Budget computer for friend that knows nothing about computers

[wacki]

I have a friend that knows nothing about computers. His kids will play video games and he will be using microsoft word and e-mail. I build all of my computers so I have no idea what are the best brands/places to buy computers. I'm guessing a mid/upper range AMD chip will be more than enough for him. Where should I send him?

 

[Mrvile]

Why don't you build one for him?

 

[LtPage1]

ABS, monarch computers.

 

[dakels]

dell's arent bad for this either. It gives him a 24/7 tech support/repair to call for problems so he's not calling you.
I am a fan of custom building but for people like this, boxed machines can be very good. Also they come with software he and his kids would probably find useful.

if you check the hot deals forums, there re often dell deals going on like a cheap server which can be used as a desktop (as long as the games are light and not like HL2 or Doom3) for $250. Dimension desktops for $350-500 w/17" LCD etc.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Why don't you build one for him?

Friend + "knows nothing" = tech support = no damn way!

Been there, done that! I only do that for my dear mother now.

 

[dethman]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Why don't you build one for him?

oh hell no.

 

[fireontheway]

thats a "NO GO" :laugh:

 

[randomlinh]

just go to DELL. heh

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Dude, he needs a Dell.

- M4H

 

[wacki]

Originally posted by: LtPage1
ABS, monarch computers.

is that http://www.buyabs.com/
or
http://www.abscomputers.com/
?

 

[wacki]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Why don't you build one for him?

Friend + "knows nothing" = tech support = no damn way!

Been there, done that! I only do that for my dear mother now.

Exactly. Some people I will teach how to build. But if their knowledge is limited to finding the power button, forget it!

 

[mechBgon]

Whatever he gets, it would be smart to set it up tight so it doesn't come down with spyware, viruses or unwanted plethoras of junk the kids downloaded. Set up each user's account as a Limited account and stow all the Admin powers in one password-protected account that no one uses as their regular daily-driver account. Boom. Computer 1, spyware 0 (unless someone deliberately logs on as Administrator and installs FREE SMILIES FOR YOUR EMAIL!!! or whatever come-on they're using as bait).

Also, scan it with Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer to find weaknesses that Windows Update won't identify, make sure it has Automatic Updates set up and its firewall on, and I'd enable Data Execution Prevention for all software too. Since viruses often get lodged in the System Restore files and can't be removed, or are actually replaced by Windows if they're deleted, I favor disabling System Restore permanently.

If your friend will have broadband, then a cheap home router would be good to have. A Netgear RP614 would provide a perimeter firewall and also let him block or filter sites, regulate Internet access to just certain hours of the day, and it can be set up to email him reports if filters are blocking stuff and he wants to be informed. Those are about $40-ish.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, they say Hope that helps.

 

[bigal40]

i'd say get him a dell
if you don't think he'll need te tech support or you would be willing to help him out you can get some pretty good deals on emachines.

 

[vegetation]

I'd go with HP. Their budget systems aren't so bad, just make sure they get enough memory. Processor speed would mean nothing so tell 'em to ignore paying extra for faster speeds. Plus, if the whole system stinks he can just send the whole thing back without penalty in 30 days.