HELP! Clueless gal seeks new computer!

[whatisthis]

First of all, this is my first post on these forums...I'm so busy reading about all of these interesting topics, I don't know how the rest of you people even have time to post, LOL!

Anyway, here's my dilemma: My computer is 7 years old, I want to buy a new one, but have no idea what I'm talking about.

My old computer info: Compaq, 256 MB, 80 GB, PC2700 memory, 7200 rpm hard drive, 3000+ AMD Sempron processor, slower than molasses in January, can only play videos on Youtube for about 20 minutes, virtual memory minimum is always too low, takes almost 30 minutes to turn on...

What I've read is good to look for in a new computer: Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad or Intel Core i5 or i7, 8 GB, 256 MB, 7200 rpm, AMD Phenom/II, Windows 7 Home Premium...

Can anyone PLEASE help me make sense of these terms, i.e., MB, GB, AMD, etc.??? I really don't want to be scammed by some salesman who thinks I'm a dummy, LOL...

Thanks in advance!

[George Ford]

Hi,

What's your budget? And what will you use it for, is it just for internet or music and videos and games etc?

[Stonecoldvampzy]

Alright well Intel Core 2 Duo\Quad or Intel Core 5 (i5), Intel Core 7 (i7) are computer processors. it is what runs the pc and determines to a length how strong it is. i7 is currently the best but most of the stuff can be done with an i5 wich is way cheaper.

256 MB is relative i assume to the graphics\video card. 256 is a bit low most newer pc's have 1 gigabyte (gb) of it. Nvidia is a good provider for these. A video card is always built in on a new pc.

8GB is again assumed to be the RAM. this is what gives the pc speed in what it does. depending on what you want to do. 4gb is enough for normal PC use. If you want to game hardcore you would need atleast 6.

Windows Home Premium is the operating system on the pc. all newer pc's have a version of Windows 7 installed.

[Timothy]

From your post, you'd be able to get something basic around $500 which will what you need it for.

I'm guessing you only need a low to mid performance computer.

If you want to use it for gaming or video production or something similar than you'd be looking at a minimum of ~$1000.

Do you want a desktop or laptop?

Edit:

If you want to game hardcore you would need atleast 6.

For hardcore gaming you need a minimum 12-16GB high performance RAM.

Edited April 25, 2012 by Timonthy

[Sakari]

First of all, this is my first post on these forums...I'm so busy reading about all of these interesting topics, I don't know how the rest of you people even have time to post, LOL!

Anyway, here's my dilemma: My computer is 7 years old, I want to buy a new one, but have no idea what I'm talking about.

My old computer info: Compaq, 256 MB, 80 GB, PC2700 memory, 7200 rpm hard drive, 3000+ AMD Sempron processor, slower than molasses in January, can only play videos on Youtube for about 20 minutes, virtual memory minimum is always too low, takes almost 30 minutes to turn on...

What I've read is good to look for in a new computer: Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad or Intel Core i5 or i7, 8 GB, 256 MB, 7200 rpm, AMD Phenom/II, Windows 7 Home Premium...

Can anyone PLEASE help me make sense of these terms, i.e., MB, GB, AMD, etc.??? I really don't want to be scammed by some salesman who thinks I'm a dummy, LOL...

Thanks in advance!

I strongly suggest here : http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

Call the support/sales......Excellent place, purchased two so far from there....Tell them what you want from a computer.....Prices are not much more than building one yourself, and they are custom built.

[Stonecoldvampzy]

From your post, you'd be able to get something basic around $500 which will what you need it for.

I'm guessing you only need a low to mid performance computer.

If you want to use it for gaming or video production or something similar than you'd be looking at a minimum of ~$1000.

Do you want a desktop or laptop?

Edit:

For hardcore gaming you need a minimum 12-16GB high performance RAM.

Not really i have an i5 with 4gb ram and i play CoD and Skyrim pretty well on medium.

[whatisthis]

Thanks for the speedy responses, everyone! I understand things a bit better now!

bulveye: I don't want to spend TOO much, but, honestly, I'm not even sure about the pricing yet...Yes, I only really use my computer for the internet, forums, Youtube, TV shows (I don't have cable, so I watch a lot of stuff on the computer; well, I used to, but my computer is slowly dying, LOL)...I'm not interested in gaming or downloading songs or burning CDs (whatever that means)...

