Buying a used computer is a great way to save money as long as you are careful about which computer you buy. The biggest concern with buying used computer is that shortly after you get it all set up and running it crashes. Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk a used computer being a lemon.
Probably the worst thing to have fail on a computer is the hard drive because you risk losing your data. The problem with inspecting hard drives is that many of the failures are due to mechanical issues that cannot be detected without opening the hard drive case is not recommended. So a hard drive that will failure very soon may not show any outward signs that it is deteriorating. There are a number of mechanical components in hard drives that can fail. Hard drive failures can also be caused by heavy wear and tear. The read and write heads of a hard disk are used to retrieve and write data to a hard disk that is rotating at a high speed. The chance of a hard drive failure increases the more use a drive has endured.
Hard drive failures from certain data related issued can be detected and prevented by a full system scan. The scan can detect faulty sectors of the hard disks. A number of factors determine how long a full system scan will take. A full disk scan is often impractical to perform before buying a used a computer because of the time it takes. It is highly recommended that a full system scan be performed before buying a used computer.
Inspecting the CPU is also very important before buying a used computer. Locking up is common failure for CPU’s. Freezing can occur due to overheating. Computer’s have a fan and heat sink to keep the CPU from overheating but fans can wear out and dust build up can keep them from operating properly. It is fairly easy to check if the fan is functioning properly by listening to it and looking for excessive dust. A properly functioning fan should be a consistent, low hum. Squeaks or variations in the sound or speed of the fan can indicate problems.
If the computer includes a monitor is should be inspected too. A monitor that is close to failing will often have dull colors and will not be crisp. Monitors should not flutter or have lines and should not make more than a very low hum. If a computer has a
USB HDTV tuner the monitor’s quality is absolutely critical.
A computer’s operating system should be checked as well. Over time operating systems can slow down due to programs being added and deleted from the system. A computer’s registry can slow a computer down as programs that are added and deleted from the computer make changes to the registry. Unless you are knowledgeable with such things the best way to test the operating system is reboot the system a few times. A computer should not take overly long to boot up. Probably the best option after you purchase the computer is, if you are comfortable with it, to reformat the hard drive and reload the operating system and all drivers and programs.
Any other hardware should also be inspected. For instance, CD and DVD drives should open and shut easily and your should be able to read and write data to a disk. Also be sure to test that all the keys on the keyboard operate smoothly and that the mouse functions properly. Test to that a
USB digital TV tuner is able to receive over the air and cable/satellite signals.
