# Help me pick a new computer. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 23, 2004, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983 "2004-03-23T20:57:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/1 "2004-03-23T20:57:04Z")
Not sure where to put this thread … I guess I’m kind of soliciting factual answers, but mostly opinions … (No wars. Please keep it civil. This thread is not about Macs vs PCs - this thread is about **me**! 😉 ) Here’s the situation. The time has come. I can’t wait another minute to join the 20th century and get an interweb machine for my very own home. I’m pretty poor. I want the cheapest one out there, and I’m ready to break my until now, complete dependence on Micro$oft. I will probably only use the Internet. Maybe a word processor and a spreadsheet, depending on the kind of job I get. No need for bells/whistles; the only game I play is Minesweeper. But hi-speed internet access is crucial. I have only ever used PCs (since I was fourteen, when I used those tall narrow Macs with the 3.5" floppy, when all the Apples were using 5.5") and am pretty fluent with my Microsoft keyboard commands. I worry slightly about the learning curve but I’m a pretty quick study. I am terrified of infecting my computer with a virus/spyware/whatever other ghoulies and ghosties lurk out there. I’ve pretty much only ever used the 'Net at work and at school so I don’t know the first thing about protection from that kind of thing. (Yes, it also means that the world of porn will suddenly open up for me ! Too bad I will never see goatse.) I have heard they’re mostly designed for MS so if I stay clear of it I should be okay, yes? So I’m guessing I’d be better off without Micro$oft. And also (I don’t want to start a PC/Mac war so I’m timid, but …) my friend just recommended I get an Imac. He’s had much better luck with Macs - but he works in a pretty specialized field. But you can run non-MS things on PCs, right? And, can you still get Minesweeper?\* Do computers come with software other than MS installed? Do they come with any specific software installed? They’re pretty similar, right? I’ve used Linux before and it seems pretty straightforward. How will my life change if I escape the trap of Micro$oft? How can you use a computer with _only one mouse button_? Thanks for the tips, everyone ! I’m really looking forward to posting to the 'Dope, naked, for the first time. - only half-joking ---
**Author:** ![The\_Mad\_Hermit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b5ac83/32.png) [@The\_Mad\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Mad_Hermit)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/2 "2004-03-23T21:36:06Z")
Do you have a compelling reason to avoid MS products? If it’s only virus protection, it’s fairly easy to control with software like McAfee or Norton. You can use the Netscape (Mozilla) browser to avoid problems with MS Internet Explorer. Do you have a need for a fast machine? If you just want to surf and view SDMB, you can get away with an older computer- virtually any Pentium or AMD chip-based system will do. You can probably get an old system, like a Pentium II 500, for under $100. This will be sufficient for surfing, but won’t run advanced games and new applications, and you will probably use Windows 98. I don’t recommend Linux unless you have someone to show it to you. Look on eBay, and search the used listings for complete systems. Check your local paper for the best deals- people who just bought an new system will often sell the old one, virtually giving it away. To educate yourself about the process, try [howstuffworks.com](http://howstuffworks.com) for a good overview in easy-to-understand terms. Even if you’re familiar with the subject matter you may learn something new. Happy Hunting! ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/3 "2004-03-23T21:41:16Z")
I think it’s the eMac you’re looking for—it’s pretty inexpensive. Though, do make sure that you get extra RAM added. I’m serious about this. You will find your whole computing experience much more pleasant (and this applies both to OS X and XP) if you have _at least_ 256 megs of RAM. 384 megs or 512 is even better. Trust me on this one. **TRUST ME.