I don't know how often I've mentioned this, but I'm a Sr. Network/Tech Support analyst for a major University. I've been working in IT for
quite a few years, now. Three friends have recently asked for my advice about buying computers. One was my sister, and I realized I've had to put separate
emails together for all these people about computers, and I'm going to make it a post so I can just copy/paste it into emails from now on. I copied this
from my blog, just because I thought it might come in handy for people here, too! And it's got some useful links!
These are the steps I advise for people who are considering buying a computer.
1) Laptop or desktop? I have a laptop only. These days, laptops are nearly as powerful as desktops, or can be, so evaluate what you want to use it for. If you want a computer to to sit on the couch or travel with, get a laptop. If you're just a casual user, once in a while at home, or you want to do serious gaming without paying a billion dollars, don't pay the extra for the laptop...get a desktop. Laptops tend to be a little more delicate, too, so take that into account. Decide which suits you better, and THEN start looking. The choices can be overwhelming, so have a good idea what you're looking for before you start shopping.
You WILL pay more for a decent laptop than you would for a desktop with many more bells and whistles. Just a fact of life.
2) Check with your workplace. If they have a corporate account with a vendor, Dell or HP or any other large vendor, you will almost certainly get a nice employee discount. You will ALSO get access to better service. It's a sad fact that home-user tech support just isn't as good as corporate account tech support. If you can buy through your company and you work it right, you'll be able to place a call to the corporate support number, which will allow you to get better and quicker tech support should something go wrong.
3) Consider refurbished computers, but only through a reliable vendor, like Dell. You can get a very nice computer for FAR less than the market rate, because as companies roll over their leases, their older computers go back to the vendor. In many cases these computers are awesome and have no problems, both laptops and desktops.
I prefer Dells for refurbished computers, simply because their warranties are better. I also like their desktop options, which are very price-friendly. Check out the Dell Refurb site here. Every major vendor has a similar page.
Toshibas are great laptops, too; I had one that lasted me five years without a single problem. If you really want a great laptop, get a Thinkpad. I've never met a Thinkpad I didn't ADORE.
Do not, under any circumstances, purchase a Gateway.
3a) I actually usually prefer to buy a computer that I've been able to see, touch, handle, etc. Take a trip to Best Buy or your local computer retailer, and test-drive some models. See what they look and feel like. Make sure the tower will actually fit under your desk. I also have to say, the laptop I purchased from Best Buy came with the customer care warranty through the store, not the manufacturer. Those guys gave me INCREDIBLE service, via the Geek Squad. They were responsive, quick, knowledgeable, and sympathetic. High marks for Best Buy, if you're going to buy a computer in person. They also occasionally have really good sales.
4) While you're investigating these options, keep the following in mind:
- Get a Dual-core (Intel Core2 Duo) or higher level processor (they're coming out with quad-core processors now). The chip makes a difference. If you get the cheaper Celeron processor, for example, your computer will run hotter and slower. A dual-core is especially important in a laptop; because they aren't quite as robust, the better chip will allow you to run multiple applications without crashing, it'll run faster, it won't overheat as quickly, and so on.
- The size of the hard drive is less important than you think. I advise almost everyone to get an external hard drive...they're cheap these days!...to store things like downloaded shows, pictures, music, etc. Unless you're a serious, serious collector who's going to store all eight seasons of CSI on your hard drive, don't worry about this too much, especially if you store stuff in an external drive. This is a good idea anyway, since sometimes, hard drives DO DIE. Back up your stuff! Save it somewhere that's not your computer! Ask anyone who's learned this the hard way, and their fervency will convert you.
- Memory IS important. These days you can get a laptop with 2G of memory for a reasonable price. I wouldn't go below that. On a desktop, go as high as you can afford.
- Really pay attention to the physical size, if you're going for a laptop. If you're going to be carrying it through the airport, get something SMALL. It will cost more, but you'll save your back and shoulders. If it's going to be your use-at-home-don't-take-anywhere computer, don't pay extra for the teeny-tiny. You'll find the larger models have more comfortable keyboards and larger screens, which is nice. Since I'm carrying mine around with me and also using it at home, I went middle-of-the-road, with a Dell Latitude D630. 14" screen and full keyboard. It's a little over 5 lbs, heavier than I'd like, but it's a good compromise.
