Sr. Citizen "Basic" Questions, Please

[Robert11]

Hello,

Sr. citizen, and frankly not all that sharp with this stuff, so please bear with me.

Will be purchasing a new Desktop PC in Nov., probably.
Looked at the Dell and HP order sites, and a bit confused.

a. If I get a desktop for around $ 1,000, can I assume that it is a 64 bit system ?
Where would it say prior to ordering on their sites ?
The descriptions of the Processor options doesn't seem to state this.

b. Are there two different Windows7 Home versions depending on if it 32 or 64 bits ?

c. How much memory should I be sure to order for the 64 bit system ?

d. If I do end up with, as I imagine I will, with a 64 bit system, is it "likely" that my quite old 32 bit programs will still run ? e.g., is Windows7 smart enough to automatically know how to run each program, or do you have to initially tell it ?

e. Might as well also ask, please:

This new Desktop PC will be for typical home usage; nothing fancy.

My main criteria is probably not Performance.
I consider it to be Reliability.
I just don't want to play with fixing things anymore (too old for that anymore, I guess); just want it to work.

Have read many, many, rants and opinions on how poor Dell is these days re quality, and also their service.

The same kind of thing for HP, and...

Of course, I realize that it is probably only the folks who have had real
problems that write these posts. Folks that are thrilled and satisfied
generally don't bother. So, impossible to know what percentage of
purchasers actually are (very) unhappy.

Comparing price for what they give you is a bit hard, as no two systems are exactly the same. It seems like HP possibly offers a bit more for the $.

But, I have to buy something.
Willing to go up to about $ 1,200 or so.

Is there any general consensus of HP vs Dell quality (and service) ?
Why ?

How about their service: responsiveness, etc. ?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Much thanks,
Bob

 

[torrentg]

My thoughts to you are the same as to everyone. Get a barebones rig off of Newegg, Tigerdirect or the like and set it up yourself. Purchase components separately. You will get much greater value for your money this way. If you need help choosing components or technical advise, you're in the right place, that's for sure.

 

[swarfega]

If you read the first line he said he was quite new to this computer stuff and you could infer from that he would not be able to fit a computer together.

@Robert11: could you please list the components you saw from the manufacturers website so we can help you further. The key component in deciding if you can use 64-bit or not is the CPU.

Also it would be useful if you could list the software you mentioned that you have concerns about regarding compatibility.

 

[bobtran]

First of all, Welcome to Windows 7 forums. You have come to the right place to support your Windows 7 experience. Be sure to browse the forums and get an idea what is available to you here.



Hello,

Sr. citizen, and frankly not all that sharp with this stuff, so please bear with me.

Will be purchasing a new Desktop PC in Nov., probably.
Looked at the Dell and HP order sites, and a bit confused.

a. If I get a desktop for around $ 1,000, can I assume that it is a 64 bit system ?

No - you must specify when you order

Where would it say prior to ordering on their sites ?
The descriptions of the Processor options doesn't seem to state this.

When you choose the OS

b. Are there two different Windows7 Home versions depending on if it 32 or 64 bits ?

32-bit and 64-bit are totally different under the covers but user interface is identical (no visual difference)

c. How much memory should I be sure to order for the 64 bit system ?

4gb or more although you can run with as little as 2gb

d. If I do end up with, as I imagine I will, with a 64 bit system, is it "likely" that my quite old 32 bit programs will still run ? e.g., is Windows7 smart enough to automatically know how to run each program, or do you have to initially tell it ?

I would guess most will and some might not - Check Windows 7 forums for software compatibility and also Microsoft.com Windows 7 software compatibility. Also run Google searches for compatibility of software. Most Software that is not compatible and is still supported will have newer versions that are compatible.

e. Might as well also ask, please:

This new Desktop PC will be for typical home usage; nothing fancy.

My main criteria is probably not Performance.
I consider it to be Reliability.
I just don't want to play with fixing things anymore (too old for that anymore, I guess); just want it to work.

Have read many, many, rants and opinions on how poor Dell is these days re quality, and also their service.

The same kind of thing for HP, and...

Of course, I realize that it is probably only the folks who have had real
problems that write these posts. Folks that are thrilled and satisfied
generally don't bother. So, impossible to know what percentage of
purchasers actually are (very) unhappy.

Comparing price for what they give you is a bit hard, as no two systems are exactly the same. It seems like HP possibly offers a bit more for the $.

But, I have to buy something.
Willing to go up to about $ 1,200 or so.

Way way too much money for what you say you want.

Is there any general consensus of HP vs Dell quality (and service) ?
Why ?

