Drew Wutka
dbatech at wolfwares.com
Sat Aug 30 22:59:51 CDT 2003
Kathryn, sorry for the delay in replying, but I just setup this list to download at home. (I was only getting these at work before, and I've been off since Thursday). I could toss a lot of details at you, but personally I recommend talking to someone that builds machines for a living. My company buys it's computer stuff from Twix, which is a local distributor. They build machines too, and are VERY good. We send all of our employees their way, when they ask us about buying a home computer. Here's a true story about the experience one of our employees (former) had with Twix. The guys name was Tres. Tres asked me about buying a home computer, so I gave him Robert Staples number. He called Robert, and told him what he was looking for. Robert gave him a quote (which he was quite happy with) and when Tres got the machine, and brought it home, he had a problem. The problem was he asked for W2k (which by the way, I definitely recommend, or XP, though I haven't used it much, XP Pro is just as solid as W2k, and is a little more 'flashy'. I hate to say more user friendly, but for a non-techie, it definitely is.), and Tres' wife had a software package she needed for work that didn't work in an NT environment. Tres needed to get ME installed, instead of Win2k. Robert said no problem, Tres dropped the machine off on the way to work, and picked it up that afternoon with the new OS installed. No huss, no fuss. Now, Twix is based in Dallas, TX (it's right by where I work). They WOULD be able to get you a computer, but you may want someone local. There is an advantage to ordering through Twix if you aren't in TX (which I don't think you are), which is there is no Sales tax if it is shipped out of state. You can contact Robert Staples at 214-553-1212 or Robert at twixusa.com. Just let him know that Drew from Marlow sent you his way. (I don't get kick backs, but when Robert knows someone was referred by me, he gives them closer to at cost prices!). Even if you don't want to order through Twix, Robert may know a local distributor that you could contact. I STRONGLY recommend this approach to buying a new machine. Robert is very adept at matching the clients needs to a finished product. Their machines are custom built (and cost the same or less (very rarely more) then your typical boxed machines (though some of the prebuilt Dell ads have beaten his prices), which means that you won't have to make trade off's. You get exactly what you want, and need. If you have more specific questions (and I'll be surprised if you do, after talking with Robert), feel free to give me a holler (either here or offline if you wish). Drew (P.S.--Anyone on this list is welcome to contact Robert, and mention me. I got my Palm from Twix. m515, and at the time, Palm was offering it at $350 (before tax), and I got it for a grand total of $325 from him. Not bad, eh?) -----Original Message----- From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com]On Behalf Of Kathryn Bassett Sent: Friday, August 29, 2003 11:32 PM To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues Subject: [dba-Tech] Time for new computer OK gang, it's time for a new computer for my husband. He's on either a 486 or 1st generation Pentium (Win98), can't remember which. I also can't remember if it's 64 or 128 ram, but whatever it is, I think something doesn't work. It takes about 15 minutes from turning it on, until his mail starts downloading. And then it takes about another 15 minute to download a like amount number of messages. I've got to do something before I leave for Salt Lake the beginning of Oct because we instant message every night when I'm gone. Now, if I was just going to get an ordinary system for him to use, I wouldn't need help. But, I had also planned in the near future to get a machine I could use as my own web server. So, the question is: what do I need minimum for him to use it like a "usual" computer, yet still be usuable like I want in the future? I'd *like* to get it with a hard drive fixed up with what I need (2003 Server???), but then pull that out and put in the existing C drive for now. That way I don't have to spend time now loading it and transfering etc. Instead, he can use it like he currently does, just with faster cpu and more ram, and I can do the loading after I get back. We have cable, but the hookup for my computer in living room. There isn't time to run anything right now, and I was planning on using something like I have available at Gwen's (work). She has a D-Link DWL-1000AP (http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/review/19/1/61.html) and a LinkSys 11 MBPS that looks something like this http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=20 and we've been happy with them. Now, my understanding is that using this type of stuff, I can also make a wireless connection to the new computer, is that correct? Or do I still have to do that through wires? In any case, does my computer have to be in the loop for the combo to work to give Dave cable access in the other room? Remember, my computer will be gone as I'll have it in Salt Lake. So the network cable that usually plugs in to my computer will just be laying there with no connection. I guess that's enough for now, and remember talk grade school to me, not college. Drew, I'm especially trying to pick your brain, since you seem to be such an expert. And if you can give me part numbers etc from http://microcenter.com that would be a bonus as I have a credit card with them, and a zero balance. Oh, another thing, I'm happy with Win2kPro, so if you think I should stick with that, vs 2003 say so; or convince me I should go with 2003. Keep in mind that I will still need to run a couple simple dos programs that work on Win2k. Though when all is said and done, if I can dual boot in order to run the dos program, that's ok too. -- Kathryn Rhinehart Bassett (Pasadena CA) "Genealogy is my bag" "GH is my soap" kathryn at bassett.net http://bassett.net _______________________________________________ dba-Tech mailing list dba-Tech at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/dba-tech Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com