Recently, I decided to purchase a new computer. Buying a computer can be a complicated procedure. A number of decisions must be made before making this purchase. I must decide what type of software and hardware I need for my everyday use. Another decision that must be made is how much money do I want to spend.

There is no real budget for this purchase. I am not really concerned with the price of the computer. I am not looking to cut corners. My main concern is that I purchase a reliable computer that can support all the necessary functions for my day-to-day business and personal affairs for an extended period of time.

The basic need for this computer is for writing documents and reports for college.

In addition, I need the computer for my financial accounts. The Internet is essential for research and for that occasional surf. I would also like to purchase a number of games to keep myself busy while I download files.

I am not in favor of proprietary computer systems. It is not fair to consumers for a manufacturer to produce hardware and software that has built-in obsolescence. It is not very realistic for a consumer to have to purchase totally new

The best way to purchase a computer is with a credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days from the occurrence of the problem in which to report the details in writing. With checks or money orders by the time you have a complaint the money is out of you account. With Credit cards you have the best security.

I have no need for a plotter at the present time. If in the future I make any changes in my career choice, I may consider buying one.

software when he wants to switch computer models or manufacturers. The only people who could ever be in favor of this type of manufacturing are the manufacturers themselves. Technology keeps changing and a lot of newer software is being developed which requires more powerful machines. Machines should be upgradable and not have this forced turnover feature.

I have no particular preferences in regards to a keyboard. The standard QWERTY keyboard will suffice.

I must first determine what software I will need and then find hardware to match that software. I have a lot of experience with the Microsoft Office 97 software package and it supports all my word processing and spreadsheet needs. Although Office 2000 far surpasses Office 97, there is no real need to go for the upgrade at this particular time. Office 97 covers all my needs and it is takes time to learn to use the upgrade. Parenthetically, if I so require, I can always upgrade at a later time.

A modem is a communications device that enables computers to communicate via telephone lines or other means. Although modems are available as both internal and external, most modems are internal. Just about every desktop system ships with a 56Kbps modem that meets the V.90 standard supported by all the major ISPs and online services. This speed is fine for my Internet and e-mail needs. I will also opt for the type of modem that relies on the PC's CPU for processing rather than the dedicated controllers option.

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PC's CPU, Pentium III, PURCHASE Recently, Solitaire FreeCell, Microsoft Office, DVD-ROM DVD-ROM, Quicken Quicken, Billing Act, digital camera, floppy disk, office 97, dot pitch, software installed, software hardware, hard drive, disk drive, purchase computer, ink-jet printer, floppy disk drive, hard drive space, measured dots inch, resolution measured dots, dots inch dpi,
Approximate Word count = 2083
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)