When it is time to upgrade your computer or simply just buy a new one, where do you start? You will first need to determine what it is you are looking for. What will you be doing with your computer? Is it mostly for word processing using Open Office and some basic internet use or will you be using it for major uploads, downloads, saving large files, and/or using it for gaming purposes? Depending on the types of things you will be doing with your computer, your computer needs will change. For someone who uses minimal storage space and basic internet with minimal files being stored, it is not necessary to buy a computer with an extra large storage capacity or super fast processor. But, for someone whose computer use is intense, storing large files, involves constant uploads and downloads, your needs will definitely be more focused towards a faster processor with a large storage capacity.
Make a list of the things you really want your computer to do for you. Being a basic computer user, the basic things that you might do with your computer are listening to music using players like VLC, watching videos and web streams by having Xvid codecs for your media players, file sharing over peer to peer networks like Ares etc. In case you are an advanced computer user then you might use your computer for word processing tasks, preparing presentations and spreadsheets work using Open Office, graphics work using tools like Photoshop, remote desktop access using remote control tools, FTP file transfers using tools like filezilla etc. Being a basic user you can think about buying a computer that is average in terms of speed and processing. However, being an advanced user you should be investing in buying a fast machine so that it could serve your for the years to come.
If you are researching computers online and understand what it is you need, your list will help you determine if you are getting everything you need in a computer. If you are not computer savvy and need a little extra help, then take your list with you when shopping for a computer, which will help the salesperson to better understand your wants and needs in a computer. This is going to save you time and frustration when you get in front of all the computer options and will help you stay focused on your computer needs and not get sidetracked by all the fun little gadgets. All the computer “extras” are fine and can be a lot of fun, but you want to be sure you are getting the options you need in your computer.