I have always been interested in computers, but in the beginning, I would not venture any further than to the software end of learning. However, learning only the software side, and knowing nothing about the hardware side, can open you up to some costly times at the shop.

When I was selling peripherals, I happen to ask my immediate supervisor how he would go about learning the hardware side of computers. He looked at me and flatly stated, “Like I did -- learn by doing – build a computer from scratch”. Well, that is exactly what I did. And I’ll give you a tidbit of what I learned and the problems I encountered.

Lessons Learned

1. I tried to put a floppy drive from my old unit into my new unit. I blew up the floppy drive. Lesson learned – do not put outdated computer components into a new system. Duh!

2. Some of the old programs are not compatible with the new operating system. Did cost me some extra money and time.

3. Don’t build a new system from scratch – it cost more than a manufactured unit, unless you have money to burn, want to learn more about computers, or you are going to repair computers for a living.

What do you need in a computer?

Since you are going to run your business from your computer – you want to make sure you get the best you can get, at the price you can afford.

1. When money allows, piggyback an additional hard drive onto your primary hard drive for backup. Needless to say, your primary hard drive will not last forever.

2. CD-ROM – (Self explanatory)

3. Hard drive – Make sure your hard drive has enough memory -- I have several 40 GB hard drives.

4. Floppy drive – good for quick copies of an Excel, Word, etc.

5. Printer – A quality printer. When looking for a printer, make sure it is compatible with the operating system you have and the operating system that is currently out on the market. Why? It saves you time – you may have to look for an upgrade for your printer online for the new operating system – sometimes it’s free, sometimes it’s not, or sometimes the computer will not support the printer with the new operating systems. They want you to buy a new unit.

6. Power supply – some suggest that the computer unit should have 300+ voltage to give your operating system a lot of snap.

7. Fans – The new units usually have additional fans to cool the CPU – which will help extend the life of your computer.

8. Networking capabilities – you’ll never know when you want to add an additional unit, it’s always good to be prepared – and trust me it will happen eventually.

9. If you have to buy a new operating system, I would suggest going with Microsoft XP Professional. I found it very stable, and less likely to crash.

Suggestions

If you start adding everything up, you will realize that I spent more on a “build it yourself unit” versus that of a complete unit. And the complete unit my friend, is definitely the way I will go from now on.

I have bought several units, and through hard knocks (rebates not received, wrong unit sent – poor customer service) – learned that the best deal that I have encountered was from Dell Computers. They offer different computer units, peripherals, printers, etc. with instant savings on select Dell PCs -- great weekly deals – reasonable prices and honored rebates. Okay, as you can see I’m sold on Dell – if you want to take a closer look you can go to my website at www.myaffiliateplace.biz to see for yourself what they have to offer.

To conclude, when you buy a computer unit online always be aware of what you’re buying, what you will be using it for and with, and where you are buying it and from whom. Sometimes you have to take the hard knocks to learn, which is okay, however, when the hard knocks include an outlay of money – it’s always good to have some good advise before making a decision.

Vickie J Scanlon has a BBA degree in Administrative Management and Marketing. Visit her site at: http://www.myaffiliateplace.biz for free tools, articles, ebooks, how to info, and computer software/hardware.