I have bought dell in the past...OK, but not great unless you spend a LOT of money. They use the minimum level parts they can get away with (expected from a PC retailer). HP has some issues also but not to bad although sending the PC to them if something goes wrong is a real problem in my opinion.

Recommend Tigerdirect.com or Newegg.com or ZipZoomFly.com

How about their service: responsiveness, etc. ? Not so good, either of them.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Consider www.tigerdirect.com and shop there for your system. For your needs you should not need to spend anywhere near $1000. I would venture to guess less than half for a desktop or $500 to $700 for a laptop.
A nice dual core of course running at least 2.0 MHz.


Much thanks,
Bob

Good luck with your purchase and let us know how it goes

 

[Barman58]

Hello,

Sr. citizen, and frankly not all that sharp with this stuff, so please bear with me.

Will be purchasing a new Desktop PC in Nov., probably.
Looked at the Dell and HP order sites, and a bit confused.

Hello Bob Welcome to sevenforums

a. If I get a desktop for around $ 1,000, can I assume that it is a 64 bit system ?
Where would it say prior to ordering on their sites ?
The descriptions of the Processor options doesn't seem to state this.

Without actually seeing the full specifications it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. Most modern systems should be compatible but if you can post back the actual model numbers we should be able to confirm this

b. Are there two different Windows7 Home versions depending on if it 32 or 64 bits ?

Yes

c. How much memory should I be sure to order for the 64 bit system ?

if you go for 32 bit it will not use more than 4GB with 64 bit for your needs 4gb should be fine althoug if you have more offered this will not hurt

d. If I do end up with, as I imagine I will, with a 64 bit system, is it "likely" that my quite old 32 bit programs will still run ? e.g., is Windows7 smart enough to automatically know how to run each program, or do you have to initially tell it ?

The system will run 32 bit applications in compatibility mode automatically and most programs should work with windows 7 if they worked with XP - more so if they are Vista certified.

e. Might as well also ask, please:

This new Desktop PC will be for typical home usage; nothing fancy.

My main criteria is probably not Performance.
I consider it to be Reliability.
I just don't want to play with fixing things anymore (too old for that anymore, I guess); just want it to work.

Have read many, many, rants and opinions on how poor Dell is these days re quality, and also their service.

The same kind of thing for HP, and...

Of course, I realize that it is probably only the folks who have had real
problems that write these posts. Folks that are thrilled and satisfied
generally don't bother. So, impossible to know what percentage of
purchasers actually are (very) unhappy.

You have I think partly answered your own question but I would tend to look at HP personally but that is not to say that a Dell will be any less reliable - I have supported many machines from both sources over time and would not really see any major difference in this sense

Comparing price for what they give you is a bit hard, as no two systems are exactly the same. It seems like HP possibly offers a bit more for the $.

But, I have to buy something.
Willing to go up to about $ 1,200 or so.

Is there any general consensus of HP vs Dell quality (and service) ?
Why ?

How about their service: responsiveness, etc. ?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Much thanks,
Bob

Others may have more to add on this but as said previosly I do not see real differences myself

 

[Kari]

Hello, Bob, and welcome to the SevenForums.

I see you are already prepared and know what you want. I'll try to answer your questions but you should remember this is my subjective opinion; some other members might give you other answers.

• A) With computers you can never assume something. Most computers today, especially on your price level have a 64-bit architecture, i.e motherboard and the processor. Processor type is normally mentioned when you check product info. Here you can find more info about 64-bit and a list of processors using it
• B) Yes. You can install a 32-bit version also on 64-bit computer but if you want to use your computer's full potential you don't want to do that. For instance a 32-bit Windows can use only 3 GB of RAM (memory). A 64-bit version can be installed only on a 64-bit computer
• C) 32-bit Windows 7 needs 1 GB, 64-bit 2 GB just to work properly. With 4 GB you are on the safe side, everything above is a plus. (I have several 64-bit laptops and desktops with 4 GB, never had a problem)
• D) Yes and no. Most of 32-bit and even some of older 16-bit programs work on Windows 7 x64. Some of them you have to "tweak" a little i.e. force the program run in compatibility mode. You can also run older software in XP Mode (not in Win7 Starter, Basic or Home Premium)
• E) Based on your post, this HP computer is my recommendation. It has everything you seem to need, it is reliable and quiet and comes with a nice bunch of software. If you are willing to go up to $1200 as you said, you get an extended 3 year on-site warranty. The computer comes with a Windows Vista Home Premium x64 and a free upgrade to Windows 7

Good luck, come back here with your questions

Kari

 

[Robert11]

From OP

Hi all,

First, a very sincere thanks to all of you for the help, and time you took to answer my query. Really appreciate it.

