jn_12
Senior Member
So after 5 years, my girlfriend's computer seems to have died today. Pretty sure it's the motherboard because it died abruptly while she was using it (other option is that it's the power source, but it died the same way as my old computer, which was a motherboard problem). She also has a big old school clunky monitor that needed replacing as well. We looked around and figured that the combination of a new monitor and the cost to repair this computer probably isn't worth it. We've decided that it'd probably just be best for her to get a new computer. So my two questions are:
1. I looked around online for some deals. This one from Future Shop seems pretty good: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...10003673&CMP=ILC-FS_Flyer_Tracking&langid=EN#
Essentially, it's an Acer AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core 7550 with an Acer 18.5in Wide LCD Monitor for $500. Vista home premium, 2.5ghz, 3GB ram, 320GB. She mostly will use it just for internet stuff and she plays the odd game like Roller Coaster Tycoon and the Sims. Her current computer was half as good as the above, so that's why we figure it makes sense to buy a new one, especially since it comes with a seemingly nice flatscreen monitor.
Does this seem like a good deal?
2. Obviously the old computer has all of her files on it. Would it be easy to simply remove that hard drive and put it in the new computer? If not, is there an easy way to get those files from her old computer (which can't turn on) to the new one? Also, would there be conflicts since XP is on the old hard drive, and this new one would have Vista?
I know Best Buy's Geek Squad will do it for $60 but the idea of bringing two computers in to them seems both bothersome and a bit risky knowing that they have a so-so reputation. If I could do it myself, that would be better. Plus I like learning new stuff like that...
I have a decent enough understanding of computers in that I know what people are talking about and I can follow instructions/troubleshoot, but I've never done much hands-on hardware stuff other than install a wireless card. So I'd be a bit concerned about adding a 2nd hard drive to her brand new computer, without knowing what I might be getting myself into.
I've tried googling for answers but haven't found a lot that I feel comfortable with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
1. I looked around online for some deals. This one from Future Shop seems pretty good: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...10003673&CMP=ILC-FS_Flyer_Tracking&langid=EN#
Essentially, it's an Acer AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core 7550 with an Acer 18.5in Wide LCD Monitor for $500. Vista home premium, 2.5ghz, 3GB ram, 320GB. She mostly will use it just for internet stuff and she plays the odd game like Roller Coaster Tycoon and the Sims. Her current computer was half as good as the above, so that's why we figure it makes sense to buy a new one, especially since it comes with a seemingly nice flatscreen monitor.
Does this seem like a good deal?
2. Obviously the old computer has all of her files on it. Would it be easy to simply remove that hard drive and put it in the new computer? If not, is there an easy way to get those files from her old computer (which can't turn on) to the new one? Also, would there be conflicts since XP is on the old hard drive, and this new one would have Vista?
I know Best Buy's Geek Squad will do it for $60 but the idea of bringing two computers in to them seems both bothersome and a bit risky knowing that they have a so-so reputation. If I could do it myself, that would be better. Plus I like learning new stuff like that...
I have a decent enough understanding of computers in that I know what people are talking about and I can follow instructions/troubleshoot, but I've never done much hands-on hardware stuff other than install a wireless card. So I'd be a bit concerned about adding a 2nd hard drive to her brand new computer, without knowing what I might be getting myself into.
I've tried googling for answers but haven't found a lot that I feel comfortable with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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