![]() If you go to a computer fair, you may also be able to get a discount.įor those who have the time and inclination, there's a lot of free software available out there, either by downloading from the Internet or by buying 'just the media'. ![]() Shop around, and don't be afraid to ask the salespeople. 'Specialist' software, such as music composing/typesetting programs may be harder to find. It's pointless paying for four programs if you're only going to use one or two - you may as well just buy those two separately. Look at what software you'll be getting, and think about how much of it you will use. You may have to pay extra for this - but it should be cheaper than just buying the software. New computers often come with a 'bundle' of software too - a couple of games, a word processing program and spreadsheet are fairly common. New computers usually come with some form of virus protection as well, although how long you will receive updates for will depend on the deal you strike. SoftwareĪny software needed to run your computer (device drivers, operating system, etc) should come with your computer. Not a bad choice as you get the same stability as XP. Very stable, though there are conflicts with some drivers and software programs. 2000 (otherwise known as NT 5) is just an upgraded version of NT. Very stable (as it's built on the NT kernel) and a memory hog. It is basically a castrated version of 2000, with a very annoying product-activation scheme, in-your-face tactics to sign up for a Passport account, and a pretty GUI and software that's not hard to find somewhere else, preferably free. It is worth noting that Linux has a very small share in the software market, though it can use the same hardware as a PC, if there are the correct drivers for it.įinally, Windows 9x/ME, NT, 2000, and XP. (It's a joke, come on!) And there are several companies that distribute professional-quality Linux OS (RedHat being the first that comes to mind, and it is a very stable OS). Linux is an open-source OS (meaning you could download a free copy off the Internet) that is used a lot by programmers, Microsoft haters, and other anarchists. Macs are quite nice, stable, but only have a small percentage of the software/hardware market and are generally incompatible with PCs. Well, you basically have three or four different operating systems. Macs are not perfect, but they do crash less often, are still easier to use than Windows, and have not been targeted by as many computer viruses (a couple of dozen Mac viruses compared to tens of thousands of Windows viruses over the last 15 years). On the other hand, companies that work in graphic design, advertising, publishing, printing, web design, and other arts are often standardised on the Macintosh. Many businesses standardise on Windows, and if you accidentally bring a Mac-formatted disk to work you will be stuck. You may also have industry considerations if you are using the computer for work. However, a few people will have a need to use a specific program that only runs on Mac or only runs on Windows, and you need to consider this if you have something like that. Many games do not have Macintosh versions, but the most popular ones generally do, and there are some games that do not have Windows versions. ![]() Most productivity software has both Macintosh and Windows versions or there are equivalent competing products on the other OS. The next consideration is the software that you need to run. When it is 11pm and you are desperate to get the thing to work, you don't want to call your friend and have him or her say 'I don't know how to fix Macs' or 'I told you not to buy Windows'. So which to choose if you are buying a new computer, and are not already married to one OS? Ask yourself who you will turn to when the computer does not work right (out of friends and family, don't count the guy who sold you the computer or the technical support number). Before you even look at a model, you'll have to think what you will use your machine for - is it for business, for pleasure, or for home organising? What software will you need? How much disk space will you require? And what about Internet connection and modem speed? The list is endless, which is why we turned to you for help, our computer-savvy Community. ![]() To the uninitiated, buying a computer can soon become a series of headaches - there is so much to consider besides the price. ![]()
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