What to Look for When Buying a Computer
While buying a new computer, you will have to focus on various issues like the budget you have fixed to buy the computer and the tasks that you will carry out with the computer. Your requirements will determine the computer's configuration. For instance, if you love playing online games, then the configuration must be such that it can deliver quality performance without affecting the functioning of the computer (slowing the execution speed, etc.)
You should also consider if the daily tasks like checking mails, writing text documents, browsing internet, listening music and watching movies can be easily carried out on the computer. Since, technology has developed much, the tasks that you carry out daily are convenient in most of the computers available today. So before anything else, you have to assess your requirements as configuration is a very crucial aspect while purchasing computers. There are some differences in buying notebook computers and desktop computers, as the configuration and performances may vary.
Central Processing Units (CPU)
CPU is called the brain of the computer and the chip inside the CPU carries out all the tasks. Among all the computer components, CPU is generally the most expensive one. The performance of a computer depends totally on the quality of the CPU. Choosing a right CPU for your computer can be very technical if you start understanding various intricacies involved in it. Some basic and crucial factors that you must consider before buying processors are the speed (frequency), cores, brand and cache.
Frequency is basically the speed of the computer. The terms like "2.2 GHz" determine the speed of your computer. The more the speed, the better your computer will perform. However, this is not the only factor. The core of the computer is also a crucial factor, that determines the performance of the computer. Nowadays, computers have a dual core that is like having more than one CPU in a computer.
Generally, dual core CPU is preferred, however, its performance depends on the programs that are compatible with it. That is why sometimes the performance of the dual core processors is not better than single core processors. Multi-core processors are generally a viable option for people who are more into stuff like playing video games etc. So, if you are thinking 'what to look for when buying a gaming computer', then do check out the processor speed.
The other things that you should look while buying CPUs is the brand and cache of the CPU. The two best brands that are manufacturers of the processors are Intel and AMD processors. Cache is another factor that helps the CPU to reduce the average time required for processing their information. Since, the speed of processor determines the proper functioning of cache, you needn't think too much about the technicalities of cache memory. Look out for better processors and rest all will be managed.
Monitor Size
There are many sizes and styles of computer monitors available nowadays and besides giving an attractive display, the monitors serve various purposes. The size of your monitor must be considerably big, if you want picture clarity for games and movies. The monitor size is the diagonal of the screen. Size, to some extent, determines resolution and price of the computer. Bigger the size of the monitor, higher would be its price. You should also look into matters like resolution, inputs, sound, mounting, aspect ratio and various other options for the monitors.
Operating Systems
A computer operating system is the computer's software and the functionality of the computer depends on the operating system you have installed in the computer. Among the many options that are available to the consumers, Windows, Linux, and Apple's OS X are some of the good options for one to choose. Windows 7 has become popular among the consumers these days. Depending on your choices and preferences, you can get the required OS installed in your computer.
RAM
Technically speaking, memory is nothing but Random Access Memory (RAM) of the computer. Computer memory is not necessarily the memory of the hard drives. Generally, more the memory of the RAM better it would be for the computer. Latest OS like Windows 7 are 64 bit, that means they can handle huge amounts of RAM. The chief feature of the desktop computer is that the memories can be upgraded even after you have already purchased the computer.
Hard Drives
Hard drive is that part of the computer that stores the data and information on your computer. Most hard drive cases nowadays can hold at least three 3.5 inches drives. The capacities of these hard rives can range between 500 GB to 2 TB.
Graphics Card
Graphics card is an essential requirement if your purpose is to watch videos and enjoy gaming. E-mail and word processing software don't need very high graphic power, but the video games need good graphics power. This feature is generally not found in all laptops and this is where the desktop computers have an advantage. Generally, gaming laptops have quality graphic cards and only a few selected laptops have graphic cards.
In case you are thinking that 'what to look for when buying a used computer', then I would suggest, make sure that the hardware of the computer is in proper condition and do ask about the warranty period.