Lethanial: So the i7 is very expensive? Is it worth it to get that just for the stuff I described above? GBs are better than MBs?

Timonthy: You're right, I don't need an extremely high performance computer, but I DO need something new, SOON! I want a desktop, I'm not a fan of laptops...

Sakari: Thanks for the tip! I was just reading about that, building your own computer...Who knew?

Any tips on virus protection? I haven't had any in 7 years, ever since the free 6-month protection expired...

[Sakari]

Thanks for the speedy responses, everyone! I understand things a bit better now!

bulveye: I don't want to spend TOO much, but, honestly, I'm not even sure about the pricing yet...Yes, I only really use my computer for the internet, forums, Youtube, TV shows (I don't have cable, so I watch a lot of stuff on the computer; well, I used to, but my computer is slowly dying, LOL)...I'm not interested in gaming or downloading songs or burning CDs (whatever that means)...

Lethanial: So the i7 is very expensive? Is it worth it to get that just for the stuff I described above? GBs are better than MBs?

Timonthy: You're right, I don't need an extremely high performance computer, but I DO need something new, SOON! I want a desktop, I'm not a fan of laptops...

Sakari: Thanks for the tip! I was just reading about that, building your own computer...Who knew?

Any tips on virus protection? I haven't had any in 7 years, ever since the free 6-month protection expired...

Comodo ( free and takes little memory to run ) ...check their " free products "...... http://www.comodo.com/

I have been using them for years.....Never had a virus, or issues. ( knock on wood ).....Main reason I used them, I used to be a " gamer " and wanted something that did not eat up memory.( slow down computer ), and was still a top notch program......Norton kills memory....

[Knight Of Shadows]

if you don't play games don't buy core i7 or i5

go with core2duo or core i3 they're cheaper and beside if you're not interested in games then you don't need expensive stuff

it'll be a waste to buy high perfomance proccessor without intention to use it

4 gb of ram would do for windows 7 .. and graphic card not an issue since you don't play games any card would do

just get a 1 gb of ram on that card just to make sure .. but nothing fancy theres quiet expensive graphic cards but all for gaming or designing

[Eldorado]

Oxford University: Personal Computer Buyer's Guide

"This guide is intended to give a simple explanation of what to consider when buying a personal computer. The audience is computer novices or people who have no special interest in what goes on inside a computer as long as it performs the tasks they need."

http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/pcbuy/

Edited April 26, 2012 by Eldorado

[WoIverine]

Any tips on virus protection? I haven't had any in 7 years, ever since the free 6-month protection expired...

To be honest, if you take care of your pc and don't go to any strange porn related sites, you should be able to keep your pc virus free and not need any virus software. Just don't open random email attachments from people you don't know, and make sure you check your file extensions after you download something, before you double click on it. Do not install browser addons if you don't know what you're doing. Make a full backup of your C: drive after you install a fresh copy of windows.

Symantec offers a free, online virus scan here:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

I hear Norton is the best, but since they offer the online scan free, why not check it out?

Edited April 26, 2012 by Spid3rCyd3

[Coffey]

To be honest, if you take care of your pc and don't go to any strange porn related sites, you should be able to keep your pc virus free and not need any virus software. Just don't open random email attachments from people you don't know, and make sure you check your file extensions after you download something, before you double click on it. Do not install browser addons if you don't know what you're doing. Make a full backup of your C: drive after you install a fresh copy of windows.

Symantec offers a free, online virus scan here:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

I hear Norton is the best, but since they offer the online scan free, why not check it out?

Norton is horrendous.

It should be classed as spyware/malware with the amount of rubbish it installs on your computer. lol

Avast is the best free spyware just now. It was AVG but Avast is better now.

(I work in IT and I build custom PC's)

[Mr Right Wing]

First of all, this is my first post on these forums...I'm so busy reading about all of these interesting topics, I don't know how the rest of you people even have time to post, LOL!

Anyway, here's my dilemma: My computer is 7 years old, I want to buy a new one, but have no idea what I'm talking about.

