PC Advice for this Mac user?

MannyP Design · Nov 9th, 2005, 03:32 PM

Hey kids,

So I'm contemplating the idea of getting a Windows box and was wondering if there were any persons here who could give a brother a hand. I'm not looking for sarcasm or thread crapping -- this is purely for informational purposes to better arm myself if/when it comes to making the purchase.

Reseller or BYO -- the only upside I can see with BYO boxes are the cost savings. I'd prefer to buy prebuilt systems locally (big box or small biz; for tech support issues in the instance of a SNAFU) so if you know of a good VAR in the Ottawa area please let me know. (I'm also open to on-line ordering.)
Basic OS checklist/primer for dummies -- do you know of any sites that are dedicated to helping new users getting their system set up and secure? (or have your own thoughts?)
Software must-haves -- utilities, anti-virus etc. Free would be ideal.
Operating System: WinXP, Win2K, WinXYZ; Pro... Home... does it really matter for a guy like me?
System setup: The main reason for this topic is that I'm interested in seeing how well as Win box will perform for graphic design as well as entertainment purposes (Battlefield 2, how I love thee). The general specs that I'm thinking of going with are:
- Processor: 3.0 Ghz ± (AMD or Intel, unsure at this point);
- Ram: 1Ghz;
- HD: 80 gig (OS + Apps) + 120 Gig (storage);
- DVD±RW DL; and
- 256 Mb Video Card (ATI or nVidia, unsure at this point)
Additional pointers on hardware are welcome.
Networking with a Mac: I have a hub at the ready. How hard would it be to get a PC/Mac to see each other?

Is there anything else that should be noted or addressed that I may have missed? Admittedly, I'm very much a neophyte when it comes to the world of Windows so any and all help is very much appreciated. So far I've been looking at Alienware's products (gotta love their boxes

) as well a couple of local offerings but really don't feel confident in making a decision at this point.

Many thanks,

RevMatt · Nov 9th, 2005, 04:07 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	Hey kids, So I'm contemplating the idea of getting a Windows box and was wondering if there were any persons here who could give a brother a hand. I'm not looking for sarcasm or thread crapping -- this is purely for informational purposes to better arm myself if/when it comes to making the purchase. Reseller or BYO -- the only upside I can see with BYO boxes are the cost savings. I'd prefer to buy prebuilt systems locally (big box or small biz; for tech support issues in the instance of a SNAFU) so if you know of a good VAR in the Ottawa area please let me know. (I'm also open to on-line ordering.)

My wife has had good luck with Dell, with the exception of the fact that the system included out of date RAM, and so can't really be expanded. But the newer Dell systems don't have that problem. Service is excellent.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	Basic OS checklist/primer for dummies -- do you know of any sites that are dedicated to helping new users getting their system set up and secure? (or have your own thoughts?)

Main thing is to remember that your system will come completely unprotected. Turn everything on firewall wise BEFORE connecting.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	Software must-haves -- utilities, anti-virus etc. Free would be ideal.

I'll ask my wife what she thinks, but very little is free, at least free while simultaneously being legal

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	Operating System: WinXP, Win2K, WinXYZ; Pro... Home... does it really matter for a guy like me?

Lots of things now require XP, but XP pro would be unnecessary for you. It chews up a LOT more RAM (and money), and only became necessary for us in combination with the latest .NET programming protocols.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	System setup: The main reason for this topic is that I'm interested in seeing how well as Win box will perform for graphic design as well as entertainment purposes (Battlefield 2, how I love thee). The general specs that I'm thinking of going with are: Processor: 3.0 Ghz ± (AMD or Intel, unsure at this point); Ram: 1Ghz; HD: 80 gig (OS + Apps) + 120 Gig (storage); DVD±RW DL; and 256 Mb Video Card (ATI or nVidia, unsure at this point) Additional pointers on hardware are welcome.

I'm not much good on hardware, sorry, other than our above mentioned RAM fiasco. You will need to explicitly add an ethernet card, though, and probably a sound card. I don't know for sure, but if you are doing heavy graphic rendering, I think you might want more RAM than that, although if you don't get XP pro, you're probably just fine.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by « MannyP Design »
	Networking with a Mac: I have a hub at the ready. How hard would it be to get a PC/Mac to see each other?

Super easy for the Mac to see the PC. Much harder the other way around.

MACSPECTRUM · Nov 9th, 2005, 04:21 PM

1. get xp pro - xp home is garbage
2. get a DELL, best of the worst, BUT make sure you get a business class machine with business class support otherwise you'll get "Kevin from Bombay"
try "Optiplex" line of computer from DELL
also, DELL will NOT support any network issues with their "home" boxes
3. 1 GB RAM might be a tad overkill. my 2 XP pro boxes function just fine on 512 MB RAM, but your call and DELL may have a free RAM upgrade
4. get the DELL onsite service - it's not much more and you'll be pleased if you ever have to drop off the box at their serivce depot
5. go with a Celeron/Semptron CPU (Intel/AMD), it can save you a few bucks and the performance for a non heavy use machine you describe would go nicely towards a 17" LCD.
6. reduce that CPU down to a 2.6 or 2.8 GHz and save a few bucks that could pay for onsite warranty

feel free to email me if you have questions
I recommend DELL to all my PC clients

mclenaghan · Nov 9th, 2005, 04:27 PM

From my experience as school (PC experience I have) MDG machines seem to work well. They are running XP and seem stable enough, the school does have a computer tech which I am sure makes things work better.

