1. Buying a Computer Tom Brandstater

2. Important Steps Follow each step Ask yourself each question Evaluate your final decision

3. What are you computing needs? Know realistic goals and levels you will need your computer to serve for you. Think ahead and plan what you will need in the future.

4. How far will your money go? Have a budget and stick with it. Know how much you want to spend and become familiar with what you can get for your money. Ask yourself “I am prepared to buy another computer in a few years?”

5. Are used computers adequate? If on a very strict budget a good used computer can meet your needs. Look in newspaper ads, internet auctions, campus bulletin boards or a friends reference. Take it to a computer repair shop to check for any defects.

6. Borrowing computers? Relying on a friends computer might be a bad idea and should only be a last resort. You want your computer available at all times. Having your own system is convenient.

7. What software do I need? Know what software you want before you buy your hardware. Ask fellow peers and faculty what they prefer and/or suggest. Different software specializes in different things so know what you need.

8. “Computer envy” New computers are introduced almost monthly so do not get caught up in the craze of a new computer. It would be impossible to keep up with the industry that is constantly producing something better than you just bought.

9. Computer Upgrade Make sure you know its time to upgrade. Do not upgrade piece by piece because it is not worth all the money spent. So recalculate what you need and what you want to spend.

10. What should I upgrade? Become familiar with the exact things you want to improve. Performance? Storage? Technology?

11. Who should do the upgrade? You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it. Make sure you know exactly what you are doing before ruining your computer. Only hire a professional who you are confident can get the job done.