Your Life
Take the fear out of buying a new computer
As computers come to play a bigger part in our lives during the lockdown, many are experiencing technology failures. NATHAN WELLINGTON can understand why suggestions that it is time for a replacement can cause alarm.
The prospect of visiting a large retailer and purchasing a replacement computer or any technology, can be daunting. It is difficult to understand what you’re looking for.
Over the years I have heard too many stories of people spending thousands more then necessary. Here’s a guide to purchasing a computer with as little angst as possible.
Do your research
If you have access to the internet, start by looking for what’s available. Search the big retailers online to compare prices and look for well-known brands. Think about what you’re looking for – is it a laptop, a desktop, a 2 in 1 computer? Then look at the specifications. All computers have the following: RAM (short term memory), CPU (the brain), HARD DRIVE (the storage). When you compare computers compare these specifications.
Ask someone qualified
This is where a good technician can offer advice. For many long-term clients I generally know what they need before they upgrade. The beauty of a technician is that they generally don’t sell computers, so you will receive an unfiltered opinion based on your needs and not their stock. I would suggest if you are looking for advice, contact your local technician. It may be worth a call-out fee to save you hundreds.
Buy online
I am not suggesting avoiding retailers, as many clients may visit a store to see what they may purchase. Although retailers carefully plan sales to maximise your purchase, they may offer additional software, antivirus, and remote support you may not need. Once you are comfortable with your purchase, go home and buy it online. This removes the impulse buy pressured by a salesperson. At your leisure you can spend 20 minutes following the prompts to purchase the product through a secure website which protects your details. Pay a small delivery fee or collect from the store.
Install
This is one last bastion of dread – how to transfer your data and set it up. Many computer stores offer this service, and each one uses its own alchemy for transfer. Windows 10 was not very helpful with this process so many major manufacturers have offered their own built in software to do this.
If you have a PC that is long in the tooth, hopefully this will give you a starting point for replacement.
Email nathan@hometechassist.com.au or call 1300 682 817.
