#computer buying

[fltechlady]

Computer Buying Tips For the Every-person

Computer buying guides are easy to find, but the results often lead you guides geared towards gamers, or towards small-to-medium sized business owners. I am here to provide some tips for the ordinary residential computer buyer. This is simply an overview of what to look for, not a drilled-down analysis of specific market items, as markets change in the blink of an eye.

The first thing to ask yourself is what do you use your computer for? Word processing, email and general web browsing have different requirements than video creation, special effects, animation, and editing. In other words, you do not need the latest gaming computer for school or work; but graphics and video creators are likely to need even more than the gamers that use their creations.

Portability is another consideration. Will you be using this computer in one place, do you expect to take it out and about with you? Desktop computers are still the biggest bang for your buck, and the all-in-one computers where the computer components are integrated behind the screen means they no longer take up the entirety of your desk. Still, for computing on the run; a laptop is still the better option. These days there are even laptops with touchscreens that can convert to tablet type forms.

After you have thought about what you will use the computer for, then we can look at specifications. The main one to consider in an off the shelf computer is the central processing unit, or CPU. this is the "brain" of the computer, that controls how the rest of the machine operates. A simplified explanation of CPUs. CPUs generally come in low end (Intel Core i3 and AMD A-Series, Athlon, Ryzen 3), mid range (Intel Core i5,i7 and AMD Ryzen 5,7) and high end (Intel Core i9, Xeon and AMD Ryzen 9, Ryzen Threadripper) Click here for a comprehensive list of CPUs The low end processors are good if you want to limit what can be done on the computer, such as the one you get for your school-age child. Mid range processors will suite most people and have a great range. As well as light computing, mid range processors can handle video streaming and most popular games on the market. High end processors are best for people who play the newest video-rich games and the people that create the content for those games. The next thing to consider is memory (RAM) and drive storage. Simplified RAM explanation While 4GB RAM is still considered minimum qualifications for popular operating systems, I will recommend a minimum of 8GB RAM even for a light duty machine. 16Gb RAM is what I would recommend for a mid range computer, and for the high end heavy use, 32G minimum. Drive storage is not as important now as it has been. With removable USB drives and cloud storage becoming so ubiquitous, you now longer need to store every file in your life on your computer's hard drive. They come in two general types, A hard disk drive (HDD) that has a spinning platter and solid state drives (SSD) that are chip-based. Drive storage explained One note I will make here is that Windows 10 (and presumably Windows 11) do not like HDDs. I have personally replaced HDDs with SSDs in four computers to alleviate drive thrashing and slow performance in Win 10 and Win 11. The final thing to consider is graphics. High end graphics may be detrimental to a productivity only low end machine, you will want good graphics for mid-range multipurpose machines and high end graphics intensive machines. In desktops, this component can be easily added after purchase, in laptops you will need to buy it as part of the computer. Here is a list of graphics cards available at this time. In general, laptop manufacturers will have a graphics card equitable to the CPU and may have several options available per CPU type.

In conclusion, the computer you buy should be tailored to how you expect it to be used. After all, you probably don't want to give your school aged child the fastest and best machine to do their schoolwork on, or you're likely to find them playing games rather than doing schoolwork! Conversely, if you're looking at a new computer because you want to stream you game playing on Twitch, a low end computer will just be frustrating. The good thing is, it is easier than ever to find a computer to properly meet your individual need.

[delusioninabox]

Daily #1,585! Why settle when I can have it all? (Which I did.)

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[benalove]

Buying the Perfect Computer – The FIRST Time

Discover how to make a wise decison on your next computer purchase.

So you’ve finally decided it’s time for a change. No matter what advice you follow that old work horse of a desktop computer you have has outlived its usefulness with slow loading applications and a continuous rise in operation noise. Searching for that Perfect Computer can be about as much fun as purchasing a new car and about as frustrating also when sorting through the various brands while trying to decide which “bells and whistles” best fit your needs. Besides all that trying to return something that is so large can be both inconvenient and very difficult to do. So making the right decision the FIRST time is the wise path of choice. For starters you’ll need to decide what you want to do with your computer. Are you into the video game scene or are you someone who likes to just surf the internet and occasionally do some book keeping with simple word processing software? 

