New computer. Need advise.

[Greg Portland]

From what little I have read about Windows 8, I am a bit apprehensive about the new user interface. It sounds like it is radically different than previous versions. I have a feeling that the casual user (the one that just wants to use it and not understand it) is going to be frustrated by it. I mean, for goodness sakes, NO START BUTTON!!! Whatever will we do! And what the heck is a tile?

First, a release date for Windows 8 has not been announced so you've got awhile until this is even an option. 2nd, a single button push gets you back to a more classic-view windows.

[Dan Hintz]

First, a release date for Windows 8 has not been announced so you've got awhile until this is even an option. 2nd, a single button push gets you back to a more classic-view windows.

October is the current rumor... still a ways off if you need something soon, but in the lifespan of OSes these days, it's practically tomorrow Honestly, I still feel like 7 is brand new...

[Larry Edgerton]

Thank you one and all for your thoughts and suggestions. I have a little more confidence that I will make the proper choice now.

Myk, there is a local shop that will put one together, but is that really a reliable option? I know nothing about it but I see that there are quite a few on here that build their own, so I suppose that it does not require a factory. I'll check it out.

Last time I bought too much power and never really used it, so I will scale it back. I am prone to such things, I did build a 674 hp Miata after all......

Thanks, Larry

[Chuck Wintle]

Thank you one and all for your thoughts and suggestions. I have a little more confidence that I will make the proper choice now.

Myk, there is a local shop that will put one together, but is that really a reliable option? I know nothing about it but I see that there are quite a few on here that build their own, so I suppose that it does not require a factory. I'll check it out.

Last time I bought too much power and never really used it, so I will scale it back. I am prone to such things, I did build a 674 hp Miata after all......

Thanks, Larry

the beauty of a local store is to have quick service when something goes wrong...and for you because you don't have the knowledge to repair them its an advantage vs. having to ship it back to dell or hp or whoever. often the price may be a little more locally since they don't have the same volume as others. and the local store should be able to give you exactly the power you need...and if you like linux as an operating system then this is free. i personally like linux mint as it has a nice interface and is similar to windows.

[Matt Meiser]

I would never give a blanket recommendation for a local computer store. The problem with a local store though is you really have no idea what you are getting--are they really knowledgeable or just able to muddle through? Anyone with a few bucks who "knows computers" or at least thinks they do can open a computer store. Sure you can take it back to them, but are they stable? Will they still be there a year from now? Some will, some won't. Do some research on them before buying.

A good hint on their real skills might be how much of their business is other local business.

Pretty sure Quickbooks doesn't run on Linux.

[paul cottingham]

Thank you one and all for your thoughts and suggestions. I have a little more confidence that I will make the proper choice now.

Myk, there is a local shop that will put one together, but is that really a reliable option? I know nothing about it but I see that there are quite a few on here that build their own, so I suppose that it does not require a factory. I'll check it out.

Last time I bought too much power and never really used it, so I will scale it back. I am prone to such things, I did build a 674 hp Miata after all......

Thanks, Larry

The company I used to own built all computers from scratch, to spec. We carefully vetted all components, and have clients still using computer we built for them 7 years ago. Research your local companies carefully, some will be great, others will talk a great game, but.....
BTW, I second the Linux opinion, if you can get the right software for it. You need to learn an all new operating system, why not a free one, that is super reliable. And no Microsoft Tax!

[Chuck Wintle]

The company I used to own built all computers from scratch, to spec. We carefully vetted all components, and have clients still using computer we built for them 7 years ago. Research your local companies carefully, some will be great, others will talk a great game, but.....
BTW, I second the Linux opinion, if you can get the right software for it. You need to learn an all new operating system, why not a free one, that is super reliable. And no Microsoft Tax!

in fact it is not hard to build a computer...i have ordered parts online many times to do this...i like asus mb's, intel cpu's and corsiar memory, etc....maybe you know someone who can help you place an order.

[Larry Browning]

I think you guys need to reread Larry's original post. Especially the part about not knowing much about computers and having no desire to learn about them. He wants something he can turn on and start using. Building his own and Linux do not quite fit his requirements.... Seems to me he would much rather be in the shop making sawdust.
I'm just sayin.......

