The ONLY reason I want to replace it is that my machine is eight years
old, but in excellent working condition.

But, I am still using Windows 98 SE and Microsoft is no longer offering
free updates, and I am told this opens me up to viruses, and I certainly
don't want to pass it onto others.

I was told that my machine will not support Windows XP Home Edition.

Can you tell me what I need in a computer in order to support Windows XP?

Thanks for your help.

Corinne
J. Clarke wrote:

Corinne wrote:


Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.


First question--what do you want to do with it that your current machine
can't do. If the answer is "nothing" then don't bother to replace it.

Next, for what you describe just about any current model Dell will be fine,
as will any current model Gateway--I'd avoid HP and Compaq (same company,
different labels) as they tend to be quirky.

If service is your _major_ concern then get a Lenovo (which used to be IBM)
and pay for the on-site service--if you don't have a service contract IBM
service is kind of so-so, but if you _have_ a service contract you get
treated pretty much the same as if you had a multi-million-dollar
mainframe. Not a _cheap_ alternative though.


Corinne

Tom,

Thanks for this informative info. I have bookmarked that url, and look
it over tomorrow.

Much appreciated.

Corinne

wrote:

I was a head tech for a retail company that built their own machines.
I still build my own (because I want specific stuff in my machines) but
for the average user (personal and business) you simply cannot beat
the dell machines. In my current job (IT educational) all be buy
for the schools are Dell workstations and servers. I absolutely LOVE
the stuff with their warranties. I am not a big fan of their printer
line
(all lexmark crap that I dont like) but the workstations are excellent.

I know some people blame their Dell computer for all sorts of ****. But
honestly I have seem all sorts of different makes and models of
machines
over the years and they are all prone to problems with the operating
system
screwing up the machine (make it slower, etc) Todays enemy is spyware,
adware etc.
Its can slow down that machine to a crawl if you have enough crap on
there.

When looking at the quality of a computer, you have to ask yourself how
many
times has the drives blown, monitor crapped out, etc. (Power supplies
are questionable because their life span depends on the cleanliness
of the users work area. Dust and smoke kills fan on power supplies
and CPU's.)

I would recommend going to sites like www.techbargains.com and
search for Dell. You can find great deals on Dell stuff.

I would make sure to at least get a 2Ghz processor, 1 gig of ram,
DVD-RW, 3 1/2 Floppy (lots of machines dont come with them)
a nice 17" flat panel monitor. And at least a 32meg video card.
More if you have the funds available. The warranties can be
upped to if you got the cash.

Tom




Corinne wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

Hey, thanks for this info.

My folder is getting thicker and thicker, but I am learning lots.

Much appreciated.

Corinne

Oren wrote:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 15:02:10 GMT, Tony Hwang wrote:



Hi,
Whatever you get, make sure it is capable of running new OS Vista coming
out soon.


These are hardware minimums from their site. Ordinarily, that means to
get it booted and running.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
1 GB of system memory.
A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero2.
128 MB of graphics memory.
40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
DVD-ROM Drive3.
Audio output capability.
Internet access capability.

Any NT based OS loves to have more CPU, more RAM and more drive space.
All of this a faster than before. I'm enjoying SATA drives now. I
suspect IDE drives will leave us soon.

Oren

Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

By all the great replies, I know I need to take my time. I have my
homework cut out but you have definitely given me some good feedback.

Many thanks.

Corinne

wrote:

Corinne wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne


Corinne,
I've not had a problem that would be noticable to enough to not
recommend any PC that I've bought from a major vendor, with the
exception of what I have "heard" about Packard-Bell models (and I'm not
sure if they are even still in business). I've had Gateways, Dell's,
HP's, and IBM's in the past.

Your anticipated use description does not require a top-of-the-line
model, but sometimes those requirements change. As for waiting for
Vista, in my experience, it is rare that MS delivers on a shipping date
(currently into 2007 for Vista) and even more rare for a new version to
be worth the hassle (bugs, patches, etc.), especially for a new user.
Windows XP (the current version) should suffice for your use.

My advice:

- become familiar with basic terms and information. You do not need to
be an expert but should know some basics, like the difference between
RAM and a hard drive. Google "how to buy a computer" and read some of
the hits. If you have questions or would like something clarified,
post to this thread as a follow up.

- if you don't have a local resource to assist you (or relative, etc.),
call the major vendors (HP, Dell and Gateway...and check if they have
an "outlet" store nearby) and compare their offers so that you can
reduce your risk related to the next item...

