Warranty and Extended Service Plans

Look for a computer with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects and other problems, both labor and parts. Make sure you understand exactly what is covered under the warranty. Most new computers are covered for a year, and some warranties include on-site maintenance.

Many retailers offer extended service agreements which, in essence, lengthen the warranty. Whether or not you purchase an extended service plan is up to you. Find out what is covered and weigh the price of the warranty against the price of potential repairs.

Protect Your Computer

Your computer is an expensive piece of equipment, so protect it from power surges with a surge protector. A surge protector will blow a fuse if it gets hit by a rush of electricity, thus protecting your computer. If you're using a modem, be sure to get a surge protector with a telephone jack included. Don't expect your surge protector to safeguard your computer against a direct lightning strike. The only sure protection against lightning strikes is to unplug your computer and modem during a thunderstorm.

Protect Your Data

The best way to safeguard the data on your computer (including software) is to back it up onto a disk. If your hard disk fails, at least it won't take all your software and information with it — as long as you've backed them up. Make periodic copies of the information on the hard disk. It's also important to protect your data from viruses. Anytime you use a disk to install a new program, copy files or download a file from the Internet, you are susceptible to a computer virus. It's a good idea to install a virus protection software program on your computer that will review each new file and check for viruses. Update it monthly. (Most virus protection software come with regular updates.)