[Myk Rian]

I think you guys need to reread Larry's original post. Especially the part about not knowing much about computers and having no desire to learn about them. He wants something he can turn on and start using. Building his own and Linux do not quite fit his requirements.... Seems to me he would much rather be in the shop making sawdust.
I'm just sayin.......

Nobody is saying to build his own, and I agree Linux is not for the average user. I've been building and using machines since the early 70s, and still haven't figured Linux out.

The advantages of having a local shop build one are local service, and if the store does close down, the machine is built with generic parts that anybody can fix.
Dell, Acer, and a slew of others use proprietary parts and cases. A PITA to replace prats.

[Chuck Wintle]

I think you guys need to reread Larry's original post. Especially the part about not knowing much about computers and having no desire to learn about them. He wants something he can turn on and start using. Building his own and Linux do not quite fit his requirements.... Seems to me he would much rather be in the shop making sawdust.
I'm just sayin.......

Larry,

not saying he should build his own computer or use linux, which is not that daunting to use, but sometimes one must look a little beyond the usual horizons. Really its not that hard to do.

[Larry Edgerton]

I am getting a quote from a local company that has been in the business about 20 years. I like the idea of local service and non-proprietary parts. They also are a internet provider, so maybe I can get all in one place.

Ya, me build a computer.....

Thats funny now, I don't care who you are........

Larry

[Harry Hagan]

I am getting a quote from a local company that has been in the business about 20 years. I like the idea of local service and non-proprietary parts. They also are a internet provider, so maybe I can get all in one place.

Ya, me build a computer.....

Thats funny now, I don't care who you are........

Larry

There is absolutely no reason not to go with a local builder IF they’re honest, competent, and have kept up-to-speed on current and coming technology. They should be willing to sit down and discuss your current requirements and also make sure you are aware of the new “stuff” that might be of interest and benefit to you. My definition of Proprietary Equipment: "We have you in our evil clutches and you are at our mercy."

[Art Mulder]

Anyone who says Linux is hard to use has never used it. It is just as easy and as hard as windows, for the average end user. I'm just saying'

Bunch of BS. Re-read my previous post #38
It is NOT for the average home user.

I agree with Paul, and I mostly agree with Myk.

And that is because deciding whether or not it is suited to the average home user is NOT about whether or not it is hard. Rather it is about whether or not it is familiar to a majority of people.

I have a Computer Science Bachelor's and Master's degree. I've been using Unix since 1987, and Linux since 1998 in my career.
But when I started a new job that involved supporting Windows, it was HARD because I didn't know enough about it. It was unfamiliar. (It also has an incredibly stupid design and horrible security, but that is another matter.) Ask your average user to edit the registry and see if they can do it. Ask your average user to start mucking about with DLL files and see if they can do it. Ask your average user to find where their email is stored on disk and they probably don't know. (Heck I still bump into people who confuse the Monitor with the Computer.) BUT, and this is the big one, every town has umpteen stores with geeks in them who might be able to help you, and everyone has friends who use Windows, and so on.

Linux just doesn't have that market penetration. I fully believe that modern Linux (Ubuntu is my favourite for "it just works" in the Linux world) is just as hard as Windows. But it still is less familiar.

...art

ps: and don't ask me for advice, Larry, I bought my wife a Mac precisely because it is familiar to her and far simpler than Windows, and I have since bought myself an iMac also at home also. And I still think Windows is annoying and stupid.

[Bruce Page]

Myk, there is a local shop that will put one together, but is that really a reliable option? I know nothing about it but I see that there are quite a few on here that build their own, so I suppose that it does not require a factory. I'll check it out.
Thanks, Larry

Larry, my last two computers have come from a local computer shop. I didn’t order anything extreme, just their middle of the road machines. They are the best computers I have owned. What is also nice is if I do have a problem they are quick to help. When this current machine gets too dated I will be buying from them again.

[paul cottingham]

Anyone who says Linux is hard to use has never used it. It is just as easy and as hard as windows, for the average end user. I'm just saying'