THAT is the question... mark!
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In general, I consider myself a Google Afficionado. If it’s out there, I can find it on Google. However, I have reached a point with a few issues where Google is overdelivering. I am totally overwhelmed with the results and/or can’t seem to get specific enough information.

What I need today is some tech advice. I am definitely a techie, but on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being my dad and 10 being Bill Gates) I’d say I’m a 7. Usually I can find the answers I need on Google, but, as I said, in this case there is just way too much information and I’m completely lost. Hopefully someone out there in this great big blogosphere can help me out.


What Desktop PC Should I Buy?



As I have mentioned, the PC I was using was from work so when I left the 9 to 5 I lost the PC. It wasn’t the greatest, but it was like a custom-build mansion compared to the mobile home I’m using now. Seriously. Pentium III, 256 RAM (won’t even recognize any more than that and a 10GB harddrive. It’s so old and sick it actually wakes me up at night with this high pitched whining noise as though it’s saying, “Please, just put me out of my misery!”

The situation needs to be remedied quickly and somewhat inexpensively so I’ll be purchasing a new PC within the next month or so. I tried to do research online and was moderately successful, but there’s just so much information out here and I’m not sure where to start. I’m hoping to get some real-world advice from a real person rather than some “editor” or whatever who just plays with PCs all day long.

Given my current pile of poo, I don’t really have super-high expectations for the machine, I just want it to do everything I need it to without blue-screening, whining or making those terrible growling sounds that PCs make when they are clearly ready for Shady Pines. I already have two monitors, killer audio and video cards and all the other peripherals, I just need a box that will run them. Here are the things I definitely want and the things I do with my PC:

  • Office Stuff: I currently have MS Office Pro installed and I really like it. I have the install disks so if it doesn’t come with the Office Software that’s no biggie. If it happens to be packaged with Office 2007 for not too much extra then that’s okay too.

  • Gaming: I believe I am what you would call a “Casual Gamer.” I maybe play once or twice a month on my PC, but none of those big, frighteningly addictive multi-player games. The last game I bought was SimCity Societies, but I haven’t even played it yet because I don’t have a machine that will run it. The system requirements are: Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista, 1.7 GHz Intel CPU, or AMD XP 2100 processor, 512 MB RAM memory, 2.1 GB free hard disk drive space, 128 MB video card, DVD drive, DirectX 9.0-compatible video card. (Windows Vista requires a 2.4 GHz processor or equivalent and 1 GB RAM). Not really very hefty, right? And I already have the video card so that does not need to be on-board.

  • Operating System/Motherboard/CPU:It needs to have an OS installed, but I don’t care if it’s XP or Vista. The processor has to be at least a P4 and at least 1.7GHz. I don’t know much about AMD processors, but I’ve heard that they are more gamer-oriented and even the best can’t compete with Intel when it comes to running a million programs at once. Which is something I definitely do. 20 tabs open in each of two open instances of Firefox? Yes, please. So I’d really prefer a P4 or Intel Duo-Core. The motherboard needs to have at least two PCI slots for my audio and video cards and at leat 4 USB 2.0 slots (front or back doesn’t matter).

  • RAM: At least 2GB, preferably 3 or 4.

  • Hard Drive: This isn’t a huge deal as I have an external storage drive for all my media, but I need 40GB at the very least, 80GB would be perfect.

  • Misc: I couldn’t care less what it looks like as long as it isn’t slimline or small form because my audio and video cards won’t fit. Other than that, appearance doesn’t matter.

I’m not opposed to refurbished at all. In fact, I had a GX270 at work that I absolutely loved. Refurbished would help me get a bigger bang for my buck and could help someone else (preferably one of my regular readers) earn some money. So if any of you happen to be an affiliate or a computer dealer feel free to leave links in the comments to PCs you might be selling. I’ll make sure I check Akismet regularly in case it thinks you’re trying to sell me something I don’t want. I’m not quite ready to buy yet, but I’m totally open to looking at options.


What PDF Creator Maintains Non-URL Hyperlinks (Not Adobe)?



