There are so many choices when it comes to buying a new computer. It might seem easy, but it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types available and so many ways to use them! Are you looking for a new laptop? Or do you want a gaming desktop? This post will help you find out everything you need to know when choosing your new computer.
How Will It Be Used?
If you are in the market for a new computer, you need to understand how to use it. Because this will impact your final decision, it is vital that you do this before anything else. Those looking for a portable laptop for checking email will have a very different choice than those looking for a gaming computer. Once you have figured out your use case, your next step should be to browse the web for suitable models. You can do this by checking out the latest technology reviews (in fact, staying up to date is essential as devices like computers are changing rapidly). Nevertheless, even before you make your final decision, it is imperative that you understand what the different aspects of computing mean.
Decide How Much RAM You Will Require
RAM is short for Random Access Memory, which is a computer’s main memory. RAM is the computer’s most volatile type of memory. The amount of RAM you need will depend heavily on how you think you will use the device. Nonetheless, you should aim for a minimum of 8GB, with more preferable, especially if you will be doing intensive video or graphic work, where a high amount of RAM is required for a smooth workflow.
Storage Capacity
When it comes to storage, it used to be a toss-up between higher capacity but slower Hard Disc Drives (HDD) and lower capacity but faster Solid State Drives (SSD); however, these days, most computers and laptops will come preinstalled with decently sized SSDs. The majority of people will find this perfect. However, if you want a gaming PC or deal with large amounts of data, you might want to consider running an SSD for the most frequently accessed data and an HDD for storing games and other data that take up a lot of space. Nevertheless, when in doubt, always opt for the SSD and nothing less than 250GB.
Operating System
The operating system (OS) that you are familiar with will play a significant role in your decision. For example, if you are heavily into the Apple ecosystem, your best choice will be running macOS. On the other hand, if you are a hardcore gamer, Windows PCs will be ideal (even though you can play games on macOS and Linux, Windows still has the upper hand).
The three main OS to choose from include:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
Each of them has its pros and cons, but it is up to you to decide which is most beneficial for you. For example, as previously mentioned, if you are in the Apple ecosystem, then MacOS is the one; if you simply want an affordable device, one running Windows is the best choice. When it comes to Linux, it is an extremely powerful OS, but it might not be the best option for most people.
When you get your next computer, there are a lot of things to consider—the OS, the RAM, how you will use it, and more. Because you are likely to use the device for a long time, you should choose something that fits your needs perfectly.