** Yes, you can do the Internet just fine running Mac OS. I’ve got a Mac and PC side-by-side, and I rarely _have_ to turn on the PC to do something that the Mac can’t do. Every once in a blue-blue-moon there will be some web page that plays better with a PC, but it’s so rare an occasion that it really isn’t an issue. You can get Microsoft Office for the Mac (though it’s not cheap—you know how much Office costs), and other mainstream apps like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Acrobat, and so forth. There are also cheaper or freeware versions of software for the Mac as well. I haven’t had trouble finding what I am looking for. Sure, there aren’t a kajillion freeware (including crapware) apps like there are on the Windows side, but I never have had the time or inclination to try out every one of them, so I don’t care. There are plenty of apps out there for the Mac. More than I’ll ever use. All Macs, from since way-back-when, have Ethernet built in. And connecting to broadband with a Mac is especially easy, so the support folks at Comcast tell me. (I haven’t had trouble connecting with my Windows XP PCs, though.) So you’re all set for high-speed Internet with a Mac. Also, most new Macs come with a CD-RW (usually DVD player and CD-RW combo) built in. Check to make sure before buying a particular model, though. Mac OS comes with a lot of built-in stuff. (As does Windows, don’t get me wrong, but I think that the “iApps” are especially nice.) iPhoto for doing light editing of photos—perfect for your digital camera. iMovie for making little movies. iDVD for making DVDs (very easy, so I hear). Garageband for composing music (I **LOVE** this one! You don’t need a musical background to have a blast with this!). And, of course, iTunes. You can burn your own CDs, rip MP3s, you know, all that stuff. As for your concerns: I never worry about viruses while on my Mac. I don’t use anti-Virus software. I probably should (just in case), but I don’t. There just aren’t that many viruses out there for Macs. I don’t know of any directed at OS X, but perhaps there’s something. But it’s simply not a huge issue either. There are plenty of games, (including, I presume, Minesweeper ;)) shareware and various other apps available for the Mac. Also, since OS X is Unix-based, it will run a lot of open source software like OpenOffice and the Gimp. There’s a lot of potential with OS X. I really enjoy using it. It’s very user-friendly. And don’t worry about the one-button mouse! The first thing most of us do is simply get an inexpensive 2-button USB mouse! I think they can cost as little as $5-10. I got mine at CompUSA. I do not use the one-button mouse. OS X has a plethora of right-click commands built-in, as do most of the OS X apps that I’ve tried. As for your questions about Linux, I don’t have any information about them, but I’m sure some Linux person can come along and help you out there. (Oh, and Macs can run Linux, by the way!) Good luck with your computer shopping! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Skipper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@The\_Skipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Skipper)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/4 "2004-03-23T22:25:29Z")
No real way, IMO, to escape MS. IMO, Dell has the best products and support. I bought one of their laptops two years ago and love it. A blindingly fast desktop PC with loads of memory will probably run you about $600. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/5 "2004-03-23T22:35:06Z")
> [@The Skipper](#): > > No real way, IMO, to escape MS. You can get pretty close. I have Word on my Mac but I could just as easily use Nisus Writer. I do have Windows Media Player for OS X, and I don’t think I’d want to get rid of that (though I use it perhaps once a month, if that). Other than these two apps, I am pretty much Microsoft-free on my Mac. (I almost never use Internet Explorer on my Mac. Well, let’s just say _never_.) ---
**Author:** ![Draknek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df705f/32.png) [@Draknek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draknek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/6 "2004-03-23T23:08:58Z")
I’m a Linux guy, but I’d agree that you probably don’t want to go down that road unless you know somebody who can help, should you manage to make all your files inaccessible or create some other tragedy. I’ve got no experience with Macs. Viruses are a thing of the past with both of them, however. As far as pricing is concerned, Linux is Open Source, meaning you can download it for free. Most computers (in England, anyway) are sold with Windows packaged in as part of the price, so if you can find one that isn’t, it makes it cheaper by a reasonable amount. Software-wise, there exist free and open source versions of most applications you’re likely to need. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/7 "2004-03-24T00:04:16Z")
For someone who doesn’t know much about computers, isn’t going to run taxing applications or games, and wants to save a few bucks you should seriously consider a PC from a brand name such as Dell or Gateway. Go to their website, or visit your local best buy and buy the cheapest setup they have. Make sure you get atleast 256 megs of RAM though I’d recommend 512. You’re bound to get windows XP bundled with your PC as well as virus protection, and other useful apps for cd burning, picture manipulation, and word processing. If you want word though you’re going to have to pay extra for it. With a PC you’ll get more bang for your buck. Macs are still overpriced. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/8 "2004-03-24T00:05:38Z")
