Computing

How to buy computers at low prices

You don't have to hold off on buying a computer because you feel like they are too expensive. These days you can buy very nice computers rather cheap and it is not really that hard. With today's solid-state components, there isn't really a whole lot that can go wrong with a computer on a regular basis so it's well worth it to consider the cheap ones. Here are some tips to buying cheap computers:

Needs of the user

Always ask yourself what it is you will use a computer for. If you only need a computer to do simple document management, email, spreadsheets, and surf the internet then you only really need the basics: A 1-2 Gigabyte processor, 60 Gigabyte hard drive, 256 Megabytes of Random Access Memory (RAM), a standard monitor, and an office software project such as Microsoft Office. You can probably get away for around $400.00 USD.

Search for computers to buy from the Internet. Dell Computers - www.dell.com is a good place to start. There are others such as www.tigerdirect.com .

Ebay

Software installed on the computer can drive the price of it up. If you are a techie-type you might want to evaluate what type of software you really want. You might be able to go to Ebay ( www.ebay.com ) and buy Microsoft Office OEM software for a fraction of the cost that you would pay to purchase it from the computer manufacturer already installed. This will save you tremendous amounts of money.

If offered Windows XP Professional on your new computer and you typically only do the basics like word processing and internet browsing, then refuse it and let them install the standard Windows XP Home Edition. The Professional version can run you some cost and it is not necessary if you are not going to use the advanced features.