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've had four Dells and never had a need for service. The next one will be
a Dell.

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 a Dell - like any modern electrical/electronic, it isn't built to
last forever. I am the software guru, hubby is the hardware guru. I
wanted to add memory to mine, so I bought it and installed it myself.
Most difficult aspect was opening the case, as it is built a little
different than the instruction diagram. Dell has very detailed
instructions on their website and pretty decent online support chat. I
was spoiled when I got the Dell, as I had originally had a Micron that
ran Win95 a lot faster than the Dell runs Win ME. About like going from
Ferrari to VW )

Windows is getting more media oriented, for the movie and music
downloaders. I haven't kept track of what is coming along from MS. If
making greeting cards involves large images or a powerful program, you
might want to focus on a graphics card with more memory; way too tech
for me to keep track of, but Dell (or any other decent company) can
probably advise on that issue. Usually, their websites have models for
home or office or blah blah, and you can add features according to
intended use. Might want to play with a few of those.

Whatever you buy will be outmoded in about two years, if not sooner )

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


My wife bought a Dell several years ago.
The "clock" has never kept correct time.
The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.
She's paid four different computer experts to work on on the computer.
TB

Dimension 4300? Mine can't find the CD most of the time, and I got a
fix from Dell but it doesn't stay fixed. It sees my external HD
instead. Don't use the CD much, so it doesn't matter. I have to reboot
to get the clock running on time - was late for quite a few things
before I trained myself to look at my wris****ch instead of Windows time )

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

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 don't think any of the "computer companies" actually produce their
own cpmputers. Dell build their stuff from components sourced from a
myriad of suppliers. Two Dell systems bought on the same day may have
hard drives or CDs or other compnonents sourced from different
suppliers in different parts of the world.

What are your options? HP, NEC, ASUS or a no name brand built bythe
guy down the road with bits he bought cheap from an importer. They are
all basically the same.

The important things to look for are warranty and longevity of the
supplier. At least Dell has been around a while and will probably be
around a while longer. That gives you some chance of getting any
problems fixed. The same goes for other brands like HP or IBM.

Most problems that you wil have will not be hardware, but problems
created by incompatibilities between the various pieces of software
you are running and the various bits of hardware in the box. None of
them faults as such , but all of them well cause you grief.

If your stated uses are the total of what you want to do, then you
really don't need anything too advanced . The basic CPU, memory , hard
drive and video options will easily accomplish your needs. Don't get
taken in by techos that want to sell you the biggest, fastest stuff.
You don't need it.

Go to a book store and invest in a few "how to" books. Any of the
"computer stuff for dummies" books for a start. Learn how to manage
your own system so that when something goes wrong , and it will, you
have some understanding of where the problem might lie.

Most of the problems that I fix every day are fixed with entries from
the keyboard, not with replacement of bits of hardware.

There is no easy answer Corinne.

I would like to offer my services to help you, but alas, I fear the
travel would be too expensive.

In article ,
Avery wrote:


The important things to look for are warranty and longevity of the
supplier. At least Dell has been around a while and will probably be
around a while longer. That gives you some chance of getting any
problems fixed. The same goes for other brands like HP or IBM.

Errr. FWIW, IBM got out of the personal computer business a few years
ago, sold that biz to a Chinese company. So much for longevity (g).

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne broke out their crayolas and scribbled:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne broke out their crayolas and
scribbled:

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.

If your concerns are service why not check with local stores and see what
they offer in ways of service. Then buy from the one that will be
available locally for service.

Do any of you use a Dell computer,

I built my box from component parts ordered off the net. I won't comment
on a Dell product because I've not used it.

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?

If the above is "all" that you're using it for why do you think you need
to update your old box? Are you running out of storage space or do you
think it is too slow? Just want something new and improved?

