Should I Join The Amish Or Upgrade My Computers?

College Life
1

<p>I have a very, very, very old desktop computer. This desktop computer, as well as the desktop computers at University, have been my only exposure to computers at all. </p>

<p>Luckily for me, I have a very good memory when it comes to learning things pertaining to the computer for University. But, I have no idea about much of anything with regards to networking, laptops, and the like. </p>

<p>Therefore, I need help. The plan I have in mind is to first get rid of my very, very, very old desktop computer. It is one of the first Gateway Computers and I have had it repaired more than a few times. Currently, it is running off of Windows 98. </p>

<p>I would quite like to buy a brand new, yet humble, desktop computer. More than likely, it will be a HP or something. After that, I need to buy a laptop computer, and it will be a humble model as well. Please note, that the laptop will be used for certain mathematical endeavors of mine in the form of a variety of conferences I will be attending after the new year. </p>

<p>What I need to know is the best way to go about looking for really sturdy and modern computers. Both desktops and laptops I need to learn more of. And, I need to also learn more about wireless networking. If anyone would like to take a shot at giving me some down home advice on either of these two matters, then I will really appreciate it.</p>

<p>I am quite sorry, but the title of my thread should read: “Should I join the Amish or upgrade my computer.” Sorry.</p>

2

<p>1 .</p>

3

<p>Well, I mean, type either 1 or 2 after trying to help me out a mite bit.</p>

4

<p>O.K., HP makes some good laptops. Dell has the Vostros in the small business, which are aluminum (very durable, adds a bit of weight), very new and nice. Dell also offers CompleteCare accidental damage protection on notebooks for ~$100 (Drops, spills, not intentional and not an “act of god” such as a house fire, is covered). The warranties on Dells are great, and for that reason, I’d buy a Dell notebook, specifically the Vostro. (It’s sold in the small business section, but you can order as an individual. Every once in a while, some jerk will ask if you’re a small business; just make up a name. Usually “<your last=”" name=“”> Associates LLC" works nicely.) You can also still get Windows XP Pro, which operates a lot more like 98 than Vista, and Vista has a lot of unresolved bugs (personal experience with a Toshiba that came with Vista preinstalled).</your></p>

<p><a href=“TechnologyGuide - TechTarget”>TechnologyGuide - TechTarget; (review of Vostro)</p>

<p>Things you’ll want in the Vostro:
-A Intel Core 2 Duo or an AMD X2
-1GB Minimum of RAM (preferably 2GB)
-DVD-RW Burner
-80GB+ HD
-3 Year Warranty (if you’ll travel a lot, it’ll be worth it. After 3 years, it’s not worth it).
-3 year acc. damage/CompleteCare ($100, totally worth it. If morals are not an issue, in 2 and 1/2 years you can “trip” and “knock over” your laptop into the bathtub. You were just reading the New York times while brushing your teeth and you tripped on the wet floor, etc… I know a few people who have done this with great success- complete replacement).
-Integrated network card, 802.11G, preferably Intel.</p>

<p>As far as a PC, if you want a really cheap machine, Emachines are supposed to be pretty nice for the price, you can get them at Costco. For a little above bargain bin, I’d do Dell or HP, and I’d probably pick HP. Similar stuff to the above, I’d say a 2 year warranty and skip the accidental damage on the desktop.</p>

<p>Wireless networking: You hook up a wireless router between your line (to your cable/DSL modem or your wall if it’s a T1). The router pretends to be a single PC. You configure it to broadcast whatever name you want (ex MildredsCrib). You can then pick MildredsCrib to connect to from any PC with a wireless card. Make sure you enable either WPA or WPA2 on your router (it’ll be an option), you make a passphrase so other people can’t leech off of your internet connection (slowing it down, plus legal liability if they look at underage porn or download copyrighted content). I’d get a Belkin; I picked up one the other day. I thought I’d have to set it up manually (had all the settings written down, actually). Full color setup guide, plugin power, plugin to T1, put in CD, sets it up for me. It’s amazing how far routers have come.</p>