My old computer info: Compaq, 256 MB, 80 GB, PC2700 memory, 7200 rpm hard drive, 3000+ AMD Sempron processor, slower than molasses in January, can only play videos on Youtube for about 20 minutes, virtual memory minimum is always too low, takes almost 30 minutes to turn on...

What I've read is good to look for in a new computer: Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad or Intel Core i5 or i7, 8 GB, 256 MB, 7200 rpm, AMD Phenom/II, Windows 7 Home Premium...

Can anyone PLEASE help me make sense of these terms, i.e., MB, GB, AMD, etc.??? I really don't want to be scammed by some salesman who thinks I'm a dummy, LOL...

Thanks in advance!

Everything in your computer case is designed to be replaced. You simply unplug, unscrew and fit the replacement. If you arent comfortable doing it yourself find a computer savvy person who will do if for you.

You'll find if you're prepared to buy the components and assemble them yourself you can have a £1000 PC for £400. Part of that is also on saving because a lot of the time you find you dont really need a new sound card, DVD drive, PC case or hard drive. There may even be stuff in your pc which you've never used and never will do such as disk drives.

I usually go to Maplin and buy a decent motherboard bundle for £200 (with ram on it) and a decent graphics card for £200 whenever I want to upgrade. Everything else is the same as it was 8 years ago.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/asus-amd-apu-motherboard-kit--4gb-ddr3-memory-612772

Thats one of the cheaper Maplin motherboard bundles and you'll get a few years out of it before it stops running all the latest games. You'll need to buy a graphics card too as the onboard is basic -

http://www.maplin.co.uk/asus-amd-radeon-hd-6770-1gb-graphics-card-536897

You'd get a few years out of that too before it cant cope with the latest computer games. I'd have someone check the condition of your pc case + fans and make sure your power supply can cope with the graphics card.

Then you need someone to assemble it for you.

Edited April 26, 2012 by Mr Right Wing

[WhyDontYouBeliEveMe]

go the store and ask for the cheapest computer... it must be raound 300 bucks without screen . any comp is good. enuogh for you. ! you dont need anti virus .. it ll only slow down your computer. well unless you are surfing tru. xxx websites . than you need anti virus ,

its 1 /1000000000000 that you get a virus . so dont waste money .. and if you get a virus . dial 911 . they ll cure you j.k

virus = reinstall windows. make sure you buy an extern HD .. to save all your pictures and videos on it. so dont worrry . about virus.

and buy a webcam ,... give me your email.or whatever messenger you are using .. i can help you out with everything wait give me your phone number its easier for me to help you

wait are you legal in all the countries in the world yet? if not just ignore me!

:P:P

[WoIverine]

Norton is horrendous.

It should be classed as spyware/malware with the amount of rubbish it installs on your computer. lol

Avast is the best free spyware just now. It was AVG but Avast is better now.

(I work in IT and I build custom PC's)

I'm the same as you. I don't like it either (it's bloatware), but I run their online scan every now and then, saves me from having to install anything at all. After being burned on McAfee and Norton back in the day, I've sworn off virii software. It's more headache than it's worth. I let windows defender and MS Security Essentials do the work on basic user pc's, then I teach them what NOT to do.

Edited April 26, 2012 by Spid3rCyd3

[Coffey]

To the OP, the best thing to do is give us a list of what you want it for specifically and a budget. That way we can all give our opinions better.

There isn't much point in us explaining Memory and processors to you, unless you genuinely want to learn that stuff. (lso some people have insane theories about needing 16gb memory for gaming... which is just lol)

To the 16gb memory guy, I'm running 4gb 1066mhz ddr2, overclocked Q6600 to 3.4ghz and a Nvidia 550ti GPU all on a 620w PSU and I cna pretty much run BF3 on max with a decent fps.... Hardcore gamers should know how to set up a decent rig with less to run higher settings.

I'm the same as you. I don't like it either (it's bloatware), but I run their online scan every now and then, saves me from having to install anything at all. After being burned on McAfee and Norton back in the day, I've sworn off virii software. It's more headache than it's worth. I let windows defender and MS Security Essentials do the work on basic user pc's, then I teach them what NOT to do.

Fair enough then and Windows defender is actually really good.

