Recommend me a computer

Brown Swiss

Well-known Member
I need a new computer and I know very little about the darn things! I just need one that has decent capability, this one my wife has is so slow, not the internet just the computer itself is slow. If I try to watch a youtube vid it about rolls over and dies! I prefer a desk top.
 
I bought a Dell for home some years back and it was the biggest pos. However, got one for work a couple years back and the thing has been flawless. I didn't think I would ever go back to Dell, but I have no complaints. I like how it is computer and monitor all in 1. No more towards under my desk and easy to move when I need to. I can't comment on win 10, I run 8.1 at work and have pretty well figured out my way around.
 
Need more info. Do you have a preferred OS (Operating System? Windows 7? Windows 10? Other?

I recently got the wife a quite old PC on eBay for about $60 that was loaded with Windows 7. Bought it specifically for streaming video. It works quite well - much better than I expected.

Also, what all programs do you want on it? Just basic programs like Paint and email? Anything for internet security, such as Norton? Can get Avast for free, but it tends to slow down a system.

Last question is, how much do you want to invest overall?
 
You just as well ask me about female things, I will know just as much about that! Your going to have to slow down
here cause I have no idea on this stuff!
 
How do you know it is the computer? How old is it? I am running a 6 or 7 year old dell with win 7, and it goes fine.

Have you used "task manager" or "resource monitor" to see what is going on? CPU usage, disk, network.

Resource monitor is in 'Accessories" and then "system tools" in Win 7. You will need the admin password to run/use it.

 
I just bought and installed two of these computers for a friend.
They are refurbished and have 8gb memory and a 2TB hard drive and
come with Windows 7 Pro.
HP 8000 Elite
 
One common problem with older PC's is that they'll overheat. Most people don't know that they need to dust the external air intakes AND take the cover off every now and then to gently blow off the dust. Some computers will shut down when they get hot too easily, but might still work once cleaned up. If taken to a repair person, just doing this much will cost $35 and up!

Ok, will take things slow. What Operating System does your current computer run? Windows XP? Windows 7? Or maybe yours is an Apple product? (No, not the fruit!) :p

Do you ever do anything with the computer OTHER than visiting YT? Ever do anything that doesn't require an internet connection? Ever do any email?

It sounds as though you probably don't have any type of security software. Don't worry, if all you do online is visit YT.com, then chances are you won't need it. If you get or send emails, then we can help you get set up with a free (but decent) program.

What kind of internet do you have? Dial up? Broadband?

Do you have a separate printer?

And again, how much (on the high end) are you willing to spend? Just throw out a figure and we can try to help.

If these questions still seem foreign to you, my email is open in Modern View....assuming you can use email. :wink: Can always give me a call and we can work on this over the phone. There are certain things you can do there that can tremendously help answer these and other questions. Easy to talk you through on the phone, but very difficult to type it all out!

Now, in your OP you wrote, "[i:02d673278a]I just need one that has decent capability, this one my wife has is so slow, not the internet just the computer itself is slow. If I try to watch a youtube vid it about rolls over and dies! I prefer a desk top[/i:02d673278a]." Well, we know you visit YouTube. That helps a lot!! And you're pretty sure that your PC is the problem and not the internet service. Well, with that in mind, let me say that another possibility is that there may be nothing wrong with your PC that cannot be fixed! You may have picked up a lot of what is called bloatware over the years, and that may be slowing your PC down more and more. What is bloatware? ...Have you ever eaten too much spaghetti and ended up bloated? :wink: Sometimes, just checking an email or clicking on a web link can add PUPs to your computer. PUPs is short for Potentially Unwanted Programs - PUPs. And as I said, you can click on some links and have software loaded onto your computer, JUST BECAUSE YOU CLICKED ON THE LINK!! You need do nothing more than that!

Anyway, try to take a deep breath, take it slow, and let us know what you're needing. You oughta know by know, we'll do everything we can to help! ...No, honest!! :wink: :lol:

...Just don't faint when we send you the bill. You might end up losing your favorite tractor! :shock: ROFL
 
Getting hung up on any brand or model will just get in the way of a deal. Any newer crap box should play videos just fine.
 
