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Archiver > TMG > 2011-12 > 1325309899


From: Rick Van Dusen <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] OT -- advice for buying a new computer
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:38:19 -0800
References: <44BF80B9C0B5424EB6983F2E66D7999B@JLDesktop>
In-Reply-To: <44BF80B9C0B5424EB6983F2E66D7999B@JLDesktop>


Before you get into the details that others have mentioned, there are
some basic decisions you should consciously make (because you WILL make
them):

1. What will you do with the computer?

Mentioned already (besides your list) is the issue of what software
you'll be running, and whether you need a powerhouse or a "pretty good"
machine. Basically, there are three categories:

a. Gaming: Requires the absolute fastest available and a little more. <g>
b. Graphics and/or media: Requires near-top-speed, but also huge amounts
of storage (harddrives) and a good monitor (or two or three).

c. Everything else: Middle-range is fine, and less will do fine.

2. How/where will you do what you do?

If you might ever travel, that points to a laptop. If you have
particular needs (e.g. my computer doubles as network file/print server,
plus I have numerous peripherals and internally-installed gadgets), the
only way to do some things is with a desktop.

3. How much might you want to tinker?

There are two extremes, the user who buys parts and assembles his/her
own computer, and the user who buys "turn-key", with OS and applications
already installed. And there's a whole range in between.

Where you are in this range will influence where and what you buy. Also,
one doesn't tinker much with a laptop.

There are really only three choices of operating system: Windows and
Linux run on a "PC"; MacOS runs only on a Mac.

IMO, Linux is by far the very best possible OS; however, it's not
practical yet for anyone other than a geek or a worker in a
medium-to-large business that has adopted Linux as their standard and
provides support. (Biggest hindrance to Linux adoption is lack of
support, from hardware vendors, software vendors, "help-desk" functions.
At present, if you get Linux, you're on your own.)

That leaves you with a practical choice of Mac OS-X or Windows 7-64.
Users of both are here, using TMG.

Bottom line (for the basics):

You'll decide either to keep your current machine or replace it.

You'll decide to go to Win7-64 or to Mac.

You'll decide to get a laptop or a desktop.

THEN, you'll decide what level of performance you'll need, and what
areas of performance (CPU, RAM, HD, monitor[s], ports, peripherals)
you'll need to emphasize.





Joan Lince wrote:
> Hi list,
>
> Sometime in the New Year I would like to invest in a new computer with the
> power to handle my expanding TMG data plus pictures and other data, for the
> next few (I hope several) years.
> Not urgent -- my 6-yr-old XP still works, if with reduced capability. Would
> someone be willing to get in touch with me OFFLINE? I have a list of needs
> and some ideas of where to go and what to do but would appreciate some
> better informed input.
>
> Joan Lince

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