Quote from: bama_beau_redux on October 05, 2010, 07:44:49 PM

Here's my question: 
I use my computer to run my small business and to view the Internet.
I've had basically the same computer for eight years now with some upgrades,
but it's slowing down and I'm impatient and I want a new one.
I want something powerful and user friendly.  Money shouldn't be an issue.
What should I get?  Should I use Linux on the new computer?

Thanks for any assistance.

   I think your asking what computer to buy...Ive built a dozen or so for myself and family in the past...this last time on a recommendation from a friend, I customized and bought from this site...the machine has been excellent and at the time I bought this 2 yrs ago..It would have cost me the same to buy the hardware and slap it together..

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

I would say it is hard to tell you not knowing what your line of work is, or what your using it for or how your using it.  Most of the time I have 4 computers up and runng.  But I only use one on the net.  You are the only one that knows what you need unless you tell someone all the things you will be using it for.   New is always nice lol but remember when you get it new it is all ready old.   

Quote from: Pagan on October 05, 2010, 07:52:31 PM
Best advice is to dual boot which is to have Linux and MS installed.  Mess about with it and learn, now don't go into it expecting it to be Windows, it's not Windows.  If you want Windows then stick with it but you're leaving Microsoft for a reason so don't expect Linux to be Microsoft.

Most software for Linux there are equal and in most cases better alternatives than what you get on the Microsoft platform.  Another advantage is with Debian based distro's like Ubuntu and Mint is you don't have to run around to different sources for the Software.  99% is available in the repository's and easily updated.

Don't tell Linux newbies to do a dual boot.  That adds an extra potential problem.

Quote from: taxed on October 05, 2010, 08:51:05 PM
Don't tell Linux newbies to do a dual boot.  That adds an extra potential problem.

I've thought about doing this.  What is the problem with doing a dual boot?  Never really used Linux / Ubuntu before.

Quote from: bama_beau_redux on October 05, 2010, 08:40:55 PM
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Black_Mamba/

Is this a good one?

    I wouldnt buy accessories from that site...just the computer..you can buy monitor cheaper elsewhere online..newegg.com runs alot of deals as well as other sites..

     Decide what your going to do with the computer then customize one ...

   Unless your a hard core gamer the computer you customized is waaay overkill.
I would never buy the extreme version of any chip its waaay to expensive for the minimal power boost you get...you dont need venom boost overclocking either...it makes the system run hot and lessens chip and component life and you need some heavy cooling......my advice scrap that choice...
     This is not a slight and please dont take it as such...but it "appears" you dont know enough to customize your own components to what you need...you may be better off buying a system already built...newegg.com sells some...but first  post what you need to do with your system...ok

Quote from: bama_beau_redux on October 05, 2010, 08:56:31 PM
So I should just start over cold with Linux alone? 
What about the best computer for a music listening,
web browsing, small business owner with a few programs and files?

Yes, start cold.  Save off all your files somewhere else, install Mint, or Ubuntu, then you can move them back, and you will have all your music, etc...

Quote from: Dreadnaught1968 on October 05, 2010, 09:04:00 PM
I've thought about doing this.  What is the problem with doing a dual boot?  Never really used Linux / Ubuntu before.

Not a problem, but when you run into a problem, it can be a real problem.

Quote from: bama_beau_redux on October 05, 2010, 09:36:00 PM


I keep all my business files and records on the computer, but we are only a small business.

I browse the Internet, especially viewing antiques, auctions, music and a couple forums.

I listen to music, and occasionally play a game or two. 
I might also want to stream futbol/soccer someday.

I hate delays and don't want to waste time waiting for pages to load.

   Dont even consider that computer you customized totally pissing alot of money away..
   The power of your computer has nothing to do with the speed you load web pages...thats your connection speed and its only works as fast as the website your accessing.
    Sounds to me like you need a multimedia setup computer..not a gaming puter

Quote from: taxed on October 05, 2010, 09:56:11 PM
Not a problem, but when you run into a problem, it can be a real problem.

Basically it comes down to this, if you're either unable or unwilling to learn how to install an OS then stay away from the option of dual booting.  It's not that big of a deal though.  On a computer with windows installed already just boot into the live cd and install, it will take you through the process of shrinking the Windows slice then install Linux.

But as always the #1 rule is to back up your data.

Or if you've got another computer kicking around use it for Linux or run VMWare and install the OS in a virtual machine.  Or just find your local LUG (Linux Users Group) and they will be more than happy to help you.  LUG's are all over the place and meet once a month, they are an excellent resource for those looking to into Linux.  Give them a shot

What Pagan says is correct, however, don't complicate your life.  Just get off Windows and go from there.

Quote from: taxed on October 06, 2010, 03:22:26 PM
What Pagan says is correct, however, don't complicate your life.  Just get off Windows and go from there.

I beg to differ, making a break from MS Windows AND OSX really is excellent.  A few years ago I wasn't saying this but now there really is no real incentive to stick with a Proprietary OS.  Linux on the Desktop has matured vastly and I've personally converted a number of friends and family over to it which a good chunk of them are in no way computer literate.  Take for example my 82 year old father, I converted him over to Linux when I got tired of always having to go over and fix Windows.  Since I've had him on Linux he can even do updates without issue.  Then I've got others that range from basic users to power users and I would say well over 80% of them have stuck with Linux and don't look back.

Look up a local LUG, go to one of their monthly get togethers and see for yourself.

Quote from: Pagan on October 06, 2010, 09:07:25 PM
I beg to differ, making a break from MS Windows AND OSX really is excellent.  A few years ago I wasn't saying this but now there really is no real incentive to stick with a Proprietary OS.  Linux on the Desktop has matured vastly and I've personally converted a number of friends and family over to it which a good chunk of them are in no way computer literate.  Take for example my 82 year old father, I converted him over to Linux when I got tired of always having to go over and fix Windows.  Since I've had him on Linux he can even do updates without issue.  Then I've got others that range from basic users to power users and I would say well over 80% of them have stuck with Linux and don't look back.

Look up a local LUG, go to one of their monthly get togethers and see for yourself.

did you read what I wrote?

Quote from: taxed on October 06, 2010, 09:23:21 PM
did you read what I wrote?

Doh! 

The hazards of Netbooks and going blind with age ..................  :-[