(quoted from post at 18:34:25 06/13/17) I need a new computer and I know very little about the darn things! I just need one that has decent capability, this one my wife has is so slow, not the internet just the computer itself is slow. If I try to watch a youtube vid it about rolls over and dies! I prefer a desk top.

is there a computer store near you that may have one already built or could build it for you?
 
I quickly found this example deal. No personal experience. Not best, not worst, should be good enough. Don't forget to use the coupon code to save $170.
Anyone have any comments on this computer? I might get one for just in case my laptop takes a crap.
Lenovo slick deals
 
My SIL is a systems analysis for a large computer firm in Indy. If I need a computer brings me a used laptop. They are connected to internet using WIFI. Connected to printer same way. The old win 7 is very fast. Win 10 is like going back to dial up.

We also have a tablet that you can use for internet like facebook. Same with smart phone, you can use as a computer, email, facebook, YT, google anything like a computer.

You can buy used cheap computers off ebay. I would recommend buying one from a dealer with a square deal warranty and a new operation systems installed.

I very happy to have both a son who can build a computer from parts and a SIL who can also repair computers and raise them from the dead.
geo
 

I got about 8 years out of my HP laptop and about the same out of my Toshiba. I really wanted a Mac because they don't have a hard drive which is what went on the HP and the Toshiba. The trouble is that Macs are so much money! My wife, son, daughter, pastor and many others extoll the virtues of Mac. My wife and I got input from various people then went shopping. We were about to settle on a Lenovo for around $600.00, but my wife asked about the MacBook Air. It was only $70.00 more! So we got it. I expect it to be a lot cheaper in the long run than another PC.
 
Try a Chromebook. That's what they use in the schools. Small but the keys are the same as a laptop. Low price, fast, security included. I would never go back to Microsoft!
They are made by several companies.
 
Had several types running Windows over the years. Current is an Apple which I bought in '05, my first. Apple is different in their software type and how it works and Apple takes care of their customers. You don't need a lot of stuff as Apple sends you free updates continuously, probably every time a new virus is discovered. I bought mine online from the Apple www and had it shipped to the house ready to go. Nice.
 
Son is an IT guy and says, do not try to have yours fixed or buy a refurbished. New ones are cheap. Apple is nice......expensive and something new to learn.

Unless you travel and need the portability of a laptop, get a desk top. Monitors and keyboards last forever, so you only need a processor.......$200-$300 unless you edit photos or are a gamer. You can add a smartphone or Kindle Fire tablet for $50-$250. Tablet does everything but make phone calls.

I still use Windows 7 and hear Windows 10 is awful, but Microsoft is going to stop supporting W-7.

Everyone asks "what do you want to do with it?" and you have no idea, been there and barely lived through it! Best Buy usually has a pretty good techie on staff and their prices aren't bad and you get some support. But, if you live in "East Jesus" computer stores are few. Try you local school or your 12 year old neighbor.

Bill
 
(quoted from post at 18:34:25 06/13/17) I need a new computer and I know very little about the darn things! I just need one that has decent capability, this one my wife has is so slow, not the internet just the computer itself is slow. If I try to watch a youtube vid it about rolls over and dies! I prefer a desk top.

The brand name on the computer has very little importance. What you are looking for needs to have not only a LOT of memory, but you also need to consider the "clock speed" of the processor, and a few other things. The folks who participate in the "online gaming" have the computers with the best "go fast" stuff. You do not need a "gamers" computer, but you will be very happy with something that is close.
 

Look at the Hewlett Packard models. These have been holding up well for me over the last several years. I switched from Toshiba to HP about 5 years back.

Avoid the Lenovo units. There have been some reports that China has been adding some strange hardware and/or software that is reporting your usage and some data back to the Chinese gvmt and business. Not sure how true that is but better to be safe.
 
I needed a new 'puter last year, but didn't want Windows 10 for various reasons.

