5 pitfalls to avoid when buying a computer

Don't waste your money on your next computer purchase

Eager to take advantage of low advertised prices that look like big bargains, people often end up wasting their money by these common mistakes when buying a new computer:

1. Memory neglect.To cut the price to the bone, include vendors rarely enough memory in the baseline deliverable.512 MB is not enough memory. 2 GB (2030-2048 MB) is a good baseline of a computer at home or in the Office., if you buy a computer for a "gamer" with 4 GB start.
Recommendation: always adding more memory.
Non-law: Even if you only plan on performing basic tasks such as e-mail and word processing with an occasional spreadsheet thrown in, the performance of the system are affected.Simply applying the critical security updates for Windows, Office and other programs regularly will affect the performance of your system significantly, over a period of months, you do not have enough memory to start with.
2. Processor ignorance.Separate from the memory in the computer (heading 1), processors have their own memory. the lack of sufficient memory on a processor can be the source of much frustration with a computer. Constant lock-ups or freezing, applications that are running out of memory, even foreign printing behavior can all be symptoms of a processor that sufficient memory is missing.
Recommendation:If the computer is used for very light Internet surfing and word processing or perhaps balancing your checkbook, then by all means, is a Sempron (TM) or Celeron (TM) all the processor that you need. If you plan on having more than two applications at the same time opening and using your computer more powerful (word processing, spreadsheet, different Internet browser tabs or Windows and e-mail open at the same time) then you need a more powerful processor.
Non-law: A bruised and bloody forehead of beating your head against the wall in frustration. The cost of a whole new computer. You can only change the processor not replaced at a later time.
3. CD/DVD drives that do not write or are not fast enough.Another way that suppliers the price of a computer is to rest with a slower, only CD/DVD drives read. DVD-media has a much higher storage capacity than CDs, so make sure you always can write to the DVD drive.
Recommendation: Make sure that you can write to the highest capacity storage media.At some point you will want to write to the device to backup your data, including all the music you can download.Keep in mind that the only way to backup the songs you download is a music CD or DVD. Just to copy the files to a flash drive or other storage device, you won't be able to play again they lose the originals should you for some reason (such as updating your software).
Non-law: can cost you real dollars in the long run. whether data or music, you need to backup.Sometimes you want something to share with another computer user and you do not want to part with your Flash drive for this purpose.
4. Failure to bundle of Office products with your computer purchase.Exceptionally low priced computers do not come with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook or another Microsoft Office product.Some come with Microsoft Works, a product that is not fully compatible with Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office product.If you ever plan on the exchange of a word processing or spreadsheet file with someone else, you must have one or more of the Microsoft Office products.Buy what you might need with the computer.
Recommendation:Always buy Microsoft Office products with the computer when given the chance.The cost savings are significantly better than going to the store and them separately.
Non-law:You might be a few hundred or spend more dollars than you would if you have the Office product that you need with the computer had purchased. the price difference is definitely important.
5. Not cutting corners with your monitor.Buy the biggest and highest resolution flat-panel display that you can afford. again, these are often offered at a significant discount when bundled with a computer. we have yet to hear of about buying a monitor that was "too big."Your eyes will thank you.
Recommendation: high resolution flat-panel displays are the way to go and are almost always cheaper when purchased with your computer. buy the best you can afford.
Non-law: buyers remorse and "eyestrain". If you are on a computer for more than a few hours a day, you won't regret spending a few extra dollars on a good monitor. the cost of an upgrade to a higher resolution, larger monitor when you first buy your computer originally is much less than having to buy a whole new monitor at a later time. This is not the place to try to save a few bucks.

These common mistakes to avoid can greatly increase the useful life of your computer and improve your computing experience.

The decision for the purchase of extended warranties, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software on your computer are separate subjects.

Becky Campbell is a computer and network technologist for more than 20 years and is a consultant at Entre ' computer and communication in Denver, Colorado. Entre ' network and computer consulting services to small businesses and Home Office customers.