Choose and buy a new computer that lasts five years or more

This guide is for anyone in the UK replacing an old or failing computer, or buying one for a student, a home business or an older relative. Most people overspend on things they never use and underspend on the parts that decide how long a computer stays pleasant to use. You will write a one-page needs profile, turn it into a minimum specification, compare real models fairly, buy from the right place with your rights protected and finish with a set-up and care routine. At the end you will have a computer you chose for reasons, not because of a shop banner.

What is inside

• Full step-by-step method9 detailed steps with decision points
• Ready-to-use templatesOne-page computer needs profile · Shortlist comparison table · Email rejecting a faulty new computer
• Timed action plan8 stages from “Day 1” to “Every 6 months”
• Costly mistakes to avoid4 traps and what to do instead
• Complete checklist11 items to tick off
• Insider tips and fixes4 tips and 4 common problems solved

Step by step

1. Write down what you actually do on a computer

   Before looking at any adverts, list the tasks you do in a normal week, such as email, video calls, documents, photo editing, accounting software, gaming or coding. Mark each one as everyday, occasional or rare, and note any specific program you must run, for example a particular accounts package or a school or employer system. Check whether that software runs only on Windows, only on macOS, or in a web browser, because this can decide the whole purchase. Write down where you will use the computer: on a desk all day, on the sofa, or on trains and in cafes. Finally, note who else will use it and whether anyone needs larger text, a bigger screen or a simpler layout. This one page is your needs profile and every later decision should be checked against it.