The important things to know before you buy a new computer

Buying a new computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market, you’d better make sure you spend your money wisely.

Read on to get a better understanding of what all the components of the computer will mean for you and make it easier to decide what you want and need!

Desktop or Laptop? This is probably one of the simplest choices you need to make and it can have a huge impact on the overall cost of your computer. In general, a laptop and a computer have all the same performance specs, however the desktop will be cheaper. This doesn’t make much sense, but it’s the ability to cram a lot of components into a small space that makes the laptop more expensive.

If you plan on having a steady workstation and don’t need to run around with your device then consider getting a desktop and saving yourself a lot of money. If you often need your computer on the go, the choice is simple – laptop.

Know the processor and what it means. The simplest way that a processor is explained is that it is the brain of the machine. If you want a fast computer then it needs a strong processor. The short and simple of processors is in the number of cores and speed of the processor. The speed of the chip will tell you how much data it can process in how much time, so the bigger the number the better.

RAM isn’t just a goat. Just like the number of processor cores in a computer affects speed and ability to do a lot of things at once, the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) in a computer can affect just how much multitasking you can do and how fast it will be. RAM is basically a small, extra fast memory.

These days RAM is measured in gigabytes, and the more the merrier! By having more RAM in your computer, it is able to keep more data close at hand.

Hard drives are easy choices. Every computer needs data storage, and though that is something that RAM does, the majority of it will go into your hard drive. There are usually a few different options when you search for a hard drive, but it comes down to how you plan to use your computer.

If you plan to just have your computer and no extras, you might want to get a hard drive since all of your files and programs will be stored on your computer. If you don’t want many applications on your computer, then you can choose a smaller hard drive and save yourself some money.

Check your peripherals. The peripherals on your computer are going to be specific to your needs, but there are plenty of them to be thinking about whether you need them, and just how many you want. You may want ten USB ports, but you really couldn’t care if you have a DVD drive. On the other hand you may want as little peripherals as possible in case you’re the clumsy kind and spill your coffee more times then you should.

Mac OS, Windows, Linux. The short and simple of it is that you should just stick to what you know and what you are used to. It can be extremely hard to adjust to a new operating system, so choose what you are familiar with. If you don’t know what Linux OS is, then you definitely can’t handle it. Want and easy-to-use system? Choose Mac OS. If you want a little more control of the computer, you’ll probably have a better time with Windows.

Graphics doesn’t just mean a sticker on your computer. These days computer makers have been tagging stickers on their computers to boast about the AMD or NVIDIA graphic components they have included in the computer. Unfortunately these could mean thousands of different things.

If you want to know whether the card in your computer is better than the computer next to it, then you should do search for the graphic components in each. A dedicated graphics card will include its own processor and memory and they tend to be high performing.

Now how do we buy it? One of the most important things to do when buying a new computer — as with any expensive purchase — is to be very patient. Technology evolves fast, and if you buy a new computer today, you might not have noticed a newer one was set for release tomorrow — and would have likely cost the same as the one you just bought, or made yours less expensive to buy. You could get into a logical loop that has you waiting indefinitely, but choosing the best time to pounce is key.

Not all machines are created equally, that’s why when you decide it’s time for an upgrade or you’re buying your first computer, make sure you know all the key things that make up a computer.

Contact The Computer Guyz in Cape Town or Centurion and we can provide you with all your IT needs and services. Whether it be general IT support and network solutions or website hosting and graphic design.