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FIRST time is the wise path of
choice.
For starters you’ll need to
decide what you want to do with your computer. Are you into the video game scene
or are you someone who likes to just surf the internet and occasionally do some
book keeping with simple word processing software?
If you’re into video games
you’re going to want a machine that can handle the high level of graphics and
superior sound quality.
On the other hand if you’re not
into all that high adrenalin stuff can probably get by with a less expensive
system. Although, if you want to stay on the safe side I would recommend going
with something more “high-end” so you don’t have to spend another large chunk of
change to upgrade the system you just bought.
There are two basic routes you
can take when purchasing a new computer.
1) Purchase a “Brand Name”
Computer
2) Purchase a “Clone” Computer
A “BRAND-NAME” computer is one
that is manufactured by a company that is recognizable by name.
Some Advantages/Disadvantages
of “Brand-Name” computers include:
Advantages-
Customer Support- If you are
experiencing problems with your computer you will have the option to contact a
representative of the company that you purchased the PC from to get help in
solving your problem.
Customer support is probably
the best reason to buy a brand-name computer.
Warranty- Having a warranty is
always nice since it acts as a type of security blanket for you.
In case a part on your computer
should fail you should be able to get the item fixed at no charge just as long
as the warranty has not expired.
Read and understand a company’s
warranty policy BEFORE you purchase a computer from them.
This way you’ll have a good
understanding of the procedures to follow in case a problem should arise.
Pre-installed Software- Many
companies will include software packages that are all set up and ready to go for
you on your computer.
Although, a disadvantage of
buying a brand-name computer with software pre-installed is that you usually end
up with more than fits your needs and usually just results with the wasting of
space on your storage device.
Additional Support- Most
brand-name computer companies are also able to provide you with web sites that
may provide you with current software updates, user manuals, or basic
troubleshooting help.
Disadvantages-
The use of Proprietary parts-
the term Proprietary refers to products that are unique to an individual company
and that company only.
So if a part was to malfunction
on your computer after warranty and you needed to replace it you could not just
go to your local computer store and purchase any old part even if it was
intended for the same function as the item that failed.
You would be forced to buy the
exact same item that came out of the computer or else the computer would more
than likely cease to function correctly.
Having to buy proprietary parts
usually involves the need to place an order which means you’ll have to wait for
the part to arrive or you’ll have to send your computer into the company or an
authorized dealer of that company for repairs.
People with a home based
business would probably not be too happy with that situation at all.
Integrated/On-board parts- In
the computer world when you hear the word integrated or on-board it means that a
particular part such as the modem or sound port where you plug in your speakers,
is built-in or part of the computer main board (Also known as the Motherboard).
This means that if any of these
items should fail, you can’t just remove them from the computer and replace them
with a new part. They are usually soldered directly to the main board and are
stuck there.
Although, some computers do
provide a way to disable a malfunctioning device which will allow you to install
your own store bought device to take the place of the broken part.
From a computer technicians
point of view this is not always easy to do.
It just depends on what brand
of computer you currently have. Meaning some are easier to work on than others.
A “CLONE” computer is a clone
or a copy of its brand-name counterpart with the exception that instead of
company specific or proprietary parts, the items used to make a clone computer
are from several different companies instead of only one.
Let’s say that if you were to
go to a local company that builds “clone” computers, and you tell them what you
need, chances are they don’t use parts that are specific to only that type of
computer like the brand-name computer companies do.
This is a good thing because it
means that they will probably use components that are interchangeable with many
different brands and are easy to come by if needed.
Some Advantages/Disadvantages
of “Clone” computers include:
Advantages-
Cost- compared to brand-name
computers the clone will generally be easier on your pocket book when purchasing
one with similar features as its brand-name counterpart.
This is most likely due to the
money that is saved by not offering the high-end customer service. Although,
that may not be the only reason for the lower prices.
Easily Accessible Replacement
Parts- Since the clone computer was built with parts that are not any one
company specific, you can buy parts for the clone computer that can be used even
if the brand is different from the one that was in the computer when you
originally bought it.
Note: Before you buy any parts,
it is necessary to make sure that the replacement parts are compatible with your
particular computers system requirements.
Either consult the manual that
should have came with your computer or get help from a knowledgeable friend or
repair person.
Disadvantages-
Warranties- Unless you purchase
a service plan you will typically not have as an attractive warranty as you
would with a brand-name computer company.
Whatever you do just make sure
you understand how long the warranty is for and as to what kind of repairs the
warranty covers before you make the purchase.
Customer Support- With
brand-name computer companies you are usually provided with a 24-hour toll free
number that you can call if you have questions or concerns with your computer.
Clone computers are more than
likely not going to have a 24-hour help service, but rather you will be forced
to only be able to call during regular business hours.
Also, it is more than likely
that there will not be any one website that you can go to in order to find out
information concerning troubleshooting questions you may have.
For service it may be necessary
to take the computer back to the store that you bought it at or you may have to
do some research on the individual parts that went into the computer and visit
the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips.
Finally, if all else fails you
can certainly take what you have learned from this article and being that you
know what you need now, but don’t know where to go and get that “Perfect
Computer”, the best resource at your disposal are the very men and woman that
work at your local electronics shop.
It is their duty to help you
get hold of that “Perfect Computer” that best fits your needs. All you need to
do is tell them what you plan on using that computer for and they should be more
than happy to help you from there.
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