If it is the latter, I would think about holding off for a while because
Windows is threating to release a new system within the next year and what
you buy now will soon have a 3 or 4 year old operating system called XP
that is scheduled to be replaced. Not sure how long XP has been around.
Might as well wait for the next latest, greatest, Microsoft has to offer
if you are going to learn a new distribution of the operating system.
Besides the replacement for XP is going to need more power to operate than
XP from what I've read. So why buy something that will be outdated so
soon. Also from what I've read they are going to stop support for Windows
98 and ME shortly. Might want to wait a while and do more research.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

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

Avery 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 don't think any of the "computer companies" actually produce their
own cpmputers. Dell build their stuff from components sourced from a
myriad of suppliers. Two Dell systems bought on the same day may have
hard drives or CDs or other compnonents sourced from different
suppliers in different parts of the world.

What are your options? HP, NEC, ASUS or a no name brand built bythe
guy down the road with bits he bought cheap from an importer. They are
all basically the same.

BS. Does the guy down the road who buys from a "cheap importer" have a
Q/A team that makes sure the components he buys meet spec and are
reliable? Does he document failure rates and only buys from suppliers
that are proven reliable? Does he buy in such huge volume that he can
get good quality components from major suppliers at favorable prices,
or does he just buy the cheapest crap deal of the week from wherever he
can get it. Does he have a website where you can download updated
drivers for components or fixes? Does he have a tracking system so
that their help database knows exactly what components are in your
system when you need support? Does he have a telephone support line
24/7? Will he be there 10 months from now to honor the warranty?

You can buy from whomever you want, but don't try to claim that buying
from a guy down the road is the same as buying from DELL or HP.







The important things to look for are warranty and longevity of the
supplier. At least Dell has been around a while and will probably be
around a while longer. That gives you some chance of getting any
problems fixed. The same goes for other brands like HP or IBM.

Most problems that you wil have will not be hardware, but problems
created by incompatibilities between the various pieces of software
you are running and the various bits of hardware in the box. None of
them faults as such , but all of them well cause you grief.

If your stated uses are the total of what you want to do, then you
really don't need anything too advanced . The basic CPU, memory , hard
drive and video options will easily accomplish your needs. Don't get
taken in by techos that want to sell you the biggest, fastest stuff.
You don't need it.

Go to a book store and invest in a few "how to" books. Any of the
"computer stuff for dummies" books for a start. Learn how to manage
your own system so that when something goes wrong , and it will, you
have some understanding of where the problem might lie.

Most of the problems that I fix every day are fixed with entries from
the keyboard, not with replacement of bits of hardware.

There is no easy answer Corinne.

I would like to offer my services to help you, but alas, I fear the
travel would be too expensive.

Generally, desktop systems are less expensive than laptop systems, so
unless you need portability, get a desktop system. With the larger
desktop package, they are easier to cool and work on if components
must be replaced or added.

It is true that PC systems become non-current in just a few years, but
their useful life can be extended by careful choice:
- at least 1GB memory
- at least a 2 GHz processor
- at least 80 GB hard drive
- at least a CDRW/DVD combo drive
- wireless networking capability
- LCD display

Beyond that it's all software and easily replaced components. My
current system was built by a friend and runs Win98SE, however it is
enough system to upgrade to Win XP Home, which is what I intend to do
this summer.
Good luck.

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.

I built my own, but desktop units are so cheap now that you cannot match
them by buying the components. My son got a Dell laptop, and I got my
daughter a Dell desktop to take to school, and both have worked flawlessly.

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.
If it doesn't fail immediately, it will last the typically short
warranty period, so paying a premium for good service is probably a
waste of money. My suggestion is that you find a good way to back up
all your software and data, and when your computer fails (or, more
likely, becomes outdated) just get a new one.


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

Thomas Kendrick wrote:

Generally, desktop systems are less expensive than laptop systems, so
unless you need portability, get a desktop system. With the larger
desktop package, they are easier to cool and work on if components
must be replaced or added.

It is true that PC systems become non-current in just a few years, but
their useful life can be extended by careful choice:
- at least 1GB memory
- at least a 2 GHz processor
- at least 80 GB hard drive
- at least a CDRW/DVD combo drive
- wireless networking capability
- LCD display

Beyond that it's all software and easily replaced components. My
current system was built by a friend and runs Win98SE, however it is
enough system to upgrade to Win XP Home, which is what I intend to do
this summer.
Good luck.

