Introduction to Buying a Computer

Buying a home computer can be a bit like buying a car -- it's a major purchasing decision. There are many makes and models, and many people willing to give advice about what to buy and where to buy it. To make the most of your shopping experience, and sense of the variety of choices facing you, you'll want to do your homework before heading out. And, whether buying new or used, know what you want the computer to do for you and how much you can afford to spend.

Here are some resources for checking out computers:

• "PC World" magazine has a list of computers it rates each month. Computers are grouped by price and type of use. You can find this magazine in your library. They also have reviews on their Web site: go to http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/index.asp.
• Look at ads to become familiar with available features and prices.
• Zdnet has a good Web site for information on buying a computer. Go to http://zdnetshopper.cnet.com/ for a computer buying guide. Go to http://www.zdnet.com/products/ for product reviews.
• Cnet is another great Web site for product reviews. Go to http://www.cnet.com/ and click on Hardware Reviews.
• Go to stores that sell computers. Ask questions of the salespeople and try out the floor models.