New Computer in the Near Future?

Considering the purchase of a new PC? Start shopping, but wait a few more weeks until making a purchase. Black Friday will have passed and the holiday sales will be everywhere. This will be a great year to find good value in the computer arena. Remember that onlines services such as Dell and HP usually ship within 3 to 5 business days. Best to order early if it's a Christmas gift. Also, many retailers give one day only specials on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Get there early, EXTREMELY early. Inventory is usually limited on these systems and they sell out quickly.

This question comes up on an almost daily basis now; XP or Vista? Definitely avoid Vista Home Basic. There's just some software it won't run. If you have a device approaching 7 years of age that HAS to be used forget Vista period. If you run proprietary software check with your providers and make sure they have a Vista upgrade available. Running DOS based applications still? Stick with XP.

If buying a new PC, Vista Home Premium (aka Vista Premium) is a good operating system. Yes there are those things mentioned above and Microsoft is diligently shooing the bugs away. The beach house runs Vista Ultimate on one machine and after doing a reinstall it is smooth, fast and pretty. Vista Ultimate may be overkill for someone that is an occasional user. Have only seen Vista Business at a distance and know that sales are slow. More on that later.

In a network situation? Take your time and review procedure when using Vista. It has security features that can be tedious, but they are there for a reason. My experience has proven frustrating at times, but that is expected with an operating system change. Yes, Vista makes nice nice with XP so don't let that concern you. Besides, Windows not only extended support of XP they also extended sales. So Microsoft is trying to make the transition smoother for us all (remember, they want to make money).

If buying retail most likely Home Basic (yuck!! gag, gag!!) will be on the inexpensive machines. You WANT Vista Home Premium at the very least. I know that Dell will still ship a new PC with XP. HP will ship some machines with XP Media Center. Both of these companies make very solid computers. They have great return policies under warranty if you can speak Hindi or one of those other languages used in India or where-ever. Fuss at them about those jobs being moved out of this country if you order from them.

Upgrading the whole system including monitor? Absolutely buy a flat panel LCD monitor. Bigger = better. This technology has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years and makes computing far more enjoyable and your eyes will thank you at the end of the day. My Viewsonic 22" wide format is da bomb! Prices have really dropped on these items and they will make great Christmas gifts.

Pictures will be uploaded here of my latest gaming setup along with stats. I've waited so long the mobo and processor are practically old school, lol. That's what happens when you have to save pennies and dimes over a period of months to make the purchase. Still glad to have it though.

Enjoy the weekend. Ahhhhh, only 2 more days to work this week!!!

"Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don't let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months."
~Clifford Stoll