New computer setup does not need to be complicated!
O’Fallon Computers makes new computer setup simple, fun, and affordable!
If you are in the market for a new computer, there’s a good chance you are unsure where to begin. It’s easy to find someone to set up your computer, what’s hard is navigating the shopping process, and finding the perfect computer for your specific needs. Often, we base our decisions on price. That’s where you will run into trouble. You can use this article as a guide to help you make an educated decision.
Before you start shopping, we recommend that you complete three important steps to ensure a smooth shopping experience:
The first step is to create a backup of your information on your current computer. Knowing your information is safe will make the shopping experience and new computer setup much smoother. If you need help creating a backup, O’Fallon Computers offers data-back-up solutions to homes and businesses for an affordable price. Contact us to learn more about your options.
Second – Take note of the programs you have installed. Completing this step helps cut down the risk of infections, and helps prevent unexpected expenses from coming up. New computer setup is already a headache, but having unexpected expenses come up is the worst.
Last but not least – Take note of your printer’s model or serial number. We have found that when it comes to new computer setup, there is a chance you may need to purchase a new printer due to incompatibility, so it’s best to be prepared.
Let’s go shopping!
Brands – You can confidently purchase any brand. Dell, HP, Acer, etc… These are all great options. Keep in mind that the brand does not necessarily determine the performance of the computer, the technology inside is what counts.
Memory – When an application, like your web browser, is opened like the internet, a piece of “memory” is allocated to that application. When the application closes the memory returns. If you are a home or small business user 8GB of memory is ideal. If you are a multitasker or often keep multiple tabs open, be mindful that you can eat up your memory quickly.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) This is the space used to store information. Keep in mind that pictures and videos will take up the most space. Generally speaking, 500 GB is enough space. If it is not, there are cloud options available you can use to increase space. Be sure that when you purchase the computer it has what’s called a “Solid State Drive” and not a “platter drive”. Solid state Drives are faster.
Windows Version –Microsoft is pushing Windows 11. When you purchase a new computer it will have Windows 11 preinstalled. It is getting harder and harder to find a computer with Windows 10 unless you buy a refurbished one. Microsoft has announced plans to support Windows 10 until late October 2025. learn more here.
DVD Drives – Ever since cloud technology has come along, it is becoming harder and harder to find a LAPTOP with a DVD drive included in the computer. Cloud storage has eliminated the need for it. Nowadays when you purchase any software, like Microsoft Office, the purchase is stored on the cloud. You can purchase an external USB DVD drive if needed.
Power Requirements – Any computer you purchase from the store will have enough power. If you are going to build a computer this can change things. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Processors – There are two brands. The first is intel, which you have probably heard of. The second is AMD. In my professional opinion AMDs are a bit cheaper but they tend to overheat. We encourage all of our customers to go with an Intel processor.
When shopping, be sure to pay attention to the “GHZ”. The higher the number, the better. For example, my computer at home is 3.0 GHz, and I would not go any lower than 2.8 GHz. Intel has several types of processors. The higher the “I”, the newer the chip technology. For example an I-9 is the most recent, then I-7, I-5, and I-3. Anything lower than an I-3 is not a good option. To summarize an I-5 with 3.0 GHz is a good choice. If you have any questions regarding new computer setup please contact us.
This should be enough information to help you purchase a new computer confidently. New computer setup does not need to be complicated if you know what you are looking for. O’Fallon Computers makes new computer setup a breeze! You can always contact us with any questions you may have.
If it is easier and you are in our service area, we are willing to go as far as going to the store with you. We want to make the process of new computer setup as simple as possible!
I hope you found this guide helpful. Again, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us!
Direct 636 980-6472