Are you shopping for a desktop computer? There are a lot of different factors you need to consider when choosing the right computer for your needs. Finding the best deal on your desktop computer is something else you need to think about. Use the tips below when shopping for you computer for the best results. Check the sound capabilities of desktop computers that you want to buy. This is especially important if you do projects or work on computers that relies on sound. Many of the standard sounds cards work for most computer users. That said, if you do sound editing or mixing, you may need something more powerful. When buying a desktop computer, you need to know what you plan to use it for. Knowing what you’ll use the computer for is important, because it dictates how much storage space you may need, the kind of processing speed you need and the kind of monitor you need. When you know what you need to use the computer for, you’re going to find it easier to find what you need. Keep your desktop computer’s tower away from places where you set your drinks or other things that could spill. It’s really hard to fix a computer if the parts were to get wet. If you must set a drink on your desk, make sure it’s on a side of the desk away from the tower so if you do spill something it doesn’t get on the main part of the computer. Be very careful to check on the versions of software in any new desktop you buy, unless you want to be constantly updating it or replacing the operating system completely. Many good deals can be had on desktops that contain nearly obsolete software, which can complicate use later on. Make sure what you buy will be compatible online and for other purposes. Don’t overlook the quality of the desktop computer monitor when considering your purchase. The specs of the actual computer may be amazing, but if the monitor is poor, your overall experience will be bad too. Remember, it’s the monitor that you’ll have the most interaction with, so be willing to spend more to get one you like. When purchasing a desktop, don’t only think of your needs today, think about your future needs too. You’ll likely have this desktop for multiple years, so if you’re thinking about getting into photography or video work, you’ll want to get a computer that’ll handle your future work. It’s more of an investment up front, but it will save you from buying another computer too soon after this purchase. Decide what you’re going to be using the desktop for first. Many people buy a computer that is upgraded for capabilities that they won’t even be using. Your personal interests and your planned uses for the computer should help you decide what specs should be included in your new machine. If you’re planning to use your desktop computer as an entertainment device, don’t ignore the speaker quality. A monitor with small speakers may give you a poor, tinny audio experience. You may be better off with buying a set of external speakers rather than relying on the speakers in your monitor. To make sure that you purchase a desktop computer that will last, check out reviews online before you buy. There are many reputable websites that offer both professional and customer reviews of the most popular desktops. These reviews will give you an idea of which desktops are reliable and trouble free. When buying a used computer, be sure to take it apart to check all of its components. Look at the ports, the case and the boards inside to see if anything obvious is wrong. Don’t know what to look for? Check out Google Images before you go to the seller. Think about the case of the computer before you move on to any other feature. Measure how much space you have on your desk for your new computer. Consider whether you want it to stand up or lay down. If the case doesn’t fit in, you’ll end up disappointed. The first decision to make when buying a new desktop computer is to decide if you want an all-in-one or a traditional desktop with a tower. The advantage of an all-in-one is that it does not take up as much space. The disadvantage of an all-in-one is that it can’t be upgraded. What sort of warranty is being offered? Most computers come with a 1-year warranty which covers issues caused in the manufacturing process. If you want more, you may have to buy additional coverage from the place you are purchasing it from. You can also buy plans from companies like Geek Squad. When buying a desktop, make sure that any software that comes with it is legal. It should either include CD and a CD-KEY. Many independent sellers or small companies do not provide you with legal software copies. This is illegal and can cause you to not receive updates or receive a fine. If your plan is to buy a computer for a young student, don’t waste your money on the fastest, most powerful machine. Instead, buy something simple and affordable as they’ll likely do little more with it than watch online videos, surf the web and complete their homework, so you can save money. Take an audit of the devices in your life prior to buying a desktop. Your devices will likely work better with certain desktop varieties than others. For instance, if you’ve got an iPhone and an iPad, a Mac will definitely work more seamlessly with them. Consider that before making a decision. Since a desktop computer is stationary, it has a permanent power source. This is a great advantage over a laptop which operates on battery power, unless it is plugged in. Desktop computers can also have large, easy to read monitors and ergonomically designed keyboards that makes typing easier and faster. As technology advances, there are even more things that you need to consider when you are choosing the right desktop computer for you. Keep all the advice you read above in mind when you do your shopping. Using this advice when you are shopping ensures that you make the right purchasing decision. [affiliate_video_pro id=”vi15d07fd641b861″]