Choosing a New Computer

Are you working from home these days and your computer crashed? You took it to your local repair shop, and they just shook their heads. We’re sorry; there is just no way your computer can be repaired. Oh no! Why not settle in and let us teach you what you need to know about choosing a new computer.

Choosing a New Computer Has Changed

Even if you are not like me and do not hold onto your technology for years (and years), you will be surprised when you are in the market for a new computer. Computers have changed so much. Today’s machines are generally faster, more power-efficient, thinner, and, in many cases, cheaper. In addition, they can also be more complex.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the terminology that can confuse buyers without advanced degrees ­ or an enthusiasm for technology. Let Megabite guide you in which computer you want and need without paying for features or options you do not need.

Learn Technology Speak

As I mentioned earlier, there are multiple terms that you should be aware of before you get your new computer. Let’s start with processor speed.

Processor Speed

According to HP, “computer processor speed (CPU speed) is one of the most important elements to consider when comparing computers. The CPU is often referred to as “the brain” of your computer, so ensuring it’s working properly is very important to the long life and functionality of your computer. Understanding what makes a good processor speed starts with understanding what exactly a processor does – and what its components do to improve the functionality of your computer.”

One of the first things to know is what a computer processing unit (CPU) is. The CPU is hardware, and its job is to interact with applications and programs installed on your computer. The processor sends and receives information, completes tasks, and puts the software to work. To explain further, once you request a task to process in an application, the processor carries out that job and delivers the information to where you want it to go.

How quickly the processor completes the task has a significant effect on your user experience. You won’t be happy if you have to wait a long time for the CPU to finish your instructions. That is why it is crucial to know the processor speed.

Devices

America has gone mobile, and so have computers. I ran across an article recently that said that laptops are the most popular type of computer today, followed by tablets. In addition, that same article mentioned that together, portable devices account for about four-fifths of the worldwide market.

You can still purchase big desktops. However, you will find that those bigger desktops are usually built for high-end users who need the ultra-high-speed capability.

RAM

According to AARP, the (Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer is the short-term memory. In other words, it’s essentially the functional workspace. RAM makes information more manageable for the computer to access. That means RAM makes computers faster. The more RAM you have, the better. That allows you to open more programs or browser tabs. Of course, more RAM also means your computer will run smoother.

What’s Your Choice

Another consideration you need to decide on is whether you want to have cable connectors or go wireless. Which one is better? Generally, ethernet cable is faster. It is also more secure. Although wires are more cumbersome and less convenient than Wi-Fi, you will usually have much better stability.

On the other hand, wireless allows flexibility and productivity that wired computers don’t offer. Just imagine the freedom you can have if you do not have to plug into a router. Another key point is that wireless devices are more cost-effective, which definitely will enter into your choice of choosing a new computer.

Speaking of Cost

Cost is probably going to be one of the top qualifying elements you consider as to which computer you purchase. One thing to remember – price and quality go hand in hand. The cheaper the device, the lower the quality will be.

Don’t Forget Screen Size

Equally important when choosing a new computer is what size the screen is. The smaller the screen size, the harder it will be to read. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a monitor for a desktop computer or to connect to a laptop, a good recommendation for size is 27-32 inches. Conversely, a good size for laptops is 14-15 inches.

What Is a Hard Drive

A hard drive is the hardware element that stores all of your digital content and is hardware. Examples include a keyboard, a monitor, a hard drive, and other visible components.

On the other hand, examples of content stored on your hard drive are your documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, application preferences, and the operating system. These all represent digital content stored on a hard drive.

Hard drives can be external or internal. Everything stored on a hard drive is measured in terms of its file size. Documents (text) are usually minimal. In progression, pictures take more space, music takes even more, and videos are the largest.

Data Storage Amount Is Important

One more consideration when choosing a new computer is data storage. Data storage is part of your computer hardware (usually simplified to just hardware). How much data storage you need is dependent on your needs. How are you going to use your computer? Essentially, you might be able to get by with 256GB of storage. Or you might be able to get by with substantially less if you use cloud storage.

Choosing a New Computer Conclusion

It used to be that you could go to your local computer store and pick up a new computer. Now, you need to consider a multitude of options and features before you make your purchase. Consumer Reports has a computer buying guide that has great advice. The guide would be a good read before you make a new purchase.

Do you still have questions about choosing a new computer? Megabite offers free tech advice. Simply send a brief email with your questions to [email protected], and we’ll do our best to respond to you within 24 hours.

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Categorised in: Technology Information

This post was written by Megabite