I got a new computer! Finally!

[ghostman1960]

I was wandering around Walmart today and I saw this PC and decided to get it. Its a Compaq notebook. It has windows vista on it and it has 3072MB ddr2 system memory, a 160GB hard drive, it plays and copies Cd's and DVDs. a 15.6" diagonal hi def wide screen display and 3 usb ports. Now don't ask me what any of this means as I am just reading it off the box. The best part was the price. I paid $315 out the door. I'm still trying to figure it out but it sure beats my old gateway running windows Me. If I made a bad choice go easy on me as I know practically next to nothing about computers and this one was cheap.

[MikeBjerum]

I know just enough about computers to turn them on and get on here ...

Welcome to the playroom!

[ghostman1960]

I know just enough about computers to turn them on and get on here ...

Welcome to the playroom!

Well our PC knowledge is just about the same then! Thank you for the welcome.

[Timothy]

Keep the receipts and the carton it came with!

 

[ghostman1960]

Keep the receipts and the carton it came with!

 

Why do you expect something to go wrong with it?

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Why do you expect something to go wrong with it?

Just a case of CYA. After all, sh!t DOES happen.
Personally I've got point and click pretty well figured out 

[Timothy]

Why do you expect something to go wrong with it?

Not necessarily but Walmart has had some problems with their electronics over the years.  They make everything in China and HP or Compac just slap their name on it.  It's not much different with Dell, Gateway or Acer these days.  Don't worry about it but it's always good to know the retailers return policy.

I personally don't buy "canned" computers from retail outlets because you end up with a lot of pre-installed software that is sometimes difficult to get rid of like AOL.  I work with computers every day and you get what you pay for.  If all you plan to do is internet stuff and the occasional letter or spreadsheet, you'll be fine. 

The problems you had with your Gateway weren't the computer as much as the operating system.  Windows ME was a piece of shit for an operating system...Vista should be better but until they force me to upgrade, I'll stick with XP...

Besides, it was only 300 bucks!  You pay that much for a damn cell phone these days!  Good luck!

[Pathfinder]

All true so far, but Compaq is HP's low-price brand name, and $300 ain't bad. If it lasts for 2 years, BFD, get another, at that price they are almost throw-aways.

Compaq/HP stands by their products. To get rid of stuff that comes pre-packaged, just right-click (in XP, I think it still applies to Vista) and select properties. That will tell you where the programs are hidden on the hard drive, and you can just delete them and the icon. Better yet, get a neighbor kid to do it for you if you feel challenged on this.

The main things they will scrimp on is video (low-end, no high-tech games or video for you, like blu-ray), a smaller disk (160G is small these days). 3GB of RAM is also marginal for Vista, but should do the trick. All-in-all, not industrial strength, but adequate for day-to-day consumer use like email and DRTV!!!!

Congrats, and enjoy it.

[ghostman1960]

Thank you for the input. I have learned a lot so far.

[twyacht]

Welcome ghostman, In addition to my desktop, I have a Compaq Presario, laptop, and its fine for what I do with it. You shouldn't have any issues barring any global virus that will hit them all anyway...

I use Mozilla Firefox instead of IE. Pictures upload to photobucket.com, and can be pasted here for the required "porn" that we are addicted to here, (uh,..that's gun porn,,...),

Anyway, let it rip, glad your here.

TW