BUYING A COMPUTER Things to know….

Four Questions to ask yourself when buying a computer: 1.What needs do I want a computer to serve? 2.How much money do I have to spend on a computer system? 3.What Kind of software will best serve my needs? 4.What kind of hardware will best serve my needs?

Question 1: What needs do I want a computer to serve? Note: It is important to remember that what you want may not be what you need. Think about the following:  Do you really need a computer? If so, what do you need a computer for?  What will you need that computer to do for you in the future?

Suggestions for thinking about your personal computer needs: »Consider what you will be using your computer for today as well as what you will be using your computer for a year or two down the road. »For example:

Will you be using your computer for: »Word processing? »Business or financial applications? »Record storage and sorting? »Graphic presentations? »Online information retrieval? »Publications, design or drawings? »Multimedia for video games?

Question 2 How much money do I have to spend on a computer? What to think about: How much am I prepared to spend today…and, how much am I prepared to spend a couple years down the road

Question 3 What Kind of Software will Best Serve my Needs? »NOTE: It is important to not only choose a software that best serves your need today, but to also consider which software will also meet your needs a year or two down the road.

Question 4 What hardware will best serve my needs? »NOTE: It is important to not only choose a hardware that best serves your need today, but to also consider which hardware will also meet your needs a year or two down the road.

»After asking yourself these four questions you should have the information you will need to purchase your new computer.