I just think that from my experience it's better to be safer and I've found Avast to be perfect in the way it's not a resource hog. Even AVG which used to be brilliant has become a horrible resource hog.

Edited April 26, 2012 by Coffey

[whatisthis]

Sakari: I really would like to try the comodo site, I was going to download one of the programs, but I don't know if my Windows is 32 bit or 64 bit??? I think Norton is one of my problems; every time I turn my computer on, one of their ads pops up (because the protection expired 6 years ago).

Knight of Shadows: So I should be able to play videos OK with the cheaper processor? I can't watch anything anymore!

Eldorado: Thanks for the site tip! I'll definitely read what's there, since I need all the help I can get!

Spid3rCyd3: You're right, I haven't had virus protection on my computer for 6 years, and I haven't had TOO many problems...ALTHOUGH, McAfee pops up every day, does a security scan, and tells me I have a Trojan spyware/malware thing on C? I've also had to overhaul the entire system a few times (you know, F10 when you turn on the computer). What are Windows Defender & MS Security Essentials?

Coffey: I will also check into Avast, thanks! I only need the computer for things like Google, Youtube, UM, "Teen Mom", "Mob Wives", etc., LOL...I would prefer not to spend too much over 500 dollars, but maybe that's unrealistic? I haven't looked at prices yet.

Mr Right Wing: Sounds great, but I don't know anyone who would assemble it for me...I can't even get anyone to check the air in my tires, LOL!

WhyDontYouBeliEveMe: I'm with you on the anti-virus thing! *And for the record, everyone, I don't surf any shady sites* I have no problem starting from scratch every now and then, although I've been too lazy to do that lately.

[WoIverine]

Spid3rCyd3: You're right, I haven't had virus protection on my computer for 6 years, and I haven't had TOO many problems...ALTHOUGH, McAfee pops up every day, does a security scan, and tells me I have a Trojan spyware/malware thing on C? I've also had to overhaul the entire system a few times (you know, F10 when you turn on the computer). What are Windows Defender & MS Security Essentials?

Windows Defender and MS Security Essentials are free Windows Updates that you can download from Microsoft.

http://www.update.microsoft.com

Always run your windows updates if you can, it will keep your machine safe from potential problems, virus issues, software and hardware conflicts, you name it. MS is actually pretty good about safeguarding their OS.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Spid3rCyd3

[WoIverine]

To the OP, the best thing to do is give us a list of what you want it for specifically and a budget. That way we can all give our opinions better.

There isn't much point in us explaining Memory and processors to you, unless you genuinely want to learn that stuff. (lso some people have insane theories about needing 16gb memory for gaming... which is just lol)

To the 16gb memory guy, I'm running 4gb 1066mhz ddr2, overclocked Q6600 to 3.4ghz and a Nvidia 550ti GPU all on a 620w PSU and I cna pretty much run BF3 on max with a decent fps.... Hardcore gamers should know how to set up a decent rig with less to run higher settings.

Fair enough then and Windows defender is actually really good.

I just think that from my experience it's better to be safer and I've found Avast to be perfect in the way it's not a resource hog. Even AVG which used to be brilliant has become a horrible resource hog.

I hear you man, I actually think I will check out Avast. I've been looking for a good one that's not too heavy. Thanks!

Coffey, what is your opinion on Spybot Search and Destroy? I used to use it all the time until MS stole the show with their anti-spyware apps.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Spid3rCyd3

[Sakari]

Coffey: I will also check into Avast, thanks! I only need the computer for things like Google, Youtube, UM, "Teen Mom", "Mob Wives", etc., LOL...I would prefer not to spend too much over 500 dollars, but maybe that's unrealistic? I haven't looked at prices yet.

Mr Right Wing: Sounds great, but I don't know anyone who would assemble it for me...I can't even get anyone to check the air in my tires, LOL!

$479.00

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_H61_Configurator/

[Coffey]

I'll have a look for a comp in a bit that I think would suit your needs. You sure you want a Desktop and not a laptop?

I hear you man, I actually think I will check out Avast. I've been looking for a good one that's not too heavy. Thanks!

Coffey, what is your opinion on Spybot Search and Destroy? I used to use it all the time until MS stole the show with their anti-spyware apps.

