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Computer Help and Support

cali

(114,904 posts) Mon May 5, 2014, 10:03 PM May 2014

Help! I need to buy a computer and I'm an analog person in this digital age [View all]

OK, I want a desktop- I think, but beyond that? Yikes? I'm clueless. Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1? Or should I go with a Mac?

All I know is that I want to buy it used on ebay which is where I got my last computer (I've had it 5 years).

thanks so much for any help anyone of you can give me.

28 replies

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Help! I need to buy a computer and I'm an analog person in this digital age [View all] cali May 2014 OP

Can you describe your needs more? CatholicEdHead May 2014 #1

my current computer is a Gateway series E. It's a mess cali May 2014 #4

I'm on a desktop and since I've been using my brothers laptop I've noticed that there isn't that TexasTowelie May 2014 #2

boy, am I behind the times. touch screen controls? cali May 2014 #6

Yes, just like you see people swiping their fingers on smartphones. TexasTowelie May 2014 #7

I live in the sticks. and I have mobility issues- walk with a cane cali May 2014 #15

I've never met anyone who regretted changing to using a Mac. NYC_SKP May 2014 #3

thanks skip. I'm not a gamer at all. why don't macs catch viruses? cali May 2014 #5

Macs are a tiny part of the market, so it isn't worth it to the hackers to make viruses for them. CaliforniaPeggy May 2014 #8

Ummm - You might want to check that intaglio May 2014 #26

Do you have a desired price range? MannyGoldstein May 2014 #9

yes. I can't spend more than $350. And I do prefer a desktop. cali May 2014 #14

I bought my last 3 from ebay, 2 kind of like this jtuck004 May 2014 #10

thanks, jtuck. it's worth a lot. I can't do that stuff but my son does cali May 2014 #12

I have two desktop computers and ohheckyeah May 2014 #11

thank you for pointing out these issues- particularly the one about the fingerprints cali May 2014 #13

my 2 cents steve2470 May 2014 #16

thank you so much, steve- and thanks to everyone. so helpful. much appreciated n/t cali May 2014 #17

Laptops have one massive advantage over desktops Denzil_DC May 2014 #18

Laptops have itty bitty cooling fins inside that clog up really easily with dust Fumesucker May 2014 #19

Of course I've seen desktops caked with a 1/2 inch of dust on the heat sink. hobbit709 May 2014 #20

Yup. That comment had nothing to do with my point about power supply, and it's misleading anyway. Denzil_DC May 2014 #21

I've seen that too.. Fumesucker May 2014 #24

Have you bought your computer yet ? nt steve2470 May 2014 #22

no, my son shamed me. He said in an exasperated voice, Mom, I told you I'd build you one cali May 2014 #23

My son is good at building them too steve2470 May 2014 #25

Cali - if all else fails and depending on your internet connection look at Google Chromebooks intaglio May 2014 #27

Desktops are easier to add to krispos42 May 2014 #28