| Buying a home computer can be a bit like buying a | | | | sure the computer is able to be upgraded. |
| car-it's a major purchase decision. There are many | | | | • Aside from the operating system, one of |
| makes and models, and many people willing to give | | | | the most important pieces of software to look into as |
| advice about what to buy and where to buy it. To | | | | you prepare to buy a computer is a good antivirus |
| make the most of your shopping experience, and | | | | program. You should purchase the latest version from |
| sense of the variety of choices facing you, you'll want | | | | a reputable company and update it immediately. |
| to do your homework before heading out. And, | | | | • You may also want to look for a good |
| whether buying new or used, know what you want | | | | spyware remover, although you can find some |
| the computer to do for you and how much you can | | | | excellent versions online that you can download free |
| afford to spend. | | | | of charge. Lavasoft Ad Aware is a good one, and it is |
| • Buying your computer from a reputable | | | | free for personal use. |
| electronics dealer means you're more likely to get a | | | | • Keep in mind that the size of the software |
| better warranty and better service. The computers | | | | you plan to run will dictate how much memory your |
| they carry have succeeded because of the | | | | computer should have. Consider how you will use your |
| high-quality of their machines and their service. | | | | computer, then ask about the software you'll need. A |
| • Another issue to consider as you prepare | | | | sales associate should be able to tell you how many |
| to buy a computer is vendors other than the most | | | | megabytes of memory you'll need based on your |
| common brand names. The latter are often popular | | | | planned computer use. |
| because of name recognition. Also, purchasing from | | | | • Typically, you'll need a minimum of 64 |
| them is simple, their prices are competitive, and they | | | | megabytes of memory to adequately run most |
| usually throw in some nice software to get your | | | | programs. Most computer systems come with |
| attention. That doesn't necessarily mean that you are | | | | preloaded software. Be sure to check the inventory of |
| getting top of the line products or the latest technology | | | | what's on the computer, so you'll know what you're |
| through and through. Do your homework as you | | | | getting. |
| prepare to buy a computer to make sure that what | | | | • Decide in advance what features you |
| sounds like a deal really is a good value. | | | | would really like to have when you prepare to buy a |
| • Almost all computers are essentially made | | | | computer. One example is looking for a system that |
| from the same parts. Technical support sets one | | | | offers Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports in front. Even if |
| company apart from the others. Check to see if the | | | | you don't see the need as you prepare to buy a |
| company has toll-free numbers. If you buy an | | | | computer, you'll likely find many uses for ports later. It's |
| extended service plan, double-check to see what it | | | | much easier to access them from the front than to |
| covers. Sometimes the extended warranty only | | | | maneuver to connect something to the back. |
| covers after the initial manufacturers warranty expires. | | | | The above tips should prove helpful as you prepare to |
| • Technology changes rapidly. In order to | | | | buy a computer, but do as much research as possible |
| avoid having an outdated system within a short time, | | | | to make sure you get a quality system that suits your |
| buy the newest technology. Also be sure to make | | | | needs. |