by Technophobes;the Kicking;Screaming Is This Thing On?: A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers
MISSING PARTS
When you buy used equipment, be very sure that all the parts end up in your hands. A lot of cables run from one piece of equipment to another, so make a deal with the seller to set up the computer for you. This way you can make sure everything you need is there and that it all works. You must also be sure to get any manuals that came with the equipment and any installation disks for the software on the computer.
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“I figured I had nothing to lose if I bought a cheap used computer. I wasn’t even sure I was going to like it. I did the math and decided it was worth it, even if I replaced it a year later with something better.”
—Harvey
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Guidelines to Buying Used Equipment
Before you opt to buy a used computer, consider the following:
1. Is the CPU at least 1.3 GHz? Translation: The CPU, as we have discussed, is what guides everything on your computer. The speed of it should be no less than 1.3 GHz (gigahertz). Anything slower will hinder your use of the Internet, and you might have problems adding software in the future.
2. Does it have at least 512 MB of RAM? Translation: The RAM is the memory used when the computer is on. To open websites on the Internet and send e-mail, you will need at least 512 MB of RAM.
3. If it is a PC, does it have Windows Vista? Translation: Windows Vista is an operating system to help organize your files and documents. You need to have at least Windows Vista to buy any software; Windows 7 is even more current.
4. Is the hard drive at least 40 GB? Translation: The hard drive is where everything on your computer is stored. 40 GB = 40 gigabytes. That is the minimum space you should have. Any less space than that and you’ll have problems adding software.
5. Is the modem at least 56 kbps? Translation: Modems run at a particular speed, measured in kilobytes (not unlike megabytes or gigabytes, discussed earlier). A modem with less than 56 kbps is too slow.
6. Do you have Ethernet? Translation: Ethernet allows you to have a high-speed connection to the Internet.
7. If you are looking at used printers, have the seller print a page from the printer for you. Do you like the quality of the print? How long did it take to print a page? If it’s a black-and-white printer, was your heart set on getting one that can print in color? If you decide to go ahead, make sure the seller includes all the cables and software for the printer (ideally the manual, too). There should be a cord that goes from the printer to the computer and one that goes from the printer to the electrical outlet. Remember your workspace—does the printer fit where you want to put it?
• A USB cable can connect your printer to your computer.
8. How much does it cost? As a general rule of thumb, any used computer that costs $300 or more is likely too much. You can buy a new desktop that fits the criteria just described for around $500. And a new computer will come with some type of warranty and technical support. A used computer bought for the same price without that support would be a foolish purchase. Any used printer for $30 or more is too much. You can buy a new color ink-jet printer starting at around $60.
9. Can it be upgraded? Ask about the maximum CPU, hard drive, and RAM capacities. If the previous owner has upgraded the computer to its highest capacity—brought the CPU, hard drive, and RAM to the maximum—you might outgrow the machine, and you won’t have the option to beef it up.
10. Trust your instincts. If something smells fishy with the used machine, say, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and walk away. No obligation. If it smells sweet, buy it and enjoy.
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“The thought of buying a used computer and having something go wrong with it made me too nervous. I chose to buy a new computer instead.”
—Charlotte
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Upgrading… Infuriating
It all sounds fine and dandy that an older computer can be upgraded, but it isn’t that simple. Once someone opens up the machine to make an adjustment, you run the risk of something being damaged. The inside of a computer is very fragile, and the components there have a relationship to one another that should be left alone if at all possible. On more than one occasion I’ve had students whose upgrades turned into low-grade headaches. Tread carefully if someone says that the machine just needs an upgrade to meet your specifications. Upgrading the computer will also entail your taking the machine to a store for the work to be done.
Something else to keep in mind: When you upgrade a laptop, it can cost more than upgrading a desktop computer. Some manufacturers don’t design their laptops to be compatible with other manufacturers’ hardware. For example, if you want to increase the RAM in your laptop, you might only be able to buy your laptop manufacturer’s upgrade at their price. It’s the old monopoly game. This policy is less common with desktop models.
If New Is the Only Thing for You
I just gave you the minimums that you should accept for a used computer. If you’re buying a new computer, use the following criteria as your minimums, but feel free to surpass them. (Once your computer purchase is made, you won’t have to think about all this technical mumbo jumbo.)
Hard Drive—40 GB to 500 GB
RAM—1 GB to 8 GB
CD-RW Drive
DVD-RW Drive
PC Operating System—Windows 7
Mac Operating System—OS X Lion
One of the great advantages when you buy a new computer is the warranty and technical service offered. Most new machines have a limited warranty of 30, 60, or 90 days offered by the manufacturer.
Are Extended Warranties Warranted?
