View Full Version : So, things have been slow around here
and it's been months since I built a new system. As a result, i'm just about to do my first system build using Windows XP (Home).
Any suggestions/pitfalls to watch for?
Microsoft. ;) (that was for you Luis)
Seriously, just spend as much money as you can afford on it, get as much ram as possible, Don't skimp on the video card like I did, you'll regret it.
greenfreak
10/02/02, 04:40pm
I just upgraded my Dad's computer last week and had to reinstall the antivirus and EZCD creator, then get the patch for the 'drive not supported' message I got but other than that, it was relatively painless.
It's definately the longest setup I've had to go through though. Plan to spend a few hours.
Wooonderful.
Should be OK, hardware specs are budget driven, but decent.
samcurry
10/02/02, 07:31pm
If you are running a network at home and are using a domain you will need pro. Home ver doesnt allow for domain connections. It takes a couple hours even on the fast comps. Have a book or a movie handy. And what ever you do tell it classic view in the control panel. :D :D
greenfreak
10/02/02, 08:01pm
lol Sam you are so right.
I still have to show my Dad how to use it. God help me, it will probably take longer than the setup program. :eh:
Justintime
10/02/02, 08:33pm
you guys are kiddin right? takes me about 30-40mins to install XP pro.
greenfreak
10/03/02, 08:58am
I wasn't just talking about the setup program, I was including the reinstallation of the apps and drivers that aren't compatible, changing the system settings to your liking, etc. It also depends on the specs of the computer, my Dad's 900mhz took over an hour just for the setup program.
samcurry
10/03/02, 10:12am
yea apps and all, but still takes way to long just for XP. can we all say BLOATWARE?????
Gato_Solo
10/03/02, 10:15am
Bloatware? From Microsoft? Who are you kidding? If you just skip the Easter Eggs they hide, you'll see that Windows only takes up 1 meg of HDD space... :D
I have the added "attraction" that this guy wants to watch me build the system, and then we're going to have to bring over his data files from his old machine. It's going to be a lovely 2 day process, I can feel it.
unclehobart
10/03/02, 10:40am
At least get a rock balls video card so we can dabble with the latest and greatest.
Did ya see where I wrote "budget driven"? The whole system is $850. He ain't putting $300 into a vid card.
unclehobart
10/03/02, 10:56am
http://www.pcworld.com/features/article/0,aid,103769,00.asp
This isn't an upgrade. It's a new system build. As such, and with his budget, I didn;t want to go too high on a vid card when he was also demandeing an 80 gig HD, at least a 2000+ CPU, and 512 MB DDR RAM. Kinda cut down my options a bit.
unclehobart
10/03/02, 12:54pm
good lord. Is there enough money left over for a case even?
unclehobart
10/03/02, 12:57pm
I hope hes planning on reusing the old monitor, elsewise hes dead meat.
I have the added "attraction" that this guy wants to watch me build the system, and then we're going to have to bring over his data files from his old machine. It's going to be a lovely 2 day process, I can feel it.
Just kill him now, HomeLan, really. Just kill him now.
Yeah, it's Enllight case with a 340w PS. He is either re-using the old monitor or buying a new one. Basically, they don't game but the do plan to scan in and play with images. We owe him one, so my labor is free. This is what $850 gets:
Asus A7V26E (w/onboard sound)
ATI Radeon 7500 64 MB
Intel V.90 modem
Athlon XP 2000+
512 MB PC2100 RAM
WD 80 Gig HD
DVD-ROM
40X16X40 CDRW
Licensed Win XP Home
unclehobart
10/03/02, 01:14pm
heh... thats more scratch than I have right now. Is this for the sgt across the street?
Yep. That family's given enough toys to Ted that I'm comfy forgiving my usual $75 fee on this one.
he could save a few bucks by installing "another version" of XP, although, he might want to be on the legal side all the time.
He's not going to do that if I'm building the system.
Justintime
10/03/02, 02:46pm
yup same policy here, no warez even on a friends build, sorry, he can do whatever after, but my builds are licensed and legit, my own i can do whatever too :D
Yeah, that's pretty much my attitude.
yeap, i thought of that, anyway, you can give him "the build" without software ;)
I could, but since he's only mildly computer literate, it would end up being a nice, beige end table. :D
Professur
10/03/02, 09:58pm
Couldn't sell him on a nice copy of W98?
Nope. He read some propoganda from Adobe saying how wonderful XP is, and decided he HAD to have it.
Shame, too. I've got 3 licensed unopened copies of 98 in my basement.
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