Computers and Technology

In today's world, having a computer is now a common fact. However, with that common fact always comes the issue of money. Many computer brands today simply advertise how excellent their company-made computers are, but those advertisements blind us, the consumers, from what that company-made computer is worth. Is it worth the price tag?

Well, let me tell you the answer to that question: NO. Many popular computer brands do not tell us everything that is in the computer, from the power supply to the desktop memory. Without this information, we have no idea if the money is worth the computer. That's exactly what computer companies want us to ignore.

There are also companies out there where they let you pick the components on your own, and they build the computer for you. This seems to be a good idea for a few seconds, but notice this: they don't tell you how much money it costs for the computer company to buy those components. For all you know, they may be ripping you off big time.

Then, you ask, what should I do to get a computer if you say that buying computers isn't worth the money? Well, I have an answer for all of you: build one.

So, let's say you are out on the market for a new gaming computer because Your old Pentium III computer just doesn't cut it anymore. So you come across a company that sells custom computers for you if you pick out the components on your own, or you come across a company that picks components for you AND builds it for you. And then you go to a forum and someone else tells you to get away from that company and build one on your own. Which path is better?

Simply put, building a computer on your own beats out every aspect of buying a computer. Here's why:

1. Money: Did you think they're going to buy your components, build it, and put a "small" extra fee? That sounds nice, but that's not being realistic. Let me just save you from the misery now: NO. For one, you don't know the exact price they bought the parts for. If you don't know, let me tell you now: some companies put extra money on each product so they get the most out of your wallet.

Then comes the fee for building the computer. Well, let me just tell you, it takes me maybe 2 hours max to build my computer, and they still charge a fee. That's the way it goes. They're trying to get the most money they can take out of your wallet without being noticed. That's the fault that many people are currently in.

Then comes the customer service. They may say "free 24/7 customer service" in a persuasive and friendly voice, but do not be tricked; it's not FREE. They won't charge you when you call them, but it's included in the final price you pay for the computer. There goes another $xx from your wallet.

However, if you build your own computer, you know the price of each and every one of your components, and you will be your own customer service. No extra fee, no calling customer service, nothing extra. Just you and your computer. And if you ever have a question, you can always go onto numerous computer forums with friendly members who are always there to help you.

2. Knowledge: now, this is where I think the most weight is. Let's say that you still, upon reading my first list, bought a computer from a popular computer company, and this was your first ever custom built computer. Hooray, your computer came in a nice case, with everything you wanted in it, and you start playing games at the settings you wanted to play them. 2 weeks later, the computer dies on you. What now? You call customer service of course! Let me tell you, they probably won't know how to fix it for you right there. If you're lucky, they'll have you send it back to them and MAKE YOU PAY THE SHIPPING, and then if you're even luckier, ship you another computer in a time frame of a month.

That's some nice ideal events there, but I'm going to tell you now, it probably won't happen.

Now, imagine if you bought all of the components on your own, and you built it on your own. You know every single component of your computer inside and out, and if your computer dies on you, you won't have to call customer service, or ship the computer back. You're your own customer service; by buying the components, you researched your parts and gained much knowledge about all the parts. You'll know how to pick out the bad part, and send only that one back. You don't need to wait months; if you researched your products, you bought the products that perform well and have good service when your part breaks. So, you just send back your part, and wallah, a brand new one comes right back, you install it on your computer, and it works like a charm again. You're ready to continue on your gaming adventures.

3. Fun: don't think this needs much explanation.

If you just want to buy a custom built computer, you just go on the Internet, find your brand, and they ship one to you. I don't think there's much fun in that.

If you research your parts, buy them, and build it all, it's a lot of fun. That was the case for me. And with knowledge, comes great power.