Xpp,
You can FORGET getting the included software on a disk with a new computer. A lot of computers don't come with Restore Disks either. If you have to re-install, you are up a creek if you didn't make a copy yourself or send away for one .
And that's is WHY I've NEVER purchased a new computer off the shelf.
I agree, XPPman--yet time and knowledge force me to go ahead and buy an out-of-the-box computer.
I've always wanted to buy the barebones computers from TigerDirect, then construct my optimal system--but.... time and confidence in my system assembly skills make that almost impossible. If you know what I mean.
I never built one in my life till a few years ago.
It's really easy to do and very cost effective.
If someone handed me a brand new system out of the box.
I'd probably F disk and re format it and start fresh.
OK I'd get all the drivers for the hardware and software I wanted off of it first. ;D
[quote author=xppman link=topic=5570.msg29016#msg29016 date=1161794598]
I never built one in my life till a few years ago.
It's really easy to do and very cost effective.
[/quote]
Is it still as cost effective as it was 10-15 years ago? Reason I ask is that I've built two machines from scratch, back in the early 90's and saved a bundle... but back then a new 'puter with current processor/chipsets/motherboard started at around $2000 with no peripherals, no modem, sound... not much of anything. I looked into doing it again when my 350MHz machine was beginning to annoy me and it just seemed the processors were far too expensive to make it worthwhile. I formed the opinion that the PC makers got HUGE price breaks for buying in bulk.
BTW - my first "build" was a 486DX 25MHz, which was to upgrade my 286 (purchased new at around $3000)! ;D
[quote author=xppman link=topic=5570.msg29016#msg29016 date=1161794598]
If someone handed me a brand new system out of the box.
I'd probably F disk and re format it and start fresh.
OK I'd get all the drivers for the hardware and software I wanted off of it first. ;D
[/quote]
Absolutely, positively the best advise I could ever give when buying a new machine!
I always have an old computer on hand to tear apart. I never took apart my toys when I was a kid to see how things worked, so I don't know what the deal is now.
Anyway, the computers always run!
Technology changes so fast, that I've never tried to build one from scratch. By the time I got around to figuring out what I needed where, it would be an outdated pile of carp.
No no no. That's what they want peeps to think so they will buy the new NOT So Good crap.