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Decisions when buying a computer

The decision to buy a computer is not as easy as it appears if one is interested in getting a computer that performs well but neither costs too much nor has too many "hiccups" after purchase.

Brand Name or Generic

At one time it was less expensive to buy a no-name custom-assembled computer than pre-packaged name brands such as Dell, Acer, and HP. Now that prices of brand name computers have dropped significantly, it is more economical to purchase one of these pre-packaged units.

Desktop or Laptop

If you travel frequently, either across the globe or across your apartment, and you need to have access to your computer when you do so, you should opt for a laptop. If you expect to always use your computer in a fixed location a desktop is the way to go. Desktops are preferred when practical because they are more easily repaired and tend to give you more bang for your buck.

Operating System

The most popular operating systems are those made by Microsoft, such as Microsoft Windows XP and Vista. These operating systems have remained popular because of their ease of use. For those who are willing to take the road and less traveled and are interested in saving a few dollars, Linux is another option. Different versions of Linux are available for free and they now have become fit for use on a desktop.

Previously, not much software was available for use with a Linux platform, however now there are complete office suites, games, photo editing software, multimedia players and much more. All of these options are available for free due to the emerging open source software movement. Open source software frequently has all of the same features and attributes as more costly packages. Open source software is developed and check by a community of programmers, meaning that released versions tend to be quite stable and dependable.

In general, when looking to buy or upgrade a computer, it is important to think ahead. Computer technology quickly becomes obsolete; within a couple of years the emerging technology of today is yesterday's news. The best advice is to assess what you need your computer to do and ask what minimum specifications and accessories you will need to perform those tasks. Don't be afraid to ask for help from dependable and knowledgeable friend or family member. For you, a more basic model may be sufficient, but you won't know until you ask.

Learn more about this author, Kaarina St. John.
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