I do intend to get my own computer built, at the shop around the corner. I had already planned to get that done six months ago, but health issues postponed things. I will only get Linux on it, saving about $200 for a Windows version I don't want and don't need. I have asked at the shop what a good, basic computer will cost and it's about AUS$500-600, which is really good compared to what you pay at other places. I don't need the top of the top, a basic computer will do for me. My current computer is about eight years old and even with some upgrades it's really out of date, but good enough for me. Just getting too slow.
Once I get the new one I will just have to start searching for lots of Linux drivers, but I'm sure I can find most of them on special Linux websites. By then I will post lots of messages here with "Help, where can I find this?" LOL
Cheers,
Rixta
By the way, should you have a machine built you can find online
resources that deal with Linux compatibility issues. With current
hardware, that is not so much of a problem--although a few things
remain challenges. For example, I am interested in the new Nvidia
graphics platform for laptops that in Windows automatically switches
between integrated graphics for most tasks, and a separate discrete
Nvidia graphics system for demanding tasks. That is not yet supported
properly in Linux--but it is being worked on as we speak.
That would be a non-issue if the computer you want to get is a desktop
system, of course.
Also, there are now motherboards available with the USB 3 I mentioned
yesterday. Again, if you have a machine built that would be a good
idea.
There are several good brands of motherboards. I have always had the
best results with ASUS, personally.
There are some very good prices today for pre-built machines, but very
often the big name boxes have one or more components that are
compromises for price.
If you have one built, I suggest that you look for a power supply that
is rated as being "80 Plus" certified. That is a measure of power
efficiency--
use so much electricity. Today, there are many of these that are very
powerful--far more than the typical user needs, as they are often
designed for gaming machines that have multiple graphics cards that
use substantial amounts of power. Even so, there should be no reason
most folks need more than perhaps 450 or 500 watts at the most.
Another factor is how loud the machine is. If you want a machine that
is very quiet, that is certainly possible. One good resource for quiet
computer information is http://www.silentpc
components and have reviews of complete machines as well as some
suppliers who specialize in quiet machines. Obviously, a quiet machine
is less distracting and can be quite nice when you are watching videos
or listening to music.
People selling machines are often caught up in computers that are very
high-performance devices. Unless you are a computer gaming addict,
chances are that few machines today would be particularly frustrating
for your needs. As a general rule, you pay a disproportionate price
for the "bleeding edge" hardware, but components that have been out
for six months or so are much more reasonably priced.
If you wish, list some of your requirements and we can make some
recommendations. Also, where are you located? That will have an impact
upon the best sources for both price and service for the machines
available to you.
If you have a friend or relative who has successfully assembled
machines in the past, that could be another decent alternative. From
the age of your present machine, I assume you yourself are not among
that group nor would be anyone in your immediate family. However, it
is quite possible you have a friend, co-worker, extended family
member, or neighbor who might be willing to help.
Finally--as to specifications. For a desktop machine, as a general
rule, I'd be looking for:
--AMD or Intel processor with two or more cores and 64-bit capable.
--Hard disk of 500 GB or better. (Disks of 1 TB or less are so cheap
it is difficult to justify a very small one these days, especially
since you already are finding more storage space beneficial with your
existing machine.)
--4 GB of memory. While 2 or 3 GB would certainly be adequate for most
things, again memory is cheap enough that having the extra won't be a
great sacrifice. Also, should you buy less and want more at some
point, if you have filled the memory slots with small memory cards you
would have to get rid of one or more for the upgrade. Generally,
although a 32-bit operating system won't recognize more than about 3
GB, the 64-bit versions are getting good enough that having the extra
would be worthwhile, in my opinion.
--Discrete graphics card with its own memory of 512 MB or more. Both
Nvidia and AMD GPUs are available as very capable cards under $100
these days.
--Case with adequate cooling through large diameter fans. Larger fans
move more air at slower RPMs, making them potentially quieter.
--Double layer DVD read/write drive. In my opinion, for most folks the
Blue Ray drives are somewhat pricey with limited benefit, if any. Of
course, if you want to be able to watch high definition movies, this
would be a requirement. Otherwise, save the extra money.
--Multi-format memory card reader...especially if you have a digital
camera or other device that uses such cards.
Selection of things like the CPU cooling device will depend upon the
choice of CPU. The motherboard you use should have USB 3 and HDMI
outputs, I think, for maximum flexibility.
If your needs are simple--such as Office applications and web
surfing--the choices are many for pre-built machines. Some are quite
small--such as the so-called "Net top" machines that can actually
attach to the back of flat screen monitors. Again, it all depends upon
what you're looking for.
David
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