Things to Consider When Getting a New Computer

Things to Consider When Getting a New Computer 

Operating Systems

The type of operating system that you decide you want to use will have a big impact on the type of computer you will be best off buying.

There are only a couple of major operating systems available for users to install and they are:

1. Microsoft Windows
2. Apple Mac OS
3. Linux

Unless you are very good at understanding and operating computers, most people will decide to purchase either the Windows or the Apple Mac operating systems..

Type of Computer

There are plenty of different types of computers available on the market and nowadays there are even tablets. Tablets are able to perform many of the same functions as a computer and can even replace a computer for some people.

If you decide that you want to go with a Windows or a Linux operating system, then you will require either a standard desktop or a laptop to run it on.

Standard Desktop

A standard desktop can be purchased from most electronics goods stores and can range in price from $500 up to a couple of thousand dollars.

You will need to make sure your desktop comes with the following hardware:

• Power Supply
• Case
• Motherboard
• Video Card
• Network Card (if not included on the motherboard)
• Sound Card (if not included on the motherboard)
• Processor
• Memory
• Hard Drive
• Optical Drive (DVD or Blu-ray)
• Monitor, Speakers & Printer (If you don't have them already)

Laptop

Laptops can also be purchased from most electronics goods stores and are slightly more expensive than desktops. Laptops come as an all in one bundle, which means that they include all the hardware they require, including a pre-installed operating system (Windows in most cases).

Apple iMac

If you decided that you want an Apple operating system, there are a number of different options available to you, including the Apple iMac.

The Apple iMac is similar to a standard desktop in that it isn't very portable and is meant to stay in a static location on a desk.

Apple products come with all the hardware and software they require without the user needing to do anything.

Apple Macbook

The Macbook is similar to a laptop as it comes with all the software it needs pre-installed. Macbooks come with the Apple OS installed and are normally slightly more expensive than the iMac.

Note: All Apple products must be purchased through official Apple channels like the Apple store or the Apple online store.

Tablet

A newcomer to the market is the Tablet. Many people only use computers for email and web browsing, this means that a tablet would be perfect for them. Not only is it portable like a laptop or a Macbook, but it is cheaper and also less complex to use.

There are two main types of tablets on the market.

1. Apple iPad (IOS Operating System)
2. Samsung Galaxy Tablet (Android Operating System)

The main difference between the two main tablet vendors is the operating system and different applications available from the various online stores.

Applications

Once you have selected your type of computer you will need to install a couple of applications on it to make it useful. I have listed the major types of applications that most people will require:

Web Browsers

There are a number of popular web browsers available on the market place. By default the operating system that you have installed on your computer will come with one of the following:

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer is the default browser that is installed with Microsoft Windows.

Safari

Safari is the default browser that is installed on all Apple products

Firefox

Firefox is the default browser that is installed on most Linux operating systems.

All of the browsers listed above are fine to continue using so long as you keep them up to date with regular patching. If you decide that you don't like the default browser it may be worthwhile investigating others like Chrome or Opera

Securing Your Computer and Staying Safe

Securing your computer is possibly the most important part of your setup if you plan on using it on the internet. There are literally thousands of different ways in which your computer can become infected with a virus or malware.

Be sure to install an anti-virus program and also keep your operating system up to date.

Office Products

Most people will want to have a document editor / spreadsheet / email functionality when they buy a computer. The following is a list of commonly used products:

1. Microsoft Office (Available for Windows and Mac)
2. Open Office (Available on Windows, Mac and Linux)

The major difference between the two products is that Open Office is free to use.