No problem, if you don't like it it's easy to uninstall anyway. You know your stuff anyway so that wouldn't matter. lol (By the way it speak to you as well - it has a woman's voice that tells you when the scan is complete etc lol)

I used to swear by Spybot S&D until they upgraded it and then made it all weird and complicated. (I knew how to use it, it just annoyed me that they made it more complicated that it needed to be) I recommend "Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" it's the best free spyware/malware program at the moment. (Well from what i've read in reviews etc that is my conclusion)

I also highly recommend to everyone that they try CCleaner. It is the best tool for deleting unwanted files, leftover installers and memory caches. It also fixes your registry which is good for those who don't want to mess with the registry themselves. I know how to do some pretty impressive overclocking and I'm very good with computers... But I still get funny about messing with the registry. lol

$479.00

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_H61_Configurator/

It didn't safe the configuration you put.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Coffey

[WoIverine]

LOL, CCleaner (Crap Cleaner), I use that all the time.

[Mr Right Wing]

Sakari: I really would like to try the comodo site, I was going to download one of the programs, but I don't know if my Windows is 32 bit or 64 bit??? I think Norton is one of my problems; every time I turn my computer on, one of their ads pops up (because the protection expired 6 years ago).

Knight of Shadows: So I should be able to play videos OK with the cheaper processor? I can't watch anything anymore!

Eldorado: Thanks for the site tip! I'll definitely read what's there, since I need all the help I can get!

Spid3rCyd3: You're right, I haven't had virus protection on my computer for 6 years, and I haven't had TOO many problems...ALTHOUGH, McAfee pops up every day, does a security scan, and tells me I have a Trojan spyware/malware thing on C? I've also had to overhaul the entire system a few times (you know, F10 when you turn on the computer). What are Windows Defender & MS Security Essentials?

Coffey: I will also check into Avast, thanks! I only need the computer for things like Google, Youtube, UM, "Teen Mom", "Mob Wives", etc., LOL...I would prefer not to spend too much over 500 dollars, but maybe that's unrealistic? I haven't looked at prices yet.

Mr Right Wing: Sounds great, but I don't know anyone who would assemble it for me...I can't even get anyone to check the air in my tires, LOL!

WhyDontYouBeliEveMe: I'm with you on the anti-virus thing! *And for the record, everyone, I don't surf any shady sites* I have no problem starting from scratch every now and then, although I've been too lazy to do that lately.

Shopping List

Start by buying a new PC case which will keep everything cold. When choosing you need to read the description to see if it takes ATX, MicroATX or both sizes of motherboard. Heres a cheap one that takes both and has decent fans on it for £40 - http://www.maplin.co.uk/cit-vantage-black-midi-gaming-case-593960

Then I'd go for a different motherboard bundle such as this for £180 because it comes with a decent graphics card -

http://www.maplin.co.uk/quad-core-athlonii-x4-asus-hd6670-1gb-graphics-and-board-bundle--4gb-memory-621350

Then get yourself a new power supply. This is a good one for £50 as its 750 watts and has plenty of power cables on it - http://www.maplin.co.uk/750w-cit-atx-power-supply-227870

Total cost - £270

Future Upgrades

With that case and power supply all you will have to do in the future is replace the motherboard with graphics card bundle. Maybe in 4 years time and you'd be looking at £180ish again.

Home Assembly

Everything you need comes in the new PC case (screws and bolts etc). You line your new motherboard up with the holes that match it on the chassis and bolt it on. Next open up your old PC -

1. Unscrew the DVD drive. Note where its cable is plugged in on your old motherboard. When you switch it to your new PC it goes in the same slot on your new motherboard

2. Repeat above for your Hard drive.

3. Your new motherboard will come with blueprints telling you where to plug your new power supply into. Usually theres two places and the plug sockets are shaped so you cant go wrong.

4. The blueprints will tell you where to plug your USB cables, On off switch cables and any PC case lighting cables into. The USB is usually the problem as the amount of USBs your case has often doesnt match those available on your board. If you have 8 USBs and your board only has the pins for 6 you'll not be able to plug two of them in. It isnt really a problem though.

6. Plug in the graphics card, memory cards and attach your CPU fan using the levers on the board. The board has its own sound card built-in.