I bought a new, blank 1Tig hard drive, a 4Gig memory card, a Windows 7 installation disk, and built my own out of spare parts. Works great. The plus is it's not loaded up with a bunch of junk software that I'll never use. Every single thing on the hard drive was put there by me for a purpose.
 
One point if you buy a new computer with windows 10 and use the default EDGE browser, Edge will not let me add a link when I post on YT, if I switch to IE browser, adding a link in a YT post works fine.
 
You'll do find but, what ever you do, don't tell the clerk you don't know beans about computers. A frown once in a while helps too. Last time I was in a computer store they must have thought I was stupid because they tried to sell me a left over XP model.
Now that I think about it, maybe a big box store or online is a safer bet. All the newer operating systems are good.
 
Hewlett-Packard . I'm biased because my mom worked there . That is what my parents swore by . But after being cheap and buying E-Machines , and Compaq. I got an H-P and it is much better than the others.
 
(quoted from post at 16:24:53 06/14/17) Hewlett-Packard . I'm biased because my mom worked there . That is what my parents swore by . But after being cheap and buying E-Machines , and Compaq. I got an H-P and it is much better than the others.

I liked my HP until the hard drive quit at about five years.
 

I would take it to the local computer repair shop and have them clean out all the junk that must be lurking the computer.

Go to the 'task master' and see what % of CPU use you're at, how much free memory, etc.

If you've got Win 7 or 8, those are mucho better than 10, so try to keep them if you do.
 
You can use an external monitor and keyboard with many laptops, sorta desktop like. Just FYI.

Apple hardware is made by the same companies as "regular" computers (Apple's operating system can run on regular computers with a little hacking and picking of parts with supported drivers). None of them make their own stuff, they may have stuff made to their specs though. If you have a hard drive failure in an HP, a Dell could have the same drive (I don't know which brands either use currently, haven't paid attention lately, just an example). Apple does have the best support, but you pay for it. If you want a desktop, Mac Mini is the only practical choice with them. It's been years since it's last update, many suspect they will update it soon. You can install Windows on it. Small, quiet, fast enough for basics. But I'd never buy it with hardware that old at the price.

HP, never been a fan, in family and neighbors, I see a higher failure rate. Dell, "ok". Same with Lenovo. Acer is lower on my purchase list, but I know people that have a few years on some. Me, I assemble my own every few years. Laptop, I buy cheap, usually Dell, never had a failure.

Basically, wouldn't worry about the brand much, I do generally stick to Dell for recommending, but not much reason. I'd guess basic use? Just about anything modern will work. Hard drive space, some compact models have a 32GB hard drive, that is not enough for Windows, it will cause issues especially when updating. 500GB is good, but if you don't have a lot of files/pictures, etc., you can go smaller. Ram, at least 4GB for Windows, of course more doesn't hurt. Processor, Intel Core i3 or i5 for basic. Some others work, but you'd need to ask on others, some are rather slow.

If you don't mess with pictures much, don't print much (takes certain printers), and don't want to spend time maintaining your computer, I'd suggest a ChromeBOX (not book). Just like the Chromebook, but a compact desktop. You don't have to worry about viruses (it's a customized Linux distribution). It would do the basics well, Youtube etc., and can run with less of a computer (less stuff running, like no antivirus). "Cheap", quiet, etc. I'd suggest a model with 4GB of ram, but if you don't open multiple tabs in the browser, you could get by with 2 (I'd just recommend the 4...). Even if it does mess up, reset it, log back in, and everything is restored as it was before it messed up.

If you'd say some of your specific uses, exactly what you do, any programs you might use, camera, what you print, what kind of printer you have (model number), budget range, etc., we could get a more specific suggestion.
 
I did some quick looking, better time to get this type of thing is around some other major holidays, especially after Thanksgiving.

