Wal-mart has been known for their great prices on computers for several years now. They carry a small selection in the local stores and a bigger selection on the Internet. If someone goes shopping for computers at Wal-mart, online or at the store, there are some tips that can help someone in choosing the best computer, for the best price and with the best warranty. Along with buying a new computer, there are some accessories one should consider buying when they get their computer. The following are the key components in computers, what to look for in computers, what to ask about, what accessories one may need to purchase, what to think about when buying a Wal-mart computer, and other tips about buying computers from Wal-mart.

1) The CPU- Central Processing Unit or Motherboard speed. This is also known as the brain.

2) The amount of RAM-memory/speed of computer.

3) The size of the hard drive where documents, photos, and other data will be stored; the operating system is installed onto the hard drive, too.

4) Whether the computer has a 32-bit or a 64-bit operating system.

5) What operating system is on the computer and will someone have to upgrade the operating system if they want to upgrade the RAM/memory?

6) Can the computer RAM/memory be upgraded?

7) CD/DVD-Is it recordable, playable, how fast does it record data? What type of CDs/DVDs should someone get with this computer?

Do the recovery discs come with the computer? If they do not come with the computer, the buyer can make their own set, so they will not need to purchase these along with the computer.

9) Does the computer have USB ports, Speakers, and Microphones ports?

10) Does the computer have Wi-Fi integrated/installed within it? Is the computer able to connect to DSL/High Speed Internet and/or Modem/Dial up Internet?

11) What is the video card and will it be able to play games and movies, via CD/DVD or on the Internet?

12) If the computer has Vista on it, does it have XP as a downgrade option, if someone wishes to change and use XP instead of Vista? Does it come with any operating system upgrades?

13) Does the computer come with free technical support and a warranty?

14) What is the return policy? Will there be a restocking fee if the computer is returned before the deadline date for that? Will the refund be given back in cash or will someone have to wait for a check to be mailed to them if they have to return the computer?

15) What type of sound card does the computer have in it?

16) What is the power supply that comes with the computer?

17) What type of keyboard does the consumer wish to have? There are multi-function keyboards and these have the number pads above the letters and along the right side, as well. The multi-function keyboard also may have controls for running the CD or DVD player.

18) For a laptop computer, it is a good idea to see what the battery is that is in it and how long it says it stays charged for when someone is not running the laptop on electrical power.

19) Another good thing to check on a computer before buying it is where the power button is and where the power cord plugs into it. Also, where does the mouse plug into it? The reasons why some wish to know these things are because of comfort and because of safety. If it is a laptop computer someone is buying, they will want the power button to be in a convenient place, like inside the closed lid. If it is on the side and someone puts the laptop into a laptop case, it might turn on and stay on and run the battery down.

20) The amount of RAM and CPU can depend on what someone is going to use the computer for. If the computer is simply for doing e-mails and browsing the Internet, they do not need to get one with a whole lot of RAM or CPU. Most computers come with a GB (Gigabyte) or more of RAM in them now, but some still come with the basic 512 MB (Megabytes) of RAM installed in them, usually desktops.

21) Some accessories that one may need to purchase when they get their first computer are a mouse, speakers, CDs/DVDs RW (Rewritable; can be recorded onto), Microphone, earphones, or a headset (for Instant messaging or Internet phone calls), a webcam or digital camera, a flash drive (extra storage for documents or pictures), and a monitor (if a desktop computer does not come with this), laptop case, CD/DVD case, CD/DVD cleaner, wrist support for typing. Some of these things are not a necessity at all. These are up to the consumer, as to what they wish to buy. The main things necessary for a computer to run are the power supply, the components mentioned above, the monitor or screen, a keyboard and mouse, and a way to the Internet.

22) Is there a separate warranty on the computer and its components? Is the warranty a full warranty or limited?

23) For laptops, some come with safety tools; password protection or protection by using a person’s fingerprint; or locks so that someone can lock the laptop when it is not being used and no one can turn it on, nor steal it. If a laptop does not come with the theft protection, it might be a good idea to consider investing in it. This will depend on where the computer is going. If it will be kept at home and someone is around often, the extra locks are not necessary.

24) For desktops and laptops, the screen size may matter for those who have a hard time reading smaller screens of print.

Other things that someone may want to buy with a computer are extra software programs, but this is something that can be chosen at a later time. If a laptop or a computer does come with a certain type of software program, such as; Office 2007, this is a good idea to get it at the same time. When someone is first using a computer, they will need some time to get used to a computer first before going into other programs. Most computers come with every kind of software necessary to do whatever one wishes to do with their computer. The computers have typing programs on them, spreadsheet programs, anti-virus programs on them, and so forth.

There is one important part about having a computer, though. Never go onto the Internet without a reputable anti-virus program on the computer. Most computers come with a free trial anti-virus, either Norton or McAfee. It is a good idea to get a reputable spyware and adware program, though, as these are other things that may threaten the computer’s security, and sometimes spyware and adware can make a computer run slower. If the computer has more than one GHz for the CPU and at least one or two GB’s of Ram in it, Spyware Doctor is one of the top programs that will help keep the computer safer and at the speed it needs to be. Security software is always worth spending a bit more money on, as it can save the computer from crashing or the hard drive from getting infected and crashing, which would cost money to get it fixed or replace it.

Some people have a preference in brands of computers, either from experience or from what others have told them. Most brands are good brands. It will depend on what is inside of them, what they are made up of for components, and what each company offers for warranties. Of course, the price will matter, too, but if someone is thinking of paying as little as possible for a computer and getting one that will not bring them some kind of disappointment, they should consider paying a bit more for their first computer. This will depend on what the computer will be used for. If it is for a teen’s first computer, then there doesn’t need to be a huge investment in this computer, but it still needs to be able to go fast enough as not to annoy the young one.

If the local Wal-mart does not have the computers someone is looking for, go to their web site and browse those ones, too. Wal-mart has specials quite often on their computers.

This post is tagged with: anti-virus, wal-mart, wal-mart computer