What To Look For When Buying A Computer

What To Look For When Buying A Computer

On today’s radio show on the ABC I talked about what to look for when buying a computer. I’ll cover the basics here – also do your own research (I’ll provide a couple of good places to start below).

Laptop Vs Desktop

This one is really one of personal preference. Laptops aren’t generally as powerful as Desktops, but (of course) they are far more portable.

Processor

Know as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) the processor is the thing that does most of the work. The faster the CPU’s clock the faster it can perform the instructions. The speed is measured in MHz (megahertz) or GHz (gigahertz).

Memory

Here I’m referring to RAM (that stands for Random Access Memory). This is where computers put software programs and data that’s currently being used (so if you open up 6 programs at once you are using lots of RAM). You need at least 256MB RAM these days. 512 MB of RAM is even better.

Hard Drive

This gives you the space to store program, files, etc. The hard drive is usually measured in GB (gigabytes). Importantly, the speed at which the disk rotates translates to how quickly the files can be accessed. Get at least a 5,400 rpm (that’s what the cheaper systems have these days anyway).

To give you an idea of the way storage space needs increase:

8 years ago I bought a Dell computer. Top of the range, cost me an arm and a leg (I now list a little to the right!). I got the one with massive space – 12 GB. It was full within a few years.

Anthony’s machine is the latest one I bought – it has 240 GB. We’ve used almost 60 GB in just a few months.

And in this day of huge video files, audio files, digital photos, etc the rest of that space will go quickly.

Caches

The cache is another memory part – this is the temporary storer of data. Get a 512 KB cache if you can.

Monitor Size

Get the biggest monitor you can afford. 17 inch is okay. 19 inch is better.

USB Ports

USB ports are those holes in your monitor/keyboard/computer where you can plug in external devices (cameras, video cameras, iPods, printers, etc). Make sure your computer has at least 2.

Operating System

The operating system is the thing that runs your software programs, manages your printers/etc and generally takes care of your files.

An operating system (i.e. Windows XP) come standard with most computers.

Software

The software is the programs that you use on your computer – i.e Word and Excel. See if you can get the professional suite of software – i.e. Microsoft Office (although there are free alternatives).

Two Good Places To Research

Net Guide – buy their magazine in Australia or visit their site.

CNET – visit for some greta info.

Cheers

Brendon