As of right now, this looks "ok" as far as specs. If you happen to have a Staples around that has it in stock. It's faster than others mentioned, more storage, more memory/RAM, etc. It is compact, if something like the power supply goes out after warranty, the actual full size towers are easier to get aftermarket stuff than this small one, but being an HP, shouldn't be difficult. I didn't look if it uses a standard size smaller one. Anyway, wouldn't worry about it. Also, if you pay with a credit card, many of them double the warranty free automatically up to a year additional. Like I said, HP not my favorite, but I wouldn't be scared of it or anything.
https://goo.gl/BjWSq4

Amazon currently has it, low stock, but $40 higher. I don't know where you are, some areas have the store "Microcenter", they have a refurbished one cheap, only 90 day warranty though. http://www.microcenter.com/product/469429/slimline_260-p026_desktop_computer_refurbished

There's a different type of drive you can put in them to make them much faster, but probably not worth it for basic use. Cost $50+ depending on size, and they are going up now, speculating on market price manipulation. Just that, switch it with the other drive, then reinstall Windows etc.

Depending what kind of monitor you have, you may need to check the connectors. This has both major common types, there is one higher quality older one it doesn't have. New monitors are around $100 more or less for nice big ones.

Otherwise, Dell outlet sometimes has decent stuff. Their refurbished is "fine", never had issues, same as new warranty, sometimes even onsite (you contact, they send someone out, no shipping). They used to have coupon codes with big discounts, not as much anymore. Sale now, but not in the lower end stuff as much, at least that I saw in a quick glance. Their inventory changes all the time, until you complete checkout, someone else can even buy what's in your cart. You can order by phone too.
http://dell.com/outlet , click on desktops. You can refine the search, or sort by lowest price, and again I'd suggest something with at least "Processor: Intel Core 6th Generation i3-6100 Processor". The ones that are Celeron or plain Pentium will be slower. Their refurbished ~similar to the HP above new are close to the same price. Any I've dealt with from there have been as new though, unless you get a "Scratch and Dent", but often those have a small "dimple" or something, sometimes you can't see it.
 
(quoted from post at 12:19:28 06/17/17) Also, that unit runs Windows 10 -- not a favorite choice of many people.

And it is a favorite of many. Completely personal preference, some people don't like any change at all. Out of dozens of family, neighbors, etc., no issues with 10, not at all. Couple questions here and there, but nobody "dislikes" it more than what they had. Personally, I only use Windows when I'm troubleshooting something, otherwise 99% Android tablet or Linux.

It's not ~that different, menu can be changed, "spying" can be blocked (with apps), or turned mostly off in settings, etc.
http://www.pcmag.com/news/351091/windows-10-start-menu-alternatives
For new systems, not wanting 10 severely limits choices. Microsoft started blocking updates for Windows 7 on newer systems (there's a way around that as you may know, but it needs reapplied every time a certain file is updated, plus, Microsoft could block the patch altogether). So, newer computers with 7 will be on older hardware (not that it matters much). And, Windows 7 support/updates end in about 2.5 years, so a Windows person would have to switch at that time anyway if they want to be secure.
 
(quoted from post at 12:19:28 06/17/17) Also, that unit runs Windows 10 -- not a favorite choice of many people.

And it is a favorite of many. Completely personal preference, some people don't like any change at all. Out of dozens of family, neighbors, etc., no issues with 10, not at all. Couple questions here and there, but nobody "dislikes" it more than what they had. Personally, I only use Windows when I'm troubleshooting something, otherwise 99% Android tablet or Linux.

It's not ~that different, menu can be changed, "spying" can be blocked (with apps), or turned mostly off in settings, etc.
http://www.pcmag.com/news/351091/windows-10-start-menu-alternatives
For new systems, not wanting 10 severely limits choices. Microsoft started blocking updates for Windows 7 on newer systems (there's a way around that as you may know, but it needs reapplied every time a certain file is updated, plus, Microsoft could block the patch altogether). So, newer computers with 7 will be on older hardware (not that it matters much). And, Windows 7 support/updates end in about 2.5 years, so a Windows person would have to switch at that time anyway if they want to be secure.
 
(quoted from post at 10:08:19 06/17/17)
Good grief, just saw the Staples price ends today....

They extended the sale for a week.

