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

[Wolfie!]

> I can't build a computer from scratch myself, but I'm wondering if
> it's a good idea to have a local merchant do it. He seems reputable
> and knowledgeable, but I'm afraid that he might be edged out of
> business by the chain stores or whatever you call them (Dell, etc.).
> that happened to me once before and my warranty was worthless because
> the company no longer existed.

I feel, and so does my cousin that we must support the little guy
or otherwise we'll pay for our laziness when the big guys take
over and can charge whatever they like.

If you know someone else who has been to the shop and feels happy
with the service, then it might be worth the effort.

We had someone like that locally who would do a really good job,
give advice on all the good innards of the thing, order the parts
and build it and install the software.

I do like this sort of option.

You can research the parts online, discuss them with friends who
know more about the parts than you do yourself... and learn a
bit more about them from your friends [I did this and it helped
my understanding of computers a great deal]. then tell the guy
at the shop what you want in a machine and he can tell you if
all the parts are compatible [it's mostly the cpu, RAM,
motherboard, powersupply and case which you *must* get right...
the other stuff, soundcard, videocard etc should be fine in
any new machine. yes I would give it a go.

If a part should go bad, then you will find that you should
have some guarantee on the part on it's own, so you're still
covered.

What I'd be wary of is going to a sunday swap meet, if they have
those near you, and buying older parts which are sold open and
unpackaged. that's a really really bad idea...

I saw a friend do that, he bought a pentium, took it home...
didn't work, no guarantee or anything on it, lost about $200
so it didn't turn out to be as cheap as he thought.

I do buy parts from markets, but they need to be packaged and
brand spanking new, just be cautious.

If you buy from a market then sometimes the guy in the shop
will still assemble the thing for you, you're still paying
for a service after all.

Wolfie!