- be wary of the "xxx model for $499" advertisements, as many times
they are underpowered and the components to add to make them decent are
overpriced by the vendor. By calling and talking to more than one
vendor, you can make a more educated assessment of what is included
and/or what upgrades would cost

- be wary of "shiny" throw-ins...that nice photo printer may not shine
as brightly when you find out the maintenance cost for special paper,
toner/ink, etc. I know several people who received "free" printers but
never used them once they saw that their "free" printer cost $30 each
time the toner ran out, or worse, dried before it was all used. If,
for example, photos are of interest, you can upload and then get them
sent to your door from snapfish or other vendors for $.10-.15 a print
or less. Some home printers can cost you $.50 or more for a print.

- more often than not, RAM (or "memory") is a good thing to upgrade on
those "$xxx models). In order of preference...do it yourself (or a
relative) after-the-purchase, have a local PC vendor do it for you (who
has a vested interest doing this for a reasonable price for future
business), or have the PC upgraded when you purchase.

- unless you are planning on significant software usage (hundreds of
music files, home video, etc.) the standard disk you will get will
probably suffice for what you described and can be upgraded in the
future for less than an immediate factory upgrade. 40GB would probably
suffice, 80GB would probably be the absolute highest you probably need
to go (depending on what they're trying to sell.

- remember that anything is negotiable. Many times, simply asking for
a better price is all that is necessary to get something knocked off,
or at least another freebie thrown in. If you are persistent, you can
increase your reward but it depends on how long you want to play the
game and what you're trying to get (shipping can be expensive and is
something that might be very good to have removed from the final
invoice).

If you have additional questions, post follow ups and take your time.
It can become very expensive, but there are people willing to help.

Dave

More to think about. I was afraid to shop Walmart for a computer, but
they definitely are selling them.

Many thanks.

Corinne

HeyBub wrote:

Corinne wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted
here before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.


Also check walmart.com. About 5% cheaper than Dell for equivalent boxes.

Walmart's computers are made with commodity parts; Dell has a lot of
proprietary stuff. If the generic, Walmart, computer breaks, you replace the
defective/busted part with an off-the-shelf item. If the Dell machine
falters, many times it's off to Dell.

Absent special needs (like high-end gaming or video editting), a swell
machine is going to cost you $400. Worst case scenario, then, if it really
croaks, throw it away and buy another.

See: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4545567 for an
example.

clipped
I bought my first Dell years ago because the leading computer mags
said it had the best service. As a (then) fairly new user, that was
important to me. Well, the years have gone by, the service has been
outsourced to beautiful downtown Bangalore, and no matter how hard the
Indian techs try, I never get the help I need, and don't think I
should have to spend so much time on the phone. BTW, it gets
embarrassing to have to ask them to spell words, because their
accent removal charm school has a way to go!

Just my .02

--

Superannuated




I've gone to websites for support three or four times in past year.
Twice to Dell. Never an American name, but English grammar and spelling
perfect. Solved the problem, too. Would that the US President could
speak English as well. He never had to earn a living before, so what can
we expect? Gotta be careful what we wish for - cheap support 24/7, good
wages and bennies, no taxes, the right to life and the right to bomb the
living crap out of anyone who wants democracy our way. Only a liberal
would mention Apple )

Corinne wrote:

The ONLY reason I want to replace it is that my machine is eight years
old, but in excellent working condition.

But, I am still using Windows 98 SE and Microsoft is no longer offering
free updates, and I am told this opens me up to viruses, and I certainly
don't want to pass it onto others.

I was told that my machine will not support Windows XP Home Edition.

Can you tell me what I need in a computer in order to support Windows XP?

Thanks for your help.

The official Microsoft statement on this is at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx. Any
machine for sale new in a store today exceeds these by a wide margin.

The statement on requirements for Windows Vista is at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx. This is not
a terribly high standard for the most part--again most machines you find
for sale new in a store right now meet it, but for best performance it
should be exceeded considerably--when Microsoft says "minimum" they mean
it. Any machine that meets that standard though should run Windows XP
exceedingly well.

Corinne
J. Clarke wrote:

Corinne wrote:


Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.


First question--what do you want to do with it that your current machine
can't do. If the answer is "nothing" then don't bother to replace it.

Next, for what you describe just about any current model Dell will be
fine, as will any current model Gateway--I'd avoid HP and Compaq (same
company, different labels) as they tend to be quirky.

If service is your _major_ concern then get a Lenovo (which used to be
IBM) and pay for the on-site service--if you don't have a service
contract IBM service is kind of so-so, but if you _have_ a service
contract you get treated pretty much the same as if you had a
multi-million-dollar
mainframe. Not a _cheap_ alternative though.


Corinne



--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Corinne wrote:

The ONLY reason I want to replace it is that my machine is eight years
old, but in excellent working condition.

But, I am still using Windows 98 SE and Microsoft is no longer offering
free updates, and I am told this opens me up to viruses, and I certainly
don't want to pass it onto others.