Otherwise, for new, in stores you might be able to go to instead of ordering (or order into store), here are a couple that would work. You can get slower, cheaper if these are above your budget of course. I just suggest these because they are "decent" for basic computers and would work for messing with photos, etc. without being ~that slow, plus fast enough for "heavier" software that may come along, antivirus, updates, etc. And I don't really see any great sales other than the other one (not that it's "great", just ok at this time).

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-in...-1tb-hard-drive-black/5775302.p?skuId=5775302

A little different at Walmart. https://goo.gl/hvGbZR

The Bestbuy one has the newer processor, but not much difference in speed.

I know some people hate Walmart or Bestbuy, just posting examples from common stores. I live 70 miles from Walmart and 90 from Bestbuy, haven't had "issues" with either.
 

Get one that doesn't have to be constantly updated and won't get viruses.
Wait they haven't invented that one yet.

Sending this on my new Mac after going thru three Windows computers in three years, the last one a Windows 10 unit died after 8 months but was giving trouble after just three months.
 
(quoted from post at 07:44:21 06/18/17)
Get one that doesn't have to be constantly updated and won't get viruses.
Wait they haven't invented that one yet.

Sending this on my new Mac after going thru three Windows computers in three years, the last one a Windows 10 unit died after 8 months but was giving trouble after just three months.

Correct, nothing is immune from viruses, including Macs. Something is "wrong" if you went through that many computers. I have a few set up, over 10 years that never had viruses or issues. Of course, others have had a few, but issues are becoming even more rare. It takes proper set up, and I do a quick lesson on what not to do, for any family/neighbor I set up (I don't do computers for $, just to help out if/when I have time). Hardware failures happen with any of them, also including Macs (replaced a screen on a couple year old Macbook just a few months ago).

If you want much less risk for viruses than Windows, you can get Mac OS at a cost. Or, for free, set up a Linux distro on existing hardware. Or, Chrombook/Chromebox.

Example of Chromebox. They are due for newer hardware too, faster ones cost money, but as I said in the other post, their operating system is light, takes less computer to run and be quick. It's different than a Windows computer, and the printer needs to be Google Cloud Print compatible (well, best if it is). Which, many wireless capable printers are, under $50.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-Desktop-C...7820121&sr=8-3&keywords=chromebox+4gb

Article about Chromebooks, just the part about the OS itself is relevant to these. https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/chromebook-buying-advice

Basically, relatively cheap, compact, quiet, you don't have to worry about viruses, and you don't have to spend any time maintaining the system. Best for basic use, learning curve of course, but not bad (if you use Chrome on your desktop, you can figure most of it out easily).
 
I've still got old Win XP computers that are well over 10 years old, and were only put into storage because they were replaced. Have never had a PC go bad on me, and been using them since shortly after Compaq Computers got started. Actually, still have the first portable that Dad had when he worked there - about the size of a vintage hard suitcase and weighed something like 30-35 lbs.
 
(quoted from post at 19:24:20 06/18/17) I've still got old Win XP computers that are well over 10 years old, and were only put into storage because they were replaced. Have never had a PC go bad on me, and been using them since shortly after Compaq Computers got started. Actually, still have the first portable that Dad had when he worked there - about the size of a vintage hard suitcase and weighed something like 30-35 lbs.

I haven't had a personal one quit either, I just assemble a new one every few years (5-7 or so), just because. My oldest computer was one of those TI, keyboard type/all in one that you plugged cartridges in. My first "real" computer was a 286, with a 40 meg hard drive and Dos (with graphical interface). I also "inherit" some of the neighbor/family computers. I have Windows 3.1 machines that would work fine. Just after a few years, it's time to replace them.
 
(quoted from post at 18:34:25 06/13/17) I need a new computer and I know very little about the darn things! I just need one that has decent capability, this one my wife has is so slow, not the internet just the computer itself is slow. If I try to watch a youtube vid it about rolls over and dies! I prefer a desk top.
What you may be able to do is update thiis machine with a new MB, CPU and buy online copy of windows 7 and install it yourself.
 

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