Its hard to go wrong on home assembly as the plugs, cables etc come in different shapes and sizes preventing mistakes. Sometimes you dont have enough power cables in which case you'll need to by some leads with extra links on them however with the power supply above it shouldnt be a problem.

Paid for assembly

Call your local PC repair shop up and ask how much for them to assemble it. You'd be looking at £30.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Mr Right Wing

[Coffey]

Shopping List

Start by buying a new PC case which will keep everything cold. When choosing you need to read the description to see if it takes ATX, MicroATX or both sizes of motherboard. Heres a cheap one that takes both and has decent fans on it for £40 - http://www.maplin.co.uk/cit-vantage-black-midi-gaming-case-593960

Then I'd go for a different motherboard bundle such as this for £180 because it comes with a decent graphics card -

http://www.maplin.co.uk/quad-core-athlonii-x4-asus-hd6670-1gb-graphics-and-board-bundle--4gb-memory-621350

Then get yourself a new power supply. This is a good one for £50 as its 750 watts and has plenty of power cables on it - http://www.maplin.co.uk/750w-cit-atx-power-supply-227870

Total cost - £270

Future Upgrades

With that case and power supply all you will have to do in the future is replace the motherboard with graphics card bundle. Maybe in 4 years time and you'd be looking at £180ish again.

Home Assembly

Everything you need comes in the new PC case (screws and bolts etc). You line your new motherboard up with the holes that match it on the chassis and bolt it on. Next open up your old PC -

1. Unscrew the DVD drive. Note where its cable is plugged in on your old motherboard. When you switch it to your new PC it goes in the same slot on your new motherboard

2. Repeat above for your Hard drive.

3. Your new motherboard will come with blueprints telling you where to plug your new power supply into. Usually theres two places and the plug sockets are shaped so you cant go wrong.

4. The blueprints will tell you where to plug your USB cables, On off switch cables and any PC case lighting cables into. The USB is usually the problem as the amount of USBs your case has often doesnt match those available on your board. If you have 8 USBs and your board only has the pins for 6 you'll not be able to plug two of them in. It isnt really a problem though.

6. Plug in the graphics card, memory cards and attach your CPU fan using the levers on the board. The board has its own sound card built-in.

Its hard to go wrong on home assembly as the plugs, cables etc come in different shapes and sizes preventing mistakes. Sometimes you dont have enough power cables in which case you'll need to by some leads with extra links on them however with the power supply above it shouldnt be a problem.

Paid for assembly

Call your local PC repair shop up and ask how much for them to assemble it. You'd be looking at £30.

The OP said she doesn't know anything about building computers or wants to bother with it. You didn't even mention wearing an anti static wrist band. I know without certain carpets and if you touch your case etc it's alright, but precautions should still be taken, especially by an inexperienced builder. I really recommend not attempting this as one slight mistake like touching the wrong bit of the motherboard and frying it.

Also the OP stated the price she wanted it to be around and said in Dollars, you are giving links to a British retailer.

I know you are trying to help, I'm not being nasty, just that you need to take these things into consideration.

Also massive piece of advice, never skimp on the case or power supply. The power supply has to give power and protect all the more expensive and fragile equipment. Always best to spend more on it for better quality. Same with the case, you want good clean airflow. If you get a case then you won't need to upgrade it again for a long time. Always best to make a better investment in those 2 things.

My advise to anyone is, watch loads of youtube videos and do lots of homework before attempting a build yourself. (also you will come across countless different opinions on ways to build computers etc) So it's really easy if you know your stuff, but you need to put time into learning it. I doubt the OP cares enough to bother.

LOL, CCleaner (Crap Cleaner), I use that all the time.

Yeah I thought you would, it's probably the best free program in the world. lol Especially for how basic it is.

Edited April 27, 2012 by Coffey

[Coffey]

Anyway I'd recommend somehting like this:

My link

In my opinion Asus is the best Computer manufacturer there is. They made the inside components of all the big manufacturers like Dell, Sony, Samsung etc for years before they came on the market with Desktops and Laptops. that's why the name isn't very popular with non techies.

I remember when they started making Desktops and laptops and they where seriously cheap due to them not being very popular with non IT people, yet they where far better than all the big name manufacturers.