With Black Friday fast approaching, there are always great deals out there on electronics.  You know the typical huge discounts on big screened TV’s, laptops, and desktop computers.  We realize buying a new computer can be a bit overwhelming so we have put together a few basic items to remember before you purchase your new computer.  

RAM (Random Access Memory) is to computers, what engine size is to fast cars. RAM helps your computer temporarily store the data files you use a lot in a random order.  The more RAM, the quicker the retrieval of files which helps your computer run faster. Whether you’re a novice or experienced desktop user, you will want at least 1G of Memory; 2GB is even better.

Hard drive storage is like your wife’s dream closet – you can never have too much.  Hard drives store all the information available we have on our computers.  You know… pictures, videos, excel and word document files; everything you have worked on or will work on in the future.  There are even external hard drives you can purchase for storing more stuff, kind of like a metal storage building in your back yard. So, with that visual in mind it’s best to purchase as much as you can afford in the beginning – just like buying a home you always want more closet space than you think you will ever need.

It’s always best to buy computers from well established brand names.  Warranties, technical support and online help are worth their weight in gold.  Many established brands offer online build your own services. Whether you decide to order online, or buy your computer in a store, be sure to let the representative know what you will be using your computer for….home photography, finance, word processing, college courses etc. This will help them inform and advise you on what components and software you will need. 

If you are a dial-up internet customer, you will need to make sure you have a dial-up modem. External modems are available for purchase and even come with a USB connection. 

If you would like to do a little homework before you walk into the electronics store, we found a neat website http://compreviews.about.com/cs/pchardwarebasics/a/aaWhatToBuy.htm. There is a questionnaire that may help you determine the right computer for you. 

Once you have purchased your new computer and are ready to surf the web Brazos Internet offers free technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call our knowledgeable staff anytime and we will be happy to help you.  For tech support call 940.564.8050 or 800.687.3222.