I need a new computer but don't know where to start

Kestrel

Hi, I am looking for some advice regarding a new computer. I am completely NON techie, in fact it frightens me! At the moment I have a 4 year old Fujitsu Siemens ScaleoP with windows XP but in recent weeks it has been causing me some concerns (slow, strange messages on start up, noisey) A friend came over and opened up the machine and gave it a good clean and a bit TLC but he said that I really should consider purchasing a new computer especially as I rely completely on the internet for my income (ironic for a someone who knows not a lot about technical stuff!) He suggested that I get either an Acer or a Fujitsu with Dual core, 1.6 megahertz, 2 gigabites memory, 250-500 gig hardrive (please excue that list if I have got any terminology wrong I just jotted down what he said) but the problem is I don't know where to start with this...when I have looked online I don't understand any of it and I don't want to walk into somewhere like PC World (sorry if anyone works there) but I just think they will see me coming and will sell me whatever will benefit them the best.
As I said I use the internet for my income (I'm an ebay seller) but other than that my needs are fairly simple: documents, photos, surfing, iplayer...no gaming. Obviously I want to buy the best that I can but my budget is around £300, (I don't need a monitor) I am currently adsl as there is no cable in my rural area though I intend to buy a wireless router in the next few days and I would like to keep the old PC wired up for my daughter and have a new wireless enabled PC for myself (do pc's come wifi enabaled?) Oh I'm so confused it's giving me a headache! Sorry the post is long, I just don't know who else to ask

bat999

Hi
There's one here at PCWorld, ask your friend if he thinks that it's suitable for you.
Here:-http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1262869554.1267093762@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadejjlmhdfjcflgceggdhhmdgmj.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=451581&category_oid=

BillScarab

If you're friend is knowledgable about PCs the best thing would be for them to help you. They will know you and your needs better than we do.

Perosnally I would suggest getting a basic Dell desktop, try https://www.dmxdimension.co.uk for the best offers.

Most desktops don't come with a wireless card. Most people connect a desktop to the router via an ethernet cable as it is faster and more secure. As it's a desktop you won't be moving it around so if the router is close by woreless isn't required.

sam.wright_2

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5082700/Trail/searchtext%3EDESKTOP+COMPUTER.htm

This one looks pretty good, have a look

barachello

HiIf your computer was running ok, and was adequate for your needs up until a few weeks ago, I would suggest that you would probably be better just trying to speed it up a bit.Have you got an anti virus program installed ? something like AVG or Avast ??Do you have any spyware scanners such as Ad-Aware or Spybot ??If not I would download them from filehippo or similar, install them and then run scans, as that is a the main cause for computer slow downs.You could also download CCleaner and run it and that will get rid of a lot of old clutter from your pc.What strange messages do you get on start up ? Also do you know where the noise is coming from in the pc ? Is it a constant noise, or a beep ?If you do decide that you want a new pc, and you are sure you only need it for internet browsing and photos, then you do not require a very powerful or expensive pc.I see on the PCWorld website they have some refurbished pc's for £229 that are sual core, and have 2gb ram and 160+ gb HDD.It is really up to you whether you have your heart set on changing the pc, or would be happy just speeding your own up ?

Kestrel

Thank you both for such swift replies. Unfortuantely my friend is very busy with his own business, a new baby and a house move, so helping me is rightly so at the bottom of his list and I hate to pester him (I'm sure he must cringe when I phone) I need to get a new PC asap so although technology frightens me, I need to do it with the basic knowledge my friend has already given me and hopefully with some help from you here on the MSE forums. I have heard that CCL online are a good company and build their own machines? Does anyone have an opinion on non-branded PC's?
BillScarab - thanks for the infr about the wireless aspect...is it possible to connect 2 PC's to an ADSL wireless router using ethernet cables?
The reality of getting a new PC is daunting, I won't even know what to do when I open the box, the set up process will need to be simple - also having looked at the PC World link provided by Bat999 - is Windows 7 comparable to what I'm used to (XP)?

bat999

Kestrel wrote: »

is Windows 7 comparable to what I'm used to (XP)?

