Where To Buy a Computer

Choosing a buying location can be the most costly mistake made by end user in purchasing computer. Below are the list of the main location where you can buy a computer.
Auction

 High Street Auction

You can see the actual computer in action here before you pay and you can take it back for a full refund if not functioning well. The computer here comes with complete operating system and some bundled software and has easy payment terms. But commonly the staff at these stores may have limited knowledge and could give you a wrong information.

Online Auction

Many Internet companies provide an online auctions that other people have the capability of listing products that they are selling. If you buy through online auction, it is safe that you purchase through check in order to prevent possible credit card fraud. Below are some guidelines to ensure the success of your purchase: • Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. • Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase.

Local private computer shop / local retailer

You are more likely to get a personal service, where a computer is built to your exact specifications. The local shop tends to be a little more informed and may be able to give you some good advice. You can, in many cases, actually speak with the person who is building your computer and raise any questions you have with him/her. Should you need to take your computer back for whatever reason, local is obviously a lot more convenient. However, there are some guidelines to ensure the success of your purchase: • Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. • Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase.

Internet

With the increase popularity of the Internet it is becoming easier, faster, and cheaper to buy over the Internet. However here is some guidelines in purchasing through internet. • In purchasing through Internet, it is generally a good recommendation to ensure the page you are purchasing from offers some type of security. When entering your credit card information look for a small padlock / on your browser toolbar indicating that all information entered will have additional security helping to prevent information from being stolen by another entity. If you do not see this icon in the bottom left or mid left of your browser its a good possibility the page does not offer this additional security.

• Ensure that the company you are purchasing your computer from is a well known company. It is possible for anyone to setup a web site, make sure the company has an official domain (e.g. www.yahoo.com). It is more difficult from someone to setup fake domains then for someone to setup a fake free server such as a Geocities account. • Ensure that the page your are purchasing from has contact information for the company in case issues arise. • Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. • Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase.

Via Mail Order

Prices are usually more competitive. Staff may be better at answering technical questions you have. You can usually spread payments. You can usually have your computer built to a specific order. It usually comes complete with operating system, some bundled software and easy to understand set-up guides. But purchasing through Mail order is sometimes considered an unsafe location to purchase your computer. However, taking the correct steps can help prevent issues from occurring. • Get a valid phone number from the company so that you can directly talk to someone if needed. • Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. • Verify the warranty on the product ensuring that it is either provided by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase.