| So you've finally decided it's time for a change. No | | | | sound port where you plug in your speakers, is built-in |
| matter what advice you follow that old work horse of | | | | or part of the computer main board (Also known as |
| a desktop computer you have has outlived its | | | | the Motherboard). |
| usefulness with slow loading applications and a | | | | This means that if any of these items should fail, you |
| continuous rise in operation noise. | | | | can't just remove them from the computer and |
| Searching for that Perfect Computer can be about as | | | | replace them with a new part. They are usually |
| much fun as purchasing a new car and about as | | | | soldered directly to the main board and are stuck |
| frustrating also when sorting through the various | | | | there. |
| brands while trying to decide which "bells and whistles" | | | | Although, some computers do provide a way to |
| best fit your needs. Besides all that trying to return | | | | disable a malfunctioning device which will allow you to |
| something that is so large can be both inconvenient | | | | install your own store bought device to take the place |
| and very difficult to do. | | | | of the broken part. |
| So making the right decision the | | | | From a computer technicians point of view this is not |
| FIRST time is the wise path of choice. | | | | always easy to do. |
| For starters you'll need to decide what you want to do | | | | It just depends on what brand of computer you |
| with your computer. Are you into the video game | | | | currently have. Meaning some are easier to work on |
| scene or are you someone who likes to just surf the | | | | than others. |
| internet and occasionally do some book keeping with | | | | A "CLONE" computer is a clone or a copy of its |
| simple word processing software? | | | | brand-name counterpart with the exception that |
| If you're into video games you're going to want a | | | | instead of company specific or proprietary parts, the |
| machine that can handle the high level of graphics and | | | | items used to make a clone computer are from |
| superior sound quality. | | | | several different companies instead of only one. |
| On the other hand if you're not into all that high | | | | Let's say that if you were to go to a local company |
| adrenalin stuff can probably get by with a less | | | | that builds "clone" computers, and you tell them what |
| expensive system. Although, if you want to stay on | | | | you need, chances are they don't use parts that are |
| the safe side I would recommend going with something | | | | specific to only that type of computer like the |
| more "high-end" so you don't have to spend another | | | | brand-name computer companies do. |
| large chunk of change to upgrade the system you just | | | | This is a good thing because it means that they will |
| bought. | | | | probably use components that are interchangeable |
| There are two basic routes you can take when | | | | with many different brands and are easy to come by |
| purchasing a new computer. | | | | if needed. |
| 1) Purchase a "Brand Name" Computer | | | | Some Advantages/Disadvantages of "Clone" |
| 2) Purchase a "Clone" Computer | | | | computers include: |
| A "BRAND-NAME" computer is one that is | | | | Advantages- |
| manufactured by a company that is recognizable by | | | | Cost- compared to brand-name computers the clone |
| name. | | | | will generally be easier on your pocket book when |
| Some Advantages/Disadvantages of "Brand-Name" | | | | purchasing one with similar features as its brand-name |
| computers include: | | | | counterpart. |
| Advantages- | | | | This is most likely due to the money that is saved by |
| Customer Support- If you are experiencing problems | | | | not offering the high-end customer service. Although, |
| with your computer you will have the option to contact | | | | that may not be the only reason for the lower prices. |
| a representative of the company that you purchased | | | | Easily Accessible Replacement Parts- Since the clone |
| the PC from to get help in solving your problem. | | | | computer was built with parts that are not any one |
| Customer support is probably the best reason to buy | | | | company specific, you can buy parts for the clone |
| a brand-name computer. | | | | computer that can be used even if the brand is |
| Warranty- Having a warranty is always nice since it | | | | different from the one that was in the computer when |
| acts as a type of security blanket for you. | | | | you originally bought it. |
| In case a part on your computer should fail you should | | | | Note: Before you buy any parts, it is necessary to |
| be able to get the item fixed at no charge just as long | | | | make sure that the replacement parts are compatible |
| as the warranty has not expired. | | | | with your particular computers system requirements. |
| Read and understand a company's warranty policy | | | | Either consult the manual that should have came with |
| BEFORE you purchase a computer from them. | | | | your computer or get help from a knowledgeable |
| This way you'll have a good understanding of the | | | | friend or repair person. |
| procedures to follow in case a problem should arise. | | | | Disadvantages- |
| Pre-installed Software- Many companies will include | | | | Warranties- Unless you purchase a service plan you |
| software packages that are all set up and ready to go | | | | will typically not have as an attractive warranty as you |
| for you on your computer. | | | | would with a brand-name computer company. |
| Although, a disadvantage of buying a brand-name | | | | Whatever you do just make sure you understand how |
| computer with software pre-installed is that you usually | | | | long the warranty is for and as to what kind of repairs |
| end up with more than fits your needs and usually just | | | | the warranty covers before you make the purchase. |
| results with the wasting of space on your storage | | | | Customer Support- With brand-name computer |
| device. | | | | companies you are usually provided with a 24-hour toll |
| Additional Support- Most brand-name computer | | | | free number that you can call if you have questions or |
| companies are also able to provide you with web sites | | | | concerns with your computer. |
| that may provide you with current software updates, | | | | Clone computers are more than likely not going to |
| user manuals, or basic troubleshooting help. | | | | have a 24-hour help service, but rather you will be |
| Disadvantages- | | | | forced to only be able to call during regular business |
| The use of Proprietary parts- the term Proprietary | | | | hours. |
| refers to products that are unique to an individual | | | | Also, it is more than likely that there will not be any one |
| company and that company only. | | | | website that you can go to in order to find out |
| So if a part was to malfunction on your computer | | | | information concerning troubleshooting questions you |
| after warranty and you needed to replace it you could | | | | may have. |
| not just go to your local computer store and purchase | | | | For service it may be necessary to take the computer |
| any old part even if it was intended for the same | | | | back to the store that you bought it at or you may |
| function as the item that failed. | | | | have to do some research on the individual parts that |
| You would be forced to buy the exact same item that | | | | went into the computer and visit the manufacturer's |
| came out of the computer or else the computer would | | | | website for troubleshooting tips. |
| more than likely cease to function correctly. | | | | Finally, if all else fails you can certainly take what you |
| Having to buy proprietary parts usually involves the | | | | have learned from this article and being that you know |
| need to place an order which means you'll have to | | | | what you need now, but don't know where to go and |
| wait for the part to arrive or you'll have to send your | | | | get that "Perfect Computer", the best resource at your |
| computer into the company or an authorized dealer of | | | | disposal are the very men and woman that work at |
| that company for repairs. | | | | your local electronics shop. |
| People with a home based business would probably | | | | It is their duty to help you get hold of that "Perfect |
| not be too happy with that situation at all. | | | | Computer" that best fits your needs. All you need to |
| Integrated/On-board parts- In the computer world | | | | do is tell them what you plan on using that computer |
| when you hear the word integrated or on-board it | | | | for and they should be more than happy to help you |
| means that a particular part such as the modem or | | | | from there. |