Should I Buy a Brand New Computer?

Here's one fast fact you need to know about brand new desktop computers: they are really useless in this century if they are not connected to high-speed Internet. Another fast fact you need to know about brand new computers is that they are always replacing older models.

There was a point in the last century when computers were a luxury, but now they have become practically a necessity, and everyone is enjoying the benefits. Students are enjoying the latest programs and software. On the other hand, brand new computers are allowing the Navy to work under a unified enterprise network system. Over 15,000 brand new computers are going to be installed by the Navy at offshore overseas bases.

Should you always buy a brand new computer?

Now that question is something that's worth thinking about long and hard. After all, like cars, brand new computers tend to depreciate in value over time. And when you order a unit, the delivery can be wrought with a lot of stress - late delivery is just one of them.

A disturbing trend among brand new computers is that they are usually installed with spyware by PC manufacturers themselves. They do this so they can do any or all of these things:

·Promote the products of their affiliates

·Sell more software

·Round up information on their customers

Although brand new computers are not just about as cheap as old beat up cars, maintaining a personal computer can be expensive and dangerous, especially if you are software junkie and like to download the latest software update. Now you really don't have to download the latest software update. However, if you are two releases behind or two years out of date, then you need to upgrade. Keep in mind though that most free games, so-called anti-spyware software, and other fun downloadable items for kids also come with spyware and viruses.

You should know that a lot of downloadable software, from Windows updates, scanners, security programs, media players, programs for digital camera, harps on your ego. If you feel the itch to upgrade, ask yourself if you really need the software. Too often, when you download a software, it will break another software already installed. To protect your computer, always set a restore point. Check your computer's system restore option - your PC is protected in case your software ruins your system.

Be careful of what you download. Spyware slows your computer down. Among the nefarious things it does, the worst is crash your system. Spyware makers are always looking for ways to spread malicious spyware to gather personal information like credit cards and personal login information to online banking systems. The bad thing about Spyware is that too often they are installed without your knowledge.

If you are thinking of buying a brand new computer, always consider your needs. If you write for a living, your old PC is good enough. Of course, if you are programmer, then you probably need to buy a brand new unit.