New Pc Setup

[kloofnek]

We are thinking to buy a new desktop PC,eg:from Curry`s.Will they install for us?If not,is it as easy as setting up a laptop?

[kloofnek]

Also,can anyone give recommendation at an average price.

[kloofnek]

...iti s only the Base unit we need

[HansUrbancka]

When you say "It's only the Base unit we need ". Do you mean that you will Not require a Monitor and Keyboard. ?

As regards average price, it will depend upon what use you have in mind for the equipment. Will you be playing Internet Games, etc. etc. or are you just looking for something that will enable you to browse and partake of sites on the Internet, such as Answerbank; send e/mails; prepare and print documents, such as letters to be posted etc.....Have a think and respond further in this thread.

I think you may find that PC World/Curry's will charge a bomb to install because they could pass you on to another firm and pick-up commission.
Far better for you to have a shot at installing. The instructions which come with a computer are generally quite easy to follow. If not, there is always Answerbank which you are able to contact from your present equipment.

Hans.

[berniecuddles]

been a while since i set my desktop up but i remember all the leads were coloured going into the same coloured sockets at the back

[kloofnek]

Thank you Hans.It is just the base unit,have monitor etc.Games such as snooker are played on it but none of these flashing war games etc.Other than than that ,just browsing,emailing ,installing fotos etc.

[SlackAlice]

If your a reasonably competent DIYer and can follow instructions, then its easy to set up your own pc. All you do need to do before hand is to make sure what your going to attach will have current drivers for your new pc's O/S and download them on to a usb stick, so that your already to go.

[kloofnek]

oh lord.."current drivers"..have no idea on this...eek!!!

[HansUrbancka]

A question I forgot to ask..."What is the extent of your budget". I would think that between £300/500 should meet your requirements. Please name a figure.

Hans.

[kloofnek]

up to £500

[mikey4444]

No need whatsoever to pay somebody your hard-earned money to set the PC up for you. First, use a 12 year old nephew if you have one. Failing that do it yourself ! As someone has already said, all the plugs and sockets will be colour-coded and the OS will be pre-installed. You might have to match your printer to your new desk-top but that is normally easy-peasy.

If you just need the tower unit, then you should have no problem in finding something really good value. Pop along to your nearest PC World and have a ganders.

As regards drivers, its likely that you will only need them for your printer, and the printer should self-install, as long as it was purchased relatively recently, ie in the last 10 years. Monitor and keyboard are just plug and go...same with mouse.

Please don't pay anyone ( apart from nephew ) !

[SlackAlice]

kloofnek
9 times out of 10, Windows will have the drivers or will find them via Windows update and install them.

Only if anything you've got is positively ancient, then I doubt if you will have any problems.

[kloofnek]

Thank you Mikey..feel so much better...you have given me the confidence I lacked.Unforfunately...no nephew...so it just leaves little old me...wish me luck!!!

[SlackAlice]

Would you consider buying the base unit online?

[kloofnek]

Slack Alice..present desktop,only just over 3years old...would have thought it was wireless...but it is not.

[kloofnek]

Yes,do most of my shopping online,SlackAlice...so suggestions please.

[SlackAlice]

If its only 3yrs old then I would suspect that its already fitted with a Network Card. You might only need to change it for Wireless Network card.

Make/model no. of the pc ?

[kloofnek]

Slack Alice,can you come back to this tomorrow,can`t look now..my son on it...will do it first thing,then look later on for your answer...

[mikey4444]

kloofnek...why are you changing your desk top ? If its only 3 years old, is it worth it ? If the reason for your change is because the base unit is not wifi-eneabled ( are you sure it isn't...almost all 3 years PCs are ), and you need Wifi, that a simple adapter like this is all you need :::

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Plug this into a spare USB socket and away you go. It will pick-up a wifi signal from a wireless hub quite far away.

[kloofnek]

this is the same kind of thing I already have http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-network-500mbps-mini-homeplug-powerline-ethernet-network-adapter-twin-pack
...or will it be better

[kloofnek]

Mikey,will I need two of those you recommend??