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Steve’s Guide to Buying a PC Part 3
Written by Steve Thursday, 12 August 2010 14:58
Steve’s Guide to Buying a PC Part 3
Part 3 – What Software do I need?
This is where most people get burned buying a new PC. You figured out the PC you want so now race out and buy it get it home and let’s get outlook setup for our email and sync our phone contacts to it right? Oh sure, you can do that – but after the office trial runs out then what? Your antivirus trial has run out too, so you’re not protected on the net so now that nice new PC is probably not so useful anymore.
A bit of planning is all it takes. If it’s a trial, uninstall it from your PC. Either buy a good anti-virus suite (we recommend Avira) as you will need this as a minimum. Most people will need to buy a version of Microsoft Office. As an alternative, you can use free software like OpenOffice If your building a PC, you can run Linux for your operating system, and most versions come with OpenOffice included.
Refer back to the list of what you want this computer to do and let it guide you through the software requirements. Here are some examples:
- Running a business? Consider an accounting package that meets your requirements.
- Want to type documents, spreadsheets and do email? Consider Microsoft Office, or OpenOffice.
- Getting on the internet? Make sure you have a good Anti-Virus solution.
- Doing graphic design or publishing? Consider one of the Adobe Suites.
Some software is available as OEM packages. This means it comes at a reduced price when you are purchasing a new PC, other packages are quite expensive, but buying all at the same time gives you more bargaining power.
Stay tuned for part 4 – The world of peripherals.
Steve’s Guide to Buying a PC Part 2
Last Updated on Thursday, 12 August 2010 14:59 Written by Steve Wednesday, 04 August 2010 12:47
Steve’s Guide to Buying a PC Part 2
Part 2 – What size are you, Netbook, Laptop or Desktop?
So now you have a rough idea of what you plan on doing with your new PC, so what size PC you will need relates closely to this.
Let’s start at the Desktop. Now you will need a desktop if you’re planning to use specific hardware applications, like special sound or video cards required for games, graphic design and studio recording. Because of the reduction in cost of laptop computers and the increase in speed and functionality, desktops PC’s are now becoming a server and purpose specific design.
Laptop computers are probably the most popular for now. Many people ask what the difference between a laptop and a notebook is – a notebook is thinner and more light weight, but has the same functions and falls into the same category of laptops. For the purposes of this guide, I will be referring to Notebooks as Laptops. If you are looking for portability but don’t want to sacrifice power or functionality, then these are for you. It suits most office, home and student requirements, and some gamers will be satisfied with the graphics ability on some of the high-end models.
Netbook are for the people who need the light-weight long battery life system. These systems are generally have a lower processor, a smaller than 11” screen and some also have a solid state hard drive to save on battery. They don’t come with an optical drive, but their strength is in connectivity. This is ideal for people who need to stay connected for things like email, and social networking and do research and some word processing. It’s good for most student requirements and can usually run for 3-4 hours on battery, but when it comes home time and you want to play a DVD, you’ll have to plug in an external drive for that.
So now you know what you want to do, and what type of PC you’re looking for, next is the software...
How to get help
Last Updated on Monday, 03 May 2010 12:31 Written by Steve Thursday, 29 April 2010 20:17
So you need help with that thing that has buttons and the flashing lights?
Well we can probably help you with that, but the best way to find out is to use our helpdesk system. It's pretty simple, and we'll get an answer to you as quickly as possible.
Simply click on the helpdesk button at the top of the page, and then click create new ticket. Make sure you fill in the fields that have a red * next to them, and provide as much detailed information as possible. When you submit the ticket, you'll get a confirmation email and you'll get an email when we come up with a solution. If we need more details, or the problem needs specific attention, then you'll be notified on every step of the progress.
Please be aware, that some support services will incur a charge, but don't panic - we'll let you know first and there's no obligation, and of course it's free to lodge a support ticket.
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