- Addendum to above: If you already have a home computer and just want something to travel with, look into one of the "mini laptops" that are out now. They're TINY. If you just need internet access and some basic functions on the road, this is the choice for you! Check out the Eee PC and others. I do like the ASUS machines. They're almost all identical in terms of power and features, so go with the one you like best. Best of all, they're cheap...if you already have a desktop at home, and want something you can sit on the couch with to check your email or take with you to vacation, these babies are fabulous. Dell has come out with one as well, and I DESPERATELY want one.
- Really pay attention to the configuration, if you're getting a desktop. Does it come with a monitor? Try to find one that does, or get a refurbished monitor, too, and make sure it's the right size for what you're using it for. Flatscreens are awesome. How many USB ports are you getting? What software comes bundled with the machine? Probably nothing useful, but it's always good to check. Do you need an ergonomic keyboard? It's almost always cheaper to order it as a 'bundle' with the computer itself, if possible. Remember, they want you to buy the computer. Odds are, they're going to give you a deal on all the other stuff.
- Almost all computers come with CD/DVDRW+ optical drives these days, but some refurbished machines do not, so check before buying. Keep in mind that if you want to burn DVDs that will actually play on your DVD player, you will need not only the DVDRW drive, but also a software package that will allow you to burn playable DVDs. If you're just burning data to DVDs for storage, you do NOT need a specialized software package. Evaluate what you're going to want to do with your optical drive, and make sure you have everything you need.
5. If you are NOT getting a brand new computer, or if your computer is lower on power, memory, or processing, DO NOT get Windows Vista. Vista actually works quite well, when you're using the full Pro or Home version, and on a computer with the guts to run it properly. The problem is, it's often installed badly, or on a computer that really doesn't have the power to handle the increased workload.
I believe Dell will still ship certain models of their computers with Windows XP pre-installed instead of Vista. However, you have to CALL THEM and request it specifically. I also believe nearly every computer that comes with Vista installed will also offer the option to "roll back" to XP. This is perfectly fine, and if you don't want to get used to Vista, do this. However, there are some configuration steps that need to be taken before you accomplish a succcessful roll-back. If you're not comfortable going into Setup and changing the boot mode, call Tech Services and have them walk you through it, before you try it yourself and end up frustrated.
If you're getting a new computer and you're running Vista, and you want to turn off the annoying "this program needs your permission to continue" popup thing, which is the most common Vista complaint, do the following:
Go to your start menu, click Run. In the little box, type msconfig. When the menu pops up, click tools. At the bottom of the list run Disable UAC.
6. I'm going to get a lot of shit for this one, but I usually advise people NOT to get a Mac. Unless you have a specific reason, like you need a particular design or graphics program that will only run on a Macintosh machine, you're paying a whole lot more, for less computer. Basically, you're paying that money for the "hip factor" and for the sleek design and for their ad campaigns. It's just not enough bang for your buck. In addition, most applications that run on Macs will also run on Windows machines, but the reverse isn't true. You CAN run Windows on a Mac, in a parallel session, but it's the most godawful annoying setup in the whole world. Most of us who work in tech support (in an informal poll I took between myself and all my coworkers from this and my last job) won't touch a Mac without hazard pay. It's THAT FRUSTRATING.
The other thing is, the Mac operating system is pretty much completely locked down (I've heard they're changing this on newer releases of the OS, but I haven't seen it yet myself). If you have a problem with your Mac, you have to take it to the Mac store to be fixed. And about six times out of ten, THEY have to send it back to Apple. My friends' Macs spend more time in transit between them and the Mac repair place than they do being used! If you're a power user or can take some time to poke around your operating system and learn its ins and outs, Windows OS are actually fairly easy to diagnose, fix, and otherwise customize to your specifications.
Of course, if you're a real geek, you're gonna install Unix. But if you're a real geek, why are you reading my geek-lite post? *GRIN*
7. DO NOT PURCHASE MCAFEE OR NORTON. Seriously. Seriously, don't do it. Half the computers I have to fix are FUBAR by one of these programs. They suck all your processing power while they're running, and they're virus-like in their infiltration of every aspect of your computer and their insanely annoying popups and sale ads. And good luck trying to get it off your computer once you've installed it. In certain cases, I've just said "screw it," and blown away the whole computer with an OS re-install, rather than deal with uninstalling Norton.
I advise everyone to get AVG. They update their virus definitions daily, and lately have been a lot quicker to respond to new viruses than other software.
