Currys/pc world

[KenB]

Hi Louise,

 

£160 is a lot of money.

Is he going to put Windows 7 on instead of Windows 8 ?

If so then I suppose that this is reasonable - especially if he is installing Office etc.

 

I don't know what he will be doing for 2 days ????

It takes a couple of hours at most to re-install an Operating system.

Could you ask him to itemise exactly what he would be doing ? We would have a better idea then.

 

I can build a machine from scratch in a day - so I am not sure where his 2 days comes from.

Perhaps he means he will have it for 2 days - because these guys work on more than one machine at a time.

[Louise]

Dear Ken

After having my fingers burnt recently I went armed with photos of how I wanted my computer to work and look like

I made notes of my quetions before I went

Firstly I did tell him having a few problems

Yes he is taking off windows 8 and replacing with windows 7. He said I would have a disk

I asked and he said yes he would put on Microsoft word 2003

I showed him the print out photos so he knows I would like to have all my bits at the top. Also a heart shape and drop down for my favourite places

I also asked could he also put on 2 other programmes that I use (a) camera scanning wizard and (b) photo printing wizard

I am used to using these and am confident using them

Thinking about it now, he didn't actually say yes to the last two but he didn't say no either

*** Your suggestion about an itemised list is really good ***

As to the length of time. As I do not know how long things take - I thought that was ok. I still have my old machine in the meantime

I truly believed that I would need windows 8 before April when Microsoft stopped covering XP

For people like me hearing the stories that your computer will be open to continued cyber attack, hackers can take all your information etc etc in April. This does worry people who are not computer literate.

Hope this explains what is involved. I know it is nearly 50% of the original price of the machine - but then I will have a machine I am confident in using

Thank you

Louise

[KenB]

Hi Louise

 

A copy of Windows 7 costs about £70

( there are different versions )

 

So you have to decide if paying the extra £90 is worth having your computer look like the way you want it.

If he is supplying Word 2003 then this is good value.

 

If you do decide to go with this tech then - when you go to pick it up- ask him if he can have it running for you so that you can see that it is exactly what you want before you take it home.

 

Also make sure you are given the Win 7 Disk. This is important as it can be used to re-install the Operating System if necessary.

 

Let me know what you decide and how you get on :)

[Louise]

Hello

Ken

Yes have to think hard - lot of money but also can I trust him or is it all talk like the other place

Yes will let you know

Louise

[Ray1000]

My next door neighbour bought a similar ASUS machine from P C World on 16 January 2014. After we set it up it appeared to have a Video Card problem causing a less than perfect display on the screen ... I spoke to PCW and they asked us to take it back ... they changed it for a new machine on 24 January 2014.

 

In the event there was probably nothing wrong with the first one as the problem turned out to be the VGA cable that connects the tower to the monitor.

 

To buy a Windows 8 machine and have Windows 7 installed seems a bit drastic. If you can't get used to 8 you will be no different with 7.

 

And the warranty will be instantly ended.

 

I'd be surprised if the local shop had it in mind to supply the Windows 7 and Microsoft Office discs.

 

And what happens to the original Windows 8 licence.

 

The only involvement I've had with W8 is in the short time it took to set the two machines up next door and I can see how it can be daunting trying to get used to it.

 

I would have thought someone who is used to it would be able to explain how you could simply add one new tile to the front page that would take you to another page specially prepared to look like the one you're familiar with.

 

On the other hand if there is anything at all wrong with the computer you ought to be able to return it for a refund.

 

I've only just moved on from XP to Vista and after a couple of weeks I prefer it.

 

Ray

[Ray1000]

Also Louise ... does the computer have Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 installed?

 

Ray

[KenB]

Hi Louise

 

Ray makes some valid points that you may wish to consider.

 

The one about the warranty is worth thinking about.

I know you don't think much of Curry's warranty anyway :)

[Louise]

Hello Ray100 and Ken

 

Ray100 - yes I think I understand what you are saying - that is really worth thinking about

 

Ken - Re warranty. That is an understatement

 

Thank you

 

Louise

[Louise]

Hello

Good news! Thank goodness.

