16 steps to your new computer – what you need to know when you buy a computer for your organization/company

In order to do your best in communication as a business owner, you will need a computer. If you are an entrepreneur, you might not have one yet – or you want to buy a new computer for yourself, your office or your organization?
There are some things that you should consider, when you go out to buy a new machine:

1. First, think about what you actually need the computer for: Do you just need it to look good in your office? Are you doing office stuff with it? Do you want to use it to work while you are travelling? Do you want to watch movies on it? Do you just need it to read emails and surf the web? Do you need it to do image editing on it? Do you want to listen to music on it?
2. Which software do you need? To make it easy to choose the right hardware, decide first, which software you will need to be able to work.
3. Buy a new computer. Otherwise you will be stuck with a computer that is old before you even use it. Technology changes fast.
4. Make sure the computer is compatible with all devices you use (in future). Does it have enough USB connections? Will you be able to connect your PDA/mobile phone?
5. Your computer should have sufficient memory. Of course, you can always add more memory later. However, it is advisable to buy a PC that has more memory than the most basic model.
6. When buying a computer, get a model that saves energy.
7. Do not fall for advertising campaigns and forget everything you have ever heard about brand names. Choose the computer that fits your needs.
8. See your new computer as an investment for your business/organization. With enough memory, a good processor, the possibility extend the machine and a warranty, you can have your computer two years or more.
9. A desktop computer can be extended any time. That means you can use it for much longer than two years, which will reduce your costs for computer equipment.
10. Before getting help from a computer specialist, you should try to familiarize yourself with the terminology (e.g. on www.techterms.com).
11. Remember that you will also need a keyboard, mouse and screen, if you buy a desktop PC. These are additional expenses that you should factor in your overall calculations..
12. Also when using a laptop computer, you should use an external mouse. This will make working much easier for you and also faster and more effective.
13. When looking at offers of different stores and comparing prices, you should remember that you also need an operating system, such as Windows 7. This should be included in the price.
14. Do not forget the expenses for software. Software can be pretty expensive – often, software can cost more than the computer itself.
15. When buying a computer, you often get a one-year-warranty. However, the sales clerk will try to sell you an extended warranty – often the price is really high and you end up paying too much. It is better to look for a computer expert among your friends. It will be a hassle to ship it to the manufacturer to have it repaired.
16. Buy your computer in a well-known store – online or in the store. Only buy it, if you are certain the dealer will still be there next week. Remember that you (often) have to rely on the dealer if you want to have the computer repaired during the warranty period.