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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 9, 2023 9:05:39 GMT -5
This is something I am posting on other forums as well because I need all the help I can get lol I have been in need of a new computer for awhile now. It’s only 3 years old but it’s been irksome that entire time. Took it into Best Buy Geek Squad several times who cleaned it, repaired, they can’t figure it out. So will bite the bullet & look into one. However, I do NOT want Windows 11. I know of some people who have their computers with an older version but I haven’t a clue of how to even begin. How easy would that be? How do you do that? Is it legal? Will tag a few: demonskeith Galra Keith Steve Uncrowned
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Post by Steve on Oct 10, 2023 10:30:05 GMT -5
ZandraJoiFirst item - why don't you want Windows 11? Second item - I wouldn't trust the Geek Squad to fix my toaster, let alone my computer. Third item - are you looking to buy from a reputable store, a person, or build your own. Fourth item - what brand is the computer you're using now? A computer should last you a good 5 to 10 years. If you buy from a store, you will 99% of the time find it has W11 installed. You should ask though if they have any in stock that have Windows 10 because sometimes they do. Just keep in mind those are computers that didn't sell originally. The only way it's legal to go to a different Micro$oft operating system is to get it from them.
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Post by Uncrowned on Oct 11, 2023 11:21:59 GMT -5
You can still find Windows 7 and such downloads all over the internet and even online in stores. But I would highly recommend not going with an outdated OS as they no longer get security patches and that basically means people will have access to your data and files sooner or later. However, it is completely legal to use an outdated OS.
I'd also not recommend Geek Squad as they vary wildly store from to store and most stores are fairly bad.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 11, 2023 12:04:49 GMT -5
ZandraJoi First item - why don't you want Windows 11? Second item - I wouldn't trust the Geek Squad to fix my toaster, let alone my computer. Third item - are you looking to buy from a reputable store, a person, or build your own. Fourth item - what brand is the computer you're using now? A computer should last you a good 5 to 10 years. If you buy from a store, you will 99% of the time find it has W11 installed. You should ask though if they have any in stock that have Windows 10 because sometimes they do. Just keep in mind those are computers that didn't sell originally. The only way it's legal to go to a different Micro$oft operating system is to get it from them. Thank you for your questions & answers 1. Haven't heard good things about 11. They seem to be getting worse with each upgrade. Plus, I hate having to learn something new especially tech wise.
2. Hmm. What don't you like about Geek Squad? We do have other computer shops but Best Buy is more popular.
3. We buy from Dell.com.
4. This is a Dell & it's been slow & laggy since the get-go. Only thing I can think of is when we move files over via Carbonite, too much is moved with it &/or some corrupted files. Plus Word has always given me issues. Even when I switched to 365. Though on my husband's Laptop, my files are fine there so I know it's not the files per se.
You can still find Windows 7 and such downloads all over the internet and even online in stores. But I would highly recommend not going with an outdated OS as they no longer get security patches and that basically means people will have access to your data and files sooner or later. However, it is completely legal to use an outdated OS. I'd also not recommend Geek Squad as they vary wildly store from to store and most stores are fairly bad. Thank you to you as well You make a point. I just hate having to learn a new tech feature, even an upgraded OS. Gives me a headache lol So that's 2 against Geek Squad. Is there another popular place that would be recommended?
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Post by Uncrowned on Oct 11, 2023 20:05:59 GMT -5
ZandraJoi First item - why don't you want Windows 11? Second item - I wouldn't trust the Geek Squad to fix my toaster, let alone my computer. Third item - are you looking to buy from a reputable store, a person, or build your own. Fourth item - what brand is the computer you're using now? A computer should last you a good 5 to 10 years. If you buy from a store, you will 99% of the time find it has W11 installed. You should ask though if they have any in stock that have Windows 10 because sometimes they do. Just keep in mind those are computers that didn't sell originally. The only way it's legal to go to a different Micro$oft operating system is to get it from them. Thank you for your questions & answers 1. Haven't heard good things about 11. They seem to be getting worse with each upgrade. Plus, I hate having to learn something new especially tech wise.
