How to Buy a Computer

Last updated: May 30 2005

If you're in the market for a new personal computer, now is a good a time as any to buy one. Why? Because the tech economy slump has PC makers scrambling to unload computers in a market of reluctant computer buyers. (If you're ready to buy and just want some advice on buying computers on the Web, please go to our Buy On The Web section.)

Here's some info you may find helpful:

How to buy a small business PC in 2004. Leat about the features to consider when buying a computer for your small business or home office. Click here

How to buy a laptop in 2005. Learn about the features to consider when buying a laptop computer, includes info about wireless networking options.
Click here for our 2004 laptop column

Computers 101: If you're new to computers here's an overview of the parts inside a computer's case: Click here

Computers 102: Here's an overview of what devices you might need to connect to the computer: Click here

Deciding on a processor: Now you know what's important, here's how to decide which microprocessor (the brain of a computer) to choose, including the difference between a Pentium III, Pentium 4, Pentium Celeron, AMD Duron and AMD Athlon. Click here.

Tasks computers can do: Now you need to figure out what computer you should buy based on the tasks you expect it to do. Click here.

SalesSpeak 101: How to beat the gobbledegook spouted by silicon snakeoil salespeople. Click here.

Computer worksheet: Here's a printable worksheet to help you with your purchase:

• Click here for a Web version .
• Click here for a Adobe PDF version (requires Adobe Reader)
• Click here for a Microsoft Word (RTF) verison

(Thanks to Deb and Judy for providing the Word version)

On-line purchase: Where can I buy a computer on the Web? Click here.

Computer Connectors: Even wonder what all those connectors at the back of your computer are? Use our illustrated quickguide to figure 'em out: Click here

More advice: We don't sell computers, but we can recommend places to buy on the Web and various packages. Or if you'd like further advice, please e-mail our computer expert Andy Walker with your questions at: buyacomputer@cyberwalker.com.

More how-to columns that should help:

• What are those connectors on the back of a computer?
• What do I look for when I buy a laptop?
• What types of memory chips are there and how do I add more after I have bought a computer?
• How to choose a power bar
• How to choose a portable music player so it will play home made CDs
• Which Internet connection should I buy?
• What do I look for when buying a small business computer?
• How do I choose a backup technology?

Want even more advice columns? Click here

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