You should do some research before you go shopping. The following are good starting points:

• Look in PC magazines and on the internet for articles comparing the different models and prices.
• Go on a course to improve your understanding of computers and help you get a better deal when you buy a PC. There are lots of different courses you could try, from beginner level to more advanced. UK online centres can help you get started on the internet. A database of all UK online centres is available online and there is a helpline on 0800 77 1234.
• Ask friends and family about their experiences with PCs.

You have a number of different ways in which you can buy your PC. Each has different advantages and disadvantages as we have set out below:

Buying from a manufacturer or supplier direct (by telephone, internet or mail order) is a good option if you know about the system you want. It can be cheaper because the sellers' overheads are low. Buying in this way will also entitle you to a seven day cooling off period after the goods are delivered so you get a chance to check them over and cancel if it is not what you want. You should get an order confirmation via email immediately when you buy online.

These could range from a large retail chain to a small local independent shop. You may not be able to take the PC away immediately as many are built to order. However, you can usually test the system before you buy. Independent stores may sell or be able to order a wide range of products.

Shop around between lots of sellers to find the best deal for you.

Having done your research and decided on where or how you want to get your PC, here are some tips on buying it:

Think about what you want your PC to do and decide your budget. Don't buy a more complex PC than you need, but at the same time think about what you might want it to do in the future. This will save you time and money in the long-term.

Don't be afraid to talk to sellers. Explain what you want your computer to do and ask for their advice.

If buying on credit, shop around because your seller may not offer the best deal. Try to make sure that you check the terms on early settlement in your credit agreement because some schemes can carry heavy penalties for settling a credit agreement early.

If you purchase your system using a credit card or finance agreement, you may have additional protection. Credit providers may share liability for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by suppliers of the goods or services, which have been financed (even partially) by the credit.

Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, a credit card company is jointly liable with a supplier if an article purchased is faulty. However, the article purchased must cost between £100 and £30,000. To request a refund from your credit card company for a faulty PC, you can use our request a refund for goods purchased with a credit card. While the credit card may be liable, it is still advisable to pursue the supplier in the first instance under section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979, which states the goods must be of satisfactory quality and fit for their intended purpose.

Sellers will sometimes sell computers in bundles that may include a PC, printer and scanner, perhaps a digital camera or various software. Ask the seller to take any items out of the bundle that you don't want or need.

When buying online, make sure that the company has a UK contact address and telephone number in case you need to get in contact with them. You might want to check for privacy-vetted web sites displaying trading standards logos, such as those of Which?, Web Trader, Trusted Shops and TrustUK.

It is also important to know your rights when buying online. This includes issues over the delivery of your PC. Section 29(3) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 states that the seller must deliver the goods purchased within a 'reasonable time'. If your PC is not delivered in a reasonable time, you can refuse to accept the PC and request a refund by using our request a refund for goods not delivered on time letter.

In addition to your PC being delivered within a reasonable time, it should get to you in good condition. If the goods are damaged, you will be entitled to reject the goods under Section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and claim a refund of the purchase price because the goods are not of satisfactory quality and defective or damaged. You can reject the PC on this basis and obtain a refund by using our request a refund for mail order goods damaged during delivery letter. The buyer also has a right to reject the goods and claim a refund under the Mail Order Traders’ Association’s Code of Practice. Most mail order companies are members of this association.

Always read the terms and conditions and small print on any official forms. Make sure you know what your terms and conditions cover and what they do not.

You are not bound by standard terms that unfairly favour the trader. Terms and conditions that appear to exclude or limit your liability for faulty or poorly-described goods or for consequential loss are not fair. Not only are unfair terms misleading, they are also unenforceable in the courts.

When ordering, make sure that you get and keep copies of all receipts, details of the order, confirmations, correspondence and order numbers of your PC purchase.

If you want to upgrade, the most important thing you must be sure of is that the components are compatible. Always carry a list of your computer's specifications with you to compare with the products that you wish to buy. You cannot expect all new software to be compatible with your system.

If you are unhappy with your PC or with the service provided by the seller, try to sort it out directly with the seller (or the head office if the seller is part of a chain).

Remember that when you buy any good, including a PC, it must be:

• Of satisfactory quality.
• Fit for its purpose.
• As described.

If it doesn't meet any of these specifications, you are automatically entitled to reject these goods and seek a refund. If you find that your PC does not meet these requirements, you can use our request a refund for goods not fit for their purpose letter, our request a refund for goods not matching their description letter as appropriate. If the goods are not of a satisfactory quality, this means that the goods are faulty and you should proceed in the manner described below.

In general, the onus is on all purchasers to prove the goods did not conform to contract (e.g. were inherently faulty) and should have reasonably lasted until this point in time if you want a refund. If you can prove that the goods were faulty when you purchased them, then you are entitled to a refund. To request a refund for your faulty PC, you can use our request a refund for faulty goods letter.

If you would prefer a repair of the faulty PC, you can also make this request. You can use our request repair of faulty goods letter to do so. This repair must not cost you anything and must be done to a good standard. If the repair is not performed to a good standard, then you will be entitled to a refund. If you requested a repair to your PC and it was not done to a good standard, you can request a refund by using our request refund for goods improperly repaired.

If you choose to request a repair or replacement, then for the first six months after purchase it will be for the retailer to prove the goods did conform to contract (e.g. were not inherently faulty). After six months and until the end of the six years (or five years in Scotland), it is for you, as the consumer, to prove the lack of conformity.

It is often the case that goods sold (for example a TV set or a refrigerator or in this case a PC) have a guarantee from the manufacturer to make good any fault found with the goods, within a certain period, provided the manufacturer is notified within a certain date of such defect.

Sometimes the seller refers this guarantee to the buyer and rejects any responsibility for faulty goods.

However, it is worth noting that the manufacturer’s guarantee will not affect the buyer’s right against the seller to claim a refund of the money paid for the goods under Section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (that the goods must be of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose). However, the buyer must not delay in informing the seller of such defects.

If the seller tries to deny his or her responsibility for your PC and tries to refer you to the manufacturer, you should not accept this excuse. To reject a seller's denial of responsibility, use our reject a seller's denial of responsibility letter to do so. Don't accept any excuses.