Building a computer and bringing it to Italy...compatibilities/incompatibilities

[VinY]

Alright, well I have lots of questions on this. Here's the story:

My uncle in Italy wants me to build him a computer by purchasing parts here since the same stuff is very expensive there. I would build a bare minimum system most likely, such as:

Small Mid Tower Case
250w power supply
Celeron 2 566 (not sure yet)
Motherboard: not sure.
128mb RAM
Geforce 2 MX
15gb HDD
40x CD-ROM
SB Live Value Sound

Now, the only problems are:

1. I will need to run all Italian drivers on the parts, right? If I install English drivers, everything will be in English? Where are Italian drivers found? I checked the NVIDIA site for reference drivers for Italian, and found nothing.

2. Power issues. The power outlets in Italy differ from the of the US. How can I get this computer to power there? Do they sell heavy duty American to Italian power converters?

3. I would like to put Windows 2000 on this computer, so he won't have many problems with it after I leave and return to the US. Can I just get a copy of Windows 2000 from a store or online and does it allow me to install in Italian? Or do they sell a seperate Italian version?

4. I would like the most stable system possible running under Windows 2000, so that he will have very minimal problems, since I will only be there for 3 weeks and after that, I will not be able to fix anything. If anyone sees any hardware incompatibilities in my list, or has something to add that is just as good, please add to it. Since this is a budget system, any cheaper but just as equal parts are fine.

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Dulanic]

Drivers usually dont matter for the language since drivers dont run your programs

Most power supplys have a 110-220 switch on the back... the only thing that will be needed is a cable that will plug into a outlet there... Im sure that the person using the PC can pick one up anywhere in Italy. Win2000 im not sure... I think they sell different language versions... its not selectable on the CD.

 

[VinY]

Well, why do some companies like Logitech for example make English and all other foreign drivers? I mean, if he went into the Mouse Control Panel and it is in English since an English driver was installed, he'd probably have a hard time.

 

[Dulanic]

Some drivers have programs... like Logitech things have a program to setup all the buttons etc...

 

[Cknyc]

is it really cheaper to build it here and export it over there? I believe you will have to pay duties on it.It may be more cost effective to buy a dell from Italy.

 

[Dulanic]

Na Cknyc he sends it as a gift Atleast thats what I do when I send stuff to canada to my friend.

 

[Playitagainsam]

I can help you here.

First, unless I'm making a very serious mistake, all power sources have a 110/220 volts switch. I have yet to see a computer on the market that doesn't have it. Afterwards, all you need is the actual cable to make the connection between the "female" wall outlet (two round prongs, if I'm not mistaken) and the "male" plug on the power source (three rectangular prongs). I'm sure they have this for sale in Italy. Otherwise, they can simply cut the American plug and attach a regular European plug - it takes 10 minutes.

You don't need Italian drivers. A driver is a driver. Same thing goes for Windows. Just put whatever you want, and then ship the computer as it is. The software will be in English, but there's not much you can do about it anyway. Many, many European countries use the English operating system and so on, and don't give a damn. I know there's German and French versions (probably others as well) but really, the button is the same, regardless whether it's labeled Print, Drucken or Imprimer.

Some time ago, I incidentally installed the Portuguese Brasilian language version of my SB live!, and it was more of a hassle than anything. I mean, the bloody thing was labeled in Portuguese in System > Devices, but not much else.

I sent a HP 3650 to Europe in June, with a friend. No questions asked at the border, either. If they'd have asked her anything, she'd have said it's hers, and that she uses it for business purposes, because she doesn't have a laptop. Just pack the bloody thing carefully, you don't want to shock the CD or the HD.

Hope this helps.

 

[VinY]

Playitagainsam:

The only problem is that even though it's a button, the menus will be all in English. That's the problem.

 

[Playitagainsam]

I bet you he'd get a hold of that much English in no time!

 

[vailr]

The Windows2000 CD has languages in about 15 different categories. IT=Italian, KO=Korean, SP=Spanish, etc, etc. Don't know how to install in other than English, but it's probably in a readme.txt file, or else posted on MS website.