Be on the look out for student or educational discounts, both when buying locally or via mail order. Ask the salesperson questions about the computer you are interested in and jot your notes in the space below. Look for a computer with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects and other problems, both labor and parts. Make sure you understand exactly what is covered under the warranty. Most new computers are covered for a year, and some warranties include on-site maintenance.
Many retailers offer extended service agreements which, in essence, lengthen the warranty.
Whether or not you purchase an extended service plan is up to you. Find out what is covered and weigh the price of the warranty against the price of potential repairs. Your computer is an expensive piece of equipment, so protect it from power surges with a surge protector. A surge protector will blow a fuse if it gets hit by a rush of electricity, thus protecting your computer. If you're using a modem, be sure to get a surge protector with a telephone jack included.