If you want to buy the perfect computer, been good all year, then you should follow these five simple steps:

1. Decide what you want the computer to do.

There are as many reasons for buying a personal computer as people to think up the reasons. And owning a computer brings more benefits than could possibly be listed — even by a computer. So you have no excuse for not completing this step. When you finish this task, the rest of the steps fall nicely into place.

2. Find the software that will get you the result you want.

3. Find the hardware to run your software.

Most people confuse the order of Steps 2 and 3, worrying about hardware before software. But the truth is that you buy a computer to get work done, not to support some major brand-name manufacturer. For example, you buy a TV so you can watch what's on the TV and not the TV set itself. The software programs in a computer are what get the work done, just like the programs on a TV are what entertain you (not that imitation mahogany cabinet).

4. Shop for service and support.

This is the most important step — more important than buying the computer (which comes last). Too many computer buyers overlook service and support and regret it later.

5. Buy that computer

The software gets the work done. You buy hardware to support the software you've chosen.

"Service" means getting the computer fixed. Support means getting H-E-L-P when you need it. Everyone needs service and support with a new computer. Everyone.

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