2. Hmm. What don't you like about Geek Squad? We do have other computer shops but Best Buy is more popular.
3. We buy from Dell.com.
4. This is a Dell & it's been slow & laggy since the get-go. Only thing I can think of is when we move files over via Carbonite, too much is moved with it &/or some corrupted files. Plus Word has always given me issues. Even when I switched to 365. Though on my husband's Laptop, my files are fine there so I know it's not the files per se.
You can still find Windows 7 and such downloads all over the internet and even online in stores. But I would highly recommend not going with an outdated OS as they no longer get security patches and that basically means people will have access to your data and files sooner or later. However, it is completely legal to use an outdated OS. I'd also not recommend Geek Squad as they vary wildly store from to store and most stores are fairly bad. Thank you to you as well You make a point. I just hate having to learn a new tech feature, even an upgraded OS. Gives me a headache lol So that's 2 against Geek Squad. Is there another popular place that would be recommended?
Normally local PC shops are best, but these are really like any repair shop and many of them prefer to upsell upgrades instead of just repairing the problem. Resetting Windows if often your best option for speeding up your system, then going from there.
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 14, 2023 3:15:50 GMT -5
If you look on Amazon or newegg, there should be some still sold with W10, but you're going to have to upgrade within 2 years, so might as well get it and deal with it. W11 has some annoying things, but its pretty simliar to W10.
Unless you're up for installing a linux flavor on your pc.
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Post by Steve on Oct 14, 2023 9:11:31 GMT -5
ZandraJoi First item - why don't you want Windows 11? Second item - I wouldn't trust the Geek Squad to fix my toaster, let alone my computer. Third item - are you looking to buy from a reputable store, a person, or build your own. Fourth item - what brand is the computer you're using now? A computer should last you a good 5 to 10 years. If you buy from a store, you will 99% of the time find it has W11 installed. You should ask though if they have any in stock that have Windows 10 because sometimes they do. Just keep in mind those are computers that didn't sell originally. The only way it's legal to go to a different Micro$oft operating system is to get it from them. Thank you for your questions & answers 1. Haven't heard good things about 11. They seem to be getting worse with each upgrade. Plus, I hate having to learn something new especially tech wise.
2. Hmm. What don't you like about Geek Squad? We do have other computer shops but Best Buy is more popular.
3. We buy from Dell.com.
4. This is a Dell & it's been slow & laggy since the get-go. Only thing I can think of is when we move files over via Carbonite, too much is moved with it &/or some corrupted files. Plus Word has always given me issues. Even when I switched to 365. Though on my husband's Laptop, my files are fine there so I know it's not the files per se.
Keep in mind some of this is just my opinion from experience: 1. My wife also has Windows 11 and there are things about it I don't like either. Unfortunately, you'd be hard pressed to buy a new computer that doesn't have it on it. 2. Because the Geek Squad is a bunch of hacks who don't really know what they're doing. It's like they ask a new employee 'Do you know anything about computers?' and the employee answers 'Some' so Best Buy says 'Congratulations! You're on the Geek Squad!' ... again, just my opinion from my experiences with them. 3 and 4. That explains a lot. I despise Dell and their practice of having to buy replacement parts only from them. Having said all that, have you run a good antivirus scan?
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 15, 2023 19:12:56 GMT -5
Normally local PC shops are best, but these are really like any repair shop and many of them prefer to upsell upgrades instead of just repairing the problem. Resetting Windows if often your best option for speeding up your system, then going from there. Great info! I'll keep it for reference, thank you If you look on Amazon or newegg, there should be some still sold with W10, but you're going to have to upgrade within 2 years, so might as well get it and deal with it. W11 has some annoying things, but its pretty simliar to W10. Unless you're up for installing a linux flavor on your pc. You make a good point. May have to go to W11 anyways so just bite the bullet.