As for RAM in the world of windows I would go with the adage "the more the merrier" so load up on that.

In the line of the network we had some challenges getting my wife's window machine to see the secure wireless and had to open things up a little to get it going. We are running an Airport Extreme BS. I suppose if you are using D-link or one of those other network hubs or hardwiring it might be easier.

You may want to check out the computer shelf in your local library they always seem to have a wall of windows books.

Otherwise good luck and enjoy your MAC.

MACSPECTRUM · Nov 9th, 2005, 04:37 PM

i would not recommend MDG after seeing a friend's machine
here is a quick quote i made up on the dell site
the quote includes a mouse/kybd and one year on site warranty
the screenshot didn't catch it all

DP004 · Nov 9th, 2005, 05:03 PM

If you want 'set-up and secure', check the desktops from former IBM-now Lenovo.
They offer so many neat tools to keep your computer safe and up-to-date that they are worth a look on the Lenovo Canada web site.
And I am sure you can get local service for it.
I phoned IBM/Lenovo Canada service twice, their answers worked and I had no waiting time (!). (Bought a Thinkpad R51 in September).

Free anti-virus: Avast
Spyware: Aluria 30$US . I wouldn't go with free spyware in view of huge increase in the last year. Their software has a Mac look.

jicon · Nov 9th, 2005, 05:18 PM

XP Pro offers remote desktop capability, and allows the machine to participate in a domain. Well worth the extra dough if the Mac and the PC are to be networked or shared via a KVM switch.

AVG AntiVirus is free, and generally offers daily updates.

I'd look for something with a faster bus than a faster processor. Look in to something that offers a 7200RPM HD, and 1GB of RAM.

533Mhz bus is a bit on the older side... I'd be looking at something with DDR2 memory and at least 800Mhz bus.

MACSPECTRUM · Nov 9th, 2005, 05:45 PM

instead of AVG, try Avast!
much better in my opinion, daily updates

for spyware the Spybot & Ad-Aware SE combo is very good, updates about twice per week

all free or donation-ware for non-commercial users

oryxbiker · Nov 9th, 2005, 05:52 PM

go buy all the parts you want and build it yourself. you'll get a much better computer than dell or anything else. it'll also be cheaper and run alot better.

Eukaryotic · Nov 9th, 2005, 05:55 PM

I would also recommend Dell if you want to run Windows. I have had two Dell machines: one in grad school (a P3 Optiplex purchased off lease for 100.00), which was very reliable and never crashed once on me, and currently at work, I have a massive Dell Inspiron workstation with dual processors 2.65 Ghz and running 2GB of RAM. I find them to be quite stable. Also, I don't know if this matters to you or not, but Dell actually has some OK looking towers. Unfortunately, I can't say much more about protection software and the like as I leave all that stuff to our IT folks - I find the world of Windows patching, protecting, updating, etc. way too confusing to even start learning about it.

Nov 9th, 2005, 03:32 PM	#1
MannyP Design Honourable Citizen Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: New Brunswick Posts: 6,384	PC Advice for this Mac user? Hey kids, So I'm contemplating the idea of getting a Windows box and was wondering if there were any persons here who could give a brother a hand. I'm not looking for sarcasm or thread crapping -- this is purely for informational purposes to better arm myself if/when it comes to making the purchase. Reseller or BYO -- the only upside I can see with BYO boxes are the cost savings. I'd prefer to buy prebuilt systems locally (big box or small biz; for tech support issues in the instance of a SNAFU) so if you know of a good VAR in the Ottawa area please let me know. (I'm also open to on-line ordering.) Basic OS checklist/primer for dummies -- do you know of any sites that are dedicated to helping new users getting their system set up and secure? (or have your own thoughts?) Software must-haves -- utilities, anti-virus etc. Free would be ideal. Operating System: WinXP, Win2K, WinXYZ; Pro... Home... does it really matter for a guy like me? System setup: The main reason for this topic is that I'm interested in seeing how well as Win box will perform for graphic design as well as entertainment purposes (Battlefield 2, how I love thee). The general specs that I'm thinking of going with are: Processor: 3.0 Ghz ± (AMD or Intel, unsure at this point); Ram: 1Ghz; HD: 80 gig (OS + Apps) + 120 Gig (storage); DVD±RW DL; and 256 Mb Video Card (ATI or nVidia, unsure at this point) Additional pointers on hardware are welcome. Networking with a Mac: I have a hub at the ready. How hard would it be to get a PC/Mac to see each other? Is there anything else that should be noted or addressed that I may have missed? Admittedly, I'm very much a neophyte when it comes to the world of Windows so any and all help is very much appreciated. So far I've been looking at Alienware's products (gotta love their boxes ) as well a couple of local offerings but really don't feel confident in making a decision at this point. Many thanks, __________________ Manny \| Graphic Designer Vote for Manny and Laura in the Sony Bloggie Video Facebook Contest!