If you are a very safe user who's ultra-aware of everything you open, download, and process, and if you're totally comfortable getting spyware or the occasional sneaky virus off your computer, you can get the free version of AVG. It doesn't run an active (real-time) scan on everything that comes into your computer, but it's an awesome free package and is set to update and run daily.
If you'd rather not even think about it, you just want to surf away with total peace of mind, buy the Home Use AVG package (the first I linked to above). It's a hell of a lot cheaper than Norton or McAfee, it works amazingly well, and it won't freeze your computer into immobility while it's running scans. If you're paranoid or you visit porn sites a lot, get the full-featured Internet Security package.
8. Your computer is very much like any other tool; it has to be maintained and cleaned and otherwise cared for. If you just use it without ever giving a thought to its upkeep, it'll get messy and clogged and stop working right, and then you'll think "OH MY GOD TOSHIBA SUXX!" when actually, it's kinda your fault. Download and install the CCleaner. I install this on EVERY COMPUTER I USE. No exceptions, full stop. Use it at least once a week and it will keep your computer clear of crap, crud, and other stinky stuff. It deletes the "hidden" temporary internet file folders that build up all annoyingly and that you never notice, and many other things. It even has a "Registry Repair" tool. If you've been installing and uninstalling lots of programs, run this feature and it'll remove all those pesky fragments that most programs leave behind. You should notice an instant performance improvement.
Check every other month or so to see if you need to defrag your computer, and run Disk Cleanup even if you don't.
8a. Always, ALWAYS buy the extended warranty or service agreement on your laptop! Desktops aren't quite as vital, since they're more easily repaired. Always, always, ALWAYS get the longer service plan on your laptop. As I said above, they're more fragile. When things go wrong with them, it's not always easy to swap a component out. Laptop repair is expensive, no matter what brand or model you buy. Always, always, always get the extended warranty.
Remember, everything I've said here is MY OPINION ONLY, gained through my experiences working in tech support for the last four or five years. If you ask your techie friend across the way, she might tell you something completely different. These are based on my personal experience and knowledge, blah blah blah disclaimercakes.
Hopefully this is helpful. When I was out buying my first laptop, before I started working in IT, I was so overwhelmed that I had no idea what to get or which to choose. The companies don't always make it easy for people to realize what it is that they need and exactly how to decide between the billions of options out there!
These are the steps I advise for people who are considering buying a computer.
1) Laptop or desktop? I have a laptop only. These days, laptops are nearly as powerful as desktops, or can be, so evaluate what you want to use it for. If you want a computer to to sit on the couch or travel with, get a laptop. If you're just a casual user, once in a while at home, or you want to do serious gaming without paying a billion dollars, don't pay the extra for the laptop...get a desktop. Laptops tend to be a little more delicate, too, so take that into account. Decide which suits you better, and THEN start looking. The choices can be overwhelming, so have a good idea what you're looking for before you start shopping.
You WILL pay more for a decent laptop than you would for a desktop with many more bells and whistles. Just a fact of life.
2) Check with your workplace. If they have a corporate account with a vendor, Dell or HP or any other large vendor, you will almost certainly get a nice employee discount. You will ALSO get access to better service. It's a sad fact that home-user tech support just isn't as good as corporate account tech support. If you can buy through your company and you work it right, you'll be able to place a call to the corporate support number, which will allow you to get better and quicker tech support should something go wrong.
3) Consider refurbished computers, but only through a reliable vendor, like Dell. You can get a very nice computer for FAR less than the market rate, because as companies roll over their leases, their older computers go back to the vendor. In many cases these computers are awesome and have no problems, both laptops and desktops.
I prefer Dells for refurbished computers, simply because their warranties are better. I also like their desktop options, which are very price-friendly. Check out the Dell Refurb site here. Every major vendor has a similar page.
Toshibas are great laptops, too; I had one that lasted me five years without a single problem. If you really want a great laptop, get a Thinkpad. I've never met a Thinkpad I didn't ADORE.
Do not, under any circumstances, purchase a Gateway.
3a) I actually usually prefer to buy a computer that I've been able to see, touch, handle, etc. Take a trip to Best Buy or your local computer retailer, and test-drive some models. See what they look and feel like. Make sure the tower will actually fit under your desk. I also have to say, the laptop I purchased from Best Buy came with the customer care warranty through the store, not the manufacturer. Those guys gave me INCREDIBLE service, via the Geek Squad. They were responsive, quick, knowledgeable, and sympathetic. High marks for Best Buy, if you're going to buy a computer in person. They also occasionally have really good sales.
