PC Support - Buying a Second hand PC - a byte of help -
Second Hand
As with other products, buying second hand can be a way of saving money provided you avoid the pitfalls.
Most of these are the same as for any other type of second hand purchase, but for computers the rate at which technology advances means obsolescence is a real factor.
The main points are:
What do you want to use it for?
What type of PC will meet your needs?
These are covered in the page on "New PC?"
Read all that page and then return here by clicking on the "Second hand?" link again.
The Next Stage
You now have an idea of the type of PC you want. You are looking in the second hand adverts in the local paper or scouring the retail outlets that sell second hand.
Before you leap at that bargain, consider why the seller is selling it. Is it too slow to run today's software?
Make sure you see it running before you buy.
Does it come with all the CDs to re-install the Windows and applications that are installed?
Do not be mislead by being offered the Windows boot floppy disc instead of the CD-ROM or being told "its on the disc".
Are the CDs genuine or copies?
If the answers to these questions are not satisfactory, walk away. It's your money you will be wasting.
Too Slow?
If you have bought a second hand PC that is too slow for what you want to run on it, it is possible to upgrade it. The cost may be worthwhile, depending on what you have just bought and what software you want to run on it.
There are Bargains!
If you want to word process and access the Internet for information, if you are a student and need this for course work, a slower PC may be all you need. Don't expect to play the latest games on it as well.
For more advice - call
PC Support - Contact - a byte of help -
Knypersley, Stoke-on-Trent
Telephone: (01782) 763568
email: geoff@pcsupportuk.com
Serving North Staffordshire and South Cheshire
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