Hopefully, you won't fall into the trap of making one of the following ever-so-common mistakes when purchasing your first computer.
Buying hardware before software
Software controls the hardware by telling it what to do. Don't be tempted by marvelous hardware features. Don't be lured into buying one brand or the other by some advertising campaign. Without software, the hardware is next to useless. Buy your hardware to support your software.
Dropping brand names
Thinking about brand names rather than what the computer can do is a big mistake. Remember - software is more important than hardware.
Shopping for the cheapest computer system
When you buy a bargain system, you will probably wind up with a competent and functional computer. When things go wrong, you want the dealer to provide service to get your system fixed. That bargain price often doesn't include service, however. Look for a dealer you can grow friendly with. The dealer's reputation, which is more important than price, is how it stays in business.
Being unprepared for the sale
Computers have different jargon (in case you haven't noticed). Don't expect a computer salesperson to be able to explain to you all the subtleties of things like GPU, scan rate, MHz, and IEEE. Some disreputable salespeople may even dupe you into paying more money for obsolete and unnecessary technology.
Forgetting some extra items
The ad says $600, and you have just a hair over that - enough to pay the sales tax. Alas, you didn't read the fine print: That $600 computer doesn't come with a monitor. Oops!
Ensure that you buy a complete computer system! Double- and triple-check the ads for any missing pieces. You need a monitor, a keyboard, memory, a hard drive, and operating system software to make a computer system.
Not paying by credit card
Never pay for a computer with a check. Never pay cash. Always pay with a credit card. Why? Because credit charges can be put into dispute if anything nasty happens between you and the dealer. Credit card companies support their clients. If someone sells you junk, the credit card company doesn't force you to pay for it (as long as you have taken legitimate steps to resolve the problem).
Most banks don't let you reverse the charges on a check. If you pay cash to a shady dealer, your money is gone forever. Computer-dealer scams aren't as popular as they used to be, although they still exist.
Not reading the setup manuals
Read things over before trying them. If you make a mistake or something doesn't happen right, read the instructions again and try a second time. Consider it a last resort to make that phone call to your dealer. Don't substitute the phone for the manual.
Forgetting that software can be expensive
Contrary to what you may think, computer hardware is only half your cost. The computer software that your computer needs probably costs the same amount as what you paid for your computer (over time, of course). Piece by piece, package by package, software is expensive.
Buying too much
If you buy too much stuff too quickly, you may go overboard and never find out all about your system. Start with a minimal system. After you have that mastered, upgrade slowly and learn as you go.
Not counting learning time
If you have just figured out that you need a computer "yesterday," you're too late. Give yourself at least three weeks to use and become comfortable with your computer system before the real work starts.
