Do not buy an old computer that your company or friend is trying to get rid of, no matter what the cost is. These computers are usually a couple of years old and probably do not run the latest software. Finally, don t forget about your warranty and the technical support that comes with your computer purchase. Make sure you get the best warranty for the buck. If you are a novice, technical support may be your most frequently used feature.
Bottom line is, buy a new computer, buy a beefy desktop, and plan to buy one every couple of years.
There is an old saying, You get what you pay for , so don t be cheap.