Friend-LINK: <%=INSERTTEXT%>


 

A weekly syndicated web column for InfoQuest Internet Technologies, Inc.


WelchWrite Main -- Douglas E. Welch -- Rosanne Welch


Rules for buying a computer

October 26, 1999

© 1999, Douglas E. Welch


No matter where I am, teaching my bi-monthly free Internet classes, running my weekly seminars, consulting with a client or even walking down the grocery aisle, one of the first questions I am asked is, "What computer should I buy?" Since I can't possibly know everything about every computer on the market I hedge my bets a bit. Instead of telling them a specific make and model, I try to give them a set of guidelines that can guide their purchasing decisions for years to come.

The good news

The best news today is that there are a plethora of computers available that can meet the needs of the average user. Computer manufacturers have come a long way in standardizing their systems and increasing reliability. This, combined with the high speed, large amounts of RAM installed and huge hard disks commonly installed, insure that any computer you buy today is going to serve you in good stead for quite a few years. Sure, there might be new technologies developed, but the computer will not become obsolete before you pull it out of the box.

What is your pain threshold?

Once you have decided you want to buy a computer you need to figure out how much you are willing to spend. Don't over-extend yourself. There are a wide variety of inexpensive computers available so you need not spend thousands of dollars if all you want is a basic system to do word processing and surf the net.

Faster, bigger, better

With your financial threshold in mind you can begin scanning advertisements and electronic stores for a computer that falls within your price range. Your goal now becomes finding the biggest "bang for your buck." This means checking computer specifications until you find the system with the fastest processor, largest RAM and largest hard drive for your price. Even if you are looking for specialized options such as DVD drives, USB ports, etc., these three main criteria should drive your purchasing decision.

Faster

I consider the processor speed, rated in megahertz (MHz) to be one of the most important aspects of your new computer. You want windows to pop open, menus to drop down quickly and screens to redraw quickly. If this is not the case the computer will seem slow regardless of the other devices in the system. Always buy the fastest processor you can within your budget.

Bigger Memory

Unless you are going to be using the computer for high-end applications like computer-aided design (CAD), high-end graphics or video editing, you won't need huge amounts of RAM memory. As long as you have somewhere between 64-128 megabytes (MB) of memory your computer will be fine for 99% of the usual computer tasks. That said, you want to get as much RAM as possible for your money. This will allow you to run multiple programs at once and easily switch between them.

Bigger Hard Disk

Most computers are being sold with such large hard disks today that this is becoming less of an issue than ever before. A hard disk between 4-6 gigabytes (GB) should be sufficient for all but the largest software gluttons. Though, if you are planning on using the machine for the high-end purposes mentioned above you might want more. Even so, bigger is still better. No one knows for sure just how much disk space Microsoft's Windows 2000 or Office 2000 might require. It is always good to have some extra disk space just in case.

I have only really touched the surface of computer buying decisions, but I have found that paying attention to these few simple areas can help to insure you get a computer that is not only good for today, but for several years in the future.


Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California. He also writes Career Opportunities, a weekly column on high-tech careers and A Gardener's Notebook. You can find more of Douglas' writing on his web page at: http://www.welchwrite.com/

He can reached via email at douglas@welchwrite.com


Book Recommendation

Browse the WelchWrite Bookstore

<%=INSERTTEXT%> 

 

Also on Welchwrite.com

<%=INSERTTEXT%> 

© 1999 Douglas E. Welch