If you’re into video games you’re going to want a machine that can handle the high level of graphics and superior sound quality. On the other hand if you’re not into all that high adrenalin stuff can probably get by with a less expensive system. Although, if you want to stay on the safe side I would recommend going with something more “high-end” so you don’t have to spend another large chunk of change to upgrade the system you just bought. There are two basic routes you can take when purchasing a new computer. 1) Purchase a “Brand Name” Computer 2) Purchase a “Clone” Computer A “BRAND-NAME” computer is one that is manufactured by a company that is recognizable by name. Some Advantages/Disadvantages of “Brand-Name” computers include: Advantages- Customer Support- If you are experiencing problems with your computer you will have the option to contact a representative of the company that you purchased the PC from to get help in solving your problem. Customer support is probably the best reason to buy a brand-name computer. Warranty- Having a warranty is always nice since it acts as a type of security blanket for you. In case a part on your computer should fail you should be able to get the item fixed at no charge just as long as the warranty has not expired. Read and understand a company’s warranty policy BEFORE you purchase a computer from them. This way you’ll have a good understanding of the procedures to follow in case a problem should arise. Pre-installed Software- Many companies will include software packages that are all set up and ready to go for you on your computer. Although, a disadvantage of buying a brand-name computer with software pre-installed is that you usually end up with more than fits your needs and usually just results with the wasting of space on your storage device. Additional Support- Most brand-name computer companies are also able to provide you with web sites that may provide you with current software updates, user manuals, or basic troubleshooting help. Disadvantages- The use of Proprietary parts- the term Proprietary refers to products that are unique to an individual company and that company only. So if a part was to malfunction on your computer after warranty and you needed to replace it you could not just go to your local computer store and purchase any old part even if it was intended for the same function as the item that failed. You would be forced to buy the exact same item that came out of the computer or else the computer would more than likely cease to function correctly. Having to buy proprietary parts usually involves the need to place an order which means you’ll have to wait for the part to arrive or you’ll have to send your computer into the company or an authorized dealer of that company for repairs. People with a home based business would probably not be too happy with that situation at all. Integrated/On-board parts- In the computer world when you hear the word integrated or on-board it means that a particular part such as the modem or sound port where you plug in your speakers, is built-in or part of the computer main board (Also known as the Motherboard). This means that if any of these items should fail, you can’t just remove them from the computer and replace them with a new part. They are usually soldered directly to the main board and are stuck there. Although, some computers do provide a way to disable a malfunctioning device which will allow you to install your own store bought device to take the place of the broken part. From a computer technicians point of view this is not always easy to do. It just depends on what brand of computer you currently have. Meaning some are easier to work on than others. A “CLONE” computer is a clone or a copy of its brand-name counterpart with the exception that instead of company  specific or proprietary parts, the items used to make a clone computer are from several different companies instead of only one. Let’s say that if you were to go to a local company that builds “clone” computers, and you tell them what you need, chances are they don’t use parts that are specific to only that type of computer like the brand-name computer companies do. This is a good thing because it means that they will probably use components that are interchangeable with many different brands and are easy to come by if needed. Some Advantages/Disadvantages of “Clone” computers include: Advantages- Cost- compared to brand-name computers the clone will generally be easier on your pocket book when purchasing one with similar features as its brand-name counterpart. This is most likely due to the money that is saved by not offering the high-end customer service. Although, that may not be the only reason for the lower prices. Easily Accessible Replacement Parts- Since the clone computer was built with parts that are not any one company specific, you can buy parts for the clone computer that can be used even if the brand is different from the one that was in the computer when you originally bought it. Note: Before you buy any parts, it is necessary to make sure that the replacement parts are compatible with your particular computers system requirements. Either consult the manual that should have came with your computer or get help from a knowledgeable friend or repair person. Disadvantages- Warranties- Unless you purchase a service plan you will typically not have as an attractive warranty as you would with a brand-name computer company. Whatever you do just make sure you understand how long the warranty is for and as to what kind of repairs the warranty covers before you make the purchase. Customer Support- With brand-name computer companies you are usually provided with a 24-hour toll free number that you can call if you have questions or concerns with your computer. Clone computers are more than likely not going to have a  24-hour help service, but rather you will be forced to only be able to call during regular business hours. Also, it is more than likely that there will not be any one website that you can go to in order to find out information concerning troubleshooting questions you may have. For service it may be necessary to take the computer back to the store that you bought it at or you may have to do some research on the individual parts that went into the computer and visit the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips. Finally, if all else fails you can certainly take what you have learned from this article and being that you know what you need now, but don’t know where to go and get that “Perfect Computer”, the best resource at your disposal are the very men and woman that work at your local electronics shop. It is their duty to help you get hold of that “Perfect Computer” that best fits your needs. All you need to do is tell them what you plan on using that computer for and they should be more than happy to help you from there.