I was told that my machine will not support Windows XP Home Edition.

Can you tell me what I need in a computer in order to support Windows XP?

Thanks for your help.

Thinking further, you might want at this point to wait another few months
and get a Vista machine--it will have teething problems at that point (all
Microsoft operating systems have problems when first released) but if you
only upgrade when the OS is no longer supported then you'd do better to
start with the newest one than one that is already four years old.

Corinne
J. Clarke wrote:

Corinne wrote:


Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.


First question--what do you want to do with it that your current machine
can't do. If the answer is "nothing" then don't bother to replace it.

Next, for what you describe just about any current model Dell will be
fine, as will any current model Gateway--I'd avoid HP and Compaq (same
company, different labels) as they tend to be quirky.

If service is your _major_ concern then get a Lenovo (which used to be
IBM) and pay for the on-site service--if you don't have a service
contract IBM service is kind of so-so, but if you _have_ a service
contract you get treated pretty much the same as if you had a
multi-million-dollar
mainframe. Not a _cheap_ alternative though.


Corinne



--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

clipped
Dell commercial-grade machines are great, their consumer-grade machines less
so. I'd buy off the 'office' page, not the 'home' page. Optiplex, not
Dimension. Costs more, but a better machine, in my experience. We had
several thousand at work until Gateway underbid them. Very low failure rate
on the Optiplexes. If you are on a budget, look on ebay or
www.dellfinancialservices.com, for an off-lease machine.

aem sends....


It was a sad, sad day when Micron quit making PC's. Best ever, hands
down. 60 mHz? I don't know my hertzes from my ohms, but it got to 90
with an overdrive thingamajig. Started out with Win 3, then the first
version of W95, which required more attention than a newborn preemie.
Finally got that kernel thing fixed in W95 and I was flying .. could
have 10 windows open, do graphics and not have a crash. Those days are
long gone. The pile of junk with WinME barely gets the news and emails,
and can't remember what time it is or where it put it's hard drive.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like me )

Corinne wrote:

Thank you so much for this helpful info. I have received lots of good
advice, but don't want to bore this group with thanking each one
individually, so later I will send one to everyone together. Great
group, but you asked a question so I will try to answer it.

My computer is eight years old, and I love it. My thinking is that I am
still using Windows 98, and Microsoft (as you know) is no longer
offering free updates.

Several people have told me that this opens me up to getting viruses,
and thus, passing it onto others, which I definitely do not want to do.

My first plan was to purchase Windows XP Home Edition and install it,
but a friend told me this machine is not capable of doing that. Plus,
he felt it was a waste of money to purchase Windows XP HE when I could
buy a new machine with it already installed.

So, I am in the market for a new computer.

From what I have written, do you still think it is smart for me to hold
off for another year or so.

Thanks again.

Corinne

Windows updates are probably about as reliable as having windstorm
insurance..for sure, have a firewall and antivirus. Eight years is
pretty old for a hard drive and if you have artwork you don't want to
risk losing, might be a good investment to buy an external hard drive
for backup. They are not expensive.

Norminn wrote:
Corinne wrote:

Thank you so much for this helpful info. I have received lots of
good advice, but don't want to bore this group with thanking each one
individually, so later I will send one to everyone together. Great
group, but you asked a question so I will try to answer it.

My computer is eight years old, and I love it. My thinking is that I
am still using Windows 98, and Microsoft (as you know) is no longer
offering free updates.

Several people have told me that this opens me up to getting viruses,
and thus, passing it onto others, which I definitely do not want to do.

My first plan was to purchase Windows XP Home Edition and install it,
but a friend told me this machine is not capable of doing that. Plus,
he felt it was a waste of money to purchase Windows XP HE when I
could buy a new machine with it already installed.

So, I am in the market for a new computer.

From what I have written, do you still think it is smart for me to
hold off for another year or so.

Thanks again.

Corinne

Windows updates are probably about as reliable as having windstorm
insurance..for sure, have a firewall and antivirus. Eight years is
pretty old for a hard drive and if you have artwork you don't want to
risk losing, might be a good investment to buy an external hard drive
for backup. They are not expensive.


The march of progress in computers and other fields of technology is
relentless. Waiting a year to see if things are better and or cheaper
is not the right answer. Of course things will be better, and the price
of things you buy today will be cheaper if you wait a year to buy them.

The real question is "Do you need a new computer and updated
Software??" I can't answer the question for you, but an 8 year old PC
with an 8 year old HDD is a PC at risk of major hardware failure.

You can get quite good machines for well under $1000, while the POWER
machines can still cost several thousands. This has been true for MANY
years, almost 20 years in fact. The tried and true machines are
inexpensive while the bleeding edge costs a bundle.

