Need to buy OS if building a computer?

[Skitsofrenic]

I'm looking to build a gaming desktop, but I've never done this before.

One of the many questions I would like to ask at this point is if I actually have to buy an Operating System? (Win7 Ultimate costs $200+)

I'm asking this because the OS are so expensive and at this point, building a computer doesn't seem any cheaper than buying a pre-built one.

 

[joh06937]

you don't need the ultimate version.

you can usually get money off by either getting a combo or just buying it while it is on sale.

 

[salvage-this]

operating systems ca be expensive but you don't really need ultimate. For general needs Home Premium will work just fine.

 

[Skitsofrenic]

I see that there is a Full edition and an upgrade.

Full edition for Win7 Home Premium is $199.99
Upgrade version of WIn7 Home Premium is $119.99

Full editon of Win7 Professional is $299.99
Upgrade version of Win7 Professional is $199.99

Still hella expensive if you ask me. If a friend already owns a Win7 copy, is it possible for me to install that on my Computer?

PS- what is the difference between Full edition and an upgrade version?

 

[DMGrier]

I see that there is a Full edition and an upgrade.

Full edition for Win7 Home Premium is $199.99
Upgrade version of WIn7 Home Premium is $119.99

Full editon of Win7 Professional is $299.99
Upgrade version of Win7 Professional is $199.99

Still hella expensive if you ask me. If a friend already owns a Win7 copy, is it possible for me to install that on my Computer?

PS- what is the difference between Full edition and an upgrade version?

Upgrade is to move up in the version of windows you currently have, full version is the disc you need if you have no OS.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Home Premium will work for you. Ultimate just has extra features like Media Center and some other things I'm not sure about.

 

[Skitsofrenic]

I have used a pre-built computer for all my life. This will be my frist time actually building my own computer, so it really feels unusual paying $200 for an OS.

By the way, if my friend already has Win7 OS, will I be able to use that to install it on my desktop?

 

[lucasbytegenius]

That's illegal. You will have problems with activation if you try.

 

[Skitsofrenic]

Haha I see.. I really wanted to get the i7 930 but with the OS cost added, I don't think its possible anymore.. Q_Q

Or perhaps I can wait a little more to get some cash.

 

[User0one]

Building a computer is not really cheaper, but you wind up with a better computer that doesn't have a bunch of crapware preinstalled or some other proprietary hardware.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Yeah, you should wait. If you want to use your computer in the mean time, Ubuntu will work-but not for Windows games.

 

[Skitsofrenic]

Haha sweet. Ubuntu sounds cute.

Anyways, I decided to go with Win7 over Vista and XP. Is this a good choice?

Which Win7 is the best for a gaming machine? Premium, Professional, or Ultimate?

 

[StrangleHold]

I see that there is a Full edition and an upgrade.

Full edition for Win7 Home Premium is $199.99
Upgrade version of WIn7 Home Premium is $119.99

Full editon of Win7 Professional is $299.99
Upgrade version of Win7 Professional is $199.99

Still hella expensive if you ask me. If a friend already owns a Win7 copy, is it possible for me to install that on my Computer?

PS- what is the difference between Full edition and an upgrade version?

No reason to get retail.. OEM Premium is just 100 bucks and Pro is 140 bucks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=operating_system-_-32-116-754-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=operating_system-_-32-116-758-_-Product

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Haha sweet. Ubuntu sounds cute.

Anyways, I decided to go with Win7 over Vista and XP. Is this a good choice?

Which Win7 is the best for a gaming machine? Premium, Professional, or Ultimate?

Any. And 7 is better then XP, and much, much, much better than Vista. It's extremely stable, XP is unstable and clumsy imo compared to 7.

 

[joh06937]

yes windows 7 is a great choice.

as far as gaming, i don't think you'll see any difference in games between the 3 (i mean frames per second, ease of use, etc.)

 

[Skitsofrenic]

Win7 it is then ^^

Thanks everyone for filling me in~ I'm a total newbie when it comes to computers but I'm going to try building one myself so I will be here asking questions almost 24/7

PS- I was surprised to see how cheap newegg was selling the Win7 OS. Is newegg the cheapest place to buy computer parts? Are they reliable?

 

[joh06937]

ha ha, yes they are really reliable

 

[lucasbytegenius]

There are many people on this forum who built their computer completely from parts off of newegg.

 

[Skitsofrenic]

Awesome~ I guess I will be looking to buy parts from Newegg and Microcenter.

 

[StrangleHold]

I order 95% of hardware from Newegg or Tigerdirect. Both have pretty good prices, in general newegg is cheaper but tiger beats them sometimes. Best to compare. Just dont count on Tigers rebates, might as well have someone club you in the head.