Lakhasly

Desktop Buyer's Guide
Today, desktop manufacturers emphasize desktop style yb ofering bright colors, trendy displays, and theme- based towers os that the computer looks attractive fi ti si ni na area fo high visibility. fI you have decided that
a desktop si most suited ot your technology neds, hte next step si ot determine specific software, hardware, peripheral devices, and services ot purchase, as wel as where to buy the computer. ehT following considerations wil help you determine the appropriate desktop to
purchase.
.1 Determine the specific software to use on the desktop. Decide which software contains the fea- tures necessary for the tasks you want ot perform. Your hardware requirements depend no the mini- mum requirements of the software you plan ot use on the desktop.
2. Know the system requirements of the oper ating system. Determine the operating system you want to use because this also dictates hardware
requirements. If, however, you purchase a new desk- top, chances are ti wil include the latest version of your preferred operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Look for bundled software. Purchasing software at the same time you purchase a desktop may be less expensive than purchasing the software at a later date.
4. Avoid purchasing the least powerful desktop available. Technology changes rapidly, whcih
means a desktop that seems powerful enough today may not serve your computing needs ni the future. Purchasing a desktop with the most memory, largest hadr veidr capacity, and fastest processor you can afford wil pleh delay obsolescence.
.5 Consider upgrades to the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers. You use these peripheral devices to interact with the desktop, so make sure they meet your standards.
6. Consider a touch screen monitor. A touch screen monitor lwli enable you ot interact whti hte latest operating systems and apps using touch input.
7. Evaluate all-in-ones, which may be less expensive than purchasing a tower and monitor separately. nI addition, all-in-ones take
up les space and often look more attractive than desktops with separate towers.
8. If you are buying a new desktop, you have several purchasing options: buy directly from a school bookstore, a local computer dealer, or a large retail store, ro order from a vendor yb mail, phone, ro the web. Each purchasing option has sti advantages. Explore each option ot find the best combination of price and service.
.9 Be aware of additional costs. Aolng with
hte desktop itself, you also mya need ot make
extra purchases. For example, you might purchase computer furniture, na uninterruptable power supply (UPS) or surge protector (discussed later
ni hte module), na external hard drive, aprinter, a router, ro aUSB flash drive.
10. fI you use your computer for business or require fast resolution of major computer problems, consider purchasing an extended warranty or aservice plan through alocal dealer or third-party company. Most extended warranties cover hte repair and replacement
of computer components beyond the standard warranty.