To all you folks contemplating the purchase of a new, store-bought computer, this is one of the best informative and easy to read articles that can save you aggravation and "slow computer" disappointment after you buy. They also tell you how to go about obtaining the independent disks of the operating system and system drivers-this is imperative for you to repair your operating system in the future! This underscores what the mods at SAF have been recommending for a long time.

Some of the brand-name information is a bit dated, but this is one of the best reads you can do before purchasing a computer from a store:

Starting With A Clean Machine

If I hadn't been on SAF three years ago, when I bought my Gateway computer, I would not have gotten the full operating system CDs. When I told them I wanted Win. XP Pro, and I wanted the CD also, they told me that I didn't need the CD, because it will already be on the computer, but I said I didn't care, I still want the CD. If I hadn't been on SAF at the time, and heard about not getting the CD along with the Computer, I wouldn't even have asked for it. After my computer crash, all I could think of is, all the extra problems I would have had, with out the operating system CD.

Thanks bunches SAF

Lorraine

I had exactly the same situation when I bought a laptop from a store where I live;

Me to the Store guy; Does the OS and system disk come with this?
Store Guy: Ermmm I don't understand what you mean Sir
(one explanation later)
Store Guy: Ermmm Yes!
Me: You sound unsure, please open the box and let me look.
Store: Doing so may invalidate the warranty Sir.
Me: Excuse me can I ask if you really know what your doing, now, are the disks in the box or not?
Store: Yes Sir.
Me: Then open it and let me look.
Sure enough all was intact but it pays to be aware at all times.

Good tips. I am compiling a list of questions for the guy who may build our new computer. Will go read the link. Good info, thanks.

is there a detailed how-to with PICS.. on how to build ur own system..
for the utter hardware newb??

the onw in the forum assumes u kno a bit alreayd..

The advantage to building your own PC is only realized when you want something really powerful and high-end. Then you can save a lot of money. My brother purchased a high-end HP with printer and LCD monitor, and paid $3600 +tax. My home unit right now will run circles around his speed and power wise, and cost me, with a Canon i4300 photo printer about $900 including a really great sound system from Altec Lansing.

If you are looking for low-end, just to surf the net and do work processing for example, you can go cheaper by purchasing retail.

Here are two links to get you started. Also review the pinned post, "Home Building Techniques". We are also always glad to help out as you go. You are going to find some very strong opinions on different components, so take a little time to get acquainted. The huge, huge advantage of building your own unit is that you know about it, and when you have a problem you can take care of it yourself instead of throwing yourself on the mercy of a commercial company for a lot of money. Repairs on computers can rapidly total half the price of a new one, and that is no exaggeration.


http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/pc-building/

http://www.mysuperpc.com/

you want a computer that fits your needs and there are diff. types 4 that. i would not recomend mac though. but i built my own desktop myself. 1 thing, go with an AMD prossesor, they are under rated. but what do you want?