Introduction

Custom Made vs. Mass Produced

Types of Vendors

After It Arrives

Other Guidelines

Further Reading and Useful Links

Introduction

It seems there are always two main questions when considering a new computer purchases-   Where should I buy it, and what should I be sure to get with it?  This FAQ will attempt to summarize options concerning vendors.  Component specifications may some day be another FAQ, albeit one that will need updated so often it would likely be out of date more often than not.

Custom Made vs. Mass Produced

Custom made computers are those purchased from either a local vendor that puts together the parts or from a manufacturer that is willing to alter core product lines.  In general a local vendor can match a large retailer's price when buying a custom system.  It costs money for one system out of thousands to be altered.  Since the local shop is putting them together one at a time in the first place they do not need to raise the price for an alteration on an assembly line.  Put another way, upgrades to an off the shelf or online purchase can quickly take a $399 special to well over $600 by adding some RAM, a floppy drive, a larger hard disk, etc.

Mass produced computers are off the shelf buys made from retail stores or online sites.  There is nothing wrong with purchasing a mass produced system as long as one of the models has the specs and components that are needed.  The economics of buying a system of which there are thousands like it are no doubt beneficial to your budget.

Types of Vendors

Local vendors often match or even beat the prices of large retailers when a custom system is purchased.  In addition these vendors have a face and offer a personal touch.  Their guidance when choosing the components, specifications, and software is something that cannot be found online.

If a problem develops with the system it can be taken to the place of purchase for repair.  This is especially true of a local vendor that is a family owned store.  A reputable, locally owned and operated business counts on the relationships they build with customers to be competitive.  If a problem occurs, especially under warranty, it will be fixed before a part can be shipped from an online vendor and often can be fixed immediately.  Privately owned local vendors rely on customers for their livelihood, not just provide a paycheck while working their way through school.

Large retail stores and online vendors can offer the best price with non-customized purchases of a mass produced computer.  If the possibility of overseas/outsourced tech support, replacing a bad component yourself with a part shipped to you, and waiting for shipping sounds like a worthy compromise to save some money then go for it!  There is nothing wrong with being thrifty.  Another point can be made that with so many of the same configurations rolling off of the assembly line there is a greater chance that the configuration was fully tested.  Expensive recalls or replacing parts in many systems is bad for the bottom line of these large companies.

After It Arrives

Inspect everything.  Be sure all parts listed on the packing slip or installation guides are accounted for.  As cheesy as it sounds for advanced users, at least glance at the setup guides.  Most systems are color coded to instantly recognize what plug the speakers go to, but do the drivers for a printer that was included need installed before or after connecting and powering the printer?

As soon as the computer is connected to the Internet install all updates and patches.  It is imperative in this era to install anti-virus and anti-spyware/adware software.

Check some of the other tips in the PC Setup FAQ listed in the Further Reading and Useful Links section below.