Please note, I am typing this on a 400Mhz Celeron with 228MB of RAM, so
the old stuff still works fine. You decide, not me, not anyone else
here on this board, YOU decide when it is time for a new computer.

J. Clarke wrote:
Corinne wrote:


The ONLY reason I want to replace it is that my machine is eight years
old, but in excellent working condition.

But, I am still using Windows 98 SE and Microsoft is no longer offering
free updates, and I am told this opens me up to viruses, and I certainly
don't want to pass it onto others.

I was told that my machine will not support Windows XP Home Edition.

Can you tell me what I need in a computer in order to support Windows XP?

Thanks for your help.


Thinking further, you might want at this point to wait another few months
and get a Vista machine--it will have teething problems at that point (all
Microsoft operating systems have problems when first released) but if you
only upgrade when the OS is no longer supported then you'd do better to
start with the newest one than one that is already four years old.

I disagree. WinXp is the way to go NOW. Get Vista ONLY after the
first or second major fix pack is released. Vista is ONLY for those
that ride the bleeding edge and are willing to put up with the new
release faults when they crop up. In other words, wait a year AFTER
Vista is released before getting the new S/W.

Any decent machine you buy new from Dell, HP/Compaq, e-machines....
With WinXP on it is ready to run Vista in its minimum mode. Upgrades
will be needed to get the full experience of Vista as Vista wants more
RAM than most machines are presently sold with.


WinXP with SP2 installed is a good platform that will provide you YEARS
of good service before you need/want something else.

And I have a 1993 Acura Integra with 240,000 miles on it. I'm keeping
it as the engine still runs fine and I see no need for a new car payment.

Corinne wrote:
More to think about. I was afraid to shop Walmart for a computer, but
they definitely are selling them.

Many thanks.

Just to add my two cents...

The old adage about computers being obsolete as soon as you open the package WAS
true for quite some time, but for several years now has only been true for high
end development workstations and gamers. If you are neither of these then what
you want to spend your money on are those things that affect the user
experience.

Today's typical PC user is an internet surfer and internet surfing does not
require much of a PC. Spend your money on a really nice display (this can be
carried over to future PC upgrades so it is money well spent) and get the best
broadband connecton available in your area. Those two things will have more
affect on how "nice" it is to use your computer than anything else.

It is always a good idea to get the most RAM you're willing to spend money on,
but even this is dictated by what you will be doing. For most users these days
lots of RAM is required for doing digital picture and movie manipulation (both
of which also require big hard drives). If you have no interest in these things
then going crazy on RAM makes little sense.

If you have been happy with your existing box and are only concerned with its
age then any of the Dell's that you see in the special (can it really be that
cheap?) ads would almost certainly be adequate for your needs. My last two
purchases have been from Dell's refurbished units web site and both have been
rock solid.

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 18:43:04 -0700, Superannuated wrote:

I bought my first Dell years ago because the leading computer mags
said it had the best service. As a (then) fairly new user, that was
important to me. Well, the years have gone by, the service has been
outsourced to beautiful downtown Bangalore, and no matter how hard the
Indian techs try, I never get the help I need, and don't think I
should have to spend so much time on the phone. BTW, it gets
embarrassing to have to ask them to spell words, because their
accent removal charm school has a way to go!

Just my .02

LOL, a friend has a Dell and asked me to speak with customer services.
I thought I called New Deli. The guy sounded like he had a mouth full
of marbles.

Consequentially, I hung up on him and fixed it another way.

Oren

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 10:23:39 GMT, Norminn
wrote:

long gone. The pile of junk with WinME barely gets the news and emails,
and can't remember what time it is or where it put it's hard drive.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like me )

Windows ME was released with some 65, 000 "known bugs" as I have read.
Keep in mind when they try to fix one bug, the potential is there to
introduce additional bugs.

For my money Windows 2000 is as stable as it gets.

Oren

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:32:39 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin" jim.mclaughlin
wrote:

Lots of folks have no use for XP.


I started avoiding XP before if became available, when I heard about
the "product activation" unfeature which gives MS ultimate control
over your OS. I never wanted to get dependant on such a thing.

Since then, I've found various other reasons not to use XP.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 10:28:45 GMT, Norminn
wrote:

Corinne wrote:

Thank you so much for this helpful info. I have received lots of good
advice, but don't want to bore this group with thanking each one
individually, so later I will send one to everyone together. Great
group, but you asked a question so I will try to answer it.

My computer is eight years old, and I love it. My thinking is that I am
still using Windows 98, and Microsoft (as you know) is no longer
offering free updates.

Several people have told me that this opens me up to getting viruses,
and thus, passing it onto others, which I definitely do not want to do.

