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Looking for a cheap desktop, but it's got Linux?

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Old 01 March 2011, 02:49 PM
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alcazar
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Default Looking for a cheap desktop, but it's got Linux?

Should I see this as a problem? Would I be better paying a little more and getting Windows7?

Here's what I'm looking at: http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pr/223-...-Linux-Reviews

But I've also found others with DVD writers etc at around that price at PCWorld.
Old 01 March 2011, 03:20 PM
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Tidgy
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what do you want it for?
Old 01 March 2011, 03:36 PM
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Hi there its not problem,you can install our own XP,W7 etc.


Jura
Old 01 March 2011, 03:36 PM
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the last time i used linux was on a notebook and to be honest hated it and sold it one with in a week felt very childish and basic and crap best bet going and trying it at pc world to see if you like it
Old 01 March 2011, 03:42 PM
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Linux is just an operating system (allbeit one without viruses and spyware and runs quicker than windows and starts up quicker and can do everything windows does (rant mode off))
You can just get rid of it and replace with windows or run windows alongside it.
What your saying is like saying i won't buy a computer because it has itunes on it. Its just software that can be changed.
Old 01 March 2011, 03:44 PM
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As above it does depend to a degree what you're intending to use it for but if like most people the majority of use is browsing the web and emails it'll do the job no problem and as it has and ION 2 chip you'll be able to watch HD movies fine too if you wanted.

Peoples experience of Linux tends to be influenced by which distribution of it they use, on the one you're looking at it has Linpus which to be honest I've not used but as all distributions are free anyway if you don't like it you can always change to Ubuntu or Kubuntu or Mint or Suse etc, you can even put a load of them on a USB stick and try them out that way without even installing them.

Or if you have a copy of Windows 7 you could just install that, either way it'll work fine
Old 01 March 2011, 05:10 PM
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Hi, thanks for responses so far.

What would I want it to do?

Connect to the internet,
Store some photos, (NOT thousands).
Store some music, (as above),
Put photos onto CD etc
Word processing.

That's it really. I'm LOOKING for something to replace what I HAD, (until all it's capacitors swelled ), it had 256Mb RAM, an 80GB hard drive and was fine until this last. So I don't want one with humongous memory that just won't get used, but all the ones with lesser memory seem to use very slow, old-fashioned processors, and since it's off the France where the internet is basic at best, it doesn't want to be introducing any more speed restrictions

Any advice on what to buy gratefully received.
Old 01 March 2011, 05:15 PM
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Have you got a Staples nearby ?? They often have "managers specials" and end of line stuff they want to get rid of. Usually quite cheap

None of it is on any website so you have to actually go and see LOL

Shaun
Old 01 March 2011, 05:27 PM
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http://www.cclonline.com/product-inf...urer_id=0&tid=
Old 01 March 2011, 06:55 PM
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What about this one which I happen to know will be deleted soon, so it's price might drop?

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Ba...se-Unit/681520

It seems to say that no soundcard is included, does that mean it won't play any music if I add speakers?
Old 01 March 2011, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by alcazar
What about this one which I happen to know will be deleted soon, so it's price might drop?

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Ba...se-Unit/681520

It seems to say that no soundcard is included, does that mean it won't play any music if I add speakers?
This PC have sound card,mate.Or you can have look at this website http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/
My friend brought PC from them and very happy with PC.


Jura
Old 01 March 2011, 08:01 PM
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+1 for novatech. I had them build my epic gaming rig and it is the nuts and good prices too.
They are in Portishead near Bristol and you can collect from them if local to save postage.
I use them all the time, great service.
Old 01 March 2011, 08:54 PM
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That machine has an Intel Atom processor which is their low power/efficient range mostly aimed at portable netbooks. It will be fine for your list of requirements, but might struggle with full blown Windows 7 I would have thought - others with netbooks may be able to provide more informed comment. Linux might be ideally suited to it as it's less prone to becoming clogged up, plus doesn't need active virus protection as mentioned above. Linux is a whole new operating system though and while it will do everything you need, there is a learning curve associated with it. It's just a matter of finding out where things are really and that won't be much harder with Linux than swapping from Win XP (I'm guessing?) to Win 7.
Old 03 March 2011, 12:48 PM
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My one at home runs Vista, which I quite like
Old 03 March 2011, 01:17 PM
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You must be the only person to like vista

For your requirements , Linux will be spot on.
Old 03 March 2011, 01:36 PM
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Go for the Acer R3700, in your first link, but just get a windows version. I'm getting one later this month, as I have no need for bulky equimpent anymore.
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