Tips For Buying A Home Computer

Considering buying a new computer for your home? Here are just some of the things you might to look into and consider before you buy one:

1. Desktop or Laptop? Or Tablet?

If you need a steady workstation and you won’t need to be lugging at around everywhere you go, consider getting yourself a desktop. This will save you money and you can even spend your budget on a computer with higher specifications. One good thing about a desktop is that it is easier to cool since there is more room for powerful fans. Keeping your computer cool ill make sure that the machine lasts longer and will help your computer maintain optimum performance levels. Lastly, it is easier to change or have parts repaired in a desktop.

On the other hand, if you need a computer that you can bring while you’re on the go, the obvious choice is to get a laptop. Actually, if your need for portability isn’t often and you don’t need much more than a word processor and a browser, it might be better for you to get a cheap tablet or a netbook. If you saved some money by buying a desktop computer, you can use it to buy a tablet!

When it comes to laptop screens, consider a matte screen if you’re planning to use a laptop mostly for work. However, a normal glossy LCD screen can do the job if you’re only aiming to use your computer for media.

2. Know the processor and what it means

The processor, simply put, is the brain of your machine. The stronger the processor, the faster your computer will be performing.

The bigger the number, the better. The speed of the chip is directly proportional to how much data it can process at a time. The number of cores functions as a multiplier, as the processor is a stack of cores that each run at the listed speed. For example, a four-core 2GHz processor is definitely much faster than a single-core 2GHz processor.

3. Decide what RAM you want

Nowadays, Random Access Memory or RAM is measured in gigabytes. The more gigabytes there are, the faster and merrier it will be. The RAM affects the speed of your computer and its ability to multitask. It is useful to have more RAM if you want to keep multiple tasks going at the same time and be able to jump between them quickly. Notice how your computer slows down when you have too many browser tabs open? A bigger RAM can fix that.

4. Choosing a hard drive doesn’t have to be hard

Your computer’s hard drive is its storage. Although the RAM also does this, the majority of it will go onto your hard drive. If you plan to have your computer and no peripherals, you might want to opt for the biggest hard drive you can get, since that’s where all your files and programs will be stored. However, if you don’t plan to have many applications on your computer and won’t store much media on it, a smaller hard drive will do the trick and you can save money!

 

 

5. Check your peripherals

Here’s a list of peripherals you might want to look into:

• USB
  • If you want to transfer a lot of data, make sure you have a fast USB port. The latest version of the USB is the USB Type-C, which offers gigabits of bandwidth and the ability to handle enough current to power a laptop.
• HDMI
  • If you plan to use your computer for entertainment, you need an HDMI output. The HDMI output will allow you to connect your computer to most modern televisions for a high quality visual display. It will also run the audio out if you’re planning to use the TV for sound.
• SD slot
  • An SD slot can be a handy way to get the files from your camera over to your computer. SD cards can also be used to speed up your computer.
• Wi-Fi
  • If you’re planning on connecting a lot of networks and you want to do it wirelessly, you’re better off getting a built-in Wi-Fi receiver rather than working with some sort of external Wi-Fi device.
• Bluetooth
  • Bluetooth is a handy way to make your connections easy and tangle-free!

6. The perfect Operating System

The easiest thing to do is to stick with what you are familiar with, since it can be hard to adjust to a new operating system.

If you want an easy-to-use system that keeps things mostly basic, you might want to check out Mac. If you want to be more in control, you’ll have an easier time doing that on Windows.

It is also worth noting that not every software is available for every operating system so you might want to search the compatibilities first before you make the final cut.