My first plan was to purchase Windows XP Home Edition and install it,
but a friend told me this machine is not capable of doing that. Plus,
he felt it was a waste of money to purchase Windows XP HE when I could
buy a new machine with it already installed.

So, I am in the market for a new computer.

From what I have written, do you still think it is smart for me to hold
off for another year or so.

Thanks again.

Corinne

Windows updates are probably about as reliable as having windstorm
insurance..for sure, have a firewall and antivirus. Eight years is
pretty old for a hard drive and if you have artwork you don't want to
risk losing, might be a good investment to buy an external hard drive
for backup. They are not expensive.

Yes, and TWO external hard drives are even better, as people used to
know (separate backup media).
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

Not@home wrote:
I built my own, but desktop units are so cheap now that you cannot match
them by buying the components.

Maybe. On the other hand, I spent less money to build the system I
wanted with the reliable components I wanted (rather than whatever a
corporation decides is the least costly option) than I would have
buying the box complete from Dell...and I didn't get it junked up with
a lot of (for me) unneccessary software.

I think service is overrated. If a unit is going to fail, it will fail
almost immediately and they will just replace it rather than repair it.

Again, maybe, in two ways. Computer components don't always fail right
away. And even when they do, companies like Dell will make you walk
through many, many steps with their technical support people before
they replace the pee-cee or even the part. I know from personal
experience, having been through it when helping another pastor and his
family deal with Dell when the hard drive on their computer failed. It
was a nightmare.

Bottom line: go with a reputable company, and look at their customer
satisfaction ratings.

(For what it's worth, they may cost more, but Apple scores very high on
both.)

In article ,
Mark Lloyd wrote:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:32:39 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin" jim.mclaughlin
wrote:

Lots of folks have no use for XP.


I started avoiding XP before if became available, when I heard about
the "product activation" unfeature which gives MS ultimate control
over your OS. I never wanted to get dependant on such a thing.

FWIW, this "feature" was one of the main reasons I finally got around
to switching to an Apple. The tentacles of Redmond were just too deeply
imbedded in my machine to make me happy.

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne
wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

I have 5 Dells, all bought within the last three years. A lightning
strike is the only problem at all. Took out all the modems.

Don't be blinded by processor speed; ram is more important IMO, at
least 1 gb. Good graphics board and speakers (if you're into music).

One thing I couldn't do without now is dual monitors. Never thought
they would be so handy.

--Andy Asberry recommends NewsGuy--

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 06:59:01 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 10:23:39 GMT, Norminn
wrote:

long gone. The pile of junk with WinME barely gets the news and emails,
and can't remember what time it is or where it put it's hard drive.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like me )

Windows ME was released with some 65, 000 "known bugs" as I have read.
Keep in mind when they try to fix one bug, the potential is there to
introduce additional bugs.

For my money Windows 2000 is as stable as it gets.

Oren

I've been using 2000 for over a year now, and VERY SELDOM have to
reboot the system because of a misbehaving program.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 14:07:59 -0500, Andy Asberry
wrote:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne
wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

I have 5 Dells, all bought within the last three years. A lightning
strike is the only problem at all. Took out all the modems.


Modems to seem more susceptible to lightning damage.

Don't be blinded by processor speed; ram is more important IMO, at
least 1 gb. Good graphics board and speakers (if you're into music).


And the speed at which the RAM operates is also more important than
CPU speed.

One thing I couldn't do without now is dual monitors. Never thought
they would be so handy.


Yes, they are. BTW, right now I'm looking for an AGP video card that
supports 2 monitors, preferably one that can use the second monitor
for video playback.

Also, don't forget the external hard drives or other components needed
for backup.

--Andy Asberry recommends NewsGuy--

That may be true, although I generally ignore such things because
they're usually spam inserted automatically by a usenet software or
server.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article , Mark Lloyd
wrote:


On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:32:39 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin"
jim.mclaughlin wrote:


Lots of folks have no use for XP.


I started avoiding XP before if became available, when I heard
about the "product activation" unfeature which gives MS ultimate
control over your OS. I never wanted to get dependant on such a
thing.


FWIW, this "feature" was one of the main reasons I finally got around
to switching to an Apple. The tentacles of Redmond were just too
deeply imbedded in my machine to make me happy.

My switch was to Linux (Mandrake, now Mandriva). Not perfect, but
what is?

Any tech support I've needed has been solved with a simple Usenet
message. Generally speaking, post it at bedtime and read multiple
responses upon awakening.

Bottom line is my computers have never been so rock solid stable. And I
don't spend time or money on things like anti-virus applications.

