What to Not Forget to Buy When Buying a Computer

Buying a new computer is a real exciting thing. It can be especially exciting for your kids as well. To many, it feels like Christmas morning as you open up the cardboard box and pull the contents out.

It may seem overwhelming for some to see all the cords and instruction manuals. Luckily nowadays the cords are color coded for easy computer installations.

However one of the worse things someone can do is to forget to buy certain things for your new computer. Bringing it home to realize you don't have what you need to have it complete can be frustrating. It's like getting a new remote control car for Christmas, but no one has AA batteries.

Most computers come with everything you need to have a simple install start up. But some are still missing things you will want.

Speakers

A lot of computer bundles do not come with speakers. You have to check the package to see if it comes with speakers. If it doesn't, you'll go home to no sound on your new computer. Laptops do not need separate speakers.

Mouse Pad

Also note that your new computer may not even come with a proper keyboard and mouse. Laptops do not always come with a mouse either. This doesn't happen often as I have found new computers at least have this. But they do not come with a mouse pad. You can get them for as cheap as $2 in some cases if you just want a standard black one.

Web Cam / Microphone

If you bought your computer so that you can connect with your family and friends online, this is a great thing to have. What a great way to introduce your computer in your home than to have a family member have a voice or webcam meeting with you. It can be a lot of fun, and you don't have to spend much for these.

Headphones

You could use your CD player headphones as well, but you can also buy separate headphones. It is highly recommended to have a set of headphones when you buy your new computer especially if your computer is going to be in the middle of the family room or if you live in the dorms or just have roommates. People aren't always going to want to hear the music or game you're playing on your computer.

Carrying Case

If you are getting a laptop, remember to get a carrying case. You can get one of these for about $20 - $30 in sleek styles. It will protect your laptop when you travel with it.

Power Strip

You can get a power strip for as cheep as $7 or get the ones for $100 that protect your computer against electricity infrequencies such as storms. Don't depend on your single outlets on the wall to support your computer needs.

You will need one for your monitor, one for your computer tower, one for your speakers, one for your modem, one for your router, and one for your printer. Not everyone will use all of these things, but at the minimum you are going to need enough plug ins for the standard three: monitor, speakers, tower.

USB cables / Ethernet / Phone Cord

You may need a USB cable for either your internet modem or printer. If you have not hooked up internet yet to your previous computer you may need an Ethernet or a regular phone cord.

Ethernet will be used if you are going from a router to your computer, or if you are using a cable modem.

A phone cord will be used if you are using a dial-up connection or going straight from your computer to a DSL modem.

Router / Wireless Card

If you plan on having multiple computers run the internet in your household, you will need a router. Routers are plugged into your modem and then to your multiple computers.

If you plan on having your computers somewhat close together you will just need additional Ethernet cords. However if you are having internet throughout the house, your computers will need to have a wireless card put into them, along with your router being wireless enabled.

Many times when you go into an electronic store and go to buy a new computer, the salesmen will try to convince you that you need everything and need to spend the most. Don't get swallowed into that.

Do your research before hand and decide exactly what you need. If you find a deal along the way, the more power to you. But don't let anyone persuade you into spending more than what your pocketbook can afford. These are only reminders of things you might need, so look at all of them and decide for yourself.

There are things on this list that you can do without too depending on your situation, what you previous own, what you can afford, and what your computer is going to be used for.