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.
Hmmm,
Left out display controller. Important for upcoming Vista OS.

wrote in message
BS. Does the guy down the road who buys from a "cheap importer" have a
Q/A team that makes sure the components he buys meet spec and are
reliable?

You can buy from whomever you want, but don't try to claim that buying
from a guy down the road is the same as buying from DELL or HP.

Right, he is better than Dell. I bought about 15 computers so far from
Dennis, both for work and for home.
He does not have a 24/7 help line, but I can drop a unit off in the morning
and pick it up after work.

Yes, he buys from suppliers that are proven reliable., but no, he does not
keep formal records. With the volume of units he produces, it would really
not be that productive. Just like you know who the good and bad grocery
stores are in your area.

Yes, he does have a database of what is in my system, including upgrades.

I don't know much about Dell's reliability or service as I've not bought
from them. Anyone selling the volume of a Dell, Gateway, etc, will have a
few lemons get by as well as some that will perform perfectly for years. My
own experience with the local guy though, happens to be very good. The
experience with my first Gateway was very good, but the second one was very
poor. Dennis only uses reliable, proven components, not the cheapo part of
the week. I'm not going any place else. Just like the major suppliers,
the local guy can be good or bad. Check them out.

wrote:
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

You might also chec back issues of PC Mag and/or PC World for such
comparisons. And ... PC World routinely has ranked comparisons with
pros/cons of various categories of items from cameras & printers to
various categories of laptops/desktops.

You might even find some avail. online.

J

"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.

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?



Dell is ok. You may want to look at the Emachines. Circuit City has some
low end computers (you did not mention anything that would require much but
a minimum system) by them on sale after the rebates for about $ 300 every
couple of weeks. Pick up in the local store. I use to put together my own
computers but needed one a few weeks ago. It is hard to get anything like a
computer, 160 gb HD, DVD burner, monitor and then the operating system for
anything close to that. That was the deal with the T3418 computer. NOt
sure how they got together but Emachines and Gateway seem to be the same
company now.

Search the eb, or the Tucows site, for a freeware program called "About
Time". Load it, configure to run in backgrund, you'll never again have a
clock problem, i'll check the atomic clocks at NIST , NASA and the Naval
Observatory for correct time and reet your box's internal clock whenever you
start the box or at intervals you set. Accurate to milleseconds but not
nanoseconds. Doubt you need nanosecnd accuracy.
--
Jim McLaughlin

Reply address is deliberately munged.
If you really need to reply directly, try:
jimdotmclaughlinatcomcastdotcom

And you know it is a dotnet not a dotcom
address.
"Norminn" wrote in message
k.net...
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


My wife bought a Dell several years ago.
The "clock" has never kept correct time.
The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.
She's paid four different computer experts to work on on the computer.
TB

Dimension 4300? Mine can't find the CD most of the time, and I got a
fix from Dell but it doesn't stay fixed. It sees my external HD
instead. Don't use the CD much, so it doesn't matter. I have to reboot
to get the clock running on time - was late for quite a few things
before I trained myself to look at my wris****ch instead of Windows time
)

wrote in message
ups.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

My wife bought a Dell several years ago.
The "clock" has never kept correct time.
The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.
She's paid four different computer experts to work on on the computer.
TB


Search the web, or the Tucows site, for a freeware program called "About
Time". Load it, configure to run in backgrund, you'll never again have a
clock problem, i'll check the atomic clocks at NIST , NASA and the Naval
Observatory for correct time and reet your box's internal clock whenever you
start the box or at intervals you set. Accurate to milleseconds but not
nanoseconds. Doubt you need nanosecond accuracy.


--
Jim McLaughlin

Reply address is deliberately munged.
If you really need to reply directly, try:
jimdotmclaughlinatcomcastdotcom

And you know it is a dotnet not a dotcom
address.

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)

On 13 Jul 2006 03:50:13 -0700, "
wrote:

The "clock" has never kept correct time.

The weakening battery on the motherboard can cause this, but as it
gets weaker one would loose the BIOS setting and have to reset them.

The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.

Years ago a virus was known to cause the CD to act like this. It was a
nuisance more than a file damaging virus and now hardware damaging
ones.