Once the new PC's are available in Nov. with Windows7 already installed
(I sure don't want the hassle of upgrading a new one from Vista) I'll probably get a HP desktop.

At that time, my guess is that the best thing to do would be to post here the configuration I "think" I want for your comments and opinions on.
That seems like the best approach.

Some of the "old" software that I would like to be able to run are a few shortwave radio control programs, swLog, and possibly the old version of Word and Excel that I like a lot better than Office 2007 versions.

I am "somewhat" PC literate as I'm a retired engineer.
But, it's funny, I just don't want to mess with these things anymore like installing new HD's as I've done in the past, etc.
Now, at my age, I just want the thing to work !

Will undoubtedly go with HP.
Did you see all the new, and contemplated, Dell layoffs in the
news today ?
Sure doesn't inspire confidence in buying a new one from them,
I would think.

Again, thanks for help.
Great Forum; glad I found you all.

Regards,
Bob

 

[Kari]

You are welcome, Bob. Nice to have you here.

Kari

 

[Snufffed]

Some of the "old" software that I would like to be able to run are a few shortwave radio control programs, swLog, and possibly the old version of Word and Excel that I like a lot better than Office 2007 versions.

Office 2003 works well in Win 7. - Office XP also. but not as well as Office 2010.

I am "somewhat" PC literate as I'm a retired engineer.
But, it's funny, I just don't want to mess with these things anymore like installing new HD's as I've done in the past, etc.
Now, at my age, I just want the thing to work !

Train Engineer or Bridge Engineer or maybe a Navy Engineer,?? j/k
I am 67, and I still prefer to custom build.

Where every you buy or what BRAND you buy. I RECOMMEND AT YOUR AGE - YOU BUY WHERE YOU CAN GET THE VERY BEST SUPPORT LOCALLY.

 

[rpmstl]

As stated above, if you don't mind spending an hour assembling a computer, for $1,500 you can build a top shelf computer.

As far as Dell goes, I have 6 of them with zero issues. The business class machines seem to hold up well and are focused on reliability not performance. The home built system can be put together with strong performance and minimal reliability issues.

 

[chuckr]

Some of the "old" software that I would like to be able to run are

a few shortwave radio control programs, swLog ...

I am "somewhat" PC literate as I'm a retired engineer.

Hi Bob, Welcome aboard.

You might want to be a bit more definitive here...

"SW radio control programs" implies (to me) that the computer is actually manipulating your "radio-box" to:
Power on-off, change-freqs, tune the antenna, whatever...

If so, do you need to "attach" the SW radio-box to the computer,
with some sort of cable, possibly RS-232, IEEE-488, HPIB, parallel, etc. ?

Since you are a retired engineer, with shortwave radio,
I'm assuming 'Electrical engineer' and you have some familiarity with these terms...

I would also suggest that you pay 'particular' attention to the quality of the LCD display.
This is what your new computer is going to "look-like", and you've got to be able to read the 'text' quite clearly...
Check around the shops, paying close attention to the LCD 'brand-name/model nbr.' that you like the most.

Chuck

 

[pparks1]

I'm both a builder of PC and a buyer of Dell, HP and Acer in the past. I've had very good luck with my Dells and very good support from Dell at the last job that I had where we had well over 1,000 Dell workstations and laptops. My 2 Dells that I bought from home worked absolutely fine. Only problem I ever had was a power supply dying on a machine that was nearly 6 years old. I got another right from Dell for about $40 and it's going just fine to this day.

At the budget you are talking, $1,000 to $1,200 you are probably going to get more computer than you really want. I would think you could focus in the $600-$900 range and have a perfectly acceptable system that met your needs. (For example, Dell Studio XPS 8000, with Core i5 750, with 64-bit OS, 2 year In Home Warranty, 6GB DDR3 RAM, 750GB hard drive, DVD Reader and DVD burner, 20" Monitor, ATI Radeon HD4350, comes in at $999)

With respect to 64-bit processors...it's "unlikely" that you would get a non 64-bit version, but you can always look it up online. For example, the processor would be listed like a Core i7 860. So, a quick search on Google will turn up the Intel page on that CPU which will indicate whether it supports 64-bit or not;
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=41316

If you are going 64-bit, go with 4GB of RAM. More is probably unnecessary for what you want to do.

Most applications are going to run just fine...unless they are very old 16 bit apps and they won't run at all. Windows will launch it just fine and will know which version it is..you don't have to explicitly state it.