4) While you're investigating these options, keep the following in mind:
- Get a Dual-core (Intel Core2 Duo) or higher level processor (they're coming out with quad-core processors now). The chip makes a difference. If you get the cheaper Celeron processor, for example, your computer will run hotter and slower. A dual-core is especially important in a laptop; because they aren't quite as robust, the better chip will allow you to run multiple applications without crashing, it'll run faster, it won't overheat as quickly, and so on.
- The size of the hard drive is less important than you think. I advise almost everyone to get an external hard drive...they're cheap these days!...to store things like downloaded shows, pictures, music, etc. Unless you're a serious, serious collector who's going to store all eight seasons of CSI on your hard drive, don't worry about this too much, especially if you store stuff in an external drive. This is a good idea anyway, since sometimes, hard drives DO DIE. Back up your stuff! Save it somewhere that's not your computer! Ask anyone who's learned this the hard way, and their fervency will convert you.
- Memory IS important. These days you can get a laptop with 2G of memory for a reasonable price. I wouldn't go below that. On a desktop, go as high as you can afford.
- Really pay attention to the physical size, if you're going for a laptop. If you're going to be carrying it through the airport, get something SMALL. It will cost more, but you'll save your back and shoulders. If it's going to be your use-at-home-don't-take-anywhere computer, don't pay extra for the teeny-tiny. You'll find the larger models have more comfortable keyboards and larger screens, which is nice. Since I'm carrying mine around with me and also using it at home, I went middle-of-the-road, with a Dell Latitude D630. 14" screen and full keyboard. It's a little over 5 lbs, heavier than I'd like, but it's a good compromise.
- Addendum to above: If you already have a home computer and just want something to travel with, look into one of the "mini laptops" that are out now. They're TINY. If you just need internet access and some basic functions on the road, this is the choice for you! Check out the Eee PC and others. I do like the ASUS machines. They're almost all identical in terms of power and features, so go with the one you like best. Best of all, they're cheap...if you already have a desktop at home, and want something you can sit on the couch with to check your email or take with you to vacation, these babies are fabulous. Dell has come out with one as well, and I DESPERATELY want one.
- Really pay attention to the configuration, if you're getting a desktop. Does it come with a monitor? Try to find one that does, or get a refurbished monitor, too, and make sure it's the right size for what you're using it for. Flatscreens are awesome. How many USB ports are you getting? What software comes bundled with the machine? Probably nothing useful, but it's always good to check. Do you need an ergonomic keyboard? It's almost always cheaper to order it as a 'bundle' with the computer itself, if possible. Remember, they want you to buy the computer. Odds are, they're going to give you a deal on all the other stuff.
- Almost all computers come with CD/DVDRW+ optical drives these days, but some refurbished machines do not, so check before buying. Keep in mind that if you want to burn DVDs that will actually play on your DVD player, you will need not only the DVDRW drive, but also a software package that will allow you to burn playable DVDs. If you're just burning data to DVDs for storage, you do NOT need a specialized software package. Evaluate what you're going to want to do with your optical drive, and make sure you have everything you need.
5. If you are NOT getting a brand new computer, or if your computer is lower on power, memory, or processing, DO NOT get Windows Vista. Vista actually works quite well, when you're using the full Pro or Home version, and on a computer with the guts to run it properly. The problem is, it's often installed badly, or on a computer that really doesn't have the power to handle the increased workload.
I believe Dell will still ship certain models of their computers with Windows XP pre-installed instead of Vista. However, you have to CALL THEM and request it specifically. I also believe nearly every computer that comes with Vista installed will also offer the option to "roll back" to XP. This is perfectly fine, and if you don't want to get used to Vista, do this. However, there are some configuration steps that need to be taken before you accomplish a succcessful roll-back. If you're not comfortable going into Setup and changing the boot mode, call Tech Services and have them walk you through it, before you try it yourself and end up frustrated.
If you're getting a new computer and you're running Vista, and you want to turn off the annoying "this program needs your permission to continue" popup thing, which is the most common Vista complaint, do the following:
Go to your start menu, click Run. In the little box, type msconfig. When the menu pops up, click tools. At the bottom of the list run Disable UAC.
