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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 21:03:14 GMT -5
My computer is running a motherboard, processor, and ram out of an old salvaged HP and still has what it takes to run Skyrim. I've basically just added a graphics card. As far as I can tell the computer I salvaged the parts from was built in 2/2008 but I believe the model had been around a couple years longer. Pretty impressive specs for something so old, and it cost me $250 when I bought it, came with a monitor that I ended up selling for $100 too.
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Post by DE Sinclair on Aug 3, 2015 11:29:13 GMT -5
When I find a solid and reliable OS, I don't upgrade until I absolutely have to. I buy my computers used, so I don't ever get an OS until everyone and their mother has already been using it for a while. I clung to Windows 98 for ages before moving to XP, then to Windows 7 two years ago, and I'll stick with that, as well, until they stop providing updates and/or I need a new computer and have heard great things about Windows 10. Really, unless you're a PC gamer, what's the rush? Have you used Windows 8? If so, the rush is self-evident. In technical terms, Windows 8 sucks.
Just over a week until I get my Start menu back. 
Anyone else take the Windows 10 plunge yet? I found where to download it directly and skip Microsoft's queue, so I downloaded it to DVD and upgraded this weekend. Took literally many hours between the overnight download and a couple hours for the actual upgrade, but so far I like it. No more going directly to the tiles anymore. And the new browser, Edge, is irritating me less than Internet Explorer already. Yay! |
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Post by The Captain on Aug 3, 2015 14:30:06 GMT -5
Have you used Windows 8? If so, the rush is self-evident. In technical terms, Windows 8 sucks.
Just over a week until I get my Start menu back.
Anyone else take the Windows 10 plunge yet? I found where to download it directly and skip Microsoft's queue, so I downloaded it to DVD and upgraded this weekend. Took literally many hours between the overnight download and a couple hours for the actual upgrade, but so far I like it. No more going directly to the tiles anymore. And the new browser, Edge, is irritating me less than Internet Explorer already. Yay! Nope, and not going to any time soon. My laptop is a few years old at this point, so rather than go through the hassle of upgrading to Windows 10 now, I'll just wait until I have to replace the entire unit and get the new OS then. |
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Post by DE Sinclair on Aug 3, 2015 14:33:41 GMT -5
Anyone else take the Windows 10 plunge yet? I found where to download it directly and skip Microsoft's queue, so I downloaded it to DVD and upgraded this weekend. Took literally many hours between the overnight download and a couple hours for the actual upgrade, but so far I like it. No more going directly to the tiles anymore. And the new browser, Edge, is irritating me less than Internet Explorer already. Yay! Nope, and not going to any time soon. My laptop is a few years old at this point, so rather than go through the hassle of upgrading to Windows 10 now, I'll just wait until I have to replace the entire unit and get the new OS then. Mine is only a little over a year old, so it's not getting replaced any time soon. But as long as you're not on Windows 8, I can understand waiting. I just couldn't wait to get rid of 8. |
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
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Post by shaxper on Aug 3, 2015 19:54:25 GMT -5
Have you used Windows 8? If so, the rush is self-evident. In technical terms, Windows 8 sucks.
Just over a week until I get my Start menu back.
I have never used Windows 8 because, first of all, it's too new for me at this point, and second off, I've heard the reviews. Whenever I need a new computer, I spend no more than $250 by going to ebay and looking for a used Dell (usually 3 or 4 years old) with a licensed OS loaded, the specs I want, and sold by a reputable dealer. Dells last for frickin' ever, so the only issues when buying are obsolescence and whether the seller has described the item accurately. I replace a computer roughly every three to four years, still come out spending far less than most folks do (especially when you factor in the cost of upgrading operating systems), have all the performance I need since I mostly surf the web and do basic things like basic photo editing, word processing and spreadsheets, and (best yet), working three years behind the current technology, I already know what Operating Systems are good and what Operating Systems are not before deciding what computer to go with. I've been doing this for ten years now, have gone through three desktops and two notebooks (I maintain one of each at all times), and have not had a single regret. FYI -- decided it was time to replace my laptop tonight. It's been having a lot of troubles lately, largely because I treat it very poorly. I'll continue to use this one for watching movies in the bathtub and otherwise leaving it on the floor of my girls' bedroom so that I can use it when putting them to bed. I'll use the new one for pretty much everything else until this one finally dies. Seriously, totally middle of the line computers from top manufacturers are dirt cheap these days. Look at what I got and what I paid for it: www.ebay.com/itm/221842919676 |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 22:58:34 GMT -5
That's a great deal. Those specs are comparable with a lot of modern laptops still in stores.
