[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: Question for the computer experts

[Dina Lerret]

On 7/1/06, justcarol67 <justcarol67 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> and am online eight hours or more a day whether I'm working (editing a
> manuscript using Word 2000--can't abide the newer versions)--or

Understandable.  I've found some software where I like the older
versions more than the 'new and improved'.  I've got MS Office 2000
installed on one computer and Office 2003 Pro on another... and yep, I
know there's more to life than Micro$oft products. ;-)


> playing (mostly HPfGU and browsing the Internet but also Jumbles and
> that sort of thing). But the computer has to be good for video games
> of the Age of Mythology/Zoo Tycoon variety (and Microsoft Flight
> Simulator) for a certain twelve-year-old who spends a lot of time with
> me. I'll need a CD-RW and DVD-ROM drive. Nothing fancy. I don't do
> screen captures or anything like that.

I'd recommend a computer with CD *and* DVD burning capabilities but
you can always upgrade later.


> There's a new Dell outlet store just down the street from me (haven't
> been there yet), but I don't know if they'll set up the computer and
> transfer data from the old one (all the stuff in My Documents needs to
> be transferred) and I doubt that they'll honor the online specials.

Dunno about the data transfer service.  Possibly, but if it is
offered, it'd probably be overpriced.

If you don't have a LAN already, I'd recommend investing in an
inexpensive router--wired ones are cheaper and offer secure data
transmission versus wireless but they're obviously less mobile.  I
bought a wired Belkin router off of eBay for less than $10 and I don't
pay extra internet charges for all computers to share the network--of
course, don't tell the internet company this--and it allows me to
shuffle gigs of data between computers.  Since you mentioned DSL, it's
very likely you're connecting via an ethernet (or USB?), so you're
set-up for networking between computers.  However, for your basic file
transporting needs between two computers, one of those USB to USB
puppies... like http://www.homenethelp.com/web/review/pc-linq.asp as
an example.


> Is that my best bet, do you think? thanks for your help!

Check out the Dell outlet store and ask them questions about concerns
you'd like clarified. :-)  Then compare to the Dell website and look
at websites like dealnews.com. slickdeals.net and fatwallet.com
(utilize search features on the forum websites) for Dell website
coupons as a comparison basis to what the outlet store could provide.
If you have Costco membership, I've heard rumors of the YMMV kind
where folks have said some Dells were being discounted $500.  Use the
fact July 4th is coming up--I'm presuming you're in the US now--and
"deals" pop up around holidays.

Dina