I am to receive a refund - but no date given ... yet

Before I go looking for another machine I would like some advice please

Reading the boards although I do not understand 90% I have picked up that I could have a machine made up and do not have to go to one of the High Street outlets

If so

Would I be able to ask for Windows 7, Microsoft office 2003, Camera scanning programme I have on my old one (this is very old programme) photo printing wizard, that icons on the opening page, and all the bits I am used to

I do not use my computer for games, videos, watching tv - nothing like that

If I find someone that will listen to me and I trust - how much would this be? Just a rough idea please

Thank you again

Louise

[Plastic Nev]

Hello Louise,

No doubt Ken and maybe others will also give their opinion, however the direction you are looking towards is certainly a good one providing you can find a very reputable shop or small business that will do that for you.

 

Once you are certain about that, you can basically ask for everything you have outlined, though the version of office may have to be a later one, for maybe two reasons, firstly it may no longer be available, unless you already have a disk for it, and secondly, Windows 7 may not be too happy running the older version, that also might apply for your camera scanning software.

 

I will say that I recommend the initial install of Windows 7 ideally should be the Professional rather than the Home Premium version as the pro version is more able to handle earlier programs and it does have some other minor improvements on the Home Premium too.

 

As for price, it then depends on the items the builder fits, however bearing in mind also you will also be paying for his time, so the whole thing may be a up to 20% more than an equivalent ready made from a big store, or if the parts required can be obtained at reasonable prices, may even be a little cheaper. It does depend quite a lot on what you require, especially if at some later time you may want a graphics card fitted, the mother board would need to start off as being one that can take a graphics card, there are other variables too.

 

Don't let that put you off though as the one good thing is that you will not be lumbered with all the junk softwares those ready made things come with, it will only have the operating system plus whatever you ask for installed on it, and it will be exactly as you specify, not something that will do, but not fully what you wanted.

 

Do discuss what your requirements are at great length with whoever you find to build it for you, the more you tell him, the more he will understand what you need, and he can then give recommendations from that.

 

However don't let him talk you into one of the expensive paid for anti virus programs such as Norton, McAfee or similar, have a look at what our security guys recommend and go with that.

 

Nev.

[Louise]

Dear Nev

Thank you very much for all the information

I am trying to find someone I can trust

The price I quite understand as you say it there time - but then I have a machine I am happy & confident in using again

I have taken photos of the programmes I have on my old machine to help me explain as I just do not know the correct termanology

As suggested from Ken earlier on the above. If I am unsure or they cannot add the programme, to ask if they have time, would they show me how a programme works that would fit

Thankfully after reading on here I am armed with lots more information then before

Thank you again

Louise

[KenB]

I am to receive a refund

 

http://www.bestemoticon.com/smiley/danse/36_2_36.gif

 

Nev has given you some good advice.

 

Win 7 will suit you fine.

It is a little different from XP - but nothing as drastic as Win 8.

 

Unless you get your pc built for you you will not get what you want - that is for sure.

 

Every new PC on sale these days has Win 8 on it.

 

Very pleased you got a result out of Currys / PC World - well done.

It pays to keep the pressure on :)

[Ray1000]

Well done Louise,

 

I’ve only had custom built machines, there’s a lot to be said for not having the manufacturers software pre-installed, as Nev says.

 

While I currently have what appears to be a Sony Vaio desktop it has none of the Sony software installed, just a Vista operating system, MS Office 2007, PaintShopPro, Photoshop 7 and free antivirus.

 

Our local build shop supplies Windows 7 and Windows 8 at the same price. He normally expects to be able to produce a similar spec machine to PCW for the same money.

 

An alternative to having one built is to buy a second hand tower, particularly if you have the discs for Office 2003 and your preferred camera software. You would more than likely prefer Vista to XP. Bought from the right place they would be able to transfer the software over and remove anything you don't need.

 

Ray

[Louise]

Hello

Further on from the above ........

Went back to shop chap with a list of questions and hte photos to show him again what I would really like

Answers a bit different from before

I would have a disc - but he said a back up disc.

Yes he ca put on Office 2003

As to using the Wizard for pictures and downloading these - I have to take in my camera and leads so he can see what I use. Also for the printer = and the scanning

I asked if windows 7 pro would be better. He did'nt reply

I asked could he have it set up in his shop when I go and collect it. He said no "he is not an internet cafe"

He would not give me a quote or rough idea until he has seen the camera/leads/discs I have

He told me that although microsoft may pull out of security for XP many others willl give the same protection and perhaps IK ought ot thiunk about that.