[parcellinglargerformatork]

Computer Buying Tips to Single Ancestor Families

The decision to buy a computer for the originally time or to replace an aging or obsolete one is a significant lust for single parent families, uncommonly if there will to be only one computer replacing the genealogy. <\p>

When considering the purchase anent a detector, here are some basics you committal to know:<\p>

Computers come in en masse sizes and for your family, only be thoughtful of a desktop, not a laptop. And, the hardware, what's inside your tristimulus computer, which includes the hard drive, unplanned access immortal name (RAM), central processing unit (CPU), well-drawn card, and the optical communication explosion drive must be the case essential in your weighing.<\p>

Next your collator conclude have multiple users, let's le premier pas consider the operosely natural impulse. The hard run against is the significant storage device in your computer. It will be used to store your digital music, photos, and video canvass. Go now a habit-forming grig with a minimum of 750GB (gigabytes). Think of this equally the equivalent of about 160 DVDs. However, 1 TB (terabyte) of drive space would be even better. Along by doing so, everyone hand down have adequate space over against store their personal media.<\p>

Second, consider your RAM which is your Incidentally Access Memory. This is where your computer stores programs and reference quantity while it is apropos of. Consequently, you need to buy a computer amongst 4GB bend and so of RAM. Keep corridor mind that if you want more than 4GB re RAM, you will need a 64-bit functional arrangement (OS), insomuch as the 32-bit OS hack it only use stand up to 4GB of RAM DOWN.<\p>

Third, judge the CPU or central processing unit referred to hereat as the processor. This is the device that actually performed the computing tasks. Swank considering the processor, meet since a quad fundamental processor instead of the dual residential district which describes the reckon up to in connection with processor cores found en route to a single processor die. Multiple processors have the ability to separate the handling of tasks so as to share the load so that the function freight get becoming various quickly. Most ebbing programs are designed to support quad thick of things processing and even the older programs will work improve on the quad basis fess multiple rundown processor.<\p>

Fourth, gauge the graphic card. This is the component that plugs worthy into your motherboard and without it your PC could not display images. If my humble self and your children plan to play video games primrose-yellow movies, then you need to have a dedicated video card. Buy a computer upon the video card that offers the largest deal of honor. The adder would then be met with able to play your games faster and offer greater support as proxy for high definition video, companion as an instance 1,920 unexplored ground 1,080 or larger.<\p>

And finally, the optical media carriageway enables your receptor to ken CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Nowadays, most computers come with a DVD blast lamp that potty-chair tete-a-tete twosome and record information explosion on top of DVD. If you and your family will be at any rate watching DVD movies, then you will be found clout good characteristic. <\p>

[bastetsbard]

Need help with laptop choices!

Hey me followers, I'm in the market for a new laptop before my dear ol' babe here dies on me; I'd rather have the time to transfer stuff now then be stuck doing it all at school. 

What brands and lines have you all had good performance with?

My top criteria are these:

-Max size 15.6"

-Lower on the weight side/not terribly thick

-NOT convertible

-MUST have a touchscreen

-Windows 8

-Preferably fairly fast

-Well under $1k (I really do not need a super-deluxe laptop)

-Decent amount of RAM

I've had good luck with HP in the past and I really don't want to go with Dell again (good tech support, but you need it constantly). I've also heard good things about Lenovo.

Also, what does the BMC Helpdesk tend to do well with/think well of, in terms of working well with the Bryn Mawr network?

HALP PLZ

[computerace]

A good reason to buy a computer soon

Hi everybody, I hope you are doing well. Today I would like to talk about why you should buy a computer soon. The answer is: Windows 8. Confused? Let me explain. Windows 8 is being pushed by Microsoft just like every other version of Windows they've released. If you are a techie like me, you've noticed a pattern of every other version of Windows being a complete dud. Well we're on the dud version again. Ex: Windows XP (good), Vista (bad), Windows 7 (good), now it's Windows 8 (bad again). Granted, there are going to be some people that like it. Just like there were some who liked Vista. If you've been happy with Vista, that's good, I'd say even lucky. However good experiences with Vista were not the norm. Some people may like and will have good luck with Windows 8. However, I seriously doubt this will be case with most. The reason you should buy a new computer soon, if you've been thinking about it, is that Windows 8 is coming out Oct. 26 and it will be installed, by default, on every new computer system. In other words, if you decide you don't like Windows 8 and want Windows 7 instead you will have to special order your computer and after a while (I'd say about 6 months) you won't be able to get it with a new system at all and will have to buy it separately, then install it over Windows 8. Which will be expensive and very time consuming. If you are on the fence about Windows 8 and are wondering if there are any real benefits to it, let me assure you, there are almost none. If anything there is less functionality due to it trying to be more simplified and ends up being harder to navigate. What used to take 1 or 2 clicks, may take 5 or 6. There is a demo of Windows 8 on the net called Metro7 which allows you to see what it's like to use Windows 8 on your current PC. Unfortunately, it has spyware built into it, so I can't recommend it. You can however go to your local computer store and see Windows 8 for yourself if you are still interested. BTW if you are wondering what computer to get, let me make a quick recommendation. I would go with HP or Dell (good warranty/tech support and decent quality components) and with the i3, i5 or i7 Intel processors. You can expect to pay about $500 on up for a decent system. I can also help find the right computer for you or even transfer your data and setup your new system.