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Post by DE Sinclair on Aug 4, 2015 8:00:54 GMT -5
I have never used Windows 8 because, first of all, it's too new for me at this point, and second off, I've heard the reviews. Whenever I need a new computer, I spend no more than $250 by going to ebay and looking for a used Dell (usually 3 or 4 years old) with a licensed OS loaded, the specs I want, and sold by a reputable dealer. Dells last for frickin' ever, so the only issues when buying are obsolescence and whether the seller has described the item accurately. I replace a computer roughly every three to four years, still come out spending far less than most folks do (especially when you factor in the cost of upgrading operating systems), have all the performance I need since I mostly surf the web and do basic things like basic photo editing, word processing and spreadsheets, and (best yet), working three years behind the current technology, I already know what Operating Systems are good and what Operating Systems are not before deciding what computer to go with. I've been doing this for ten years now, have gone through three desktops and two notebooks (I maintain one of each at all times), and have not had a single regret. FYI -- decided it was time to replace my laptop tonight. It's been having a lot of troubles lately, largely because I treat it very poorly. I'll continue to use this one for watching movies in the bathtub and otherwise leaving it on the floor of my girls' bedroom so that I can use it when putting them to bed. I'll use the new one for pretty much everything else until this one finally dies. Seriously, totally middle of the line computers from top manufacturers are dirt cheap these days. Look at what I got and what I paid for it: www.ebay.com/itm/221842919676Ah, that's a Dell E6400. We used to use those where I work (in fact I have 3 on the spares shelf now), and it's about 4 models behind the current model (E6440). Good solid laptop, no real ongoing issues with them (excepting maybe batteries, but that's true with almost any laptop), runs 32 bit Windows 7 well. Don't know exactly what they "refurbished" on it, but you can't beat the price. Hope it serves you well.
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,867
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Post by shaxper on Aug 4, 2015 9:02:00 GMT -5
FYI -- decided it was time to replace my laptop tonight. It's been having a lot of troubles lately, largely because I treat it very poorly. I'll continue to use this one for watching movies in the bathtub and otherwise leaving it on the floor of my girls' bedroom so that I can use it when putting them to bed. I'll use the new one for pretty much everything else until this one finally dies. Seriously, totally middle of the line computers from top manufacturers are dirt cheap these days. Look at what I got and what I paid for it: www.ebay.com/itm/221842919676Ah, that's a Dell E6400. We used to use those where I work (in fact I have 3 on the spares shelf now), and it's about 4 models behind the current model (E6440).
That's what makes them so inexpensive. Work places unload them in bulk in order to get newer models, so they flood the market and annihilate demand. So a personal thank you to you and your workplace, De |
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Post by Icctrombone on Aug 15, 2015 19:40:11 GMT -5
Here's a question: when you have to go to the bathroom real bad but you hold it, sometimes the urge goes away. What happened? where did it go ?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2015 3:18:27 GMT -5
Here's a question: when you have to go to the bathroom real bad but you hold it, sometimes the urge goes away. What happened? where did it go ? On pause...it tends to come back and bite you in the ass, or other anatomy as appropriate. |
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Post by Icctrombone on Sept 12, 2015 13:05:55 GMT -5
In the last year or so , I've been hearing a lot about solar panels on a house as a way to store energy and cut an electric bill. My question is , once the panels are installed on your houses roof , why do you have to pay any company at all? I was thinking it should be self sustainable .
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Sept 12, 2015 16:57:29 GMT -5
In the last year or so , I've been hearing a lot about solar panels on a house as a way to store energy and cut an electric bill. My question is , once the panels are installed on your houses roof , why do you have to pay any company at all? I was thinking it should be self sustainable . Most home systems are 3kW systems. That will generate 450 kWh per month. Which is about half the average monthly electric use in the U.S. So you aren't generating enough to make you independent of the electric company. Also keep in mind that that 3 kW system is going to cost you around $10,500. So it's going to take around 17 years to pay for itself. |
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Post by Icctrombone on Sept 12, 2015 18:27:45 GMT -5
In the last year or so , I've been hearing a lot about solar panels on a house as a way to store energy and cut an electric bill. My question is , once the panels are installed on your houses roof , why do you have to pay any company at all? I was thinking it should be self sustainable . Most home systems are 3kW systems. That will generate 450 kWh per month. Which is about half the average monthly electric use in the U.S. So you aren't generating enough to make you independent of the electric company. Also keep in mind that that 3 kW system is going to cost you around $10,500. So it's going to take around 17 years to pay for itself. I was wondering if it was another scam to have homeowners pay for something that they don't need. |
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Sept 12, 2015 18:40:36 GMT -5
Most home systems are 3kW systems. That will generate 450 kWh per month. Which is about half the average monthly electric use in the U.S. So you aren't generating enough to make you independent of the electric company. Also keep in mind that that 3 kW system is going to cost you around $10,500. So it's going to take around 17 years to pay for itself. I was wondering if it was another scam to have homeowners pay for something that they don't need. Depends on how you view it. If you have the money hanging around it will eventually pay for itself and make you money. And depending on the state you live in there are tax breaks and whatnot that can make it more worthwhile. New Mexico has some significant incentives. So your mileage is going to vary. |
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,867
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Post by shaxper on Sept 13, 2015 17:24:19 GMT -5
I was wondering if it was another scam to have homeowners pay for something that they don't need. Depends on how you view it. If you have the money hanging around it will eventually pay for itself and make you money. And depending on the state you live in there are tax breaks and whatnot that can make it more worthwhile. New Mexico has some significant incentives. So your mileage is going to vary. Most cities offer significant incentives. You can also get tax breaks from doing it. Personally, I plan to wait until the technology is a little further along. I've no doubt that, within ten years, they'll have inexpensive plastic panels that generate more energy from less space. |
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