Hope this helps.

 

[geeve420]

I think questions have been answered fairly well, I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in. I have 3 Dells at my home and have no issues at all with any of them. I do agree with a previous post about there buisness class machines. I have an Optiplex and I love it. The only issue I ever had was an IDE cable going out.

Remember there are some of us who are running windows 7 on older machines with 1 GB of ram and have no problems. I am a home recording artist, and you can tell from my specs, I have no issues or lag what so ever. just a thought. I do agree that a $1000 machine might be more computer than what you really need, but then again if I had that money to spend I certainly wouldn't bat an eye to get a killer system

My wifes 64 bit syatem is awsome but we really have no 64 bit software. Another thought would be to go in the ballpark of $600 and then hop on craigslist and find an older set up to run some 16 and 32 bit stuff on. Just a thought though

Geeve

 

[gregrocker]

No need to spend a lot

We have seven computers in our home networked wirelessly. We don't play a lot of games but use them for web surfing and keeping records. We have begun gradually replacing these computers which 7-10 years ago cost $1000-1500.

Three years ago we bought a Walmart HP special for $289, upped the 528 ram to 1.2 gig for $25 and my Pop is perfectly happy with it running Windows 7 Ultimate (soon to upgrade the old XP to Win7 Premium when released.)

Two years ago our old Gateway died and we replaced it with an eMachine T5234 dual -core processor 1 gig ram onboard NVidia 6050 graphics purchased at Office Depot for $349, doubled the ram to 2 gigs for $25. I run Win7 Ultimate on it fast as lightning.

Finally, my roommate Larry had a 10 year old $1500 VPR Matrix (Best Buy premium housebrand) with ATI 9050 graphics card, 1.2 gigs of ram and Pentium 4 processor, which he uses for gaming and also runs Win7 fine. It recently lost its power supply and when we went to Best Buy to buy one, he found an Acer dual core p.c. with 3 gigs ram, 32/86 bit, Nvidia 7200 onboard graphics chip that beats his older computer's ATI 9050 card. It cost $400. We bought a $25 power supply online and moved the VPR matrix to the office where it's considered an upgrade.

So, as this hopefully illustrates, unless you are an avid gamer (or even if u r somewhat of a gamer) you can get great deals on the fly and buy 2 or more solid, fast, top-name computers for what you were willing to pay for one.

RE: 64 bit vs. 32 bit. I have tried 64 bit on all our newer machines and all it ever affects is Internet Explorer which gets buggy. I think what should determine running 64 is what software you use and how it improves or not with its usage. You are entitled to both versions with your license, so you can try both and suit yourself. Learning how to reinstall your operating system is the surest route to becoming tech savvy, as is asking questions here just as you did.

 

[profdlp]

...Based on your post, this HP computer is my recommendation....

I just built a system very similar to that one and it flat-out flies. HP is offering you a decent price for what you are getting. If a second opinion helps, I'd say that Kari gave you some good advice.

 

[antt]

just my two cents on dell: don't count them out. my experience with them has been excellent, my laptop is great and the only thing that I had a problem with (the right speaker was crackly) was fixed without a fuss. Compared to other companies technical support, I would say they are excellent. HP on the other hand....

It does seem to me that 1000 bucks might be overkill. you could get a great dell system for much less, with a core2duo (which supports 64bit) and all the features that you need.

 

[johnhoh]

Some of the "old" software that I would like to be able to run are a few shortwave radio control programs, swLog, and possibly the old version of Word and Excel that I like a lot better than Office 2007 versions.

Office 2003 works well in Win 7. - Office XP also. but not as well as Office 2010.

I am "somewhat" PC literate as I'm a retired engineer.
But, it's funny, I just don't want to mess with these things anymore like installing new HD's as I've done in the past, etc.
Now, at my age, I just want the thing to work !

Train Engineer or Bridge Engineer or maybe a Navy Engineer,?? j/k
I am 67, and I still prefer to custom build.

Where every you buy or what BRAND you buy. I RECOMMEND AT YOUR AGE - YOU BUY WHERE YOU CAN GET THE VERY BEST SUPPORT LOCALLY.

ditto. This board is full of do-it-yourselfers, like you were back in the day. 4GB and 64 bit is my recommendation, so that the machine will work into the future as applications evolve and use more memory and 64-bit dependance.

Also, 2-4 weeks after you get your system you will have changed it a great deal - adding your specific programs and customizing it to your environment. At that point do a system image backup using Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download so that if the system ever goes bad, you can recreate it