Addendum: Although the difference in price is much smaller at the lower end of the spectrum… ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/9 "2004-03-24T01:59:42Z")
Just as a reminder, the OP seems to be pretty keenly interested in **non** -Microsoft solutions here. Like Linux or Macs. She seems pretty keen on avoiding the whole virus issue as well. I thought she’d alluded to either Macs or Linux as being high on her list. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/10 "2004-03-24T02:02:53Z")
And another thing: > [@Kinthalis](#): > > With a PC you’ll get more bang for your buck. Macs are still overpriced. Sigh. She doesn’t want this to be a Mac/PC thing. This is about _her_. You make some statement as if it is fact, but I’m guessing that her friend who recommended the iMac would disagree, I would disagree, and so forth. So why did you make such a statement in such a way? This is not a Mac/PC thing, this is about the OP and her preferences and needs. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/11 "2004-03-24T02:11:21Z")
> [@yosemitebabe](#): > > And another thing: > > Sigh. She doesn’t want this to be a Mac/PC thing. This is about _her_. You make some statement as if it is fact, but I’m guessing that her friend who recommended the iMac would disagree, I would disagree, and so forth. So why did you make such a statement in such a way? I’m not sure I know what you mean. This is not a Mac vs PC thing, I AM taking her considerations into account. One of her considerations is money. She says she’s poor. Well, I’m telling her the truth, her dollar amount is going to buy a better PC than a Mac. I also added however that at the low end (bargain PC’s of which she is likely to end up purchasing) the difference in price is not THAT much. As for viruses, it’s also not a bad idea to educate her a little bit and let her know that as long as she has a decent virus protection program (many of which are free) and she uses a little common sense viruses are nothing to worry about. My mother is what you would call NOT a computer person. She has freeware virus protection and she liked to download music and movies form the net. It’s been 4 years without a single virus problem 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/12 "2004-03-24T02:20:47Z")
From the OP (bolding mine): > [@cowgirl](#): > > I’m pretty poor. I want the cheapest one out there, and **I’m ready to break my until now, complete dependence on Micro$oft.** I think that’s a pretty straight-forward statement. > [@](#): > > … all the Apples were using 5.5") and am pretty fluent with my Microsoft keyboard commands. I worry slightly about the learning curve but I’m a pretty quick study. Meaning, she’s a pretty quick study on something not Microsoft. She’s prepared to make a platform change, and all that. > [@](#): > > I am terrified of infecting my computer with a virus/spyware/whatever other ghoulies and ghosties lurk out there. Speaks for itself. Another explanation for the desire to change. > [@](#): > > So I’m guessing I’d be better off without Micro$oft. Non-Microsoft. See? > [@](#): > > How will my life change if I escape the trap of Micro$oft? No Microsoft, see? (She even replaces the little $ sign for an s.) > [@](#): > > How can you use a computer with _only one mouse button_? Which Windows-based computers use a single mouse button? I’ll let the OP further clarify what she meant, but her OP seemed pretty keen on _not_ using Microsoft again. But all you got out of her post is that she is poor, therefore she should use a PC? You don’t initially address any of her other points, fears, needs, wishes? Huh? ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/13 "2004-03-24T02:30:09Z")
Give me a break **Yosemitebabe** it’s pretty clear that the tone of the OP is that she is considering changing platforms but she is wondering the drawbacks and gains from doing so. I went ahead and pointed out to her that if money is a concern she’s likely to get a better deal out of a PC than a Mac in terms of hardware. I also added in that the silliness over viruses is just that: silliness. You’re just upset because I didn’t say Macs rule all. Chill out, I was trying to help her out, and the reason I didn’t mention the Mac was because a couple of other posters had already and I’m not a Mac person anyway so I wouldn’t have anything to offer in the way of helpful information there. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/14 "2004-03-24T02:32:09Z")
