How Much Computer Do You Really
Need?
Part 1
 Most people are too eager to pay too much for a computer that's more powerful than
they need. And for lots of folks, it doesn't take a lot of persuasion. Sales people will try to sell you the
most powerful and expensive computer possible.
One reason why I wrote The Computer Buying Guide was so I could place things into perspective for the
average buyer. I think if the most buyers would understand a little more about computers, then they would know
exactly what they need, before they buy the wrong computer. Then, they will be
able to make much better buy and get the computer that is better fitted to their needs-- and save them money to
boot!
What do you want your computer to
do?
The first thing you need to do is to ask yourself - exactly what do you want to do with your computer?
1) I suggest you get a pen and paper and write down
exactly what you want to do with your computer. This is an important step because by writing it down, you
work all of this out clearly in your mind. Examples of what you may want to do are: to write school reports, to do
family finances, to listen to music downloads, to use email, and to play some old computer games you already
have.
This list will determine the software you will need.
2) Now, write down the types of software programs
you will need for the jobs you have listed. You may want to refer to Part 5 - Software.
It is the software programs that will determine how powerful your computer should be. And that
will determine what type of computer you will need.
3) You should also determine which operating system, or
O/S, you should use. Most people will want to use Windows Vista®,
which is the current O/S found in almost all new computers. A few that wish to run older games, pre-Vista
software or hardware may want to locate a computer that has Windows XP®
Professional. You can find out more about O/Ss in Part 4 - Operating Systems.
Selecting the
Computer Type:
In Part 6, computers are categorized into three types of home or personal computers. You will see these later in
Part 6. I place them here so you can skip ahead, if you like. If you do skip ahead, don't forget to come back to
read Parts 2, 3, 4, & 5. The three types are:
Most people are only interested in surfing the Internet, sending and receiving email, writing reports or papers
for business or school, keeping their personal or small business finances in order. For that, you only need a
Standard Computer.
While prices do vary according to many factors, in genmeral the price tag should be between $350 and $700. See
Standard Computer Recommendations.
These are for people that need more power without going for an expensive computer. This level of computer will
handle graphics programs faster than a Standard Ccomputer. This type of computer is for those interested in some
game playing, light video editing, light photo editing, and still graphics creation.
The price tag here should be about $800 to $1,300. See Mid-Range Computer Recommendations.
These are for people who need a powerful computer to smoothly run high-end games, edit lots of photos, edit
video, or to run any other power-hungry graphics-intensive programs.
The price range for top quality is always more. A rough estimate is $1,400 and up, but this is variable because
of many factors. See High-End Computer Recommendations.
Now, begin to understand computers. In the next part, Part 2 - The Most Basic Parts, we discuss the extrenal parts of a typical computer
system.
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