6. I'm going to get a lot of shit for this one, but I usually advise people NOT to get a Mac. Unless you have a specific reason, like you need a particular design or graphics program that will only run on a Macintosh machine, you're paying a whole lot more, for less computer. Basically, you're paying that money for the "hip factor" and for the sleek design and for their ad campaigns. It's just not enough bang for your buck. In addition, most applications that run on Macs will also run on Windows machines, but the reverse isn't true. You CAN run Windows on a Mac, in a parallel session, but it's the most godawful annoying setup in the whole world. Most of us who work in tech support (in an informal poll I took between myself and all my coworkers from this and my last job) won't touch a Mac without hazard pay. It's THAT FRUSTRATING.
The other thing is, the Mac operating system is pretty much completely locked down (I've heard they're changing this on newer releases of the OS, but I haven't seen it yet myself). If you have a problem with your Mac, you have to take it to the Mac store to be fixed. And about six times out of ten, THEY have to send it back to Apple. My friends' Macs spend more time in transit between them and the Mac repair place than they do being used! If you're a power user or can take some time to poke around your operating system and learn its ins and outs, Windows OS are actually fairly easy to diagnose, fix, and otherwise customize to your specifications.
Of course, if you're a real geek, you're gonna install Unix. But if you're a real geek, why are you reading my geek-lite post? *GRIN*
7. DO NOT PURCHASE MCAFEE OR NORTON. Seriously. Seriously, don't do it. Half the computers I have to fix are FUBAR by one of these programs. They suck all your processing power while they're running, and they're virus-like in their infiltration of every aspect of your computer and their insanely annoying popups and sale ads. And good luck trying to get it off your computer once you've installed it. In certain cases, I've just said "screw it," and blown away the whole computer with an OS re-install, rather than deal with uninstalling Norton.
I advise everyone to get AVG. They update their virus definitions daily, and lately have been a lot quicker to respond to new viruses than other software.
If you are a very safe user who's ultra-aware of everything you open, download, and process, and if you're totally comfortable getting spyware or the occasional sneaky virus off your computer, you can get the free version of AVG. It doesn't run an active (real-time) scan on everything that comes into your computer, but it's an awesome free package and is set to update and run daily.
If you'd rather not even think about it, you just want to surf away with total peace of mind, buy the Home Use AVG package (the first I linked to above). It's a hell of a lot cheaper than Norton or McAfee, it works amazingly well, and it won't freeze your computer into immobility while it's running scans. If you're paranoid or you visit porn sites a lot, get the full-featured Internet Security package.
Even if you already have a computer, read this part!
8. Your computer is very much like any other tool; it has to be maintained and cleaned and otherwise cared for. If you just use it without ever giving a thought to its upkeep, it'll get messy and clogged and stop working right, and then you'll think "OH MY GOD TOSHIBA SUXX!" when actually, it's kinda your fault. Download and install the CCleaner. I install this on EVERY COMPUTER I USE. No exceptions, full stop. Use it at least once a week and it will keep your computer clear of crap, crud, and other stinky stuff. It deletes the "hidden" temporary internet file folders that build up all annoyingly and that you never notice, and many other things. It even has a "Registry Repair" tool. If you've been installing and uninstalling lots of programs, run this feature and it'll remove all those pesky fragments that most programs leave behind. You should notice an instant performance improvement.
Check every other month or so to see if you need to defrag your computer, and run Disk Cleanup even if you don't.
8a. Always, ALWAYS buy the extended warranty or service agreement on your laptop! Desktops aren't quite as vital, since they're more easily repaired. Always, always, ALWAYS get the longer service plan on your laptop. As I said above, they're more fragile. When things go wrong with them, it's not always easy to swap a component out. Laptop repair is expensive, no matter what brand or model you buy. Always, always, always get the extended warranty.
Remember, everything I've said here is MY OPINION ONLY, gained through my experiences working in tech support for the last four or five years. If you ask your techie friend across the way, she might tell you something completely different. These are based on my personal experience and knowledge, blah blah blah disclaimercakes.
Hopefully this is helpful. When I was out buying my first laptop, before I started working in IT, I was so overwhelmed that I had no idea what to get or which to choose. The companies don't always make it easy for people to realize what it is that they need and exactly how to decide between the billions of options out there!