I have Microsoft. Could Linux be installed on one?
Keep in mind some of this is just my opinion from experience: 1. My wife also has Windows 11 and there are things about it I don't like either. Unfortunately, you'd be hard pressed to buy a new computer that doesn't have it on it. 2. Because the Geek Squad is a bunch of hacks who don't really know what they're doing. It's like they ask a new employee 'Do you know anything about computers?' and the employee answers 'Some' so Best Buy says 'Congratulations! You're on the Geek Squad!' ... again, just my opinion from my experiences with them. 3 and 4. That explains a lot. I despise Dell and their practice of having to buy replacement parts only from them. Having said all that, have you run a good antivirus scan? Personal experience as well as recommendations I always hold dear.
We've had good luck with Dell for many years but who's to say they didn't go downhill!
Yep, we had AVG & McAfee. They scanned it at Best Buy (yeah, I know lol).
My fear is that I buy a new computer with W11 & still have issues. Being only 3 years old, they are not cheap. Where do you buy from?
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Post by Steve on Oct 16, 2023 9:22:35 GMT -5
I usually buy from Best Buy lol ... or Staples. I look for an HP or ASUS. HP is a solid and reliable computer (as is ASUS) but their support sucks. I haven't had an occasion to try ASUS support yet. Best Buy has good products, I just don't like their Geek Squad. What I don't like about Dell is that almost all replacement parts are propitiatory and cost more than they should.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 20, 2023 11:20:58 GMT -5
I usually buy from Best Buy lol ... or Staples. I look for an HP or ASUS. HP is a solid and reliable computer (as is ASUS) but their support sucks. I haven't had an occasion to try ASUS support yet. Best Buy has good products, I just don't like their Geek Squad. What I don't like about Dell is that almost all replacement parts are propitiatory and cost more than they should. Well that is funny! lol But I can see that. A store can sell good products but not have good customer service.
We haven't had to buy replacement parts on ours. But that's good to know!
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 21, 2023 3:11:27 GMT -5
Normally local PC shops are best, but these are really like any repair shop and many of them prefer to upsell upgrades instead of just repairing the problem. Resetting Windows if often your best option for speeding up your system, then going from there. Great info! I'll keep it for reference, thank you If you look on Amazon or newegg, there should be some still sold with W10, but you're going to have to upgrade within 2 years, so might as well get it and deal with it. W11 has some annoying things, but its pretty simliar to W10. Unless you're up for installing a linux flavor on your pc. You make a good point. May have to go to W11 anyways so just bite the bullet.
I have Microsoft. Could Linux be installed on one?
Keep in mind some of this is just my opinion from experience: 1. My wife also has Windows 11 and there are things about it I don't like either. Unfortunately, you'd be hard pressed to buy a new computer that doesn't have it on it. 2. Because the Geek Squad is a bunch of hacks who don't really know what they're doing. It's like they ask a new employee 'Do you know anything about computers?' and the employee answers 'Some' so Best Buy says 'Congratulations! You're on the Geek Squad!' ... again, just my opinion from my experiences with them. 3 and 4. That explains a lot. I despise Dell and their practice of having to buy replacement parts only from them. Having said all that, have you run a good antivirus scan? Personal experience as well as recommendations I always hold dear.
We've had good luck with Dell for many years but who's to say they didn't go downhill!
Yep, we had AVG & McAfee. They scanned it at Best Buy (yeah, I know lol).
My fear is that I buy a new computer with W11 & still have issues. Being only 3 years old, they are not cheap. Where do you buy from?
Linux can be installed on anything, you just got to know how to do it and run it once on.
Also you didn't have both AVG & McAfee on your machine did you? Both are the same and conflict, which will cause problems. Not to mention McAfee is total junk. These days you can actually get by windows defender that comes with windows OS, otherwise I do recommend Bitdefender and then pair either with anti-malware like Malwarebytes.
