WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A NEW COMPUTER
This article is more technical than most, for that I apologize in advance. Deciphering the specifications of a new computer can be confusing at best. I hope to empower you to know how to interpret the ‘tech geek speak’ on the information tag when you select a new computer. I want you to get the best computer at the most affordable price. Here goes…
Hardware: the physical box and what is in it.
- Type of computer: you have choices - Tower - a stand-alone box that needs a monitor, keyboard and mouse to operate - Laptop - a portable computer with the keyboard, monitor and mouse built in - All-in-One - the computer is built into the monitor, needs a keyboard and mouse to operate - 2-in-1 - a combination laptop and tablet - the screen can fold to become a tablet - Tablet - a screen where your finger acts like a mouse and the keyboard is virtual touch
- Manufacturer: - Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Microsoft and Acer manufacture computers - I recommend Dell or HP
- Motherboard: - Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 - the latest is 10th generation - the higher the number the more processors and the faster the speed - AMD or AMD Ryzen (Ryzen is newer, faster technology)
- CPUs (Central Processing Units) - the workhorse of your computer - speeds range from 1.2 Ghz to 3.2 Ghz - higher numbers give faster computing experience - multiple processors range from 2 to 8 - more are faster
- Laptop display - based on diagonal measurement - larger ones are easier to see and increase the price of the laptop: 14”, 15.6” or 17” - touchscreen - your finger can act like a mouse by touching the screen - adds to price
- Keyboard - backlit keys are easier to read
- Memory - temporary fast storage - more memory increases the speed, and adds to the price - 8GB is recommended minimum
- Storage - where your files and programs are permanently stored - HD - spinning hard drive with capacity to store 500GB to 2TB of data - SSD - Solid State Drive - digital storage with increased speed and performance 128GB, 256GB or 500GB - 256 GB is sufficient for most personal use
- DVD drive - for playing music, videos, and installing programs - most laptops have eliminated DVD drives - an external USB connected DVD drive can be purchased if you need one - most software installers can be downloaded from the internet
- Ports - allow external devices to be connected to the computer - USB 3.0 (faster), USB, USB-C (small USB), HDMI, SD Card Reader, VGA or DVI (monitor) may be built in\
- Wi-fi - wireless connection to your internet service modem - most computers today have wi-fi and Bluetooth adapters built in - an external USB wi-fi adapter can be purchased to add wi-fi to a tower that does not have wi-fi built in
Software and Up-sells: software makes your computer functional and protects it
- Operating Systems - Google Chromebook or Android Tablet - Microsoft Windows - new computers are being built with Windows 11 - Windows 10 may still be available
- Office Software - Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Slideshows - Microsoft Office 365 - this annual subscription software provides Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - WPS and Open Office are low-cost alternatives for office software - Google apps - Docs, Sheets and Slides provide Office capability from your Google account
- Anti-virus Software - protects your computing from virus and malicious software attacks - manufacturers pre-install 30-day trial anti-virus products that need to be renewed in a month - retailers want to upsell their favorite anti-virus software - I suggest that you decline - Ask me to install low-cost, robust protection software that I recommend for all of my clients
- Extended Warranties - an insurance policy to extend the time beyond the one year guaranteed by the manufacturer - these add to the cost and may not be needed if your computer remains in one place
That’s it! Buying a new computer can be daunting. Understanding the terminology can make you a more informed buyer. If you need advice when selecting a new computer, call Linda.
I am committed to protect your computers at an affordable price. Thank you for trusting me to keep your computers healthy. Contact us at 239-567-0104 when it is time to renew your protection software, or if you need help selecting your new computer. Be well.
By Linda Lindquist, December 6, 2021 https://www.computerandinternethelp.com/contact-us
