Updated 7/25/2005

 

 

Below are a few general suggestions aimed at the average user that I have come across, you may already know the below so please forgive me. I accept no legal responsibility. Follow at your own risk. (I hate that I have to say this all time, but we all know why).

 

Under software and hardware, I pretty much cover what I personally think are good choices. I just wanted to add a few additonal comments.

 

First, I buy most of my hardware from www.newegg.com. Their prices are good, and they are simply reliable. (Example, I just ordered a board and cpu on Friday afternoon, and I will be getting it on Tuesday. )

 

Second, I watch Comp USA, they often have great deals on Maxtor harddrives, and surprisingly, Circuit City has good deals from time to time as well. Best Buy is generally a decent place to shop, but they are not always the... ahm... best buy.

 

Windows XP Pro has alot of features that are better than Windows XP Home, but for many users it will not matter. By the way, as indicated in the "Spyware Removal" section, make sure you click on the "Windows Update" icon in your Start Menu, and run this regularly. Better still, have it run automatically. This is an excellent way to help prevent problems. I can't tell you how many people don't take this serious and wonder why they have so many problems.

 

If you have an AMD 64 Bit processor, Windows XP now has a 64bit version out that is significantly faster (for some things). You can get it for $150. at New Egg.

 

In terms of buying an entire computer (building one really is very easy), I only like Sony computers. But they are expensive. HP/Compaq (same company now), are ok if you get a non-Celeron or Semptron system. Emachines seem decent to me if you get a full 64bit Athlon system, the price is great.

 

For laptops, I have to say the HP laptops are nice, and I do like Gateway laptops (surprisingly). They just purchased Emachines recently, and you are effectively getting an Emachines system in many instances.

 

Before you purchase Microsoft Office, I would encourage you to look at OpenOffice and see if it meets your needs.

 

Definitely suggest you put on an Antivirus program.

 

I also do not like AOL for connecting to the internet. Period.

 

Also, one of things that I do, and recommend, is to setup a single computer in your home as a "File server" and keep everyones data on that computer. Then backup the home directories on a regular basis. At the very least have two drives (or two partitions on your home computer as a bare minimum), and make sure everyone keeps their data on the "Data" or second drive or partition. That way when the computer needs to be redone (not if, when), your data will be safe. You still need to backup your files from the data directory on a regular basis as well. But at least it is all in one place.

 

Burning to photos or movies to DVD as soon as you copy them (before you even edit them) is a great practice.

 

Better still (in my opinion) is a Linux server, running something like SuSE, which is incredibly reliable, and works really well with Windows or Macs. But then... that is not for the average user now is it?