Hi
Windows 7 is the latest version of Windows.
Most new computers sold now will have this version.
If you are competent with XP then I'm sure you'll be able to use 7 without much pain.

Kestrel

WOW, What an amazing response to my post! I'm so grateful for everyone's advice, I really appreciate it. I like the computer on the link posted by sam.wright

Barachello - I have Kaspersky anti-virus. My friend installed Ad-Aware. He defragged it etc. The noise is like a whirring noise which gets louder and then quieter and is almost constant, which is apparantly why my friend opened up the machine and cleaned it. It's VERY slow (especially for the first half an hour following start up) He said I should ensure that it does not get too hot so I keep the computer station doors open and there is nothing on top/around the machine. The messages were on a blue screen it was quite technical and I didn't understand it, I think it was something about it being unable to start up.
I would be very happy if I could speed up my current machine but being completely reliant on my computer and the internet for my income (I'm a single parent with no other means to earn) I cannot run the risk of my computer dying and then having the dash out, buy the first thing I see and then have to get to grips and feel "comfortable" with a new machine.
If I could speed up the current machine and keep it running for several more years that would be great as I would use it for family things and for my daughter to do school work and she could use the internet more frequently than she currently does (I am terrified of her using the internet following a recent session held at school about child online safety and I want to put some more safety measures in place!) and I would use the new machine for more business orientated stuff

Kestrel

bat999 wrote: »

Hi
If you are competent with XP then I'm sure you'll be able to use 7 without much pain.

lol "competent" is debateable - I know how to turn the computer on, how to connect to the internet and how to sell on ebay. I can do the REALLY basic stuff but I'm clueless in most areas, XP is just what I'm used to seeing I suppose but I don't know all the ins and outs of it

gonzo127

hi well branded systems are usually worse than none branded ones as they rely on the brand name to get the custom over what components go into the system

this being said PC world do have some interesting refurb PC's if you are willing to go for a refurb

at the moment the only option i would suggest is windows 7 (or ubuntu/linux mint for people who do not mind something different) windows 7 is a bit different from XP but mostly in good ways and you will get used to it pretty quickly

CCL are not bad and i have used them myself on numerous occasions and is a system with them which would be good for your needs however just remember to check for a operating system, a few of the 'cheap' systems are cheap because they do not include windows which is usualy around £80 on top

as for connecting 2 PC to one router using wires, yes you usually can, depends on how many connections it has thou each router is different so without a make and model number can not say for sure

another company i would suggest looking at is cyberpower systems as they currently have a interesting system on there which works out at about £400 but has the newest core i3 processor over the older core 2 processors i have seen in simular price computers however the refurb is the cheapest way of going, anyways below is a couple of systems i think would meet your needs

the pc world one is a refurb but a good spec

the CCL is not bad but needs a operating system added bringing to just under £300 with windows or staying at under £200 if you are happy to change to linux

the cyberpower one is the most expensive (by £100 if you add in windows) but has the newest technology (CORE i3 and DDR3)

and the ebuyer one is like the refurb one but brand new and less one core (which to be honest is not all that important)

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1666944762.1267095652@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadejjmldhehcflgceggdhhmdfho.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=808934&category_oid=-35614
http://www.cclonline.com/product-info.asp?product_id=34699&category_id=895&manufacturer_id=0&tid=
http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/infinity_i3_configurator
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/186617

sam.wright_2

If you're worried about having to set it up alone, what about going for a laptop? If you do a quick search, you can get a pretty decent one for not much more than you're looking to spend- tesco, asda etc usually have some good deals.
as for the noise, sounds like a very dirty/well used fan. these can be pretty easily replaces. some people add an extra one to make sure there is no chance of overheating