Why is it that every PDF creator I have tried only maintains hyperlinks in URL format? Had Adobe cornered the market on non-URL formatted hyperlinks or am I just not looking in the right place? I just need an inexpensive application that will properly convert a regular text hyperlink that I have added in MSWord. I transcribe for people and they want to be able to use regular words for links. It’s a logical request, in my opinion. I just can’t seem to find a program that will do it.


How Do I Transfer Files From my iPod to my PC?


Okay. I know this sounds like a stupid question, but bear with me here. I’ve read all the directions I can find about this and in every single how-to, you need to have the original files either on your PC or in your iTunes library. The problem is, most of my music files were on a PC I had that died a couple of years ago so tons of my music is just on my iPod.

What I need to do is take the files on my iPod and transfer them to my PC. It’s okay if they are in iPod format, I can worry about converting later. The main reason for this is that many of the files in the music section of my iPod are actually infoproduct audio recordings and I want to transfer them to audiobook format. I know how to do that, but iTunes won’t let me transfer the files on my iPod to ACC format.

I think those are all the questions I have for now. Please don’t feel like I’m treating you guys like tech support, I just think real humans usually answer questions better than websites. I really appreciate any help you guys can give me.

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  • Processor choices are a bit more difficult now then they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and an Intel processor. The difference really comes in how many cores there are in the processor and its relative speed. Each company now has a performance rating system that isn't really easy to compare. Due to the complexity, its best to refer to my links below for a more detailed explanation of CPUs for budget and uses.
  • Well its looking very nice. Thats great information. So keep it up continued.
  • Exact computer specs probably don't matter all that much ... certainly not enough to lose sleep over. I think most of it falls into two buckets: good enough, and not good enough.

    I've run plenty of AMD and Intel chips, and write pretty intensive server software for a living. Both are up to snuff. AMD has some great technology. The new Intel chip is fantastic, too. I wouldn't hesitate to get either one of them.

    I'd recommend Vista, mostly just because the writing is on the wall. There's Vista only software, and without knowing your personal and professional life very well, all I can say is that in my line of work, knowing how to use new software is a good thing. But, if you go the Vista route, make sure you get a real graphics card. I've never needed one before, but the difference between my home and work laptop is pretty amazing, and it all comes down to this reason.

    For a hard drive, they're pretty cheap at this point, and you shouldn't have a problem with any of them. I'd highly recommend getting ~100 GB in a laptop drive, with an enclosure and USB cable, so you can carry it around, for example to client sites.

    Feel free to shoot me an email if I can clarify anything.

    Forrest's last blog post..4th of July Fireworks on Lake Union
  • I use copypod to transfer all of my ipod music from one ipod to another.

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  • Its looking very nice. Its great information. So keep it up continued.

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  • Michelle -

    I guess my budget is somewhere between $300 and $500. I'd like to stick to the lower end, but if I find a really great deal with some bells and whistles (obviously refurbished), I might go up as far as five.

    No, I don't need a monitor. I have all the peripherals, just need the PC itself.

    Thanks,
    Sara
  • Whenever I help somebody pick out a new computer. I always ask for a dollar amount their willing to spend first. Then we look for the best deal within their budget.

    Also do you need the monitor?

    A system with the specs you listed can be had for $400 - $500 bucks. Spend a little more and get a nicer system.

    Michelle's last blog post..Free Internet Blog Hosting
  • JBO - That is exactly what I needed (and wanted!) to hear.

    E.Umana - I have no problem with you adding helpful links like that! I just subscribed to your course.

    Thanks guys!!

    Sara
  • In answer to you question "How Do I Transfer Files From my iPod to my PC?" it just so happens you're in luck as I have a free ecourse that covers that and more.

    http://www.askme7.com/ip.html

    I don't mean for it to sound like an ad, just a coincidence as it cover that exact topic etc.
  • JBO
    With regards to the computer - Really I would think you would find it hard to find a new computer that didn't accommodate your specs - I mean getting an 80GB hard disk is tough now -

    RAM is easy to add as long as your mobo supports it which if it is new, it undoubtedly will.

    All off your requirements would run on the most basic of machines.

    So ultimately you could go for a bargain model and add your own software and it would suit you, or, spend more to get better components that may last a longer time.
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