Printable Computer Purchasing Guide - Save Hundreds!

PRINT THIS OUT AND BRING IT TO THE COMPUTER STORE WITH YOU

The information provided will help you understand what the computer you are buying really is. I provided several questions to ask the salesman at the computer store to make sure you are buying what you want and need for a low price. Going to the store without this would be passing up a minimum of $100. Salesman work on commission which motivates them to sell you products the most expensive selections and devices whether or not you actually needed it.

1. Hard Drives
    -More GB (Gigabytes) is better because it provides more space!
    -TB (Terabytes) are 1000 GB
    -Most people have 100 to 500 GB on their desktop's hard drive
    -Many people currently buying desktop computers select sizes 500GB to 1000GB today
    -Your computer's storage space

2. RAM (Random Access Memory)
    -Responsible for most of a computers speed
    -A superior addition to a laptop (get a lot!)
   -Programs require more and more RAM year by year (tech is growing)


3. Laptop
    -Costs more than desktop
    -Portable
    -Not very flexible with hardware like a desktop can be
    -Generally less space on hard drive
    -built-in keyboard, mouse, and monitor
    -Do not buy a used laptop (no warranty and parts are small)

4. Support
     -Will the company offer you a warranty?
    -Is there 24 hour help?
    -Is the company a well known brand that you can rely on?

5. Accessories
   -Is a monitor included?
   -Is a mouse included?
   -Is a keyboard included?
   -Battery Life?
   -All computer companies exaggerate their laptop battery life. What ever it promises, think half.

6. CPU (Central Processing unit)
    -Main Speed Unit
    -Does calculations
    -speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz)
    -more GHz, faster computer

7. Graphics Card
    -Buy the expensive ones for good graphics on HD movies and video games

8. Operating System
    -Windows 7, Mac OS X, Linux?
    -Mac is most user friendly and easy to understand, but Windows is the perfect balance between real computing, and friendly bunnies. I wouldn't get Linux without knowing about how it works and its positives and negatives.

9. Drives
    -How many USB drives?
    -Can it use SD cards without an adapter?
    -Can it use memory card sticks?
    -Can you easily access and change or add a hard drive?
    -How many audio jacks does the computer have?

Watch this video for extra aid in selecting a computer: http://www.videojug.com/interview/computer-buying-basics

 This list can help you purchase the best computer for you for a low price!
-Brian

6 Signs You Need a New Computer

Most of the following reasons can be summed up to an evaluation of..
- time 
- energy
- money
- level of necessity

6 Signs That You Need A New Computer

1. If your computer has no upgrades for an extended period of time.
This means that the company who gave put together the software and hardware, has moved past your computer in terms of importance.

2. If the computer repair stores cannot help you with your computer for a price lower than a fourth of the computer's original value.
This is because your used computer's repair would cost more than its current value. The exception may be if there is a lot of important files on your computer that you need to take care of.

3. If the speed of your computer has reached an unusable amount. 
*It would be a good idea to talk to a tech savvy friend before buying the new computer because sometimes an increase in RAM (Random Access Memory) can bring your computer's speed back up.

4. If your computer smells burnt.
Burned parts can not be easily replaced, and definitely cannot be fixed. If a certain piece on your motherboard was burned, then you may need to replace the WHOLE motherboard. Your better off with the new computer.

5. If your computer is "not compatible" with common (current day) software. 
Software is basically all the stuff in a computer that you cannot see. The software could include programs like Ad-Aware, or Type To Learn.

6. If a desktop is 6+ years old or a laptop is 3+ years old with daily use.
No computer will live forever, similar to us human beings. The average desktop lives to be about three to six years of age. If you have a desktop that is six years old or older, then the computer is most likely ready to go. Laptops lifespan is shorter than desktops due to the compactness of the hardware.