Thinking about automating your store or buying a second computer for your home office?  You may be able to save some money and get a great deal on a used computer.  However, like buying anything used, there are some questions you should ask before buying.

1. Know exactly what you're getting.   You should know the processor speed (measured in megahertz or mhz for short), amount of memory (also called RAM and measured in megabytes) and hard drive size (measured in megabytes or gigabytes).  I recommend buying a computer with at least a  300 mhz processor, at least 32MB of RAM, and at least a 1 gigabyte hard drive. Anything less and you'll have problems running popular software.  Your used computer should also come with a built-in CD ROM drive and preferably a modem (if you're planning on using the Internet or e-mail).

2. Before you buy, compare the above specs on your used computer with the specs on a brand new computer and also compare the prices.   New computer prices have dropped to under $1,000, including monitor, mouse, keyboard,and printer!  Check your Sunday paper for advertisements which will provide the specs mentioned above.

3. Buy your used computer from a reputable seller - look in your local Yellow Pages under "Computers - Used" or "Computer - Repair & Service".  Most computer repair stores have used equipment they can sell you at discounted prices.  Find out what the warrantee is on parts and labor and ask how old the computer is.  As a general rule, stick with computers manufactured less than four years ago.  If you are buying the equipment from an individual or resale shop, you might want to ask if you can have the equipment checked over by a local computer repair shop - much like you would when buying a used car.

4. Find out if any software is included with the computer.  Is it running at least Windows 95 or 98 operating systems?   Is a word processor,  spreadsheet, or Internet browser software installed already?  Are any manuals for either the computer or installed software included?   Have the seller turn the on computer to verify the installed software and make sure the computer works.

5. With the computer turned on.   Click Start / Settings / Control Panel.  Double-click the "System" icon and notice what operating system is installed (Win 95, 98, etc) and then click the "Performance" tab to see how much memory (RAM) is installed on the system.   Don't buy a computer running Windows 3.1 or 3.11 (too old) and make sure you have at least 32 MB (megabytes) RAM installed.

6. A keyboard, mouse, monitor, and related cables should accompany any computer purchase.

7. Checkout the used computer websites below.  All offer used equipment. Even if you do not purchase from these sites, they can offer price comparisons and additional tips when considering used computer equipment.

Dell Refurbished Online Outlet
Dell products that have been reconditioned, tested, re-tested and guaranteed. Includes desktops, laptops, accessories and more.

Dell Auction Center
Official auction site for Dell computer systems. Items include desktops, servers, notebooks and software.

The Used Computer Mall
Users can list equipment to buy or sell, appraise the value, find dealers who specialize in many brands and types of equipment, and more.

#1 Used Computers
Offers used computers, laptops, projectors, monitors, printers, and peripherals. Searchable by product type and/or manufacuter.

Second Hand PC's
Answers a number of basic questions about the dollar value of second hand PC's, and when it makes sense to purchase them.