There are so many choices when looking at buying a computer, it can almost be overwhelming. Do I buy a laptop or desktop? Do I buy an Apple or Windows? How much storage do I need? What is a good processor? How much memory or RAM (random access memory) do I need? There is no simple answer to this. It all depends on your needs. However, I will simplify this as much as possible to make the purchasing process as easy as possible and make sure you are getting a machine that will meet your needs.
The first thing you want to do is determine what your computer will be used for. For example will you be using it for surfing the web, school work, graphic design, etc? Also, what programs will you use on this computer? Software typically gives you a minimum and recommended starting point for your memory and processor, and it will also tell you how much free space you will need on your hard drive. You can use this information as a basis for your computer hardware.
When looking at computers one of the most important things to look at is the processor speed. Processors typically can’t be upgraded, and it is the engine of the computer. Intel is the most popular brand for processors, and right now their processors are on the 10th generation and consist of models i3, i5, i7, i9. Without getting too technical, the higher the generation and the higher the model number, the more power you will have.
Storage refers to how much information you can save on your computer. I always recommend looking at your previous computer to see how much storage you previously used to forecast how much space you may need. Storage is typically upgradeable, so if your forecast isn’t accurate, you can add an external drive or replace the internal drive in most cases. Popular sizes of storage are 250GB, 500GB and 1000GB(1TB). The higher the number, the more information you can store. Storage drives come in three different forms which include 5400 RPM, 7200 RPM, and solid state drive. Solid state drives are the fastest and are slowly becoming the industry standard.
Your memory is what is referred to as RAM. The most popular sizes are 4GB, 8GB or 16GB. The amount that you will need will be based on the programs that you will be running. RAM is what allows your programs and files to load quicker, and it allows you to run multiple programs at the same time. It is always better to have more than enough RAM so you don’t experience lag or memory errors. RAM is upgradeable in most situations.
Do you need your machine to be portable? That will let you know if you need a desktop or laptop. Also depending on what software you are planning to use and if it is Windows or Apple compatible will generally let you know what brand computer you need to purchase. We hope this guide has been helpful. As always, we are here to help you, so contact us if you have any additional questions!
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