new computer help

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Brenna_AK

New Member
I am looking into getting a new computer. I may eventually be wanting 2-3 computers in my house for different reasons - my husband, kids, and me.

for my kids, I have 3 of them and they all have autism. i was thinking of getting them a touchscreen computer and getting learning programs for them on the computer. and have them take turns at the computer.

I personally am looking into a mac, and my husbands computer - emachines, has gone gone caput. now, everytime I run dvdshrink, my I have to manually shut down the computer because everything freezes up, or I get teh famous windows blue screeen, lol. so I am seriously considering alternatives - mac or linux.

does anyone know about windows xp ( i have it) vs windows 7?
windows vs mac vs linux?

I like the idea of linux but i'm afraid of no telephone support.

I would loves some help and input into new computer.

also, anyone have any advice on a custom computer without blowing up the house?
 
Also it's not about the operating system (not entirely) OSX and Linux can become equally unstable and useless after a long time of use.

If you reformat the emachine (that is, boot from a windows cd and reinstall windows) it should be much faster, but you will lose all personal data and programs unless you backup beforehand.
 
okay, well right now i'm thinking of getting a touchscreen computer and then maybe upgrading my husbands computer. like getting a different screen, seeing If I can upgrade the processor, ram and hard drive.

does anyone know if it would be cheaper to upgrade the processor, ram and hard drive or just to get something new?

would love some input.
 
I'd say it's time for a new build. How much would you like to spend maximum on a new computer for your husband?
 
Just reviewing posts here.
Brenna_AK said:
okay, well right now i'm thinking of getting a touchscreen computer and then maybe upgrading my husbands computer.
like getting a different screen, seeing If I can upgrade the processor, ram and hard drive.
Click to expand...
Having a touch screen is of course the largest budget magnet. But as far the tower, building it is by far the best budget/performance option.
It could handle the increased demands of the user so it wouldn't need upgraded/replaced for a long time.
Brenna_AK said:
does anyone know if it would be cheaper to upgrade the processor, ram and hard drive or just to get something new?
Click to expand...
As mentioned...
linkin said:
I'd say it's time for a new build.
Click to expand...
...it's not cheaper. Since Gateway aquired eMach. yrs ago and Acer aquired Gateway in '07, the upgrade path is basically zilch.
Upgrades would have to include not just cpu/ram. Just those 2 parts would mandate replacing other components as well, like motherboard, power supply....
So the current case would need to be replaced also since it's cooling capacity and configuration would not compliment the hew hardware.
The hdd, you might be able save some $ and use it depending on the interfaces. But Windows won't like it's new hardware and won't work w/o at least a repair of the os and you need the disc for that.
If your going to spend a few 100 on a new machine that would be upgradable, then a better/compatable hdd would be in order for about $60. And an os will be needed & it may cost, depending on what you have(hdd/disc) or which os you choose.
Brenna_AK said:
does anyone know about windows xp ( i have it) vs windows 7? windows vs mac vs linux?
Click to expand...

Cheapest?
linkin said:
If you reformat the emachine (that is, boot from a windows cd and reinstall windows) it should be much faster, but you will lose all personal data and programs unless you backup beforehand.
Click to expand...
eMachine-
Get the disc if you don't have one.
Reinstall xp and see if it performs adequately. You may be able to do this w/zero expense.
(unplug and clean the interior if needed including cpu heatsink, fans, and psu)
　
Other possible options if eMachine is ok after reinstall:
Build new tower and buy touchscreen.
Decide what tower goes where.
Replace old monitor but possibly use it as dual monitor or for 3rd pc.


The eMachine may support 7 and you can investigate here w/ 'download now'.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx
(I don't know if xp supports touchscreen natively. If you go with 7, you could buy it once for more than 1 pc at a time,
or get the disc w/1 product key and then buy keys as needed, already having the disc.
(^I think this-key at a time-is correct^))

If you would like input on components/cost to help you decide, then:
1) knowing if you have a usable os disc to be used for fresh install or repair, and
2) knowing
linkin said:
How much would you like to spend maximum on a new computer
Click to expand...
no matter the amount, will help.

Post it!
　
　
　

　
 
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okay, well I think that maybe for my husband, i'll just get him a new monitor, and focus on the kidsz computer. If I get my husband a new computer, I'll get one that can be upgradable for my husband. or build one with help.
 
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