Help needed in getting a new computer.

GIRLPOWER_2

I currently use a packard Bell lap top which is over 4 years old using windows XP. It's very slow and I only really use it for typing letters on word and have broardband internet which is used for nothing more than doing my shopping and internet banking.

The accountant wants me to start using sage instant accounts for our small business and I don't think that by the time I have installed that I will have enough memory and it will be even slower.

I do not know anthing about the workings of a computer and he has recommended to order one from dell.

going into my computer the hard disc drive shows free space of 10.9GB with a total size of 16.6 GB.... I have not got a clue what that means.

I have purchased sage accounts V11 which recommends, A IBM computer with a pentium 2 GHz processor, at least 256 MB RAM (512 MB for windows 2000 and XP) and at least 500 MB of free disc space after windows has been installed.

Can anyone please help me, I do not know what to ask for... all I want is a fast computer and a flat screen monitor.

Thank you in advance for anyone who has the time to help.

Nikki.

gizmoleeds

going into my computer the hard disc drive shows free space of 10.9GB with a total size of 16.6 GB.... I have not got a clue what that means.

It means you have a rather small hard drive - anything over 60GB is normal these days.

For what you have described, a basic computer will do you fine. Any computer being sold these days will have the appropriate hardware for word processing, Sage and internet browsing.

I think one of your problems could be running Windows Xp on what sounds like a computer which might not be able to handle it.

... all I want is a fast computer and a flat screen monitor.

Only get a flat screen if you need the space

intel

By your own set up on the PC your using you have more than enough space on the Hard Disk Drive, you have 10.9BG left that is a tone of space left so thats fine, You can always upgrade your Ram for memory Via a slot underneath the laptop, costs about £30.00, the slowness will be due to that and lack of Processor speed.

In saying that I don not see much point in you buying a new PC as it seems over the years you have used it the PC serves you well and you still have quite a bit of space left for what you need.

I would however recommend you download/install and run www.ccleaner.com

And also a defrag.

Start, All programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter

Onec the above two items have been done I recommend you see if speed has increased and this satisfies your needs if so a only a ram upgrade would be required as I see not much point in buying new, afterall its a money saving site.

GIRLPOWER_2

DimensionTM 5150
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 with HT Technology (3.00 GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)

Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition

512MB DDR RAM

15" Analogue Flat Panel Monitor (15.0" v.i.s.)

80GB Hard Drive (7200 RPM)

FREE UPGRADE TO 15 MONTH MCAFEE ANTI VIRUS
Due to End 07/12/2005.

Save £100 (inc vat)
Due to End 07/12/2005.

FREE Dell 720 Colour Printer ............. (not needed)
Due to End 28/12/2005.

From:
£599
£499
Price inc. VAT & Del.Save £100.

This is from the dell web site.......Good offer????

GIRLPOWER_2

thanks so mucch for the reply.

We have a computer man come in every 3 months to do all the service, de frag things and check for virus things etc and he keeps saying that it's very slow... but think also that he wants to make us one and thats why he keeps on about it.

Just thought that the using sage would be better if the egg timer was not on for about 10 seconds everytime I asked it to do something.

And the accountant says we can claim the cost of the vat and some of the cost of the computer back.

gizmoleeds

An even cheaper one would do you fine.

Also, as you have a business, go through the "small business" link and put the the PC through your business's accounts

gizmoleeds

GIRLPOWER wrote:

And the accountant says we can claim the cost of the vat and some of the cost of the computer back.

Posted at same time as you there - yes, if you are VAT registered then you can reclaim the VAT paid (or with Dell I think if you give them your VAT number you can just not pay it).

GIRLPOWER_2

Yes we are Vat registered so thats well worth knowing..................

SHOWING AS THEIR tv OFFER.....


DimensionTM 1100
Intel® Celeron® D Processor 325 (2.53GHz, 533FSB, 256k cache)

Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition

256MB DDR RAM

15" Analogue Flat Panel Monitor (15.0" v.i.s.)

40GB Hard Drive (7200 RPM)

FREE UPGRADE TO 15 MONTH MCAFEE ANTI VIRUS
Due to End 28/12/2005.

FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR!! Save £60 (INC VAT)
Due to End 28/12/2005.

FREE Dell 720 Colour Printer
Due to End 28/12/2005.




From:
£299
Includes VAT & Shipping

Any good???????



If anyone has time would they please take a look at the dell site and advise me which one to order... please.... I have not got a clue what all the spec means.

I really waant a flat screen as it's in the lounge and I want it to look nice.
Thanks in advance.

intel

GIRLPOWER wrote:

thanks so mucch for the reply.

We have a computer man come in every 3 months to do all the service, de frag things and check for virus things etc and he keeps saying that it's very slow... but think also that he wants to make us one and thats why he keeps on about it.

Just some helpful advice.

Go on a PC course and learn about PCs so you get used to doing maintenace yourself, and thus save money in the long run and no need of a PC man to have a look, as all of this is very easy to do yourself once you know how.

10week nightcourse of about 2hrs a week 1 day per week will cost about £100 or so at your local college I suggest you get a prospectus, to have a look.

gizmoleeds

The one you've posted looks fine for your needs - the "free" printer is nothing special though. As I understand it, the ink is very overpriced.

GIRLPOWER wrote:

Yes we are Vat registered so thats well worth knowing..................

You know you can reclaim VAT on everything (on which VAT has been paid) which is a business expense except cars and "entertaining".

GIRLPOWER_2

We save everything and have a great lady in to do the books and vat return so she sorts all that out... but I am trying to get involved and start doing the accounts myself using sage so will have a lot to learn... I also have a full time job and 3 young children so need everything to be as quick as possible.

I am pricing up a package on the dell site and microsoft works is included... does that include word and exel?????