OK computer geeks..........
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 0
From: Gretna, Louisiana
I've had Dell, IBM, HP, and Compaq. And I'm back to a dell and you can even pickup a dell in places like Walmart now. MAC's are nice, but I don't suggest them for a novice user. You can build your PC online at www.dell.com and get an idea. And Dell's tech support is decent.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 2
From: Washington State
I have the same Dell that butchb posted about. I like it, no problems with it. It came with Vista, which I also like, it's faster than my old computer when browsing the internet and it boots up way faster than XP. I also use AVG Free anti virus .
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 8
From: Charleston SC
i would not buy a laptop, they are too proprietary.
i would buy a used Dell,
http://www.dellauction.com/
if it has less than 1Gig of RAM, take it to the local "box store" and tell "hi my name is Bill" to double the RAM in it
that should have all you need:
-new motor (processor)
-new software
-new peripherals (video, audio, DVD, cd software)
-new connectivity (USB and other stuff no one but BILL knows about)
-warranty
-new OS
and a cheap price off hte Auction site
i would buy a used Dell,
http://www.dellauction.com/
if it has less than 1Gig of RAM, take it to the local "box store" and tell "hi my name is Bill" to double the RAM in it
that should have all you need:
-new motor (processor)
-new software
-new peripherals (video, audio, DVD, cd software)
-new connectivity (USB and other stuff no one but BILL knows about)
-warranty
-new OS
and a cheap price off hte Auction site
'People of Wal-Mart' 2010 finalist
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma/Texas
This is part of the reason I recommended a laptop. The hardware typically plays together nicer.
Combine that with everything is in one package. plug it in and go. Maybe plug in a mouse and printer. You dont have a dozen, uniquely shaped, color coded, cables to plug in.
Based on
I would say shovelhead isn't interested in upgrades, peltier cooler and water blocks, or any of the other things that can be done to a computer to void the warranty.
Combine that with everything is in one package. plug it in and go. Maybe plug in a mouse and printer. You dont have a dozen, uniquely shaped, color coded, cables to plug in.
Based on
Problem is, I'm clueless 'bout those things.
There's a can-lookin' thingywith wires going in and out that make stuff I type pop up on the monitor.....THAT's about the extent of my knowledge.
My last CPU is a Sony VIO bought in (I think) '93 or '94.
There's a can-lookin' thingywith wires going in and out that make stuff I type pop up on the monitor.....THAT's about the extent of my knowledge.
My last CPU is a Sony VIO bought in (I think) '93 or '94.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Well, here is my 2 cents also. You need to ask yourself a few questions. How long do you expect this new computer to last you? If you plan on getting more than a few years out of it, I suggest aiming for a more top of the line style computer. Next, what operating system are you used to? If both you and your wife use Windows xp on your work laptops, you need to realize you won't be able to get that with a new computer. All new windows based computers are sold with Vista. Vista is very different from XP. There is a huge learning curve with Vista. You need to understand that Vista does not have a very good reputation. Do not listen to the sales guys if they tell you any different. That said, Vista is what I'm using. Vista also likes a lot of RAM. It is easy to add RAM to a computer. You just plug it in. It is also usually cheaper to buy it on line than to try and get a computer with it already installed.
Absolutely do not pay for Microsoft office. The latest offering from Microsoft have really done nothing new except change the file formats and make it harder to share stuff with other users. A typical example is a word document. The default save is now a .docx. Most people cannot read that format unless they have downloaded a special reader, or also have the newest form of office. The interface has been drastically changed also. Much more difficult to use until you get used to it. You'll spend a lot of time just looking for simple features you're used to. Microsoft has really dropped the ball lately.
There is a great office type software that is free. http://www.openoffice.org/
No real recommendations as far as brands. Just stay with Intel. The new "Quad Core" processors will not really benefit you with your usage. If it comes down to a choice between a duel core or a quad core, the faster processor will benefit you the most. If price and speeds are the same, go for the quad core. It will not hamper you.
If you are at all handy, I recommend building your own. It is fun, and you'll learn a little more about your computer also. If you can follow instructions at all, it is real easy. To research your choices, there are a lot of computer forums available. I like http://hardforum.com/ the best. All a computer is really is just a bunch of parts put together. You'll need a CPU, motherboard, a case, a power supply, a hard drive, ram, video card if it is not included on the mother board, dvd player/recorder, maybe a floppy but those are rarely even used anymore. Make sure you motherboard has sound included, otherwise, you'll need a sound card also. You will also need to buy your operating system. All of these parts can be bought on line at places like http://www.newegg.com/ and http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp
If you have any questions, feel free to pm me.
Absolutely do not pay for Microsoft office. The latest offering from Microsoft have really done nothing new except change the file formats and make it harder to share stuff with other users. A typical example is a word document. The default save is now a .docx. Most people cannot read that format unless they have downloaded a special reader, or also have the newest form of office. The interface has been drastically changed also. Much more difficult to use until you get used to it. You'll spend a lot of time just looking for simple features you're used to. Microsoft has really dropped the ball lately.
There is a great office type software that is free. http://www.openoffice.org/
No real recommendations as far as brands. Just stay with Intel. The new "Quad Core" processors will not really benefit you with your usage. If it comes down to a choice between a duel core or a quad core, the faster processor will benefit you the most. If price and speeds are the same, go for the quad core. It will not hamper you.
If you are at all handy, I recommend building your own. It is fun, and you'll learn a little more about your computer also. If you can follow instructions at all, it is real easy. To research your choices, there are a lot of computer forums available. I like http://hardforum.com/ the best. All a computer is really is just a bunch of parts put together. You'll need a CPU, motherboard, a case, a power supply, a hard drive, ram, video card if it is not included on the mother board, dvd player/recorder, maybe a floppy but those are rarely even used anymore. Make sure you motherboard has sound included, otherwise, you'll need a sound card also. You will also need to buy your operating system. All of these parts can be bought on line at places like http://www.newegg.com/ and http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp
If you have any questions, feel free to pm me.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post