Computer Help

[bassn1]

OK. I need a new Tower. I am not educated in computers. And I don't want to be be. I just need a basic set up to use. Would like to know what you guys who are computer educated would recommend. Need to know things like what gig size, processer, speed and so on.
Thank You

[Eric L.]

hey bassn1 it would help to know your price range... but for a plain jane pc that will run vista i would recomend a 2+Ghz CPU, 2+G RAM.  Do you have a pref for AMD or Intel? 

[bassn1]

Eric, Price is an issue. Need to stay a inexspensive as possible. Do not know the diffences between AMD and Intel. Which would you recommend? Would like to have a DVD burner, and be able to load pictures from a cell phone. I also use I-Tunes. I found that when I loaded I-Tunes on my existing computer she slowed way down. The tower I have is working, yet it needs to be emptied and reloaded like it was when I rceived it. Would it be less expensive to purchase a new one or to take the existing one somewhere to have that done?

[Joseph@ap3x]

It will cost you a little bit more to upgrade which is what you should do.

Intel vs AMD:  AMD is the best bang for the buck, but get whatever has the best price.  Look for a dual core at 3 gHz or higher or quad core a 2.6 gHz or higher.  4GB of RAM is pretty much standard nowadays.  You can get something like I outlined above with everything but the monitor for $200-$400 easilly.  PM me if you are still looking.

[bassn1]

Well computer tower finally died. Shut down and would never turn back on again. Some say the motherboard others say the powersupply. My guy says the power supply. 250.00 to fix it. I have a loaner that works but I am unable to get online with it. Have spoken with the internet provider we use and run through their solutions. Still no internet. I have run through the solutions on the page stating page is unavailable and nothing. Are their and computer knowledgeable people on here this morning that may have a fix.

[tsmith35]

$250 will get you a refurbished PC from TigerDirect: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Recs=10&Nav=|c:2628|&Sort=4

Here's a desktop for $219 with 2 gigs of memory, 250 gig hard drive, a P4 running at 3 gHz, CD/DVD drive, and Windows XP Pro: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5403952&CatId=2628

If you really think the problem on your PC is the power supply, you can get a replacement power supply for less than $100, but you'll need to make sure to get the correct power supply with the correct plugs available, and you'll need to know how to replace it. It may be easier to simply replace the computer. You can remove the hard drive from your existing PC and either install it in the new PC (to copy the data from it) or you can install it in an external drive case that plugs into the USB port on your new PC, letting you copy your data from that.

[bassn1]

TS, thank you for the links. Took the loaner back and he is giving me a HP to try. I also heard that my WII will go online for browsing purposes. Anyone ever try to go on the web using their WII?

[bassn1]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Have unit that allows web surfing again.  However, what to do with the other tower. Want to through it out, But if someone picks it out of the trash can they access all my passwords and private stuff? 

[Eric L.]

Great to hear bassn1, if you're going to get rid of your old tower and are not going to keep your old hard drive i would suggest formating (long) or using something like bcwipe to completely delete all the old info.  Many times if your old tower has usable parts you might be able to pick up a few bucks by ebay or garage sale, lots of older computers still kicking out there and people that just don't want to upgrade.

[bassn1]

Thanks Eric. The tower will not even power up.

[Pferox]

If you are concerned about security, you will need to open the machine up and pull the hard drive. There are a few DIY instructions on line on how to replace the hard drive, just follow the directions and stop when you have it in your hands.

Its pretty easy to do and usually only needs a screwdriver, and pulling out a couple of plugs from the inside. While you are in there, you can disassemble the whole tower and see how stuff goes together, learn to identify other parts, check on how the CPU chip and memory come come apart, this will help you with later upgrades for yourself, even building your own machine.

If you don't plan on reusing the HD, then beat it with a hammer until it is in pieces and toss it out. You can then safely get rid of that tower without any fear of security issues.

[bassn1]

Great idea preferox.
Thanks

[Pferox]

Hey, NP.

Unless you are playing big time games, like War Craft or something like that, you can go with any Dual Core or Quad Core chip running over 2 ghz, of course, the bigger the number the better.

Ram is the important thing, if you are going to stick with the 32bit OS, then don't get more than 3 Gigs of ram, 64 bit OS will give you more memory options, 4 to 12 does nicely, although most internet systems for home, and a little gaming can do well with 2 gigs.

If you have lots of pictures, and kids, i suggest going with 400 gig or more HD, unless you are diligent about cleaning up hard drives.

...cont.

[Pferox]

As an example, when my 4 year old Compaq died, I put together a quickie machine running a single core chip that was actually slower than the one I was replacing.

My memory went from 512 Kb to 2 GB, and of course newer architecture on the board. The difference between the two machines was astronomical. The new machine ran rings around the old Compaq, with less chip. When I upgraded again to the quad core I thought I was running a rocket!

My Quad Core wasn't compatible with my board and 64 bit operating systems, so I went down to a dual core chip, and for just about everything I do except extreme gaming, I have not seen any difference, in "speed".

I built a quad core for my cousin who lives with us. She doesn't do much but internet stuff and some basic gaming, and some writing, she also uses it to down load Ebooks. For her it is a barn burner because of the internet speed we have, and the fast network, but my dual core runs rings around her machine for heavy gaming.

[bassn1]

Another question about the new-used tower. I have no idea about speed or ram or operating system. But it does what I need it to do. However, everytime I want to send an e-mail from a web-site not e-mail account, outlook express pops up and asks me questions I have no idea how to find the answers.
Anyone know how to set up outlook express?
Thank You
bassn1

[tsmith35]

What provider do you have your email with?

[bassn1]

my e-mail account is set up with AOL.

[tsmith35]

This should help: How do I use Microsoft Outlook Express 6 to read and send AOL e-mail?

[bassn1]

Thank You