Oren

Norminn wrote:

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


My wife bought a Dell several years ago.
The "clock" has never kept correct time.
The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.
She's paid four different computer experts to work on on the computer.
TB

Dimension 4300? Mine can't find the CD most of the time, and I got a
fix from Dell but it doesn't stay fixed. It sees my external HD
instead. Don't use the CD much, so it doesn't matter.

If it's just the drive letter that's something you set in Windows Disk
Management.

I have to reboot
to get the clock running on time - was late for quite a few things
before I trained myself to look at my wris****ch instead of Windows time
)

Should set it up to periodically reset itself against an NTP server.

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

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

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

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
My
own experience with the local guy though, happens to be very good. The
experience with my first Gateway was very good, but the second one was very
poor. Dennis only uses reliable, proven components, not the cheapo part of
the week. I'm not going any place else. Just like the major suppliers,
the local guy can be good or bad. Check them out.

Unfortunately, the "local guy" is a mutt. You might find the best local guy on
the planet, but that does not translate into a useful source for someone in
another city.

Most "local guys" are fly-by-night operators. Some last more than a few years.
Dell and several others have been around for quite a while and have a
reputation based on a large volume of sales.

I would recommend the local guy I trust to a local buyer. For a buyer far away,
the best advice is to buy from the bigger companies if they can't do the
homework to find the ideal local guy.

I've had a Dell for quite a few years. Without question, it's been the most
reliable desktop computer I've used at home or work over the last 25 years.
Dell might be a tad more expensive than the local guy, but they are worth it.

Mike

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 think Dell are very good computers. We had about 70 desktops in our
local network and maybe as many as 10,000 running on a national
network level. I have seen maybe two that failed right out of the
box. Each a dead hard drive, so Dell sent overnight new drives without
having to send in the old beforehand. You will get good directions
for setting up the machine.

E-mail, browsing the web, and small programs are not that taxing on
the system. Video, Music and Photo editing is another thing. I suggest
a mid-range system, based on your comment.

Oren

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

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.

On 13 Jul 2006 03:50:13 -0700, "
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

My wife bought a Dell several years ago.
The "clock" has never kept correct time.
The CD drawer opens and closes randomly.

Even though it seems randome, it's probably not. Generally it opens
when you bring a drink to the desk. And btw, in Apple they may call
it a CD drawer, but Dell calls it a cup holder.

She's paid four different computer experts to work on on the computer.
TB

Did anyone replace the cup holder?

vista requires minimum of one gig of memory and prefeably 2 gig
minimum.

ME I use 1 gig processor old HP Vectra busimness computers bought off e
bay for 50 bucks each.

nice and roomy no overheating easy service access and reliable. did max
out memory on each one, and run on FIOS 5MB IT does the job for us

In article , Corinne
wrote:

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

Apple's Mac Mini, especially if you already have a monitor. Eliminate
the concern abotu viruses and malware, easy to use, lots of software,
and if you absolutely must run Windows rather than the Mac OS, you can!

In article 130720061620025300%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone. ca,
Dave Balderstone wrote:

In article , Corinne
wrote:

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

Apple's Mac Mini, especially if you already have a monitor. Eliminate
the concern abotu viruses and malware, easy to use, lots of software,
and if you absolutely must run Windows rather than the Mac OS, you can!

The transfer is easy, even after having Wdows legacy back to the
days of the PCjr (g).

Jim McLaughlin wrote:
Search the eb, or the Tucows site, for a freeware program called
"About Time". Load it, configure to run in backgrund, you'll never
again have a clock problem, i'll check the atomic clocks at NIST ,
NASA and the Naval Observatory for correct time and reet your box's
internal clock whenever you start the box or at intervals you set.

Time sync is built in to XP.

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.

In article 130720061620025300%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone. ca,
Dave Balderstone wrote:

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

Apple's Mac Mini, especially if you already have a monitor. Eliminate
the concern abotu viruses and malware, easy to use, lots of software,
and if you absolutely must run Windows rather than the Mac OS, you can!

