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What is the correct system to buy?

© E. Ross Helton

The most common question seems to be; "Will I make the wrong computer purchase?". Most first time buyers seem to be in this state of confusion. However, it can be even be said that long time users often have the same confusion. Most of the problem seems to come from the question of whether the computer will be compatible. This brings up the question of what is it supposed to be compatible with?

Of course it must be Win95 compatible, no it should be NT compatible, no it should be Win3.1 compatible, or no it should be Dos compatible! In the real world, it should should be compatible with YOU the user.

The following are some tests to help make this compatibility work:

Software Test: What software do you need to accomplish what you need to get done? Don't start with what Windows or Dos. Start with the actual piece(s) of software that will do the task(s) you have to accomplish. If you are writing the greatest novel ever written, it wouldn't do you much good to have spread sheet as your major piece of software. You might need it to calculate your profits from that book, but it wouldn't do much to help you write it. For this task, you would need a word processor. After this, you would want to get a word processor that you can use, and one which will be beneficial to you.

Harware test: Once you have picked the software, you will need hardware which will run it. Items needed may include printer, computer processor, monitor, modem, correct amount of computer ram(memory), and hard drive. Depending on the software applications you have chosen, you may need all of these hardware items, or just some of them. You may even need more. The key is to select what will do the tasks you want, and will give you the ability to expand somewhat beyond that.

Training test: When you go to use that software and hardware, can you get the necesssary training? Will that be a part of the purchase, or will be an added expense later?

Service test: If something breaks or quits operating as it should, how will you get it serviced?

With a little research and comparative shopping, you should be able to accomplish all of the above without too much trouble. If you will apply these tests, and stick to them, you should end up with a system you can use and enjoy for some time to come.

Make it a good day!

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