Read this before buying a computer

Whether it’s your first computer or your fourth, doing your homework before making a computer purchase can save you money now and down the road.

The first thing to consider is what you’ll do with a computer. Even if you have one and plan to upgrade, the initial step is the same: Decide what you need a new computer to do. Any computer needs to handle the software you’ll run now and in the future.

Decide on a budget, but be willing to go over it by a few hundred dollars if you come across the right deal.

Research the models and brands that are available. Learn the lingo. Get clear on RAM, ROM, CD, DVD, disk drive and memory.

Plan to take several trips to stores to look at computers, especially if it’s your first one. The more familiar you become with computers in general, the easier it will be to identify the system that’s right for you.

Ask questions at the store. Does the price include a keyboard, mouse and printer? How long is the warranty, and what does it cover? Is an extended warranty worth the expense? Are there any rebates, and are they mail-in or taken at the register?

A basic computer that will likely do everything you need for a number of years has the Microsoft Home edition operating system, 80GB hard drive, 2.8 GHz processor or Athlon equivalent, and 512 MB of memory. Opt for an LCD monitor, preferably 17-inch, and a CD-RW DVD-R drive. Computers come Internet-ready now.

To save money at time of purchase, don’t load up on software. Instead, put extra money into the system itself by increasing the size of the hard drive or the memory.

Call the tech support of any computer you consider buying. Do you get a tech in the United States? Is the tech support free, or is there a per-incident charge?

Be wary of low-cost computers that require you to sign up for Internet services. You’ll likely be hooked into a contract for several years, even if you don’t like the service.

And finally, don’t leave the store until you look at the paperwork: Do you have the warranty information as well as the rebate forms?