Finding the ideal computer system

War-
service guarantees
may not be valid. Find out be-
fore making the purchase,

HIGH-TECH for the
home is big business even
in recessionary times, as
people look for the latest
and most interesting
gadgets to fill their
homes.

By Pamela Lang
Features Reporter

Cellular phones, portable fax
machines, and other new con-
veniences have made it easier
than ever to set up a home of-
fice with all of the equipmen
needed to run a business.

Home offices — whether
they be for work or for per-
sonal use — are incomplete
without a personal computer,
but knowing what kind of
computer to buy can be 2 very
difficult task.

And once the computer has
been purchased, most con-
sumers then must decide what
kind of software they need to
operate the equipment, and
what other types of additional
hardware (like modems and
printers) will be needed.

Small-business people and
people buying for pleasure will,
more often than not, be on a
budget, so it is important to
get the most for the price paid.

Keep in mind as well that ail
the computer equipment in the
world isn’t worth a hill of
beans if you don’t know how
to use it, so unless you are par-
ticularly astute at learning new
technologies (i.e., programing a

§ 4

VCR isn’t difficult), make sure
the cost of classes or training is
considered.

Start by establishing what
the computing system will be
used for. Don't assume that
the computer used and loved
by your best friend or business
partner will be right for you.

Then get information on the
types of computer programs
(software) that can do those
tasks and, in turn, the types of
computers that can run those
program Don't forget any-
thing — if you intend to use it
to play games, the computer
you buy should be able to run
your favorite game as well as
the professional software
packages needed to do
business.

Ask questions, and don't
just go to One computer store.
Make the rounds, and while
you are at it, buy a few maga-
zines on computing just to get
a feel for the jargon.

Pay attention to what the
salespeop!e tell you, and then
get another opinion. If they
don’t agree, ask questions, and
then get another opinion.

Take the machines for a test
drive. If the computer store
won't let you sit down and try
the machine they want you to
buy with the software they
want you to buy, then find
someone who will,

Ask questions about wa
ranties, guarantees and servic-

. Some stores won't service
your machine without a service
contract, and some won't ser-
vice it at all. Service can be the
difference between the lowest

price and the best price.

If you are considering pur-
chasing your computer
second-hand or through the
U.S.. remember that what you

buy is what
ranties or

you get.

“HOME HE.

Surround Sound.

Sales - Service - installation

é Drive, N. Van. a

ss from Mercedes-8enz)

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