And for the records I agree, that she should be able to do what she wants to do with either platform. And actually I’d also let you know, OP, that the Mac is easy on the learning curve (though you already know your way around a PC I presume). ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/15 "2004-03-24T02:38:54Z")
I agree that if cost is to be considered, a PC is the only option. As for viruses - don’t open dodgy emails. And don’t use Outlook Express. As for spyware - don’t use Internet Explorer. Given that both are easily replaced for free, this cannot count against PCs. No matter what other posters may want to argue, I await any evidence that cost-eqivalent Macs can out-perform PCs. In response to **cowgirl** - getting a PC ready-loaded with Linux shouldn’t be a problem. Get in touch with a local Linux User Group (google is your friend), and they should be able to help. In fact, they may do the whole install for you. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/16 "2004-03-24T02:49:39Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > Give me a break **Yosemitebabe** it’s pretty clear that the tone of the OP is that she is considering changing platforms but she is wondering the drawbacks and gains from doing so. She seems to be farther along that just “considering” it. She seems pretty keen to do so. Look—I won’t crap on her thread anymore with this hijack, but I will add this: when I encounter a thread where someone seems pretty intent and focused on one platform (Mac, PC, whatever) and they want advice about what it’s like in that platform, or what kind of hardware/software to get in that platform, I usually try to accomodate them. I was fully prepared, before I opened the thread, to give my impressions of XP vs. Windows 98 (it’s XP Pro all the way, baby), my opinions about buying a custom-built PC (I’m all for them), and so forth. I was fully prepared to do that. But when I saw that the OP was definitely not leaning towards the Windows side of things, I answered her questions, specifically. I didn’t sweep them under the rug and barely acknowledge her preferences, leanings and concerns. > [@GorillaMac](#): > > No matter what other posters may want to argue, I await any evidence that cost-eqivalent Macs can out-perform PCs. If someone is keen on not using Microsoft products, then either Macs or Linux are the way to go. Price notwithstanding. There are more things going on with a computer other than price. The desire to avoid Microsoft products is not a rare sentiment, and when someone feels this way, they are probably are **not** going to use a Windows-based machine, no matter how cheap it is. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/17 "2004-03-24T02:52:44Z")
> [@yosemitebabe](#): > > **GorillaMac** Ack! Sorry! It wasn’t some Freudian slip! Or maybe it was! I type too fast . . . ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/18 "2004-03-24T03:05:33Z")
Well…if the OP wants Linux, then doesn’t the argument that Macs are more expensive still hold true? Obviously most PCs are shipped with Windows, but there’s nothing stopping you replacing it with Linux. Hence my earlier comment about introducing yourself to the local PC shop. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/19 "2004-03-24T03:12:18Z")
> [@GorillaMan](#): > > Well…if the OP wants Linux, then doesn’t the argument that Macs are more expensive still hold true? If she’s equally open to Macs or Linux, then yes, Linux on a PC is cheaper. But, OS X is pretty cool and the eMac is pretty inexpensive and she’s already got a friend who owns a Mac and can show her the ropes . . . > [@](#): > > Obviously most PCs are shipped with Windows, but there’s nothing stopping you replacing it with Linux. Hence my earlier comment about introducing yourself to the local PC shop. Agreed. Linux does (so I hear) require more hand-holding, but she could get a local shop to custom build a PC (as previously mentioned, I’m all for custom-building PCs) and she could have them install Linux for her. Or, as you recommended, get in touch with the local Linux User group. Very good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Toddly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@Toddly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toddly)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983/20 "2004-03-24T05:57:35Z")
Buy a pre-owned computer, either PC or MAC. For what you need you don’t high processing power. Linux is pretty much free but will have a higher learning curve. My laptop runs fine at 600 MGz using the Internet and word processing, etc. Desktops are even cheaper. There are always people selling their old machines for the latest and greatest. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-pick-a-new-computer/235983.md?page=2)