If you’re a programmer or a coder, you’re going to need a good computer to do your job. A good computer will help you do the job more efficiently and effectively.
Here are some things that you should look out for when buying a new computer to use while coding or programming:
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RAM or Random Access Memory
RAM is short for random access memory and it stores all of your running programs.
If you have too little RAM, your computer will slow down while you’re working on something because it needs to load up more stuff into memory as it runs programs like Word or Excel.
For coding work, 8 GB is plenty of RAM, but if possible get 16 GB or more so that you don’t run into issues with lag during demanding tasks like compiling large programs or running multiple virtual machines at once.
Good Cheap Laptops for Programming
Programming is a demanding field, and you’ll want a laptop that can keep up with your workload. You will want a laptop for programming in Python, Java, JavaScript, and many other languages.
Here are some great cheap laptops that will do the job:
The Acer Aspire E5-575G-53VG
The Acer Aspire E5-575G-53VG has an i5-8250U processor and 8GB RAM. It’s also got a 256GB SSD hard drive.
This means that it’s fast enough for most programming tasks and has plenty of storage space for your code libraries and other files associated with programming projects.
The Acer Swift 3 SF315-41-R3J9
The Acer Swift 3 SF315-41-R3J9 has an i7-8565U processor and 16GB RAM. It also features 512GB of storage space on its 512GB SSD hard drive. This laptop is very similar to the Aspire E5-575G-53VG but has more RAM and storage capacity.
CPU or Central Processing Unit
The processor (CPU) is at the heart of any computer, and it determines how fast it can run code. Most coders will do fine with an Intel Core i3 or AMD A6 processor if they’re not running heavy applications or editing video.
Intel CPU: Quad-core 2GHZ or Higher
If you want to create 3D models using Blender or Maya, then a powerful CPU such as Intel CPU: Quad-core 2GHZ is necessary since these programs require lots of processing power.
However, if all you want to do is open text files or edit PowerPoint presentations, then having a faster CPU isn’t necessary since these tasks don’t require much processing power at all.
Operating System
The operating system is the software that controls your computer, including the screen you see and the keyboard you type on. Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system for PCs. You need the following operating system for coding.
- Windows 10
- Macos Monterey 12.2.1
- Linux users should choose Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Server edition
Good internet is a must. A good internet connection is needed to work on coding and programming. A slow internet connection can be very frustrating, especially when trying to test your code.
Antivirus (Paid Only)
Antivirus software helps to protect your computer from viruses, malware, worms, and other forms of malicious code that can infect your system and cause it to crash or slow down.
If you are planning on doing any type of programming, you need to have a good antivirus installed on your computer.
You can get free antivirus software from AVG or Avast. However, if you want something more powerful and robust, we recommend purchasing an antivirus.
They offer excellent protection against malware attacks but they also come with other features such as parental control and internet security toolkits which make them ideal for use by businesses with multiple devices running Windows 10 including laptops and desktops as well as mobile phones.
Firewall (Paid Only)
If you do not have an antivirus installed on your PC, then you should consider installing a firewall on your machine instead. A firewall is another type of security software that helps protect against hackers who might try to access your computer remotely without permission.
Hard Drive
If you’re doing any sort of data analysis or developing software, then having enough storage space is essential for keeping all of your files organized and available when needed.
For this reason, larger hard drives tend to be more useful than smaller ones when working on programming projects or data analysis tasks at home or work. However, if money is an issue then having a smaller hard drive might be necessary.
Mechanical Keyboard
As a programmer, you’re going to spend a lot of time in your text editor, so it’s important that your keyboard is comfortable and easy to use. Most programmers prefer mechanical keyboards, which often feel nicer than their non-mechanical alternatives.
However, if you’re not used to using one, it may take some time to get used to the different layout and feel of mechanical keys as opposed to membrane or rubber dome keyboards which are usually found on cheap laptops.
A High-Quality Monitor
If you’re going to buy a new computer just for coding, then consider getting one with a 1080p or higher screen resolution. That will allow you to see more on each screen than 720p or lower resolutions.
Multiple monitors are also a good idea for coders and programmers who want to multitask with several windows open at once. A second monitor can help you keep track of multiple things at once while working.
You’ll also want to make sure your monitors are high-quality and don’t have too much glare when they’re turned on in well-lit rooms.