Also, what do you plan on using the PC for (gaming, general use, graphic design ect)? And are you looking at buying a laptop or desktop?
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 23, 2023 19:57:42 GMT -5
Linux can be installed on anything, you just got to know how to do it and run it once on.
Also you didn't have both AVG & McAfee on your machine did you? Both are the same and conflict, which will cause problems. Not to mention McAfee is total junk. These days you can actually get by windows defender that comes with windows OS, otherwise I do recommend Bitdefender and then pair either with anti-malware like Malwarebytes.
Also, what do you plan on using the PC for (gaming, general use, graphic design ect)? And are you looking at buying a laptop or desktop?
Good to know! & nope, I didn't have both at once. We had AVG then switched to McAfee when we deleted AVG. I'll look into Bitdefender & Malwarebytes. I've seen them listed as good alternatives on some sites.
General use & desktop. Don't do gaming or any kind of design. Only thing I do that's offline is Word.
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 24, 2023 1:09:43 GMT -5
Linux can be installed on anything, you just got to know how to do it and run it once on.
Also you didn't have both AVG & McAfee on your machine did you? Both are the same and conflict, which will cause problems. Not to mention McAfee is total junk. These days you can actually get by windows defender that comes with windows OS, otherwise I do recommend Bitdefender and then pair either with anti-malware like Malwarebytes.
Also, what do you plan on using the PC for (gaming, general use, graphic design ect)? And are you looking at buying a laptop or desktop?
Good to know! & nope, I didn't have both at once. We had AVG then switched to McAfee when we deleted AVG. I'll look into Bitdefender & Malwarebytes. I've seen them listed as good alternatives on some sites.
General use & desktop. Don't do gaming or any kind of design. Only thing I do that's offline is Word.
That's pretty basic, just look for something that is Intel i5 or Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM and has a SSD storage and you should get something to be happy with.
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Senkusha
Astronaut
Posts: 265
Likes: 284
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Post by Senkusha on Oct 24, 2023 18:34:13 GMT -5
I prefer the brand ASUS, failing that Dell can be good, but you have to do your research. It also helps to know WHAT do you want to DO with your new shiny? I specifically bought an Alienware R13, because:
1. I needed something powerful for when I'm building my video game. I wanted to max out the RAM and have a top of the line processor. I wanted the best video card I could get (the Nvida 4090 had JUST come out when I finally bought my current computer, so no hard feelings on the 3080-TI I got. 2. I wanted something pre-built. I was working my butt off at the time of my purchase and I didn't have a whole lot of time to put something together. (I also am lacking the equipment to safely put together a computer (anti-static mats, tools, etc), and this is the first liquid-cooled computer I have, and didn't feel comfortable doing it myself. 3. I had to use financial assistance to buy this computer, and since Dell so graciously offered me WAY more than I originally thought I'd qualified for, I took the plunge (and maxed everything out). Now I don't have to upgrade this computer for AT LEAST the next five to seven years.
Did I over pay? Most likely yes, but in this case, I feel the extra cost and security knowing all the parts work with one another and the low stress of just pressing BUY ME is well worth it.
I'm usually a Linux girl. My favorite is Ubuntu, and while, yes, I could run Unreal Engine 5 on Ubuntu, I'm not currently running my own web hosting, and Windows 11 Pro does what I need to do. Even though I hate how I can't move the Application Bar to the left side of my screen like I had in Windows 10, I'll [grumbles] get used to it. I'm finding that has I am getting oldER, I'm much less patient and tolerant of things just not working correctly. Perhaps someday, when my game is more production ready, and I'm ready to start running my online persistent world database, I'll use my old computer as a Linux machine and start hosting again.
Anyway, the machine I've got is SUPER powerful, and will be a total overkill for anything besides game development, 3D modeling, and computer programming.
