Use Logic To Buy The Right Computer

Which computer brand and model do I buy? Do I believe Apple’s hype that its computers are easier to use or buy one with an “Intel® (processing chip) Inside”?

The answer is a resounding Yes… and No. Why?

Many people make a huge mistake when buying a computer, whether it’s their first or the latest in a long line of upgrades: they buy the hardware--the physical computer—first. This is a mistake because computers in and of themselves cannot do anything unless they have software loaded on them.

The solution to avoiding a potentially expensive mistake is also simple. Follow this equation:

Application 1 + Application 2 = Applications

Application 1 is your primary use. How and where do you plan to use your computer? While many people use their computers to get on-line to check emails, chat, play games and surf the Internet, others have more specific uses. These can be writing letters, creating graphics, editing digital photos, editing movies, digitizing music, learning a foreign language, performing statistical analyses and a whole host of other tasks.

Application 2 is your secondary use. This might well be one the tasks above or something else, like having a video conversation with a distant friend or relative.

Applications refers to the computer programs—also called applications, or in Apple parlance, “aps”—that let you perform these tasks.

Putting it bluntly: if you don’t have the right programs to achieve your tasks, your new computer is nothing more than an expensive doorstop, boat anchor or paperweight.

Every program has several common requirements before it can run properly. They are:

· A minimum processor type and speed, such as an Intel Core 2 Dual 2.14 MHz or equivalent. This explains how many digital instructions and computations the core chip or chips can process at any given time. Programs that are highly computational—video, graphics and graphic-intensive games fit this category—require faster processors. Writing and basic word processing requires far less computer power.

· A minimum amount of RAM, such as 250 MB. Think of RAM as temporary storage. What goes in gets used and cleaned out frequently during the course of a day. A motel is a good example: you rent a room, use it then leave.

· Hard disk or hard drive space, such 30MB on disk. Think of this as permanent space. This is like a home: you buy it and stay a long time.

· An operating system such as Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. This is a key choice in determining if the program you want will run on the computer you have your eyes on. Individual programs can only run on one type of operating system—Apple OS X or Windows—but some manufacturers make versions for more than one. If the program you want to use says it will only run on a computer using Windows, or only running OS X, then your part of your computer buying choice has been made for you. If you buy a computer than does not run that operating system, your software will not work.

· An Internet connection. Many computer programs get updates—minor program enhancements plus resolutions to hardware and software conflicts—on a regular basis. While many of these updates are quick if you have a high-speed Internet connection, such as cable or DSL, they can take forever if you are using an old-fashioned dial-up connection.

If you like what you just read, send me an email and I’ll answer your questions.