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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 1:58:20 AM
From: Don Green1 Recommendation

Recommended By
sm1th

  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 110655
 
For starters

What do you use your computer for?
What kind of budget?
How experienced are you with computers?

With those answers. I think I can help

Don



To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 5:52:13 AM
From: goldworldnet1 Recommendation

Recommended By
locogringo

  Respond to of 110655
 
I recommend an Intel processor and just a comment, but anyone interested in running Win7 or Win8.1 should know Microsoft blocks security updates of those on new processors.

There may be a workaround, but this is an unofficial patch.
Unofficial Patch Unblocks Windows 7 and 8.1 Updates for Kaby Lake, Ryzen
By Ryan Whitwam on April 20, 2017

extremetech.com
Good Luck and there are lots of sales now. :) -- Josh

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To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 10:05:40 AM
From: LTBH3 Recommendations

Recommended By
RMP
steve harris
vireya

  Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 110655
 
Why are you buying a new computer, is old one malfunctioning/broken?

If not, then try Linux Mint 18.3 installed on your current computer for a zero dollar cost and some learning curve.

Make it a dual boot on top of your current OS as a crutch to cover your education period.

Installation Guide: linuxmint.com

Download: blog.linuxmint.com

With Mint you'll use LibreOffice for word processing and spreadsheet (integrated with Mint install), for photos there are number of different apps available which you'll have to determine your preference, firefox for internet (integrated with install) or install your preference, music editing is above my pay grade but en.wikipedia.org lists 20 or 30 various music manipulators.

Unsure if "financial stuff" entails more than spreadsheets.

Anyway, try it ... you might like it ... and save a bundle, its all free.

PS Bet you'll really love the ease of auto serve 2 click updates.

PPS Almost forgot, Make sure to install TimeShift if not included in new install ... its a customizable auto backup tool which does a very fast restore ... maybe 5 minutes and it does work as I restored a number of times. Just became available with this new mint version.

Luck
LTBH



To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 10:51:27 AM
From: locogringo4 Recommendations

Recommended By
Gottfried
Honey_Bee
RMP
shadowman

  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 110655
 
I am in the market for a new desktop! Any suggestions?

IMO many are quite similar now if you go with a standard desktop and not a souped up "gamer". I have stuck with Dell probably because I like their web pages for service numbers and downloads and updates. Since you don't like working on them, you may want to go upper end since you probably will not be upgrading later by yourself. By upper end, get a current processor and get enough memory and enough drive space, but both of those are very easy to add/upgrade later.

Others here can specify which drives might benefit you the most. Make sure you get enough USB ports with some being the latest version.(3) Ports on the front and top are much more convenient than the back panel.

Where you buy and how can also matter. I have been told that there is no such thing as "NEW" computer on Ebay. I have purchased from Amazon, problem free. Purchasing from Costco gives you an extra year warranty and their "Concierge Service". I never needed it but it was comforting to have. Often, a certain credit card (Amex?) will add an extra year of protection/warranty. Comparing models and sizes at Costco, Sams Club and Best Buy can be enlightening, including how the case opens and where your computer is finally placed.

(I once had a Gateway that opened like a clamshell. It was placed on the floor under my desk on left side to hide the wires. To open it, I had to unplug most of the cables/wires from the back, slide it to the right and open in up towards the left. It was a real pain!!)

Good luck and make sure at this time of year (returns) you get a new one, not a repackaged unless you get the discount for that)



To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 7:06:54 PM
From: SI Ron (Crazy Music Man)1 Recommendation

Recommended By
goldworldnet

  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 110655
 
I have a Dell small form factor computer, very small, lots of features and super quiet. The one of the left is the similar to the one I have.

dell.com

You can even get Windows 7 with it if you want.




To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/1/2018 8:10:41 PM
From: Joan Osland Graffius2 Recommendations

Recommended By
goldworldnet
SirWalterRalegh

  Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 110655
 
Does not look like anyone has mentioned Apple - I love it.



To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/3/2018 12:35:15 AM
From: Raptech3 Recommendations

Recommended By
goldworldnet
Investor2
locogringo

  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 110655
 
I currently have a Dell (xp); a HP (win7); 2 Dell Laptops (win7) and (Win 10). Hands down would recommend Dell. Order from the business division where you can customize many features while working with a real live tech; pricing is competitive; they often have deals if no hurry you can watch; while under warranty support is outstanding.

I use my computers for personal finance, and business consulting work and well comprehend computer performance. I still use the Dell XP computer for several programs that won't run on anything higher and it continues to work without issues despite being 8 years old.

Disappointed with HP where there is minimum customization and support is dismal. Would not buy HP again.



To: Investor2 who wrote (99360)1/4/2018 9:22:04 PM
From: goldworldnet2 Recommendations

Recommended By
Gottfried
Saulamanca

  Respond to of 110655
 
Inspiron Gaming Desktop featuring powerful AMD Ryzen processor.

Starting at $569.99

dell.com

Starting at $1,049.99

dell.com

Maybe a Ryzen processor is the way to go since the discovery of the "Spectre" and "Meltdown" CPU bugs.

Message 31420892

Josh

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