Computer for surfing internet

Flower_Power_mark_2

Hi,

I am looking to get a new desktop/laptop/notebook. All I need it for is to surf the net and nothing else. I will not be downloading anything just surfing. Can anybody recommend a cheap system for this. I already have a monitor if that helps.

I was looking at a notebook for £199 but heard they were slow so might look elsewhere. The other one I have seen is an Acer desktop for £299, this is ideally more than I would like to spend but will spend it if I need to.

I appreciate any help somebody can give me.

fwor

If that really is all you're planning to do, you'll get best value for money buying a refurbed ex-corporate PC from somewhere like Morgan Computers - a PC that was a decent spec 4 years ago will be absolutely fine for what you want.

One of the P4-based systems should be fine at under £100, or you may get a bit more efficiency by going up to one of the Core 2 Duo based ones at around £150 - though I doubt you'll ever save the extra £50 through lower electricity bills.

Flower_Power_mark_2

Cheers Fwor, does refurbed mean that it has been used? If so I ideally want a new one as am paranoid about used computers.

gonzo127

not being funny whats there to be paranoid about?

otherwise
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/253549 - and pop linux on it £180
or
http://www.dinopc.com/shop/pc/configurePrd.asp?idproduct=941 remove windows and self install Linux make it roughly £150

Flower_Power_mark_2

Just not sure what other peope have been downloading etc on there. Just a precaution really but as a result would rather have an unused one.

Thanks for the link I will have a look now.

esuhl

Flower_Power_mark_2 wrote: »

Cheers Fwor, does refurbed mean that it has been used? If so I ideally want a new one as am paranoid about used computers.

[STRIKE] Can I ask why? As soon as you turn a new PC on it becomes "used"![/STRIKE] UPDATE: Just seen your reply above - I wouldn't worry what other people have downloaded. Just run virus/malware scans, or if you're really paranoid, format the drive and reinstall the OS.

If you're worried about data that haven't been completely erased from the HDD... that's really just a security concern for the previous user, unless you're worried that they might have installed a keylogger and are secretly monitoring you (which, although extremely unlikely) could just as easily be done on a "new" PC.

Anyway, if you wanted, you could just format the drive and re-install the operating system yourself to make sure it's "clean". Or buy a new hard drive and replace the "refurbished" one.

If you just need to access the web, it might be a good idea to install Linux instead of Windows. It will probably run faster, be more secure, and you won't need as many security programs that need continual updating.

closed

Is there something wrong with your laptop, and did you ever reinstall windows on the old pc?

gonzo127

if you are worried what others have done you can (as stated for the other systems) remove windows, DBAN it and put Linux on it,

ok some people will have a paddy that i am suggesting Linux, but if you pick one of the newbie friendly ones (usual suggestions Ubuntu or Linux Mint) they come with everything you need, in your case a browser (but also office suite, a few games, music players etc), they are much more secure than windows due to virus's not being made to target it, and you will find it is generally faster than windows because you dont get any unessesary bloat, they also have a whole host of free software that you can down load

Flower_Power_mark_2

closed wrote: »

Is there something wrong with your laptop, and did you ever reinstall windows on the old pc?

Old PC sold for parts as I could not trust it as it went down too many times. It did get fixed but was more hassle than it was worth. Laptop I want to use for work. The reason for the new one is I want one to just use for internet, that way my laptop can be kept free for gaming and work.

Flower_Power_mark_2

gonzo127 wrote: »

if you are worried what others have done you can (as stated for the other systems) remove windows, DBAN it and put Linux on it,

ok some people will have a paddy that i am suggesting Linux, but if you pick one of the newbie friendly ones (usual suggestions Ubuntu or Linux Mint) they come with everything you need, in your case a browser (but also office suite, a few games, music players etc), they are much more secure than windows due to virus's not being made to target it, and you will find it is generally faster than windows because you dont get any unessesary bloat, they also have a whole host of free software that you can down load

Why would people go mad for you suggesting Linux? Is it not rated on here?

To remove windows and install Linux is it just a case of downloading and installing Linux or do I need to do something to remove windows?

Would Linux work on and speed up a notebook? As I may just get a cheap one of these for £200 if it does

Sorry for the questions and thanks for your help so far.

cgk1

Linux is pretty good for a netbook but if it was my only and main machine, I'd get a laptop because over the life of the device, that extra screen estate counts.