An extended warranty will probably be from the store where you made your purchase, not the manufacturer. Double-check with your salesperson whether a warranty is from the store or from the manufacturer. Regardless of who offers the warranty, make sure you understand the terms. There is no advantage to the warranty being from either the store or the manufacturer. You just want to be sure that whoever offers the warranty is going to stay in business for the time that you have the computer.
Ask questions: How long has the store been in existence? Is it part of a chain? What is their reputation? When I bought my television, I purchased an extended warranty. In less than six months, the store I bought it from went out of business. At this point the manufacturer had the option of honoring my warranty. They chose not to. Surprise, surprise. Lucky for me, I’ve never had any problems with the set.
IF YOU NEED A TECHNICIAN
Ask friends and family if they know of a computer whiz who makes house calls. My mother was given a great recommendation through the computer class at her local senior center. The person she hired came to her house and my mother paid a lot less than she would have at a technical service department.
Once you’ve determined that the store is reputable, be sure to ask your salesperson what the extended warranty covers and what it costs. If it sounds good, I advise you to buy it. When things go wrong with a computer, it can be mighty expensive to repair. The episode I mentioned in Chapter 5, where I spilled milk on my laptop, could have set me back several hundred dollars, but thankfully, I was still under warranty. (By the way, you don’t always need to let the technical support person know you were foolish enough to eat or drink by your computer. Your confession may affect whether your warranty is honored. In describing how the injury to your computer occurred, less is more.)
Some extended warranties are based on the price range of your total purchase. Others are based on the price of individual items. For example, one store may offer a certain priced extended warranty for purchases, say, from $1,500 to $2,000 (combining the cost of your computer and printer). Another store may require that you purchase separate warranties for each item. You will save money by purchasing a single extended warranty based on the total cost of your computer and printer or any other peripherals if the store allows that. Some salespeople may not tell you this is their store policy and will instead offer you two separate warranties. Be sure to investigate.
/> Also ask if the preinstalled application software (probably something like Microsoft Word and Quicken) is covered under the extended warranty. Remember when I warned you about having software bundled at the time of purchase on page 67 in Chapter 8? Some stores offer to give you support for the bundled software under their warranty. If this is the case, you can ignore the warnings I gave earlier.
THE REBATE DEBATE
Know thyself… A rebate is only a savings if you’re really going to follow up and submit the necessary paperwork. If you know that you’ll never get around to mailing the rebate in, do not take the rebate into cost consideration. If you are going to send in the rebate, don’t throw away any of the computer or printer boxes, because usually the bar code printed directly on the box is necessary. Also, make copies of everything you send in to follow up in case you don’t hear back.
The last thing you need to check out is where any repair work will be done. Can they come to your house? What is the charge for an on-site visit? An on-site visit is obviously the most convenient choice, but it’s likely also the most expensive. If it’s too expensive, do you have to bring the machine to the location where you bought it? Does it need to be mailed somewhere else to be repaired? Mail-in repair may not suit you. It probably means that you need to keep the original boxes for packing so you can schlep it from your house to the post office—and you’ll be without the machine longer because of mailing time. I think it is a huge inconvenience, but I live in Manhattan and would have to battle my way on the subway from my house to a post office lugging the monstrosity. Ugh.
WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
Shopping, of course! You may not be shopping on the Internet yet, but I bet you know someone who is. Invite yourself over for a computer-shopping “excursion.” Don’t forget your credit card so you can pay for your purchases, and it might be nice to bring flowers for your host. (See Chapter 22 for more information about making online purchases.)
Mail Order
Now that you’ve gone for a test-drive and have a feel for several different computers, you can think about the pros and cons of buying your machine by mail order. As with purchasing a computer in a store, buying mail order without test-driving is definitely not recommended.
Mail order is not limited to finding what you need in a catalog, picking up a phone, and placing your order. If someone you know is already on the Internet, have him or her help you visit the manufacturer’s website so you can view the computers, configure your ideal machine, and order it on the spot. Delivery is usually a week to ten days.
Mail order can be a very convenient way to shop, but there is a downside. Most of the mail-order computer manufacturers do not offer on-site repair unless you buy one of their more expensive machines or pay extra for the service. If you don’t want to make that kind of investment, your options are to hire someone to come to your home or to try to correct the problem yourself over the phone with a support technician. If you can’t fix it with one of those options, you’ll have to send the machine to the manufacturer… and you know what that entails. For me, that’s a real turnoff.
Buyer’s Remorse
Hold off on registering your computer until you’re sure it’s working properly. Once a computer is registered, the manufacturer may not be willing to replace it, but instead will offer to repair it if there is a problem. Contact the store you bought it from. The store should be willing to exchange the computer, if you haven’t registered it with the manufacturer. Ask your salesperson about the store’s return policy before you seal the deal. If the computer has any bugs, you will find them out immediately. That’s why it is so important to use the machine right away.
