General Advice on Computers. Review on General Tips on Computers

Whether you are an engineering, business, social sciences or a VCE student, chances are that at some stage you will be using a computer in your course. While there are computers available on campus, some students consider buying a personal computer. Although computer prices have come down considerably in the last few years, a computer is still an expensive item and one needs to consider a number of issues carefully prior to purchase.

These include:

What am I going to use the computer for?

How much money can I afford to spend?

Would a second hand computer do the job?

Shall I buy a Macintosh or IBM Compatible?

How big a hard drive do I need or am likely to need in the future?

How much RAM memory is required?

Do I need to get a modem and printer right now, or can these wait?

Do I really need to have a CD-ROM drive and a sound card or can these wait?

If you do not know much about computers, you may find it difficult to decide what you exactly need. While there is no harm in speaking to a keen computer salesperson, it would be a good idea to speak to friends who have computers or know about computers. Their experience and knowledge can be invaluable in helping you decide what to purchase.

Tips

Spend more money on the main system(the processor, memory, monitor, disk space) than on other accessories(modem, printer) that you don't need immediately. You don't really want to run out of hard disk space within a short period. Hence you could hold off buying a modem for a while and instead get more memory or a faster processor.

If you are buying a new system, buy from a reputable dealer who has been in business for a while, has good back up support and offers a decent written warranty for the system.

The Green Guide(Thursdays Melbourne Age) is a good place to find out about computers and about current prices.

If you are in the market for a second hand computer, have a look at the Trading Post. Computers are generally competitively priced both in the Green Guide and the Trading Post.

If you are planning to buy a second hand computer, take along someone with you who knows about computers, so that they can check the system out. The life of a new computer system is around three years. Be aware, that if you are buying a second hand computer it will be cheaper, but its useful life will probably be shorter.

Computers can be fun and a useful learning aid but they can be time consuming and you need to be aware that there's more to life than computers and surfing the net!