How to buy a computer (part 2)

All computers need an optical drive. Optical units are very different and could have multiple options. Unlikely that a new system will have incorporated less than a DVD-ROM (read discs but not write); but most systems have a DVD-RW dual-layer multiformat (read and write / rewrite CD / DVD). Look for DVD units that can write dual-layer DVDs and offers the option LightScribe Direct Disc for labeling (can burn a disc with a label).

The highest quality range of computers have Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD units. But the price is rather high (three or more from a DVD-RW).

USB devices are growing in popularity and today come to rival DVD thanks to the advantage of mobility and increased life time.  

Network card

Today, the Internet is part of our daily life. Any new computer has incorporated an internal network card. If you want something more, try a router or gateway.

Sound card

In the office, the integrated sound card is probably more than enough. At home, you'll probably want surround sound which will require a performing sound card. Prices are not high so there will be no problem to find and buy. Do not forget that for a quality sound you need and a wet set of quality speakers too.

The new systems offers quality sound because they already have integrated sound cards with outputs of 7.1, 24-bit (32-bit internal processing) and sound of 192-kHz.

Keyboard and Mouse

The current trend is to use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but still there are a lot of systems using the USB ports. The keyboard can be simple with only basic functions or a real machine with lot of buttons worthy of Star Trek. Today the most known is optical (uses a small camera to detect motion and provide a much better movement).

Operating System: Linux, XP or Vista?

For those who doesn’t even consider to use an operating system based on Linux, I advise you to think again. Yes, there are many options to be developed in Linux, but the same it’s true for Windows too. Linux interface has become comparable to that of Windows (for example, try the Ubuntu distribution on ubuntu.com).

Windows XP is the best selling operating system. Most applications were built especially for it, drivers for the components have been written, so on…If you can, use Windows XP, but soon will be out for sale. But do not forget to update it often. Being the most  purchased system, it’s the most attacked too. And he has its own problems some even serious. Remember to buy an antivirus, spyware and use firewall.

Windows Vista is a step forward regarding security features including more and better than XP. It's cool as design, but also eats a lot of resources. Unfortunately for Microsoft, Vista, which was supposed to be a replacement for XP failed in its goal to make its users happy.

So, are you ready to buy a computer? Before you leave for shopping, take one more minute and read the tips below:

Look at the warranty and support offered: most problems occur (if they appear) in the first year, so one year warranty should be enough. Moreover, the better.

Do not buy additional software if you do not need them. Buy the computer operating system (if you decided to Windows), a suite of office applications and an antivirus (free antivirus you can find on the internet. AVG or Avast are good choices).

Look at the number of connectors. More, the better, you will use them in time.

Buy what you need. Promotions are interesting but might not help much.

Buy a little over the minimum that you set to use the computer as much time as possible. Even if it looks like a hard disk of 160 GB is sufficient, over time you will need a bigger hard drive. Do yourself a list with minimum configuration and then add the extra “ingredients”.

Check the connectors for the monitor. If your video card has DVI output then the monitor should have DVI input.

If you do not need, do not buy. Good sellers know that they can attract you with all sorts of components made to take your eyes. Do not buy if you do not need them immediately. Over a few months when you need them, the product will be half price.

Hope it helped. And don’t forget. If your budget is low, you could find good refurbished systems at a good price.