Top Five Computer Buying Tips For Beginners

Bring a tech savvy person with you.

A tech savvy person will come in handy when determining what technical specifications you would like in a computer. They will also be helpful with explaining computer terms and concepts that you may not be comfortable with.

Remember, this is a learning experience

Do not be afraid to ask questions, even if you consider them to be dumb. If a salesperson or sales staff responds rudely to your questions or is unhelpful, then do not give them your business. There are plenty of places to buy computers, and if the store staff isn’t willing to answer your questions as a new buyer, then what makes you think that they are going to be willing to help you if something goes wrong with your new computer?

Be wary of extended warranties.

Extended warranties are cash cows for electronics stores. Most warranties merely extend the manufacturer’s warranty terms. If you hand over the bucks for an extended warranty, then you are basically receiving a one-time replacement pass. The only other option besides a repair or replacement is a store credit; stores almost never give refunds for extended warranty items. If your product breaks and is replaced under the extended warranty, then your warrant is often considered fulfilled. This means that your replacement product is not covered under the extended warranty, even if you are still within the time window of your warranty

Say no to store service offers.

Many electronics stores offer services, such as anti-virus software installation, for new computers. These services are almost always a rip off. The store will charge you a premium price for the software and an exorbitant fee to have some pimply -face kid plop a disk into your disk drive. Before paying for virus software, consider open-source (free) alternatives, such as ClamAV. Check with your internet service provider, to see if they provide free software. If you are a student, see if your IT department has free software, or if you can receive rebates on software from you school software store.

Have fun.

Remember, you are getting a new toy. Don’t be intimidated by the number of choices; look at all of the choices as an opportunity to find the perfect computer for you. Enjoy shopping around, and don’t be in a hurry to buy. Be sure to consider whether you want a laptop or desktop and which operating system you would like to use.