Hardware

Buying computer hardware can be confusing as it's not simply a case of choosing whatever you fancy but selecting an item that will be compatible with your other hardware and suit your needs.

'Hardware' refers to all the parts of your computer such as the mouse, keyboard, monitor, CD drive, memory, ports, etc.

When buying new hardware you should make a note of:
• The make and model of your computer.
• The make and model of the part you are trying to replace/acquire.

Check that your hardware is guaranteed before you buy it, and that you have ordered the right specification - most items of computer hardware come in many different versions for different machines.

If you want to find out about your consumer rights then you can try the government site
The Consumer Gateway. The best thing to do when shopping for computer parts is to read reviews in computer magazines and forums, of which there are plenty.

Resources

PCmag
The Consumer Gateway