Beginner's Guide to Buying a New Computer

 

Since everyone is so dependent on computers to perform all sorts of tasks like video editing, image creation, house design, data storage, email, social media, conferences or even just chatting with a friend on the other side of the world, it is important to know what type of computer and accessories you need before making a purchase.

So many of us are not so sure where to start when it comes to buying a new PC. We trust either what someone else has told us or คอมพิวเตอร์รุ่นใหม่ salesman is telling us.

This article gives you some helpful tips for buying a PC and accessories that meet your requirements and help prevent you from becoming prey for intrusive sellers.

Misinformed

By not knowing what your computer needs are and what to buy, you place yourself at a disadvantage and are gracious to some salespeople who just want to make a sale, whether it meets your need or not. Since we are not wiser, we tend to accept what we are told as the gospel, only to find out later that we have been misinformed.

Additional costs

You hear stories of people who just bought a computer based on a person say it, only to later discover that they need to buy something extra. For example, you need to purchase a software trial program that came with your PC because the trail version has expired.

Trials usually last for 60 days, after which you must purchase a license to continue using it. Most first-time PC buyers are not told that they will have to purchase a software license when the trials expire. MS Office and Antivirus trial software are usually the two main programs already installed on a new PC.

As a side note, you can save some money by downloading a free MS Office-like program like OpenOffice that does everything MS Office does, and downloading a free antivirus program such as AVG.

I recommend that you purchase a retail version of an antivirus program that includes a firewall. Firewall helps protect your computer from hackers and programs that try to access your computer while you are connected to the Internet. A firewall acts as a security fence.

Checklist

1) Write down what you would like to be able to do with your new computer, e.g. Surf the Internet, send email, chat with and watch live video of distant family and friends, write letters, play homemade videos, play music, print photos, etc.

2) Ask family or friends to see if anyone can recommend a good computer store or a good PC brand that they have personally used and have had a good run from.

3) If you have a computer friend, ask them to accompany you to help you with your PC purchase.

4) Take your time; it's your money you spend. Ask many questions. Do not let any seller sell you what they want, but buy what you want according to your checklist. Have them answer your questions in a non-technical language.

Be confident but polite. If a salesperson can not be bothered to take the time to explain things to you and answer your questions, find another salesperson or store that will.

5) Ask what the best price is and what extras they are willing to throw in.

Selection

Your selection criteria will be based on the following.

A quality brand that is known and has existed for a while e.g. Asus, Dell, HP or a well-known, locally assembled brand.