Systems, Components and Features to Consider When Purchasing a PC

Shopping for the right personal computer involves more than just what looks really cool or even what the best deal of the day is. In fact, some of the systems listed as a great bargain are anything but. You may end up with hardware you cannot upgrade or discover that there really is no one to call when you experience a problem - and you will have that problem.

For example, some of the budget systems of today have all components like video, audio, modem, and networking integrated into the motherboard which too frequently means lesser quality than standalone adapters. When you have integrated video and decide you want to improve your display quality, you may open the case to learn there is no AGP slot - the connection point for the majority of today's video adapters - so you cannot add a separate AGP adapter as an upgrade.

When shopping, try these recommendations.

1. Identify the features you most need before you start looking. If possible, separate these features into must have and optional. Refer to these when you shop.
2. Plan to buy the best system you can for the money you have to spend; don't cut corners unnecessarily.
3. It's usually best to buy a PC with the operating system you want to run preinstalled. While a good PC with decent hardware installed should take a change in operating systems fine, budget systems, for example, may be more finicky in a changeover because drivers may not be available for certain devices.
4. Try to determine if strategic components such as the video, audio, and network interface are integrated into the motherboard of a system you want to buy. Integrated components are fairly common, but you may have more difficulty upgrading such systems later on (depends on the hardware and manufacturer).
5. If you have an existing PC and you're adding a second, keep the first PC set up with access to the Internet at least until you have the new PC up and working. This makes you net-ready to look for help in the event you have problems configuring the new system.
6. Prices, packages, and support can vary widely. Use various online tools and sites as well as in-store visits to compare prices, features, and after-purchase support.
7. When comparing systems, look at what features these systems may lack that you expect to add yourself, if necessary. It may be cheaper to customize your PC through the dealer or site at the time of purchase than to upgrade a component later, but you have to verify this by checking prices ahead of time.
8. Don't get talked into substantially more system than you need or want, even while observing Tip #2.
9. Wherever possible, pay for your system with a credit card. This best protects you in the event of defective goods, particularly with special programs available through Gold and Platinum card memberships.
10. As soon as you get the new system set up, perform a complete backup (if you're using Windows, for example, a backup utility is included either directly or on the accompanying install CD).