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 14:59:04 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 06:59:01 -0700, Oren wrote:

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 10:23:39 GMT, Norminn
wrote:

long gone. The pile of junk with WinME barely gets the news and emails,
and can't remember what time it is or where it put it's hard drive.
Come to think of it, it is a lot like me )

Windows ME was released with some 65, 000 "known bugs" as I have read.
Keep in mind when they try to fix one bug, the potential is there to
introduce additional bugs.

For my money Windows 2000 is as stable as it gets.

Oren

I've been using 2000 for over a year now, and VERY SELDOM have to
reboot the system because of a misbehaving program.

I went through three drives; SCSI (1) and IDE (2) drives over these
years, but the 2000 kept it going. It is stable...

Matching Dual 550 CPUs...I even threatened to shoot the box but I will
fire it up soon - 2K again..

Oren

Thanks for this info.

True, I don't need anything that does all this fancy stuff, unless I
want to take some computer classes and learn how to accomplish all the
different things these fascinating computers can do.

Appreciate your help.



Rick Brandt wrote:

Corinne wrote:

More to think about. I was afraid to shop Walmart for a computer, but
they definitely are selling them.

Many thanks.


Just to add my two cents...

The old adage about computers being obsolete as soon as you open the package WAS
true for quite some time, but for several years now has only been true for high
end development workstations and gamers. If you are neither of these then what
you want to spend your money on are those things that affect the user
experience.

Today's typical PC user is an internet surfer and internet surfing does not
require much of a PC. Spend your money on a really nice display (this can be
carried over to future PC upgrades so it is money well spent) and get the best
broadband connecton available in your area. Those two things will have more
affect on how "nice" it is to use your computer than anything else.

It is always a good idea to get the most RAM you're willing to spend money on,
but even this is dictated by what you will be doing. For most users these days
lots of RAM is required for doing digital picture and movie manipulation (both
of which also require big hard drives). If you have no interest in these things
then going crazy on RAM makes little sense.

If you have been happy with your existing box and are only concerned with its
age then any of the Dell's that you see in the special (can it really be that
cheap?) ads would almost certainly be adequate for your needs. My last two
purchases have been from Dell's refurbished units web site and both have been
rock solid.

My stupidity is showing here.

By two monitors, are you saying you have two flat screens attached to
one pc? I have a fairly new flat screen monitor, but it looks like alot
of the new Dells come with a monitor as well.

Thanks.

Corinne
Andy Asberry wrote:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne
wrote:


Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne


I have 5 Dells, all bought within the last three years. A lightning
strike is the only problem at all. Took out all the modems.

Don't be blinded by processor speed; ram is more important IMO, at
least 1 gb. Good graphics board and speakers (if you're into music).

One thing I couldn't do without now is dual monitors. Never thought
they would be so handy.

--Andy Asberry recommends NewsGuy--

Corinne wrote:
My stupidity is showing here.

By two monitors, are you saying you have two flat screens attached to
one pc? I have a fairly new flat screen monitor, but it looks like
alot of the new Dells come with a monitor as well.

I have twin 19 inch LCDs on my work PC and let me tell you, you get spoiled by
this REALLY quick. Using my single 17 incher at home just feels like there is
no room at all now.

Jim writes:

Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article , Mark Lloyd
wrote:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:32:39 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin"
jim.mclaughlin wrote:

Lots of folks have no use for XP.
I started avoiding XP before if became available, when I heard
about the "product activation" unfeature which gives MS ultimate
control over your OS. I never wanted to get dependant on such a
thing.

FWIW, this "feature" was one of the main reasons I finally got around
to switching to an Apple. The tentacles of Redmond were just too
deeply imbedded in my machine to make me happy.

My switch was to Linux (Mandrake, now Mandriva). Not perfect, but
what is?

Any tech support I've needed has been solved with a simple Usenet
message. Generally speaking, post it at bedtime and read multiple
responses upon awakening.

Bottom line is my computers have never been so rock solid stable. And I
don't spend time or money on things like anti-virus applications.

Ditto.

In general, you don't spend money for applications at all.
There are thousands of free applications, and they aren't full
of advertising either, they just do what you want.

Corinne wrote:
Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

Dell is kind of the Chevrolet of computers. I know people who just go
through them every few years. The idea is that they'd have to upgrade
anyway, so why pay more for superior in the meantime, when what they
get is adequate. Of course, i inherit the old ones. The last one, the
reason it died was obvious when I opened it up, the CPU fan had seized.
$10 at radio shack and we were back in operation, and that included a
heat sink i didn't need. But of course, now i've got a 5 year old
computer with usb 1 and slower networking than whatever the latest is.

the other thing about cheap dells is that they are deliberately limited
in how much memory you can upgrade, for some reason to do with cheap
licensing. don't ask me why. but the same model of the one I've got
here, which tops out at 512 meg, in Canada can run with 640 meg.
apparently, keeping the memory down cheapens some sort of license,
which keeps the whole price down.

but i do like the dell cases, though. the one i've got comes apart with
no tools.

Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:32:39 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin" jim.mclaughlin
wrote:

Lots of folks have no use for XP.


I started avoiding XP before if became available, when I heard about
the "product activation" unfeature which gives MS ultimate control
over your OS. I never wanted to get dependant on such a thing.

Since then, I've found various other reasons not to use XP.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

I dragged my feet on XP for a long time, for similar reasons, i.e.
microsoft's real power grab of your machine via XP. In the end when I
did upgrade (the cheapo old dell described previously) i was happy, in
that it cured numerous bugs and memory leaks i was seeing with 98.

edb wrote:
I have had a DEll for about a year and a half. Absolutely flawless.
I have the 2400 series.
I recommend you max out the memory.
You usually get a printer with it for nothing plus free shipping.
Also get an upgrade on speakers so you can listen to the Cd's that you make
on your computer.
Get a large capacity Hard Drive upgrade.
These things are cheap when you buy it as a package, You will want these
things when you get used to your putter.
It comes with all the software you need .
Good luck on your purchase.
Ed B

wrote in message
oups.com...

Corinne wrote:
Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

Hello Corinne:

You might check back issues of Consumer Reports in your local library.
I'm pretty sure they've reviewed computers sometime in the last few
issues, and they usually include a little table showing the brands with
fewest and most repair problems. A large set of data such as that is
much more likely to be useful than my (or anyone else's) individual
opinion.

Best -- Terry


I look at it this way; dell is pushing to see how cheap it can make
computers, apple is pushing to see how cool it can make computers.

Corinne wrote:
Thank you so much for this helpful info. I have received lots of good
advice, but don't want to bore this group with thanking each one
individually, so later I will send one to everyone together. Great
group, but you asked a question so I will try to answer it.

My computer is eight years old, and I love it. My thinking is that I am
still using Windows 98, and Microsoft (as you know) is no longer
offering free updates.

Several people have told me that this opens me up to getting viruses,
and thus, passing it onto others, which I definitely do not want to do.

My first plan was to purchase Windows XP Home Edition and install it,
but a friend told me this machine is not capable of doing that. Plus,
he felt it was a waste of money to purchase Windows XP HE when I could
buy a new machine with it already installed.

So, I am in the market for a new computer.

From what I have written, do you still think it is smart for me to hold
off for another year or so.

Thanks again.

Here's the basic deal; with computers, like cars, the longer you can
hold onto your old one, the more cash you save. At some point the old
one becomes unusable for one reason or another, including you are just
sick of it, and you have to buy a new one. buying it before you have to
is a waste, but like i said that includes just being sick of the old
one.

Of course, the difference is that a used car can be a good value, but
from what I've seen, people always have some hugely inflated opinion
of what their used computer is worth.

ameijers wrote:

Dell commercial-grade machines are great, their consumer-grade machines less
so. I'd buy off the 'office' page, not the 'home' page.

Good point.

? Optiplex, not
Dimension. Costs more, but a better machine, in my experience. We had
several thousand at work until Gateway underbid them. Very low failure rate
on the Optiplexes. If you are on a budget, look on ebay or
www.dellfinancialservices.com, for an off-lease machine.

aem sends....

Kurt Ullman wrote:
In article .com,
wrote:



Your anticipated use description does not require a top-of-the-line
model, but sometimes those requirements change. As for waiting for
Vista, in my experience, it is rare that MS delivers on a shipping date
(currently into 2007 for Vista) and even more rare for a new version to
be worth the hassle (bugs, patches, etc.), especially for a new user.
Windows XP (the current version) should suffice for your use.

I would, however, probably make sure my new one could be upgraded to
Vista, after the inevitable service pac or two. If you are going to keep
it more than a 2-3 years, that ability will probably be useful.

I've completely changed my mind on this. From back when, when i never
bothered to put the box together because I was constantly hot rodding
the hardware, and of course the software as well, i've gotten to the
point where I'm reluctant to upgrade anything. ironically, i'm more
happy to upgrade the memory or the hard drive than the Windows OS. That
said, my 98 top XP upgrade, done with fear and trembling, went
seamlessly.

Andy Asberry wrote:
On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne
wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

I have 5 Dells, all bought within the last three years. A lightning
strike is the only problem at all. Took out all the modems.

Don't be blinded by processor speed; ram is more important IMO, at
least 1 gb. Good graphics board and speakers (if you're into music).

One thing I couldn't do without now is dual monitors. Never thought
they would be so handy.

