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ConcernedCanuk

(13,509 posts)

31. One reason I like Dell is they are easy to work on.

Thu Apr 4, 2013, 10:43 PM

Apr 2013

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I built the first computer I got on-line with over a decade ago from used computers/parts.

Took me 6 months to learn, but I did it. Was poor, and ignorant about computers when I started.

When I formatted the hard drive (found still in the static pack at a Salvation Army Thrift Store for 50 cents!) - I named it "DAVESFOR1150" - that's what the total cash output was ($11.50) for all the old computers(4) and parts I scrounged to build it.

Don't need tools to work on most Dells, at least not their older desktop or tower models.

Buttons open the "hood" - and almost everything inside comes out with clips and latches, "modular" I think be the word.

Never opened a laptop - not familiar with laps at all, but I suspect once I have a back-up lap, this thing I'm typing will get explored.

Mechanic by trade, curious by inclination, it's gonna happen!

CC

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Highlight:

I want opinions on Windows 8 - ready to buy new laptop. [View all] ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 OP

Windows 8 is a big change & it strikes me that you'd prefer the familiar... hlthe2b Apr 2013 #1

Is there nowhere you csn go to test drive Windows 8 yourself? Sekhmets Daughter Apr 2013 #2

Fuckin' YUCK!!! MiddleFingerMom Apr 2013 #3

I read the 3 replies, thanks - problem is, ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #4

Download Classic Shell and install it. hobbit709 Apr 2013 #5

I have it and I like it pinboy3niner Apr 2013 #6

Go to Office Depot or Best Buy LiberalFighter Apr 2013 #12

For DELL discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2013 #32

Dell offer Windows 7 as a no-cost option, or should Spider Jerusalem Apr 2013 #53

Either get a Windows 7 machine or wait till Autumn ... dawg Apr 2013 #7

Been a Windows user my whole adult life kudzu22 Apr 2013 #8

Running XP sp3 right now. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #13

Win8 sucks moose cock. See if you can find a Win7 box. Seriously. talkingmime Apr 2013 #9

just overwrite the windows install with a linux distro datasuspect Apr 2013 #10

That's what I do. hunter Apr 2013 #24

windows is a virus datasuspect Apr 2013 #46

Michael DELL is a wingnut n/t UTUSN Apr 2013 #11

Just say no to 8, stick with 7 Taverner Apr 2013 #14

It's fine as long as you add Classic Shell. GoCubsGo Apr 2013 #15

You will likely want to get SteveG Apr 2013 #16

Why Dell? They're overpriced. Dash87 Apr 2013 #17

windows 8 is for touch screens not for lap tops olddots Apr 2013 #18

Not entirely true. You can have a tablet like interface, Dash87 Apr 2013 #21

Got a Dell with Win8 for my Mom Spike89 Apr 2013 #19

I've been using it for 3 months. undeterred Apr 2013 #20

After reading everything, think I'll look for a used lap with Win7. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #22

You can still get a Dell with Windows 7 Mnpaul Apr 2013 #23

Thanks! - bookmarked. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #25

Google is your friend(sometimes) Mnpaul Apr 2013 #27

I'm not really a fan of Windows 8 but I loathe Dell. Initech Apr 2013 #26

One reason I like Dell is they are easy to work on. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #31

Be warned discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2013 #33

Already downloaded the owner's and service manual for my D600. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #34

Not much you can do on any laptop. hobbit709 Apr 2013 #40

I sorta figured that, especially since this is my first one. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #51

Both of my computers are Dell. In_The_Wind Apr 2013 #28

a couple of weeks ago d_r Apr 2013 #29

hmmm - sumthing more to ponder - the kubuntu thing ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #35

Depends if the laptop has an optical drive. A newer bios can use a flashdrive also. The good thing retread Apr 2013 #39

Thanx retread, I'll be referring back to this thread more than once. ConcernedCanuk Apr 2013 #56

if you want to test and try d_r Apr 2013 #44

Doesn't Kubuntu also have a live version that copies nothing to the hard drive? retread Apr 2013 #49

yes d_r Apr 2013 #52

You prefer KDE over Gnome? retread Apr 2013 #42

I really do d_r Apr 2013 #45

I used to prefer KDE, but a couple of years ago put Ubuntu on a pc I built and accepted retread Apr 2013 #48

With Classic Shell it works just fine. My desktop with 8 starts in 19 seconds. Gold Metal Flake Apr 2013 #30

Mine boots about that quickly, too. GoCubsGo Apr 2013 #57

There's plenty of things you can do to make your 8 look and feel like 7... uriel1972 Apr 2013 #36

When you get a new laptop, how do you deal with all the bloatware? retread Apr 2013 #37

Revouninstaller-lists all installed programs and lets you get rid of all traces of them. hobbit709 Apr 2013 #38

Some of those type tools require a knowledge of what specific program you wish gone. Can retread Apr 2013 #41

It's usually not hard to figure out hobbit709 Apr 2013 #43

A couple always seem to sneak by me. I agree about Norton. I see excellent reviews retread Apr 2013 #47

Personally, I like it jrandom421 Apr 2013 #50

You can use ImDisk in any version of Windows to auto mount iso files Mnpaul Apr 2013 #54

I have new laptop with W8 and like it sammytko Apr 2013 #55