Computer buying tips

So You have decided to buy new computer and don’t know what to look for? I get this a lot from people who have an older unit are tired of fixing it and for the most part just want to get a newer more up to date unit with lots of more fancy features manufacturers offer nowadays.

The more technical features and benefits I will discuss here, apply both for laptops and desktops. So let me get right into it. So the main factor to look for when buying a computer are:

  1. Processor speed – Processor or CPU. It is the main chip in your computer and it determines how fast the information is processed. What you usually see on the market is processors from two different companies Intel and AMD.Whichever is better I don’t know. This is a matter of personal opinion. Whichever ones are faster is also a very relevant thing, so there is no right or wrong, no better or worse. I personally prefer Intel.Processors are compared by the clocking speed, if you’re not gonna get too deep into how they operate it is suffice to say processor speed is how fast it can process information. All available processors on the market today are fast enough for any home user or even business owners who use their computers for work or pleasure. It really doesn’t have so much importance anymore. On the other hand if you’re doing lots of data processing, like editing video or converting large movie files, you will probably know what you need. And if you don’t then anything above dual core processor is sufficient. Their prices run starting at about a $100 all the way into a thousand or more for the fastest available processors on the market.
  2. RAM memory. Random Access Memory or RAM is a bit more vital to computer speed than processor for a non professional computer user. If you don’t have sufficient amounts of RAM, you will experience slow computer, your internet pages will open slower. RAM is measured in gigabytes, and if you go to the store, a clerk my even straight out tell you this computer has so 2, 3 or 4 or 8 gigabytes of RAM. Here, really the more the better. If you can afford 8GB more power to you! You will love your computer. In today’s day and age, if you go to the computer store, most of the computers you find start with 2GB as minimum, which is pretty optimal for normal use.
  3. Hard Drive size. Now this is the computer part, where you store all your computer data, like pictures, videos, documents, etc. Hard Drives are pretty cheap nowadays. They are also measured in bytes, with Giga or even tera in front. One thousand gigabytes equals one terabyte. so, if you plan to have a lot of music or movies or videos on your pc, don’t be shy and at least get 500GB. It will hold quite a bit of stuff. Average normal size in the industry today starts at about 250GB and up to 2TB those are available everywhere. As for brand I recommend “Western Digital” from my experience they are most reliable hard drives out there.
  4. Optical drive. Is a drive where you put your CD, DVD or blue ray disks-in. Besides they type of drive CD, DVD, or Blue Ray drives are separated in the ones that read and the ones that write or record. Most today’s computers come equipped with DVD-+RW drives, which simply means dvd – rewritable. It means you can put in a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disk and drive can read it and/or record it. DVD drives, have CD playback as well. This is something to be aware of and to make sure you double check with who is selling you a PC if you are able to record dvds with this drive and they will tell you. On the other hand if you want to go a step further, blue ray drive is your choice. Blue ray offers way greater quality than dvd and standard blue ray players are not too bad pricewise too. If you have one of those you can playback blue ray disks and if you get a burner you will be also able to record video high quality
  5. Monitor. When looking at the computer monitor, look for resolution. HD monitors offer best resolution 1080 again a technical number, but if you remember it you will be better off J this is by far the highest resolution in todays market and price is not so different from lower quality, so may as well get 1080p it will give you the best picture and you wont regret it.
  6. Video card. Most computers today come with built in video cards already. However if you plan to do some gaming, or watch some quality movies or do some video editing, you need to do some homework and dig into this matter a little deeper. For most users, built in video cards will do the job though.
  7. Audio Card. Like video audio cards are usually integrated into computers as standard. However if you wish to connect surround sound, and not only two desktop speakers, you need to be aware of this feature and make sure your audio card has the right outputs to connect more than 2 speakers. Audio cards can be purchased separately and installed into your computer.
  8. USB ports. USB is a type of connection that you probably already used if you have a computer. It’s about half inch wide and 1/8 inch long connection type that most todays external devices use. When buying computer, make sure you have plenty of them in front and back of the case.

Keyboard, mouse, speakers are pretty self explanatory. The variety is there Logitech, Microsoft are good brands.

I hope this helps and if you still have questions feel free to contact me at 818-532-9333 and I will get you all your answers.

Computer buying tips brought to you by Ed Kubilinskas – leading computer repair and it support expert in los angeles. When you have computer problem call 818-532 9333 or visit www.overnightPCrepair.com – where your computer is fixed and your data saved in less than 24 hours. It is the fastest computer repair service in los angeles, CA.