No ... my old machine which I am using now is about 9 to 10 years old.

Also that is not what I was asking for

Anhy ideas please.

Many thanks

Louise

[KenB]

"he is not an internet cafe"

Doesn't sound as if he is being too co-operative or particularly helpful does it ?

 

For your needs - Windows 7 Home Premium would be fine.

There is a big difference in price between this and Win 7 Professional.

 

You do not want XP.

You may be used to it ..... but Windows 7 is a much better option. You will soon get used to this and it is a far better operating system plus you will still get the MS Updates - which XP will not.

 

I don't like the sound of this guy.

 

Is there anybody else you can talk to ?

 

Have you Googled "Computer shops" for your area ?

[Starbuck]

Yes he ca put on Office 2003

You really need to think about this.

It's not only the support for XP that ends on April 8, 2014 .... it's also support for Office 2003.

Why pay for something that you can't get updated.

Better to go for Office 2007 ( especially if you are going to use Win7 )

[Plastic Nev]

I agree with Ken here, I would certainly recommend you look elsewhere, he doesn't sound like a very knowledgeable sort of guy, he shouldn't need to see camera or connection leads. If it were me, a couple of questions would answer all I would need to know.

Plus a quick run up of the complete machine and a walk through some of the minor differences from XP isn't going to break the bank either. I don't think this guy actually wants your business any way.

 

Nev.

[Louise]

Hello

I didn't think you would believe the outcome when I went in

A lot different to when I popped in the other week. This time I was armed with questions

I didn't know but a friend of mine does use windows 7. So I m going round over the weekend to see how it works. They have the drop down menus etc.

Will try googling shops - but it comes down to who can trust and are they any good as mentioned before

Will let you know how I get on

Thank you all again

Louise

[KenB]

It's not only the support for XP that ends on April 8, 2014 .... it's also support for Office 2003.

Why pay for something that you can't get updated.

Pete is quite right here - unless you have Office 2003 already ?

 

I use Open Office

https://www.openoffice.org/

 

This is totally FREE.

It is compatible with Office 2003 and will open all of your existing files.

[Louise]

Hello Ken

Thank for letting me know.

I will see how windows 7 is on Sat. If ok I just ask for windows 7 on a machine

I will ask about trying it before I leave with a new one. Wait for another sarcastic reply!

For years jogging along quite happy but since Nov. nothing but flippin worry and headaches!

Thank you again

Louise

[Woodworker]

I refuse to deal with sales people in Curry's. Instead, I prefer to buy online which not only avoids hassle but affords me the right to return faulty or unwanted goods under the Distant Trading Regulations. Whenever possible I buy from Amazon but they aren't always the cheapest and I like a bargain.

 

Incidentally, I recently ordered my new laptop from Curry's - chose the free delivery option and it took ten days to arrive!

 

Like Ken, I also use Open Office - a wonderful free download but it may well come with crapware which you might want to delete. Well worthwhile though.

 

David :)

Edited March 8, 2014 by Woodworker

[Louise]

Hello

I would never ever buy from them again - not so much as a plug

 

I would also buy on line if I knew what I was talking about and understood what I was buying!

 

Been playing with Windows 7 recently. Yes feel confident using this

 

Have also spoken to another chap that makes the computers. OK'ish.

 

So now to have one made up

 

Definitely use Windows 7. Would still like Office 2003. As to downloading photos and storing these (still those flipping files!!!!! I understand them a bit better now)

 

Sorry but can I ask a few more questions? Really basic stuff for you all but not to me at the moment.

 

Not sure if I am on the correct thread as the questions are when I get the machine home and have to set it up. Also before I forget. My old machine do I buy a memory stick and download all my info on this

 

Nearly getting sorted!!!!

 

Thank you

 

Louise

[KenB]

Hi Louise

 

Good to hear you are making progress.

 

I would install Open Office ( FREE ) as well as Office 2003

 

Sorry but can I ask a few more questions?

No problem at all. Start a new thread though this one is getting quite long.

 

Re Transferring files from your old machine to the new one

Yes - a memory stick is ideal for this.

You will not be able to transfer software ( like Office ) but photos / word docs / etc etc will transfer no problem.

[Plastic Nev]

I will add, if you have a router with at least two ports, you can set up a network between the two computers and copy files across using the network. A little, not a lot, more complicated, but can be done easily.

 

Nev.