The answer to the question “Should I buy a Mac or a PC?” is a question: “Who will you call for help on Sunday afternoon when something goes wrong with your computer?” Your computer lifeline needs to understand the kind of computer that you have. So, if your computer lifeline is your neighbor, your daughter, or your friend next door purchase a PC or Mac according to what they use. You don’t need to buy the exact model they have, but you’ll want to buy a computer that they understand and can help you with.

Let’s call a spade a spade. I’ve been teaching computers for 17 years and I can say with complete confidence that NO COMPUTER is “user-friendly.” That is just damn good marketing. That doesn’t mean you can’t learn to use a computer, whether it is a PC or a Mac, but there’s very little about any computer that is intuitive or friendly. Once you understand some of the techniques necessary to operate it, the computer becomes more intuitive in the same way that driving a car becomes intuitive, but it isn’t any thanks to some of the design choices. Who was the genius that put the Caps Lock key so close to the Shift key? What is the logic of clicking Start to turn off the computer? I could go on… The upside is, like a car, the computer can bring you to wonderful places making it worth the effort to learn how to operate it. And, like a car, you don’t need to understand the nitty and gritty of how it works in order to work it.

It’s true that a Mac is less vulnerable to viruses. That is a definite plus. And it can be argued that the inside of a Mac may have been or still is better, lusher, or more advanced than a PC, but you and I won’t ever notice the difference. If you’re a graphic designer, a Mac is probably a better idea. For us, the average user, both a Mac and a PC will equally meet our needs with e-mail, word-processing, and the Internet. If you’re comfortable with whichever kind of computer you already have, there’s no reason to succumb to pressure because someone you know LOVES their Mac or PC. Will they be there to help you when with a computer question or problem?

If you decide to change from PC to Mac or vice versa, you can make the transition with same patience required with a new spouse. They’ll be good days and bad days and eventually you’ll hit a comfort level with all the changes. A different operating systems does require that you purchase all new software which can be pricey. Research the cost of whatever software you have on your existing computer before you make the change.

No matter the pressure or hard sell that comes your way, your computer choice is YOURS to make. Hold fast to what suits your needs, wallet, and comfort level. Tell them I said so!

For more on Mac vs PC visit Chapter 6 (p. 47) in “Is This Thing On?”

Do you know the size of the image you want? Are you printing it or only sending it over the Internet? Here’s a guide for choosing the resolution (dpi = dots per inch):

640 dpi – for Internet use only
1024 dpi – Internet, as well as wallet-size prints
1280 dpi – Internet and any size up to and including 4 x 6 prints
1600 dpi – Internet and prints as large as 8 x 12

We didn’t get a chance to talk about how important it is to back up your photos. Remember there are no negatives to hang on to for safe keeping. Take a look at Picture This (Chapter 18 p. 251) for all of the nitty gritty on camera settings and backing up your photos.

Say CHEESE!

• Purchase the computer from a reputable store. If for some reason your machine needs to be returned or repaired, you don’t want to go back to where you bought it and see that it’s unexpectedly gone out of business.
• If you’re considering the purchase of a used computer, be sure you have some recourse if it breaks down. This will probably be in the form of a verbal agreement, so only buy a used computer from someone you know and trust. Also, keep in mind that the life span of a computer (due to the constantly changing technology) is at best about 4 years. If the computer is four years or older, say “Thanks, but no thanks.” It’ll be too slow and behind the times to be any fun for you.
• Get your computer up and running right away. Most stores offer a 30-day return policy. That means you must have the computer hooked up and run it through its paces before those thirty days have passed. Otherwise, you may lose the opportunity to exchange it, if there are problems. And if you bought it second hand, the sooner you discover the bugs the more likely the seller will either take the machine back or pay for repairs.

Of the three possible pitfalls above the only one I’ve experienced is the last. I know many folks who are fearful of setting up the computer without help. Their instincts are correct to be cautious. Do get someone to help you, but call RIGHT AWAY. Don’t let months go by in case you need to take advantage of the store’s return policy. My bet is that you won’t have to contact the store at all, but why take the chance?

(Be sure to also read the article Don’t Get Stuck With A Lemon before you make your next computer purchase.)

So, I’m telling you now . . . no matter how tempted you are to have someone else make your computer buying decision, it is essential that you take a look at and test drive several computers before you make a purchase.

Here is a list of things that need to be considered:

• Where and how will it fit in your home? It is important that you measure the computer and the space where it will live. Consider how the computer will look in the space. Computers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Part of your choice is how it will look in your home.
• How well can you see the screen? Everyone’s eyes see things differently. A computer screen that is clear to me may be foggy to you. You need to compare different screens to be sure you are buying what is best for you.
• Does the keyboard size work with the size of your hands? Each keyboard has a different feel and can be a different size. Be sure to see how the keyboard feels and fits your hands.

I’ve designed a Test Drive Form (available in my book) that you should bring with you when visit the computer store. Have the salesperson fill one out for each of the computer’s that you’re seriously considering. Then go home and review the technical aspects with someone who understands that stuff. You can then review your notes to compare how it will fit in your home, how the screens look to you and how the keyboards feel.

Here is how to decide whether or not you need a new computer:

• If your computer is over five years old, call the Smithsonian! All kidding aside, five years is about the limit before you do yourself a disservice by staying with a really outdated machine. You may not think you need a new computer, but when you get your hands on one you’ll be astounded by the improvements.
• You can choose to upgrade your system instead of buying a new machine. This involves a computer technician replacing the older, slower parts (the RAM for instance) of your computer with newer, faster or higher capacity parts. There is a limit to how far you can upgrade a computer – it varies with each machine, but you may be able to hold out for an additional year or two with an upgrade.
• You don’t need to replace your computer just because it is too slow for your kids and grandkids. If your kids are driven crazy by how long it takes to open a web site on your computer, but you have no problem with it, stick with what you’ve got. At some point, when you’re visiting their house, have them show you how much faster their computer is. If you see a difference and you want the faster machine, then make your purchase.

I replace my computer almost every 18 months. You can probably go for three to five years before you’ll want to consider a new computer purchase. Please don’t throw out the old computer! Someone can definitely make use of your old machine, even if it is only for parts. Contact your local school or visit www.sharetechnology.org.

The manufacturer required that we register the computer purchase with them before they would give us any technical support. Once we registered, they said that they would be very happy to have the computer repaired, but they would not replace it. All I could think of was buying a new car, driving it off the lot and having it break down before I even got home. I wouldn’t want the car repaired. I would want a new car that works. Once a lemon, always a lemon. My student felt the same way. I was furious and she was almost in tears. I have since found out this is the policy of most computer manufacturers.

So here’s how to avoid getting stuck with a lemon:

1. Setup and turn on your new computer within the store’s return policy. (Usually 30 days, but ask.)
2. Wait to register the computer until you’re sure everything works properly.
3. If there is a problem, call the store where you purchased it, NOT the manufacturer. The store should be willing to replace the machine. The manufacturer will most likely only offer to repair it.

P.S. I have set up hundreds of computers and this has only happened to me twice. However, in the unlikely event that it should happen, you now have the scoop on how to handle it.