Nov 9th, 2005, 04:27 PM	#4
mclenaghan Full Citizen Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Shelburne, Ontario Posts: 223	From my experience as school (PC experience I have) MDG machines seem to work well. They are running XP and seem stable enough, the school does have a computer tech which I am sure makes things work better. As for RAM in the world of windows I would go with the adage "the more the merrier" so load up on that. In the line of the network we had some challenges getting my wife's window machine to see the secure wireless and had to open things up a little to get it going. We are running an Airport Extreme BS. I suppose if you are using D-link or one of those other network hubs or hardwiring it might be easier. You may want to check out the computer shelf in your local library they always seem to have a wall of windows books. Otherwise good luck and enjoy your MAC. __________________ PB G3 Bronze 333, Performa 580CD, Classic B&W(somewhere in the basement)

Nov 9th, 2005, 05:52 PM	#9
oryxbiker Full Citizen Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Calgary Posts: 592	go buy all the parts you want and build it yourself. you'll get a much better computer than dell or anything else. it'll also be cheaper and run alot better. __________________ SaVe A tReE, eAt A bEaVeR

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Nov 9th, 2005, 04:21 PM	#3
MACSPECTRUM On Vacation Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 14,050	1. get xp pro - xp home is garbage 2. get a DELL, best of the worst, BUT make sure you get a business class machine with business class support otherwise you'll get "Kevin from Bombay" try "Optiplex" line of computer from DELL also, DELL will NOT support any network issues with their "home" boxes 3. 1 GB RAM might be a tad overkill. my 2 XP pro boxes function just fine on 512 MB RAM, but your call and DELL may have a free RAM upgrade 4. get the DELL onsite service - it's not much more and you'll be pleased if you ever have to drop off the box at their serivce depot 5. go with a Celeron/Semptron CPU (Intel/AMD), it can save you a few bucks and the performance for a non heavy use machine you describe would go nicely towards a 17" LCD. 6. reduce that CPU down to a 2.6 or 2.8 GHz and save a few bucks that could pay for onsite warranty feel free to email me if you have questions I recommend DELL to all my PC clients

Nov 9th, 2005, 04:37 PM	#5
MACSPECTRUM On Vacation Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 14,050	i would not recommend MDG after seeing a friend's machine here is a quick quote i made up on the dell site the quote includes a mouse/kybd and one year on site warranty the screenshot didn't catch it all

Nov 9th, 2005, 05:03 PM	#6
DP004 Full Citizen Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sherbrooke Posts: 340	If you want 'set-up and secure', check the desktops from former IBM-now Lenovo. They offer so many neat tools to keep your computer safe and up-to-date that they are worth a look on the Lenovo Canada web site. And I am sure you can get local service for it. I phoned IBM/Lenovo Canada service twice, their answers worked and I had no waiting time (!). (Bought a Thinkpad R51 in September). Free anti-virus: Avast Spyware: Aluria 30$US . I wouldn't go with free spyware in view of huge increase in the last year. Their software has a Mac look.

Nov 9th, 2005, 05:18 PM	#7
jicon Honourable Citizen Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,147	XP Pro offers remote desktop capability, and allows the machine to participate in a domain. Well worth the extra dough if the Mac and the PC are to be networked or shared via a KVM switch. AVG AntiVirus is free, and generally offers daily updates. I'd look for something with a faster bus than a faster processor. Look in to something that offers a 7200RPM HD, and 1GB of RAM. 533Mhz bus is a bit on the older side... I'd be looking at something with DDR2 memory and at least 800Mhz bus.

Nov 9th, 2005, 05:45 PM	#8
MACSPECTRUM On Vacation Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 14,050	instead of AVG, try Avast! much better in my opinion, daily updates for spyware the Spybot & Ad-Aware SE combo is very good, updates about twice per week all free or donation-ware for non-commercial users

Nov 9th, 2005, 05:55 PM	#10
Eukaryotic Full Citizen Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 299	I would also recommend Dell if you want to run Windows. I have had two Dell machines: one in grad school (a P3 Optiplex purchased off lease for 100.00), which was very reliable and never crashed once on me, and currently at work, I have a massive Dell Inspiron workstation with dual processors 2.65 Ghz and running 2GB of RAM. I find them to be quite stable. Also, I don't know if this matters to you or not, but Dell actually has some OK looking towers. Unfortunately, I can't say much more about protection software and the like as I leave all that stuff to our IT folks - I find the world of Windows patching, protecting, updating, etc. way too confusing to even start learning about it.