<p>2</p>

<p>(If you need further advice, PM me)</p>

5

<p>If you like wearing bonnets and don’t have a lactose deficiency, “1” is the way to go. </p>

<p>Summarizing: You need a desktop and a laptop with an emphasis on “humble”. I read humble to mean inexpensive. If you’re still running an old Gateway and Win98, you have a tight budget. You also emphasize taking math notes for upcoming conferences next year. </p>

<p>Your choices: Asus, Dell and HP dominate the retail desktop market. The Sunday circulars are usually filled with basic desktop computers for around $500. They come pre-loaded with XP or Vista. They are all adequate for Web surfing, e-mail and word processing. The same applies with laptops. Basic laptops can be had for $500 and up. Most laptops come with a wireless card already installed…though some may not. You need to look carefully at the specs to verify this. Also, many less expensive laptops usually do not have a battery that go much beyond 2 hours on a full charge. You’ll need to budget for an extra battery if you’re going to take conference notes.</p>

<p>There’s also the used market or, better yet, computer manufacturer’s Outlet Stores. You’ll be able to get more computer with a manufacturer’s refurbished unit. These units are either returns or repaired units that come with some kind of warranty. </p>

<p>I’ve avoided addressing the question of specs. People can debate specs “until the cows come home” (something to consider if you go with option 1). If your needs are basic (word processing, email, surfing and playing the occasional CD or DVD), even a lowly Intel Celeron processor based computer will work. If you were a gamer or doing serious design work, it’s time to get that after school job…</p>

<p>Taking math notes: you’ll need Latex (a free scientific notation typesetting program). See: <a href=“http://www.latex-project.org/[/url]”>http://www.latex-project.org/&lt;/a&gt; .</p>

6

<p>Mildred: I’m seriously thinking you should join the Amish. Your choice of language makes me think you may already BE Amish.</p>

<p>Seriously:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Could you be any more formal??!!</p>

7

<p>Well, almost any laptop should do really. 512 MB of RAM should be good enough. That is what I have. Also, I would recommend a DELL laptop or an Acer. If you are on a budget, you can just go to ebay and look at some cheap refurbished ones. You will be surprised with the prices.</p>

8

<p>I am studying over this thread, if you will, and I thank you all for your comments. </p>

<p>Here is another thing I do not understand. </p>

<p>Alrighty? </p>

<p>I understand that one has to buy a notebook battery. But, can you only use a notebook with a battery? Do laptops come with a plug, like how a radio comes with a plug? </p>

<p>With wireless networking…I have Comcast (way basic) cable, phone, and internet. Should I just call those folks to do the wireless networking? Or, are there aspects of that I should do by myself? I am kinda stuck with Comcast, but that company is somewhat dreadful.</p>

<p>Lastly, what is this thing? A pal e mailed it to me
<a href=“http://radiolabs.com/products/wireless/wireless-range-extender.php[/url]”>http://radiolabs.com/products/wireless/wireless-range-extender.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p>Laptops come with a built-in/removable battery and an A/C adaptor/battery charger. The A/C adaptor is usually referred to as a power brick, with a standard electrical plug that goes to your wall outlet. With the adaptor plugged into the back of your laptop, you can run your computer just like your desktop. You can run your laptop with or without the battery installed. Most people just leave the battery in the laptop.</p>

<p>Re wireless:</p>

<p>Comcast gives you a cable modem for your Internet connection. You buy a wireless router to plug into your cable modem. Each computer in your home will need a wireless card to connect to the Internet. Your laptop will usually have a wireless card built in, but again, verify that fact. Your desktop will not have a wireless card installed. Desktops come standard with an Ethernet (wired) connection. You will need to buy a card and install it inside your desktop.</p>

<p>The device your friend showed you is an extender which will give you more range (maybe…). Your wireless range will depend on a lot of variables. Set up your basic wireless system and test out your laptop in the rooms or out doors where you plan to work. If there’s an area that can not connect, an extender may give you the extra range…but that is no guarantee. Walls, wall materials and other construction issues may be limiting factors </p>

<p>If you install a wireless system, be sure to follow the instructions and change your system password to lock down your signal from unauthorized users.</p>