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How much computer do I need?by Dave Anderson One thing I have learned in the 10 years I have been working with computers is that technology does not stand still. While I still proudly drive my 10 year old Honda Prelude, the same can not be said about the PC I bought in 1989. Thinking back a few years, I can remember helping my dad buy his first PC. We shopped for the best deal possible and paid over $2000.00 for an IBM compatible AT with 640K RAM running DOS 3.30. My dad still has that PC in a closet, and now we laugh to see the truly floppy 5 ¼" disk drive that used to be ‘state of the art’. Whether you have similar artifacts in your closet, or just bought your first system last month, a few things remain constant. It is still possible to buy a system for $2000.00; and - if you do - it will be just as obsolete as my dad’s old machine in a few short years. So, the critical issue becomes - how can I get the most from my investment, and make it last as long as possible? |
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The best answer is to consider how you plan to use your computer. With all the hype involved in the computer retail business these days, it is possible to spend lots of money, and still have no idea what to do when you get home. Others will toil in endless frustration trying to make their older system run today’s new software. So what is the answer? If you currently own a system, you probably have an idea of the software you enjoy using, or would like to purchase. Next time you are browsing at the software store, take a look at the system recommendations for these titles. Note the specifications for the following items:
Most software comes with two listings; ‘minimum’ system requirements and ‘recommended’ system requirements. Minimum requirements are often just that – the absolute minimum hardware needed for the program to operate. If your computer is at or below the level listed, you may be frustrated trying to make the software run on your machine. On the other hand, for many popular business programs, system requirements are often less than the highest end systems on the market. Even if you are planning your first computer purchase, a little homework can save you money and frustration. Read up on the current software offerings and get a feel for how you want to use your PC. Ask your friends or office IT staff about the best programs to buy, and the system requirements they recommend to run them. With this knowledge, you can better understand all the terms that will be thrown at you when you start to make a purchase. Finally, keep in mind that once you start buying computers, you will have many happy times, some frustrating times, and – before long – a closet full of old computers! Good luck, and happy computing.
Editor's note: Notice Dave's approach, here. Let the tasks you want to do determine what software you'll buy, and let the software determine what hardware you'll buy. Don't just go out and buy a computer--buy a computer that works very well with the software that allows you to do what you need to (or want to!) do. Not the other way around. I've spoken at length with Dave, and he is truly a PC dude. I encourage you to visit his site. -- MLL. |
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