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 25, 2023 1:33:29 GMT -5
I prefer the brand ASUS, failing that Dell can be good, but you have to do your research. It also helps to know WHAT do you want to DO with your new shiny? I specifically bought an Alienware R13, because: 1. I needed something powerful for when I'm building my video game. I wanted to max out the RAM and have a top of the line processor. I wanted the best video card I could get (the Nvida 4090 had JUST come out when I finally bought my current computer, so no hard feelings on the 3080-TI I got. 2. I wanted something pre-built. I was working my butt off at the time of my purchase and I didn't have a whole lot of time to put something together. (I also am lacking the equipment to safely put together a computer (anti-static mats, tools, etc), and this is the first liquid-cooled computer I have, and didn't feel comfortable doing it myself. 3. I had to use financial assistance to buy this computer, and since Dell so graciously offered me WAY more than I originally thought I'd qualified for, I took the plunge (and maxed everything out). Now I don't have to upgrade this computer for AT LEAST the next five to seven years. Did I over pay? Most likely yes, but in this case, I feel the extra cost and security knowing all the parts work with one another and the low stress of just pressing BUY ME is well worth it. I'm usually a Linux girl. My favorite is Ubuntu, and while, yes, I could run Unreal Engine 5 on Ubuntu, I'm not currently running my own web hosting, and Windows 11 Pro does what I need to do. Even though I hate how I can't move the Application Bar to the left side of my screen like I had in Windows 10, I'll [grumbles] get used to it. I'm finding that has I am getting oldER, I'm much less patient and tolerant of things just not working correctly. Perhaps someday, when my game is more production ready, and I'm ready to start running my online persistent world database, I'll use my old computer as a Linux machine and start hosting again. Anyway, the machine I've got is SUPER powerful, and will be a total overkill for anything besides game development, 3D modeling, and computer programming. Dang, sounds like my kind of machine. But I agree with your points, making sure to know everything will work well saves a lot of time and stress.
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Senkusha
Astronaut
Posts: 265
Likes: 284
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Post by Senkusha on Oct 26, 2023 10:46:52 GMT -5
You have no idea! I once built a computer without fully researching everything. I lost quite a bit of money and time, and lots of cursing could be heard from my office. Although these days, computer components are pretty much made idiot proof. I just don't have the time to learn about all the new tech like i used to. Darn economy!
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Post by Steve on Oct 26, 2023 14:01:40 GMT -5
... lots of cursing could be heard from my office ... Coming from your significant other, right?
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 27, 2023 1:18:18 GMT -5
You have no idea! I once built a computer without fully researching everything. I lost quite a bit of money and time, and lots of cursing could be heard from my office. Although these days, computer components are pretty much made idiot proof. I just don't have the time to learn about all the new tech like i used to. Darn economy! Oof, yeah you got to put a lot of time and homework into getting all the right parts, or at least pay someone to gather all the right stuff so you can build it at least.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 28, 2023 20:42:36 GMT -5
That's pretty basic, just look for something that is Intel i5 or Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM and has a SSD storage and you should get something to be happy with. Thank you! I have it written down.
Most people are not for Dell. That is where we've gotten our desktops from. Is there a reputable place & brand you like?
I prefer the brand ASUS, failing that Dell can be good, but you have to do your research. It also helps to know WHAT do you want to DO with your new shiny? I specifically bought an Alienware R13, because: 1. I needed something powerful for when I'm building my video game. I wanted to max out the RAM and have a top of the line processor. I wanted the best video card I could get (the Nvida 4090 had JUST come out when I finally bought my current computer, so no hard feelings on the 3080-TI I got. 2. I wanted something pre-built. I was working my butt off at the time of my purchase and I didn't have a whole lot of time to put something together. (I also am lacking the equipment to safely put together a computer (anti-static mats, tools, etc), and this is the first liquid-cooled computer I have, and didn't feel comfortable doing it myself. 3. I had to use financial assistance to buy this computer, and since Dell so graciously offered me WAY more than I originally thought I'd qualified for, I took the plunge (and maxed everything out). Now I don't have to upgrade this computer for AT LEAST the next five to seven years. Did I over pay? Most likely yes, but in this case, I feel the extra cost and security knowing all the parts work with one another and the low stress of just pressing BUY ME is well worth it. I'm usually a Linux girl. My favorite is Ubuntu, and while, yes, I could run Unreal Engine 5 on Ubuntu, I'm not currently running my own web hosting, and Windows 11 Pro does what I need to do. Even though I hate how I can't move the Application Bar to the left side of my screen like I had in Windows 10, I'll [grumbles] get used to it. I'm finding that has I am getting oldER, I'm much less patient and tolerant of things just not working correctly. Perhaps someday, when my game is more production ready, and I'm ready to start running my online persistent world database, I'll use my old computer as a Linux machine and start hosting again. Anyway, the machine I've got is SUPER powerful, and will be a total overkill for anything besides game development, 3D modeling, and computer programming. I wrote down what you recommended. Thank you!
