new set-up ideas suggestions

[candimarie]

I am in need of good computer. 6 year old gateway is aweful with constant issues. Basic operations include picture editing, e-mail, some game, and possibly internet schooling. Where do I start looking for a new computer worth my money. Also, I don't want all the extras that Computer Companies use to sell there products. I don't have much experience, but am intruiged at building a computer so I can have a say in everything. Any ideas or suggestions.... Thanks.

[zipulrich]

If you'd like to build your own, you'll get lots of help & advice - step by step - here. If you'd rather just buy a pre-built, you'll get some advice on that, too. :)

When you mention 'gaming', what sort of games would you like to run? That's by far the most demanding task you mentioned.

[degsy]

Welcome :)

You could goto a local PC store. They usually do basic systems. More that bare-bones, but with everything you need without the accessories and software packages.

[candimarie]

I agree about this site, the best. I feel extremely fortunate to have stumbled upon it.

I would really like to know my computer, in and out. After reading some other advice here, I am seriously considering doing it myself. I am a do it myselfer.

Mostly I want to be able to upgrade, update, later on, invest my money in beter parts and be able to adjust them, with help from here of course. I've read about cheap stuff from major companies, and also about the spyware ordeals, which I just got over myself on this old thing.

New to computer gaming, loved the ps2 and x-box role-playing and flight simulation type stuff.

[Miz]

I've bought some nice systems from www.pcusa.com.

You "build your own" on the website. It requires some pretty good knowledge of motherboard/processor/RAM compatibilities. They sell with or without an operating system installed. All the systems I've bought from them I've specified XP and they have come with XP installed and a standard, retail XP CD. No proprietory software installed at all.

[sho-dan]

Nice site Miz:thumbsup: