Important Things To Look for When Buying a Computer
These days, a computer is practically a necessity of life. Not only are they needed for most jobs but many hobbies as well. Because of constant technological advancements, computers typically only last a few years before they become obsolete and have to be replaced. Before you buy a new computer, you have to assess whether it will meet your needs. Here are some specific things to look at.
Type of Computer
What type of computer do you need? Do you require a rugged laptop that can go with you anywhere? Or do you need a desktop computer that has to stay in one place because of its many different peripherals? While laptops have a more limited range of components, the two types of computers are very similar to one another in terms of their capabilities, so the deciding factors may be portability and price. As long as you are comparing new systems, desktops are invariably less expensive than laptops.
Hard Drive
The hard drive is one of the main internal components of the computer. It is described in terms of the capacity it has to store information and run programs. Nowadays, the capacity of hard drives is measured in gigabytes, and a system that has less than 250 gigabytes wouldn’t be able to function, at least not at the same level as other systems with more capacity.
Operating System
The operating system is the software installed on the computer that allows you to interface with it. There are several different types of operating systems available, with some of the most popular being Microsoft Windows and macOS. Another popular operating system is Linux, although there is some controversy over whether it is an operating system or a Kernel. Most people refer to it as an operating system.
Computer companies are constantly updating operating systems, making and releasing new versions of them. As of this writing, the most recent version of the Microsoft OS is Windows 10. MacOS, which is run by Apple computers, has different versions named after wild animals and California landmarks, with the most recent being Monterey, i.e., macOS 12.
Processor
The processor is a chip that determines the speed at which your computer will operate. There are many choices of processors available, but the most prominent brand is Intel, which has become the go-to for many in the computing community because of its processing speed.
RAM
RAM stands for “random access memory.” It allows you to open and run applications on your computer. Basically, RAM stores data in the short term, which allows you to access it more quickly. The more RAM you have, the more applications you can have open and in use at the same time. If you do computer-aided drafting, edit videos or photos, or play serious video games, you need at least 16 gigabytes of RAM on your computer. Otherwise, four to eight gigabytes should be sufficient to handle most of the tasks you want to accomplish.
Antivirus Software
Because the computer is so significant to your life, it is important to protect it from bad actors who may try to steal the information it contains or just try to shut it down. A virus is a malicious program that affects the way your computer functions, while spyware records the things you do online so hackers can steal the information and put it to nefarious purposes. The best defensive software is designed to protect you from both.
Despite how important it is, most new computers do not come already equipped with antivirus software. You typically have to purchase and install it separately. This may seem ironic, even counterintuitive. However, it offers you the advantage of getting to choose your own antivirus software with the features and protection you need instead of taking whatever comes with the system.
One of the first things you should do before purchasing a new computer is figuring out how much you can afford to spend on it. If systems that are within your budget do not have all the features you desire, you either have to expand your budget or do without some capabilities.
