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If you plan to purchase a computer for the first time, you might feel confused. Most people only buy a computer when their current one breaks down or is really outdated. The following article will make things easy for you.

Always use antivirus software. Your computer is vulnerable if you don't have antivirus programs protecting you. Malicious software slows down your computer and can even steal personal information. You can use these programs to automatically scan and repair any issues that your computer is having.

Be on the lookout for computers that the owners are giving away. This will help you to save a lot of money during the process. While you want to be certain that the used computer you're purchasing works well, you'll find that most of them do.

Carefully choose the products you use when building a desktop computer. The motherboard will have to fit the processor to work. Some RAM units only work with some motherboards. When purchasing your pieces, ensure cross compatibility. This is sure to save money, time and hassle when you build a computer of your own.

Learn about the add-ons before buying a computer. There are many accessories that you can purchase for your new computer. Only get the accessories you need. Also, you may be able to find your add-ons cheaper on different websites. The manufacturers usually sell their goods at the highest possible prices.

Be sure to clean out your new computer weekly. Unscrew the case to make it more efficient to dust with compressed air. That way, the machine stays clean and the fan stays functional.

Take a measurement of size of the desktop and measure the space you will place it. Desktop computers come in many sizes depending on what brand or model they are. Some are small, but others take up much more space. Make sure that you get a computer that fits your space.

If you want to buy a new Mac, but use PC software, Parallels for Mac can help. This is a software program that essentially allows you to use a PC's operating system right on the Mac. That means any PC software you have can be run on your Mac. You will also need to make a separate purchase of the operating system for the PC to go along with it.

If you are concerned about going green, consider a mini PC. They do not consume much electricity, but they usually provide ample processing power. This type of machine is good for you if you all you do is check email, surf the Internet, use Facebook and create documents.

In order to transfer big video files, be sure a desktop has a DVD optical drive that is writable. Larger multimedia files may require more than a CD drive. A DVD optical drive will provide you with the space you'll need for larger multimedia files. It will cost a little bit more up front, but will be worth it in the long run.

Buying a computer, printer and monitor at once was a pretty common practice. Never go this route. Monitors that are built for a certain computer are more difficult to purchase, since flat-screen TVs do well. If you already own a keyboard and mouse, they work, too.

Even if you have questions after reading this, you have enough information to start with. If you've got questions when in a computer store or online, contact an employee to help you with your search. Good luck finding the right computer!