Being an Information Technology (IT. Consultant – or a “Computer Guy” as I prefer to be referred to as – may be a risky profession. Sometimes, whilst human beings find out what I do for a living, I almost get tackled! “Hey, I’m about to buy a new computer...What need to I need?” After being a PC guy for nearly 20 years, I’m an awesome individual to invite. In this article, I will share with you my recommendation on how to buy a new PC.
There is nothing more frustrating than spending your hard-earned money on a brand new PC and finishing up being annoyed due to the fact you did not get what you wanted. By following a few easy tips, you can buy an appropriate laptop for your needs without spending an arm and a leg. If you are thinking about buying a computer, please read my article “Should I Buy a Desktop or Laptop ” (available at my website), which will help you make up your mind. If you are positive that a computing device is a proper choice for you, then here is my advice on choosing the correct new PC to fit your wishes.
What Kind of Computer?
There are many manufacturers of computer systems available. (I appear to be an unabashed fan of Dell Computers. I have even recommended Dell laptops, computers, and server computer systems to my friends, family, and clients for decades and continue to be inspired by their first-rate features, fee, and value. Each Thursday, I check out the latest Dell deals as they come out and submit the deal of the week on my website.) However, if you select another emblem, take the subsequent suggestions under consideration, and you may be exceptional. I especially do NOT endorse that you purchase your new computer at a huge retail outlet, cut-price club, or workplace supply store for the following reasons:
- — Windows XP Professional is normally not available in retail shops’ computer systems.
- — The Office suite is mostly a “Trial,” requiring you to pay extra money in 60 days continue using it.
- — Technical assistance is frequently expensive, outsourced to distant places, and not amazingly excellent.
What Operating System?
I strongly advise Windows XP Professional for your running device. The professional model is a $100 improvement from the Home Edition, and it’s well worth it. While the interface is nearly equal, there are a few essential functions that XP Professional has that you want., including:
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- — Advanced networking features are required for any workplace environment wherein you’ll be attached to a server.
- — Better networking and security features
- — Fax talents
- — Enhanced backup/gadget restoration options
- — Remote Desktop, which lets you take over your PC from anywhere in the international! (Forget paying $20/mo for GoToMyPC or LogMeIn…Just buy WinXP Professional, and the capability is built in!)
What approximate WinXP Media Center version and Windows VISTA? I’m no longer keen on either. WinXP Media Center turns your laptop right into a jukebox, Tivo, and DVD player. If you’re a university pupil with confined space in your dorm room, this is probably good enough. But my experience is that humans put money into a WinXP Media Center laptop, and after the novelty wears off, they cross back to the use of their TV to look at TV again. I don’t believe in clogging up your computer with software programs that you aren’t using regularly.
Windows Vista is too new, and at the same time, as it suggests promise, I do not suggest a brand new running device till Service Pack One is released. As the vintage saying goes, “You can always inform the pioneers by way of the arrows on their backs.” Let someone else debug Vista. My opinion on this will likely change later in 2007 or early 2008 when some of the troubles have been worked out.
How Much RAM??
Get at the very least One Gigabyte (1024 Megabytes) of RAM. The single maximum crucial aspect you can do to speed up your PC is to make sure it has lots of RAM. Invest in a GIG now, and you’ll find no way to regret it. Your PC can also run speedily when you first pull it out of the container; however, after you begin installing software programs, surfing the Internet, downloading tunes, or doing whatever it is you do…Trust me, matters will start to sluggish down.
512Megs is the bare minimum for a Windows XP PC with Service Pack 2 hooked up (my rule, no longer Microsoft’s). 768Megs is higher, and a Gig is superior. If you are into video enhancing, CAD/CAM, or Photoshop, you would possibly want to put money into more than a Gigabyte. Another motive to buy more now could be so that you can upgrade to Vista later. If this is your plan, get two Gigabytes now.
What Kind of Processor??
The minimum processor and hard drive are probably adequate. For the majority, the “slowest” processor presented is probably more than ok. Faster processors are regularly available for $50-$500 extra. However, I assume you are wasting your cash if you’re like most users and need to surf the net, study email, perform a little phrase processing, and many other tasks. Spend that extra cash on greater RAM or an external hard disk for backups instead!
How big a Hard Disk??
Similarly, unless you actually plan on downloading lots of tunes and films or taking LOTS of huge digital photos, the “smallest” difficult force available is probably good enough. As an example, Windows XP and Microsoft Office combined take up less than 4 GB. Most of the tough drives I see have less than 20 GB used. Just pass for the minimal drive (it’s possibly 60-eighty Gigs) and, if you run out of the area, you could continually invest in a second internal or external hard drive later. An exception to this rule is that lately, I have noticed Dell charging the handiest $10 to upgrade from an 80Gig hard pressure to a 160Gig hard drive. Obviously, it’s far well worth a mere $10 to double your tough drive space.
Summary?
By following only a few recommendations, you could save yourself several cash and purchase an exceptional PC with the purpose of serving you properly for many years to come. Remember to significantly recollect Windows XP Pro, get a GIG of RAM, and go along with the minimum processor and smallest hard force.