Additional Accessories
There are a few small items that you should purchase when you buy a used or new computer. All are relatively inexpensive, and it will be easier to get them at the same time you make your “big” purchase.
Surge Protector
The electrical cords for your computer and any peripherals should be plugged into a surge protector. It maintains a constant flow of power to whatever is plugged into it, thereby protecting your equipment from irregular power surges. A change in the flow of electrical power can cause damage to your computer.
Buy a surge protector that has a cord long enough to reach an outlet. If your outlet is only a two-hole outlet, you can purchase an adapter for the surge protector at any hardware store for about a dollar. The important thing to remember with a three-prong adapter is that it needs to be properly grounded. This isn’t hard to do—someone at the hardware store can talk you through it.
• If you are using a laptop and the computer is plugged into a surge protector, the surge protector needs to remain on for the battery to be able to charge.
Wrist Rest
A wrist rest allows your wrist to maintain an unbroken line from your elbow to fingertips when working on the keyboard. This keeps you from straining your wrist and can help prevent discomfort and, more specifically, carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist injury that results from inflammation of the tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among tennis players, pianists, and computer users.
Mouse Pad
A mouse pad helps you have better control of the mouse. It’s a smooth pad similar in dimension to a face cloth and about a quarter-inch thick. You manipulate the mouse by sliding it on top of the pad. It can be difficult to control a mouse without one.
Now What?
Well, it’s finally time to go back to the store for your purchase, get on the phone, or have someone access a website where you can buy a computer. For this shopping trip you need many of the same things that you used for the test-drive:
• A blank piece of paper and something to write with.
• The measurements of your workspace.
• A list of what your computer must have to suit your needs.
• Your filled-in Test-Drive Form and your marked magazine articles. (If you have already decided on the computer you want to buy, you may not need to bring these with you.)
• A blank Test-Drive Form. Have your salesperson fill this in with the details of your new computer. If you are ordering over the phone, you can still go over the form with your salesperson. If you are ordering over the Internet, the website should provide you with all the necessary information to fill out the form.
• Means to pay for your purchase. Preferably a credit card and proper photo identification.
• If you are buying your computer at a store, bring a friend. If for no better reason than to help you carry things to the car.
• Butterflies in your stomach. It’s only natural when you’re about to embark on a new adventure.
RUBBER NO MORE
Used to be that mouse pads were about as fun as a flat tire and didn’t look much better. Now you can get them with your favorite photo imprinted or made of paper that you can actually write on.
Get the Most Out of Your Salesperson
Never let a salesperson smooth-talk you into something you feel is excessive or that you’re not comfortable with. You always have the prerogative to go home and think it over or say “no” on the spot. There is no need to be impulsive. Take all the time you need to make your decision, and ask all the questions you need answered to be well informed. The person selling you the computer needs you more than you need him or her.
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“I went back to the computer store with more questions and a friend. We gave the salesman a run for his money.… I don’t think he expected us to know as much as we did. It all ended happily—we went home with computers and he made two big sales.”
—Phyllis
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Here are some suggestions on how to take control of your shopping experience and have the salesperson do the best for you.
Set the scene. Give salespeople as much information as you can. If they start to lead you around the store before you’ve explained exactly what you want, halt the process. Just stop in your tracks and say, “Let’s first talk abo
ut what I know I want and some questions I have.” In the middle of a crazy day, people can run on automatic—bring them back to a human level. I’ve seen salespeople relax when given a chance to deviate from their “routine speech.” Look them in the eye and let them see you as an individual who needs their expert guidance.
Be honest. Let them know that you’ve done research. You can even show them your notes. If you’re uneasy with something, tell them. Perhaps you’re concerned about how to connect the cords to the ports at the back of the computer when you get home. Upon hearing this, your sympathetic salesperson might offer to send someone over to help you. Or might not. Instead, the salesperson may give you an in-store demonstration. Feel free to ask for such a demonstration. A refusal would be the worst that can happen, and it may be an indication you should take your business elsewhere.
Slow the process down. Computer salespeople often miss the mark because they assume we’re all comfortable with computers and understand the jargon that goes along with them. I’ve been working with computers for almost twenty years and still find myself asking salespeople to slow down and explain themselves in plain English.
If, as you tell your salesperson what you need, he or she looks ready to start a 20-yard dash, state that you’re not in any rush. “If you can’t give me the time I need, I’d be happy to speak with someone else.” I know it sounds a bit harsh, but the salesperson is probably used to people who want to come in, make their purchase, and get out. Asking the salesperson to slow down will come as a surprise, but it may be a welcome one—it gives him or her a chance to relax and not “work” so hard.
