We should have a predetermined knowledge of the highest frequency signal required to digitize, what its full scale amplitudes are, and whether or not we are required to capture single shot or repetitive waveforms. Then we can choose either a "real-time scope" or a "sampling scope". Then the appropriate probe(s) can be selected. We might examine previous screen shots to become familiar with the expected waveform shapes and durations.
To review the functions of what a scope can do can be helpful - along with the issues that we should observe for accuracy, repeatability, and safety.
The 5 primary functions of an oscilloscope are:
(1) To Capture the Signal [probe, scale, digitize, net share]
which impacts the scope's...
BW
Coupling
DC offset
Memory
Most common mistakes
Probes
Samples and Sample Rate
Time per division
Trigger and Trigger Dead Times
Volts per division
(2) To View the Signal [display, zoom, math to derive, net share]
which impacts the scope's...
ADC resolution
Display resolution
Display size
DSP
Memory Tricks
Persistence
Trigger Rates
What looking for/at
Zoom Expansions
(3) To Measure the Signal [cursors, parameters, statistics, math]
which impacts the scope's...
Cursors
Getting More than 1 measurement per trigger
Interpretations of variances
Parameters - Standard
Parameters for Disk Drive Measurements
Statistics
(4) To Analyze the Signal [transform, compare, statistics, net share]
which impacts the scope's...
FFTs
Histograms
Interpretations of variances
Jitter Tracks
Pass/Fail Testing including Masks/Eye Diagrams
Trends
(5) To Document the Signal [archive screen, data, front panel, report, net share]
which impacts the scope's...
Archiving
Data transfers and file formats
Front Panel Setups
Printing to paper, disk, network printers