Computer help?

Even better, jar, I have a picture

I glanced at Open Office but don't want to spend too much time at links since the computer often freezes up when I do. But I can get Publisher there? Have to have Publisher.Only $400? Wow.Funny you mention AT&T. I've been thinking about going there. I think I will do that. MS Windows XP
Home Ed
Version 2002
Service pack 2Intel Celeron processor
901 MHz
256 MB of RAM

I believe it. Geeks know what they are doing.

Before collect too much info on possible purchases, it is probably a good idea to explain to folk what you will be doing with it. For example, you mentioned publisher. That usually indicates graphic design.If what you are doing is layout or photographic manipulation you will need a different toolbox than if you were doing database and accounting.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

... is not always the best deal.
There are a LOT of super-cheap computer deals right now that you should avoid.
This is because the new 'dual core' processors just came out and everyone is trying to dump the old single core processors as fast as they can.
The dual core is like running 2 processors in parallel - 64 bit computing instead of 32 bit.
What is the difference to you, you ask?
Well the next operating system from 'Microsloth' is called VISTA and it will require the 64 bit system to run. All new versions of MS programs are going to be rewritten for dual core.
So if you buy a single core cheap now, in a couple of years you are not going to be able to install any of the newer software you are eventually going to need.
I venture to speculate there is no new software being written for single core processors at this time.

See, you're already using celeron processor.Where are you at? If you're in England or some other crazy country, then nevermind with what i'm going to say.Just go to your local best buy... or whatever local store you have that have a large selection of computers.The price range should be around $400 to $2000. The computers on the upper range are the ones that have pentium 4 and all that good stuff. the lower range ones are the ones with celeron processors. These are cheaper because you can't upgrade the ram that much. I think the limit is around 2 Gig or so. But anyway, since the harddrives are so freakin cheap these days, most of them will have like 80 or 100 GB harddrives. They'll come with modem, DVD rewritable, stuff like that.In other words, even if you get the worst baby in the neighborhood, it will still be better than what you have now.A few months ago, a friend of mine needed a new computer to do what you are doing now. She got the cheapest thing they have and it's still working just fine months later. Next week, I will go over to he place to put in more ram so she can do more stuff with it.

I guess I have to actually LOOK inside the CPU when I dust it out.I've seen a hard drive before, before it was put in. But all those boards inside ...I used to have a co-worker graphics designer who was a Beta tester for Corel (Corel is unbelievably complex it seems to me, I played with it once or twice) who would occasionally erupt in a fit of fury at her computer, get up out of her chair and take the CPU apart, doing who knows what with this board and that. It was all very impressive but for all I know it was more to keep the rest of us entertained than truly useful. I could be wrong.

OK. With that information I'll take a look at Best Buy. Thanks. Yes I already have Celeron, I'd like to do a bit better if possible.Working months later won't do it. This thing I hope will last years. And if I need more RAM I don't know who could get it for me.

And I completely agree with this. Just remember how long it took people to change completely from 98 to the newer versions of microsoft OS, and 98 was a piece of crap that frozed up randomly.I've been meaning to get VISTA as soon as I can get my hands on it with great expectations.But you also have to remember who's using the computer. XP runs just fine with virtually all current softwares out there. The only down side to getting a celeron is if you're a hardcore gamer. I highly doubt Faith is one of those. Actually, I highly doubt she will be using all the grand new stuff in the future that require the dual core. While this may be true, it will be years before it becomes a problem for single core people. By then, she'll probably want to get a new computer anyway.Anyway, to Faith. I can't tell you what to do. You are seeing the opinions of many, and you're going to have to decide. If you're not going to be doing much more than what you are already doing with your current computer, then there's really no point to wasting money on gold and diamonds. But if you think you'll be keeping uptodate with the new softwares that will be coming out in a couple years, then you should look toward the more costly ones.

Some things to consider.If you are on dial up:make sure it has a modem. Many computers these days will not have one.If you use floppy disks:make sure it has one. Many computers these days will not have floppy drives.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Oy. OK, keep a lookout for single core vs dual core. If dual core is too expensive, though, then what?Edited by Faith, : No reason given.

Thanks for the reminder. I use Zip disks. And I will need a modem.

You can find dual core from about $500.00 on up. Acer S285NOTE:the machine in the link does NOT have a floppy or a modem.

---

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

That makes sense. I'm not going to be branching out into anything too demanding. The few games I used to play I finally erased from the computer because they were addicting. I don't miss them.

Which could easily be solved. Just remove them from the old machine and hammer them into the new machine.I've found that buying new computers don't have to involve getting all the necessary parts. You can pretty much canibalize from the old computer for all the parts you need.