Buy a new computer

If you decide to buy a computer, you will be presented with many choices. Prices and specifications vary enormously per brand and model. It is important that the computer matches your wishes. But also that the computer lasts quite a while.

A regular computer is also called a desktop computer or simply desktop. This is a computer that is intended for a permanent place in the house, and is therefore not portable, such as a laptop. Prefer a laptop? Read more about this in the article ‘Buy a new laptop’.

Already have a budget in mind? The price of a desktop computer is between 200 and several thousand euros. The cheapest computers are really basic models, the most expensive computers are very powerful devices. For a decent, fast computer it is best to start from a price between 500 and 1000 euros. In most cases you will only receive the actual computer, so the case containing the processor and memory card, among other things.

So keep in mind that to use your computer you also need a monitor, keyboard and mouse. In some cases these are included in the price, but usually you buy the parts separately. A standard monitor costs about 100 to 200 euros. A mouse and keyboard can be bought for a few tens each.

In electronics stores and web shops, a distinction is usually made between a number of types of computers. Those are:

• The PC: a standard computer. The abbreviation PC stands for personal computer.
• The all-in-one PC: an all-in-one computer. This includes a monitor, and in some cases a mouse and keyboard.
• The gaming PC: a powerful PC specially designed for playing computer games for hours on end. These PCs are graphically very powerful and therefore often more expensive.

A few years ago there was still a wide range of computers for seniors for sale. Designed especially for seniors, these PCs are easy to use and often have larger icons. Nowadays it is actually no longer necessary to purchase a special senior computer. Normal PCs have become much more user-friendly for seniors. Moreover, they are increasingly adaptable to personal preference. A regular computer is therefore fine to use for a senior.

The processor is one of the most important parts of a computer. This determines the computing power of the computer and therefore also largely the speed. A processor consists of a number of cores: 4, 6 or 8 pieces. In addition, each processor has a certain clock speed, expressed in gigahertz. The more cores and the higher the clock speed, the more powerful the PC is. But numbers don’t say everything. It is also important how the different computer components work together, and how well the software and hardware are aligned.

In general, the more computing power, the better the PC can handle demanding programs. For example, a powerful processor is needed for calculation programs and heavy photo and video editing programs, such as Photoshop. With a simple processor you can surf the internet, send e-mails, use Office programs and do simple photo editing. So it depends on what you want to do on the computer.

There are two names to remember when it comes to processors: Intel and AMD. The processors of these two companies can be found in computers of all brands. The Intel Core i3 and the AMD Ryzen 3 are seen as basic processors, but are now recommended as a minimum. This is followed by the Intel Core i5 and the AMD Ryzen 5, which are somewhat newer and more powerful. Those who want a really powerful PC should look even better at the Intel Core i7 or i9, or the AMD Ryzen 7 or 9. These processors will increase the price of a computer considerably, but also offer the most computing power. The processors mentioned are not the only variants. See a computer that appeals to you, but you’re not sure if the processor is right for what you want to do with it? Then search the internet for more information.

In addition to the processor, the working memory also determines the speed of the computer. This is also sometimes referred to as RAM. Working memory determines how many processes can be executed simultaneously. The more GBs, the faster the computer is, in general. A minimum RAM of 4 GB is recommended. That’s fine for browsing the web, watching videos, and Office programs. With 8 GB, this is even smoother and there is also enough RAM for photo editing in a heavy photo editing program, for example. In addition, 16 GB or 32 GB is also possible. This is great for people who use very heavy programs, or many programs at the same time.

Another important part of the computer is the storage drive and the amount of space on it. That determines how many programs, documents and photos you can store on the PC. There are two types of drives: the HDD and the SSD. An HDD (hard disc drive) is a standard hard drive. An SSD (solid state drive) is an extra fast hard drive. Some computers also have a combination of the two. An SSD is a lot faster and will therefore start programs quickly and load files quickly. This disc is a bit more expensive.

In addition, the amount of space is important. It is expressed in GB or TB. People who don’t want to keep a lot of programs, photos and files on the computer can probably get by with less storage, under 500 GB. Those who want to save a lot are probably better off with 1 TB. Of course, the storage can always be expanded afterwards with the help of an external hard drive.

As mentioned, there are quite a few brands that offer computers. There are quite a few differences between the brands. In addition, there are different operating systems: Windows, MacOS and ChromeOS. The operating system determines how the computer works. There are three options in this regard:

• A Mac computer running the MacOS operating system. This is from the Apple brand. Many people think that Macs have a nice design. The computer and the display are integrated, so it is an all-in-one computer without a separate cabinet.
• A Windows computer. Most desktops have the Windows operating system installed. These PCs are from a variety of brands, such as HP, Dell, Asus, Lenovo, Samsung and so on. So there are Windows computers in all shapes, sizes and price ranges.
• A ChromeOS computer. The ChromeOS operating system is even less known. It is easy to use and is available on a number of Acer brand computers.

A number of connections are built into the computer. For example, an HDMI connection to connect a screen and a network connection for the internet cable. And various USB connections to connect USB sticks, a mouse or a keyboard.

Do you already have a device at home that you want to use together with the computer? Then check whether the computer you have in mind has the correct connections.

An optical drive, which fits a CD-ROM, is found on fewer and fewer computers. The following also applies here: if you do want this, check carefully whether it is included.

Certain software is automatically installed on the computer. However, some software must be purchased separately. The operating system is standard, so you don’t have to do anything for it. But for a package like Office, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you need a subscription.

You also need a security program. The free program Defender is already installed on Windows, which is a very suitable protection. But a free or paid antivirus is also an option. You can read more about this in the articles:

• Mac computers: security
• Virus scanner selection aid (for Windows)

Once you’ve bought a computer, there are some other steps to take. First, you need an Internet subscription if you want to email and surf the Internet. You can read more about this in the article ‘Internet connections’. If you opt for an internet subscription with a wireless network, more information can be found in the article ‘Setting up and using wireless internet via WiFi’. You can read more about the first use in the article ‘Bought a new computer, what now?’