So you've finally decided ....

to enter the modern era and buy a personal computer. With that decision now out of the way, a bigger and more important question looms ahead - which one? Read on and we'll try and sort through it together.

Back in the 50's, the term "personal computer" was an oxymoron. It was absurd to think of a personal computer; they took up entire rooms, required special operating environment and specialized knowledge to use. Some of us have tried to resist the changes taking place in the world, remembering more idyllic times and simpler living. But let's face it, the only constant is change and the personal computer has become a reality, almost a necessity, of modern life.

So where do you begin? Buying a computer can turn almost anyone into a frenzied mess. The choices are many, the language is strange. Salespeople in most computer stores usually receive a commission on sales, rather than an hourly wage. They talk to you in numbers, megahertz, megabytes and RAM, all of which makes little or no sense to you.

My advice - do your homework, ask some questions. There are a multitude of reasons why a person would buy a computer. The first thing I ask is, why do you need a computer? What do you need it for right now? What would you like to be able to do with it in the future?

Answers vary. Some want to use a computer for personal tasks at home, i.e. bookkeeping, household budget, correspondence and that sort of thing, some to help their children in school, and some just like to play games. A computer is a necessity for running a small business, part or full time. Whatever the reason, the first thing you need to do is to define your needs. Get clear in your mind what you would like to be able to do with your computer.

The process of buying a computer is very similar to buying a car. Before you actually go looking, you make some decisions in your mind. Your personal needs determine whether you're looking for a wagon to haul the kids and dogs, a flashy, red, two-seat sports car, or a four wheel drive to handle any condition. There are a great many different models to choose from. All of them serve the same basic function, but each is designed to serve a slightly different purpose. Computers are the same. Different models perform the same basic functions, but model variations handle different jobs in different ways. Some models are extremely versatile workhorses, some are merely souped-up typewriters. Your budget is also a big consideration. While we might like to have a Mercedes, our budget says we can only have a Honda. The thing is not to confuse your wants with your needs. Realize that the most practical choice is the Mini-Van that will comfortably suit the full range of possible transportation needs and still meet the budget allowance.

So sit down and clearly outline what you want to do with your computer. Decide if you want a system for mainly "home" type uses, or whether you need it to help run your business - with complicated spread-sheets, data bases or crunching mountains of numbers. Are you going to use it mainly for word-processing (writing) or playing games? Answering questions like these will help determine the importance of speed, power, storage and other system characteristics. Then consider your budget. We would all like to get the fastest, biggest, most powerful super- deluxe model. But, again, face reality. The more powerful the machine, the more it is going to cost. That doesn't mean you can't get a powerful computer at a good price. Prices for computers in general are much less than they used to be and there is always a bargain to be had somewhere. What it does mean is that you may have to spend more to have certain capabilities.

Generally you will find IBM compatible DOS-based or Apple-Macintosh computer systems in today's marketplace. Almost all personal computers fall into one of these two categories. Unfortunately, the software made for the Macintosh will not run on a DOS-based IBM compatible and visa versa. You can't take a program made for IBM compatibles and run on a Macintosh. Luckily, most types of software are now available for either machine. Which type should you buy? Opinions differ, including mine. There is no blanket answer; everyone has individual needs and requirements. My recommendation is to discuss your needs with someone knowledgeable and evaluate what system has the best software available to meet your personal requirements. Make a decision based on which system (DOS or Mac) offers the widest variety of software for your most important system use.

Got questions? Need help? Call: S.O.S. Consulting