Obviously, if you play World of Warcraft, you have access to one.  You more likely have one that you own.  You may have even designed and/or built it yourself!  If you’re anything like me, you’re continually wanting to keep it top of the line.  But why is this so important?  Because your computer can make or break you when it comes to raiding. Most guild applications (or interviews), will ask about your computers stability when it comes to raiding.  They aren’t being stuck up (ok, most of them aren’t) and they aren’t being nosy.  Guild and Raid leaders need to know if you’re going to be able to actually perform in the raid.  Raiding is nothing like 5-mans when it comes to graphics and ground clutter and spell effects and well, everything.

My first computer that I tried to put World of Warcraft on, actually told me “not gonna happen” it wouldn’t even install.  So I took it to my computer guy and he added some ram and a decent video card and a new power supply, and I was able to load wow onto it!  Yay!  Then I met Shattrah city, and I wasn’t able to log in without crashing for about three or four months, when I had a new computer built.  But, the computer I had built, wasn’t top of the line or anything, it was a step up from a “big discount store” special though, and I was able to play the game without much lag, until that computer was stolen when my home was broken into. Boo!  Queue me going to my computer friend again.  He fixed me up with a computer that was old, but updated, we discussed my needs and I could play again…with lag.  Oh.  I had to turn all my pretty graphics down as low as they could go, and not run anything but wow, and I could still reasonably raid, but it was not pleasant.  Don’t even try to get me in 25 mans.

Why am I telling you this story?  Because as someone who’s had to use a computer purchased for 200 bucks used and lots of favors to get it upgraded, I’ve had my share of computer woes.  I’ve even tried to raid on an out of the box starter laptop (it went horribly and I had someone take my place in the raid…lets just say the trash before Sinestra is kind of a pain in the ass when you are spamming holy nova and praying).  Your computer’s performance, as a raider, effects 9 to 24 other people’s game, and if it’s a perpetual issue, you can bet they get frustrated with it.  Be honest with your guild and yourself about  your computer, if it’s a minor thing it’s livable.  If you are lagging to the point you can’t play or disconnect on a nightly basis, it may be time to pause raiding until you can resolve your computer/connection issues.  It’s the correct thing to do, and most leaders are completely understanding about it (though they may have to get someone to replace you if it’s going to be a while before you can upgrade/fix the issue).