I too say I'm oldER lol & I totally understand not having as much patience. I'm not into tech at all so that's why I really struggle.
You ever had a job at a computer place or gaming place? Looks like you have the know-how to even create your own business!
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Post by demonskeith on Oct 31, 2023 1:17:37 GMT -5
That's pretty basic, just look for something that is Intel i5 or Ryzen 5, 16 GB of RAM and has a SSD storage and you should get something to be happy with. Thank you! I have it written down.
Most people are not for Dell. That is where we've gotten our desktops from. Is there a reputable place & brand you like?
I prefer the brand ASUS, failing that Dell can be good, but you have to do your research. It also helps to know WHAT do you want to DO with your new shiny? I specifically bought an Alienware R13, because: 1. I needed something powerful for when I'm building my video game. I wanted to max out the RAM and have a top of the line processor. I wanted the best video card I could get (the Nvida 4090 had JUST come out when I finally bought my current computer, so no hard feelings on the 3080-TI I got. 2. I wanted something pre-built. I was working my butt off at the time of my purchase and I didn't have a whole lot of time to put something together. (I also am lacking the equipment to safely put together a computer (anti-static mats, tools, etc), and this is the first liquid-cooled computer I have, and didn't feel comfortable doing it myself. 3. I had to use financial assistance to buy this computer, and since Dell so graciously offered me WAY more than I originally thought I'd qualified for, I took the plunge (and maxed everything out). Now I don't have to upgrade this computer for AT LEAST the next five to seven years. Did I over pay? Most likely yes, but in this case, I feel the extra cost and security knowing all the parts work with one another and the low stress of just pressing BUY ME is well worth it. I'm usually a Linux girl. My favorite is Ubuntu, and while, yes, I could run Unreal Engine 5 on Ubuntu, I'm not currently running my own web hosting, and Windows 11 Pro does what I need to do. Even though I hate how I can't move the Application Bar to the left side of my screen like I had in Windows 10, I'll [grumbles] get used to it. I'm finding that has I am getting oldER, I'm much less patient and tolerant of things just not working correctly. Perhaps someday, when my game is more production ready, and I'm ready to start running my online persistent world database, I'll use my old computer as a Linux machine and start hosting again. Anyway, the machine I've got is SUPER powerful, and will be a total overkill for anything besides game development, 3D modeling, and computer programming. I wrote down what you recommended. Thank you!
I too say I'm oldER lol & I totally understand not having as much patience. I'm not into tech at all so that's why I really struggle.
You ever had a job at a computer place or gaming place? Looks like you have the know-how to even create your own business!
I usually go with ASUS brand stuff myself, but I'll warn you that all PCs are a lottery these days, it might be dead out of the box, or it might last ten years. I would just say go with what you've had success with in the past and make sure there is some kind of good customer support from the place you buy it from.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Nov 2, 2023 11:43:15 GMT -5
demonskeith, That's the thing. We've had success with Dell except this newest one, only 3 years old. It may have just been a dud. When we have time, we'll look around a computer store & see what's out there.
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