--Andy Asberry recommends NewsGuy--

I've suspected for a while now that what's slowing down the dells in my
life (mine and other people's) is the onboard video. for one thing it
"borrows" the memory off the main memory, which has to take time, and
of course reducing memory to the system every time i have a bunch of
windows open is exactly the wrong thing to do. haven't tried to upgrade
them with a video board yet. anybody have any opinions? tia.

Rick Brandt wrote:
Corinne wrote:
My stupidity is showing here.

By two monitors, are you saying you have two flat screens attached to
one pc? I have a fairly new flat screen monitor, but it looks like
alot of the new Dells come with a monitor as well.

I have twin 19 inch LCDs on my work PC and let me tell you, you get spoiled by
this REALLY quick. Using my single 17 incher at home just feels like there is
no room at all now.

it is cool.
funny but true; original stone age ibm pc would do this; b&w and color
video boards were at different addresses, so you could use both and
send the video to whichever address you like. so we used to do stuff
like do the (scientific curve fitting) programming via the black and
white monitor because it was much crisper, and simultaneously show the
resulting graphics from running the program on the color monitor. and
now here we are again, but with better performance.

Robert Gammon wrote:

J. Clarke wrote:
Corinne wrote:


The ONLY reason I want to replace it is that my machine is eight years
old, but in excellent working condition.

But, I am still using Windows 98 SE and Microsoft is no longer offering
free updates, and I am told this opens me up to viruses, and I certainly
don't want to pass it onto others.

I was told that my machine will not support Windows XP Home Edition.

Can you tell me what I need in a computer in order to support Windows
XP?

Thanks for your help.


Thinking further, you might want at this point to wait another few months
and get a Vista machine--it will have teething problems at that point
(all Microsoft operating systems have problems when first released) but
if you only upgrade when the OS is no longer supported then you'd do
better to start with the newest one than one that is already four years
old.

I disagree. WinXp is the way to go NOW. Get Vista ONLY after the
first or second major fix pack is released. Vista is ONLY for those
that ride the bleeding edge and are willing to put up with the new
release faults when they crop up. In other words, wait a year AFTER
Vista is released before getting the new S/W.

If in fact she is willing to do that.

Any decent machine you buy new from Dell, HP/Compaq, e-machines....
With WinXP on it is ready to run Vista in its minimum mode. Upgrades
will be needed to get the full experience of Vista as Vista wants more
RAM than most machines are presently sold with.

And she has to buy Vista.

WinXP with SP2 installed is a good platform that will provide you YEARS
of good service before you need/want something else.

But it will be EOLed 4 years or so before Vista.

And I have a 1993 Acura Integra with 240,000 miles on it. I'm keeping
it as the engine still runs fine and I see no need for a new car payment.

You don't seem to be paying attention to what the OP wrote and trying to
work out the practical ramifications.

--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

"Corinne" wrote in message
...
Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.


if you do decide to buy new, here is a neat site for weekly
sales in the US, state by state:

http://salescircular.com/

lee h

A great site, that I have bookmarked.

Thanks.

lee houston wrote:
"Corinne" wrote in message
...

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.



if you do decide to buy new, here is a neat site for weekly
sales in the US, state by state:

http://salescircular.com/

lee h

Thank you Ed.

I will certainly check into this. Sounds like great deal.

Corinne

z wrote:

edb wrote:

I have had a DEll for about a year and a half. Absolutely flawless.
I have the 2400 series.
I recommend you max out the memory.
You usually get a printer with it for nothing plus free shipping.
Also get an upgrade on speakers so you can listen to the Cd's that you make
on your computer.
Get a large capacity Hard Drive upgrade.
These things are cheap when you buy it as a package, You will want these
things when you get used to your putter.
It comes with all the software you need .
Good luck on your purchase.
Ed B

wrote in message
groups.com...

Corinne wrote:

Please don't blast me for asking this question here. I have posted here
before and received excellent advice, so I am back.

I am in the market for a new computer. I am interested in Dell. When
searching the Dell sites, I see lots of complaints about service, etc.

Do any of you use a Dell computer, and can anyone recommend a model
for someone who uses the computer basically for email, newsgroups,
searching the web, playing solitaire, and making greeting cards?

I am totally lost, and as you can see, I am not too computer savvy.
I just know the basics, and my computer man, in this small town,
just retired due to ill health.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Corinne

Hello Corinne:

You might check back issues of Consumer Reports in your local library.
I'm pretty sure they've reviewed computers sometime in the last few
issues, and they usually include a little table showing the brands with
fewest and most repair problems. A large set of data such as that is
much more likely to be useful than my (or anyone else's) individual
opinion.

Best -- Terry



I look at it this way; dell is pushing to see how cheap it can make
computers, apple is pushing to see how cool it can make computers.