your system. This can allow hackers to steal your private data. A lot of programs are out there to regularly scan and repair if you want.
Check out reviews on different tech sites before settling on one computer. It can be intimidating to shop for a computer, so take advantage of what the experts have to say.
Be sure to check the web prior to shelling out money at a brick and mortar tech store. Often the prices you’ll find on the Internet will be a lot less expensive than what you’ll see in stores. If you can wait the additional few days for your desktop, you can save a lot of money.
If you want to save money on your desktop computer, look into buying a refurbished model. These computers are ones that have been fixed at the factory and are often offered at a steep discount. These are usually offered by the computer brands on their own websites, so take a look before you buy a new computer.
Choose a computer with a DVD writer if you need to move big files. CDs tend not to hold much data, therefore they don’t work for large files. If that’s the case, it’s a must to step it up to a DVD drive. Avoid trouble down the road by spending just a bit more.
Try to customize your purchase when ordering your computer. If you are ordering directly from the manufacturer, you should be able to upgrade individual components. For example, you should be able to get more storage space for a higher fee. You might be able to get a different video card by paying a bit more. Look into different companies to make sure you have this option.
If you need a more powerful computer, look in areas listed as “gaming” or “entertainment” computers. These will have more RAM and faster processors which can handle these tasks. If you buy a computer listed as an “everyday” machine, you’ll find that it just doesn’t live up to your needs.
What sort of internet connection will you be using? This is an important question to answer as you seek out a desktop as it has to have the right hardware to connect. Your options are typically wifi, ethernet or bluetooth, all of which require a special device to connect.
If you are buying used, make sure to check the computer first. Plug it in, turn it on and see if you can go online. Test the speed of the computer and make sure everything is working properly. Unless you have the patience and time to send the computer back and wait for a refund, do not buy used online.
RAM, or memory, is basically how much muscle a computer has. It is also one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades you can ever hope to do. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to buy a system with a little bit of RAM and then upgrade up to a higher number by adding more RAM yourself.
Deciding between a Mac and a PC can be a hard choice. Note that changing operating systems is a new learning experience and can take a while to master. If you already know one of them well, your best bet is to stick with that system in the future, too.
Will you want to create CDs or DVDs? When you want a permanent backup of your computer files, backing up to DVDs is a great choice. If you don’t mind having a more fallible backup system, you can always just use an external hard drive instead. This will determine if you need a DVD burner or not.
Wait until the right time to buy a desktop computer. You probably already know when there are big yearly sales, so it is smart to wait until then before buying something, if you can. You’ll kick yourself if you see the computer you just bought on sale for hundreds of dollars left, so try to wait for sales.
Read the reviews to help you find a great deal on computers. Avoid buying anything blindly simply based on price. Many times, cheap computers have issues.
Make sure that your computer can be easily upgraded. Technology is always improving. You don’t want to get left in the technological dust, but buying a new computer every year isn’t ideal either. Getting a computer that can easily be upgraded is a smart choice. Any computer can be upgraded, but some are much easier and cheaper to upgrade than others.
As you decide between a Mac or a PC, remember that both are excellent brands. If you want something simple to set up, or need to process video or do graphic design, a Mac is great. If you want to easily upgrade your machine or run the most common software, PC is the better choice.
Find out from your employer if they have any deals with local computer businesses. You may be able to get a discount on a computer thanks to their relationship with the vendor. If your computer is going to be for work use, ask about reimbursement in full from your employer as well.
Make it a point to test any computer that you are considering prior to buying. Desktop computers all feel different. When you factor in the keyboards and monitors that come with them, the experience from one to another can be startling. Don’t make any assumptions on whether you’ll like something. Get in front of one.
As you can see from the above article, there is so much to choose from when it comes to desktop computers. Not everyone is knowledgeable on this subject, and it pays to have helpful tips such as the ones above. Whenever you go searching for a desktop computer, keep this tips in mind.
