Business Computer Buyers Guide - Fall 2011 - Desktop!

The following guide can be used to purchase a new computer for your home or a school student. We will go over the Pro's and Con's based on my 25 years of experience in the computer industry. This is just a guideline and is based on the many computers that come through my door and what my customer tell me works and doesn't work for them. Always find out as much as you can before purchasing any computer.

The rest of the options such as Hard Drive Size, DVD or Blu-Ray, Screen Size or Printer options are personal preference's and not a consideration at this time, they really don't effect performance or speed of the computer. Please remember though Bigger is not always better. Large hard drives such as 2 TB and Larger and slower than 1 TB and smaller drives. Large screens bigger than 22" are hard to watch if you aren't back at least 5 ft or more. Please check out these option in store and make your own choice.

* Micro and Mini Towers use specialized parts and if they break it can be very hard to find replacement part as well as the cost is much higher than standard parts. These types of tower also have heat issue due to the compact nature of their design. All-In-One computers are very expensive to repair and have overheating issues, they many times have to be sent back to the factory due to special tools to work on them.

** There are brand name company that show up all the time, some are here for a year or so then there gone, be careful of local brands, make sure you ask around and see what your friends know about the brand. Custom builds can be great, but once again get references for the company. If you don't know ask your friends, I would ask at least 15 people what brand they bought and if they are happy....your friends are you market research think tank.

*** Windows starter is a basic version of windows, it runs OK, but is missing a lot of functions you may need. Getting a version such as Windows Home 7 Premium only cost a few dollars more.... don't get cheap on this option.

**** MS Windows Ultimate Cost a lot more, than the Premium or Pro version, only get this version if you need either of the follow, 1. 30+ language support, if you support for German or Spanish, then this is the version for you. 2. If you need higher security for files, encryption etc., then this version has bit-locker that will help to keep your private information private. If you don't need either of these don't spend the extra $100.