What to Look For When Buying a Used Computer

Technology and their prices modify so frequently, it's really hard to tell what is a good deal and what isn't when you're looking for used computers. The first thing to keep in mind is that buying a used computer is not at all like buying a used car. There aren't a lot of things that can go incorrect with a computer and remain concealed. The first thing to do is to check if the computer in fact works. Start with it turned off, then power it up. If that works, and it loads up to the desktop in some sensible amount of time, you'll at least know that you won't take it home and shove the power button only to find out you've been ripped off.

Once you get it loaded up to the desktop, there's an easy way to tell if the specifications the retailer told you it had are really true. Click the "Start" button, then "Control Panel", then "System". What pops up is a dialog box called "scheme properties". Here, you'll find essential system information. You'll be able to see what version of Windows are running, the processor type and speed, and the quantity of RAM or Random Access Memory. You can just contrast these to other computers advertised for sale and find out if it is a good deal or not.

One of the other things you'll want to seem for is the available connections and their types. In today's world, you'll most likely want four or more USB 2.0 connections, but this is not awfully important as you can buy a "splitter" for less than twenty dollars at any computer store. The best thing to do is to look at your existing computer and see what the plugs look like before going to examine the computer you're bearing in mind buying to make certain all your existing parts will at least plug in properly. If you don't have an existing computer, chances are you'll have all the fundamental connections you'll need for a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer.

If you have any obtainable software that you want to make sure works on your new computer, you can usually check the software's system necessities in its "help" or "about" section. The only thing that the "System Properties" dialog box will not show you that you may want to know is obtainable hard drive space. You can find this by only clicking "Start" then "Run" and typing "diskmgmt.msc". That will bring up Windows' disk running program that will show you all the available disks in the computer. You'll be able to see from this program all sorts of information about these disks, but you should only anxiety yourself with "Disk Capacity" and "Free Space". If "Free Space" meets or exceeds your software's system necessities, you should be fine.

Now you know how simple it is to check out a computer before you acquire it. Be sure to use caution when buying from sites like Craigslist or eBay because of all the scams out there. Just because there is a picture of a computer doesn't mean it is legit. With your new found knowledge of how to find the specs of a computer mixed with a little elegant shopping and ordinary sense, you should be able to shun a rip-off and have a good computer buying knowledge.