Word Processor or Super Computer Buy what you need

Still putting off that computer purchase?

Before you finally decide to stop putting it off waiting for prices to go even lower, answer these questions.

1. Do I want to write letters or track a space probe? Am I going to store a few text files or videos and movies?

Will I be playing solitaire or that new $200 dollar game with DVD video?

Those are just fictitious questions but you'll need to answer some just like that to make the best choice for a computer purchase, new or used. If typing letters and other text documents is the extent of what you need a computer for, you'll be glad to know that the least expensive computer you can find is probably more than you’ll need.

You will not need anything much more than a 200MHz Pentium (old) with 95 and an older Word program. A printer new will more than likely have drivers for 95. Memory around 64 MB is good 128 is much better.

However if you intend to download MP3 files work with an AutoCAD program play a video game that has specs, which call for 100 MB of memory on the video card and a 1.4GHz P-IV possessor that is what you’ll need to purchase at a minimum.

Software that list its minimum requirements means that if you want the least amount of performance from it, do not run it on any more than is listed here.

The bottom line. You do not need a GHz possessor, and a $300 video card to type letters go on line, send E-mail and help the kids do homework.

I personally cannot tell the difference 200 or 400 MHz possessors when it comes to typing this newsletter. However I can when authoring a website and uploading it with graphics. You should carefully consider what it is you want to do now and in the near future with a computer.

If you purchase a brand new one today it has already been outdated by something else new. If you purchase a used one it’ll probably need an upgrade shortly there after. So there in no right or wrong choice when purchasing a computer only a well planned one, even the old 486s still have some use.

Businesses will have more to consider than students and home users, security is one and not having to buy a new one for at least 4 to 5 years. The same type of basic rules applies in regards to what the needs are, the answers are different.

Businesses will have to consider the long term and short-term needs for a computer purchase and expand on the minim configuration. In other words know what you need, get 20% more just in case.