Old computer
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Utica, NY
Old computer
Just some thoughts from a computer technician. 
First of all, to completely clean off your harddrive, you need to use the program called WDClear. This is a DOS-based program that will write zeros to your drive so it is cleared off like it had never been used. Western Digital put this out awhile ago and although they no longer have it, you can still find places to download it on the web.
As far as brands, Dell is the way to go if you buy a brand name. E-machines are junk as are many others. Dells aren't perfect but there service is very helpful when it is needed. Plus, you can have the onsite service where they'll come to your house to fix it.
Personally, though, the best PC is the one you build yourself. I have built my last three computers and all have been good machines. It is cheaper and you can add the parts you want. Certainly this isn't the answer for everyone, but like Dennis said, you may be able to find a local guy to do it for you.
Good luck in your decesion
First of all, to completely clean off your harddrive, you need to use the program called WDClear. This is a DOS-based program that will write zeros to your drive so it is cleared off like it had never been used. Western Digital put this out awhile ago and although they no longer have it, you can still find places to download it on the web.
As far as brands, Dell is the way to go if you buy a brand name. E-machines are junk as are many others. Dells aren't perfect but there service is very helpful when it is needed. Plus, you can have the onsite service where they'll come to your house to fix it.
Personally, though, the best PC is the one you build yourself. I have built my last three computers and all have been good machines. It is cheaper and you can add the parts you want. Certainly this isn't the answer for everyone, but like Dennis said, you may be able to find a local guy to do it for you.
Good luck in your decesion
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
From: CHEESELAND, USA
Old computer
Thanks to all of you. I currently have a Compaq which has served me well for the past 5 years. I would not hesitate replacing it with another Compaq bought from the local electronics store but in comparing various brands it seems to me Compaq has slipped alittle. The build it myself machine just would never work. Time and patience would end up winning and I would have a pile of parts and no new 'puter. Donating to one of the various schools or charities sounds good and I will look into that. The local computer builder might be an option as I have certain things I'd prefer to have installed and some things I would not be interested in also. You all gave me some interesting ideas that I will explore, thanks again.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Old computer
[font color=brown]
I know Ken Payne has run Dell's forever, and swears by them. But personally - I have had my fill of swearing AT them.
Compaq is even lower on my serviceability scale, because in the past they have proven to be "Proprietary".
In other words - you can't upgrade with any degree of reliability or success unless you use THEIR parts, preferably through THEIR service centers.
I look for high-end upgrades, and consult with people who build and maintain networks for a living. Very often, they have parts to trade or sell that are a vast improvement over what I was thinking of adding, simply because their hobby is to build the fastest machine they possibly can.
This leaves them with "Next to Cutting Edge" components (including mother boards) at dirt cheap prices...
And since they are friends of mine, a lot of happy horse trading and well intentioned ribbing goes along with it.
PLUS - I never fail to learn some new stuff I wasn't aware of!
It's a barrel of fun, once you get into it....[/font]
~Wolf
>=op
I know Ken Payne has run Dell's forever, and swears by them. But personally - I have had my fill of swearing AT them.
Compaq is even lower on my serviceability scale, because in the past they have proven to be "Proprietary".
In other words - you can't upgrade with any degree of reliability or success unless you use THEIR parts, preferably through THEIR service centers.
I look for high-end upgrades, and consult with people who build and maintain networks for a living. Very often, they have parts to trade or sell that are a vast improvement over what I was thinking of adding, simply because their hobby is to build the fastest machine they possibly can.
This leaves them with "Next to Cutting Edge" components (including mother boards) at dirt cheap prices...
And since they are friends of mine, a lot of happy horse trading and well intentioned ribbing goes along with it.
PLUS - I never fail to learn some new stuff I wasn't aware of!
It's a barrel of fun, once you get into it....[/font]
~Wolf
>=op
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Old computer
I like to build my own computers, and I agree get it from a local place that is trustworthy if you're not into building your own.
I'm a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, and since Dell supports Handgun Control inc, I advise everyone who cares about their right to own firearms not to buy Dell.
I'm a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, and since Dell supports Handgun Control inc, I advise everyone who cares about their right to own firearms not to buy Dell.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 1
From: Cullman Alabama
Old computer
I've had my problems with my H.P. The PC is basically OK, the H.P.'s Service attitude toward thier Customers who've bought something that's not working is Abominible!I couldn't recommend H.P.
They are so Arragont about my problems. "Live with it!" is thier attitude.
When I wrote my last Email to the CEO (After the aquisition of Compaq)
I told the H.P. Ceo: "...mabey when you bring the Compaq people over, you'll get somebody with some Integrity and Responsibility....it'l be a big change for your organization..."
I think I'm going with the Home Built PC next. Buying an Operating system, and some Software from Rep's is pretty safe.
You just need a quick easy way to Re-init the Disk and Reload your software.(in case you get virused)
I have Three Grandkids that could use some of those Old Slow PC's that are being thrown away.
Email me and let me know what I have to do!
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 2
Old computer
"Old Computers", you guys don't know what old computers are. The first computer I worked on had 4000 vacuum tubes in it. The FAA (the government was the only ones that could afford them) used it 16 hours a day and we performed maintenance on it 8 hours a day. Now that's an old computer.
Dono
Dono
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