Build or buy a PC?

Naturally, there are both advantages and disadvantages of building a computer. First of all, it is cheaper to build rather than buy. You can actually save hundreds of dollars and you do not have to throw away the bad video card or other components that you would have to replace in a complete Compaq computer. In other words, you know what you get if you buy the components yourself. After a year or two, you might want to upgrade the computer. If you have built the computer you know straight away which components to replace and which to keep. A bought computer like IBM or Compaq has been proven very difficult to upgrade. For instance, we tried to swap a floppy disk from a Compaq into a Dell computer. It didnt fit in. This is done deliberatly so that you as a consumer would use more money to buy a new one instead of upgrading. The same goes for motherboard and many other components. The components only fit together if they are of same brand.

On the other hand, one of the advantages that comes along by buying rather than building is the customer service and user friendlyness. This is for most a waste except if you do not know anything about computers and software. Additionally, if something happens the "big-brand" computer companies might offer 1 year free support over the phone. This is also not nessecary after Windows XP came. This operating system tells you what is wrong, and you can even go back in time to an earlier restore point (when the computer worked properly). If there is something worng with one of the components, it is in 99% of the coincidences very easy to swap. If you are hesitating about building a computer and you are considering buying one, I would recommend dell. They are one of the most reliable computer providers on the market with competetive prices and a long experience in the industry. To summarise:

Build or buy?