I was wondering when someone would step forward to suggest Apple Computer.
Obviously, I was too chicken to do it myself. sigh

iMac and Mac mini, for their desktop systems, have been upgraded to use the
new Intel processors. Mac OS X, built on Unixtm, is amazingly ROCK SOLID.
iPhoto, iWeb, iMovie, iDVD are included with new systems.

http://www.apple.com/imac/
http://www.apple.com/imac/ilife.html
http://www.apple.com/macmini/
http://www.apple.com/macmini/ilife.html
--

JR

PowerMac G4 MDD 1.25 SP
Mac OS X 10.4.7

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

Not necessary, just more fog. They won't have the
bugs out of Vista for at least 2 more years. Then
she should need to buy all new programs to make
Vista of value to her. Besides, if she really
doesn't know anything about computers she won't
need Vista until she buys another computer.

You need as much memory as possible, 1G because
it is sometimes difficult (and expensive) to add
more memory. But hard drive size above 60-80 G is
useless for most people unless they are doing
video. (I have 120G and finally have about 13G
used after 4 years). Besides you can add a USB
drive for backups and more storage easily and
prices continue to drop.

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:47:51 -0700, "Jim McLaughlin" jim.mclaughlin
wrote:

Search the eb, or the Tucows site, for a freeware program called "About
Time". Load it, configure to run in backgrund, you'll never again have a
clock problem, i'll check the atomic clocks at NIST , NASA and the Naval
Observatory for correct time and reet your box's internal clock whenever you
start the box or at intervals you set. Accurate to milleseconds but not
nanoseconds. Doubt you need nanosecnd accuracy.

And it (the same program) will also act as a time server (making the
time obtained above available to other computers on your network).
This is ON by default.
--
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

"Oren" wrote in message
...
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 think Dell are very good computers. We had about 70 desktops in our
local network and maybe as many as 10,000 running on a national
network level. I have seen maybe two that failed right out of the
box. Each a dead hard drive, so Dell sent overnight new drives without
having to send in the old beforehand. You will get good directions
for setting up the machine.

E-mail, browsing the web, and small programs are not that taxing on
the system. Video, Music and Photo editing is another thing. I suggest
a mid-range system, based on your comment.

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....

Kurt Ullman wrote:
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.

Kurt,
It depends...many people (and businesses) have put off upgrades because
there is no benefit to them when the new OS arrives. Corinne doesn't
mention anything that appears to be revolutionized by Vista, so
compared to the cost to upgrade now vs. 8 months from now, she might be
better off to wait.

Lots of folks have no use for XP.

--
Jim McLaughlin

Reply address is deliberately munged.
If you really need to reply directly, try:
jimdotmclaughlinatcomcastdotcom

And you know it is a dotnet not a dotcom
address.
"HeyBub" wrote in message
...
Jim McLaughlin wrote:
Search the eb, or the Tucows site, for a freeware program called
"About Time". Load it, configure to run in backgrund, you'll never
again have a clock problem, i'll check the atomic clocks at NIST ,
NASA and the Naval Observatory for correct time and reet your box's
internal clock whenever you start the box or at intervals you set.

Time sync is built in to XP.

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

______? wrote:
On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne broke out their crayolas and scribbled:

On Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:11:09 -0700, Corinne broke out their crayolas and
scribbled:


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.


If your concerns are service why not check with local stores and see what
they offer in ways of service. Then buy from the one that will be
available locally for service.

Do any of you use a Dell computer,


I built my box from component parts ordered off the net. I won't comment
on a Dell product because I've not used it.

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?


If the above is "all" that you're using it for why do you think you need
to update your old box? Are you running out of storage space or do you
think it is too slow? Just want something new and improved?

If it is the latter, I would think about holding off for a while because
Windows is threating to release a new system within the next year and what
you buy now will soon have a 3 or 4 year old operating system called XP
that is scheduled to be replaced. Not sure how long XP has been around.
Might as well wait for the next latest, greatest, Microsoft has to offer
if you are going to learn a new distribution of the operating system.
Besides the replacement for XP is going to need more power to operate than
XP from what I've read. So why buy something that will be outdated so
soon. Also from what I've read they are going to stop support for Windows
98 and ME shortly. Might want to wait a while and do more research.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/


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