Our ancient (2000) Gateway needs to be replaced but we don't know where to buy a new one. (Just the tower, no monitor, etc.) Consumer Reports says on-line is better than electronics stores. Buying from a local dealer falls in the middle of those two. Because we don't know much about giga-whatsits and such, we prefer to buy in person, so we have someone to talk to right then. We've been to the chain stores like Office Depot, Best Buy and Staples. We're new in this fairly small town and don't know anyone to ask about local places. We picked one out of the phone book yesterday - the kind that builds their own computers from components. The Better Business Bureau has a satisfactory report on them. They've been in business since 1997. Their price is competitive.

We'd appreciate any good advice about this. Thanks.

Do you have a community college in your town? Computer geeks are thick on the ground in places like that. Drop in and hang around for a bit, then strike up a conversation in the coffee shop, find out who the right ones are, and talk to them. Or if your town has a PC User's Group. Or even at the local high school. Maybe they have a night class you could join and get to know the local computer users.

Microsoft is on the verge of wide release of their new Windows "Vista" operating system (replacement for XP). While you might not want to get a Vista-equipped machine, it might be important to get hardware that is "Vista-ready." Something to ask about, at any rate. Good luck!

"Microsoft is on the verge of wide release of their new Windows "Vista" operating system (replacement for XP)."

This will leave a lot of computers with the XP system sitting on the shelves in stores. They should be marked down.

First, the previous posts provide valuable information. I thought I would add a few other considerations.

When asked about what computer to buy, my first question is "What do you want the computer to do?".

If your need is mostly for email and the Internet, then I usually recommend that you buy a standard (meaning low cost) machine. The most basic computer is equipped to handle email and Internet.

For a basic machine, the add-ons that I recommend are:

1. Get plenty of RAM (Random Access Memory). This is the dynamic memory that running programs use and the more the better. For a new computer, I would like to see at least 512 MB. This can be easily added on to an existing machine for a small additional charge.

2. If possible get the Windows XP Home Edition CD with the computer. Most new systems do not provide the CD, but you can often get one for a small price ($10 in the case of Dell). It will pay off by easing system repairs.

If you want to work with image files or video, then you will need lots of RAM (at least 1 GB) and a very good display adapter card with its own built in memory. For this use, I would suggest you speak with a knowledgeable computer person, because choosing the right components will make a lot of difference. This type of application would benefit from having a machine custom built for you.

I'm certainly not opposed to buying your machine locally, or having it custom built. But you will pay more for this when compared to prices for a Dell, Gateway or Compaq computer purchased online (or via 1-800 phone line). Again, if you need a basic machine, it should only cost about $400 including shipping. http://www.dell.com/tv

Consider this one: Dell Dimension B110 - $299 (basic cost).
Add the additional memory (512 MB Total) and the WinXP Home Edition CD (to ease system repair, if needed) the price is: $359. Add the shipping costs and you're at about $400.

You mentioned that you didn't need a new monitor and this one does come with a monitor. If you call the Dell people, you can ask to have the monitor removed and the cost deducted (probably around $40). The number is on the page linked above: 1-877-887-3355.

I used the Dell in my example just because I'm most familiar with them. I have purchased or helped with the purchase of many systems for my clients and have been very happy with the Dell. My biggest reason for recommending the Dell is because they have a good support Website and every computer will need technical support. But the HP, Gateway and Compaq (now part of HP) sites are also good. I know there are some who feel strongly about one machine versus another, but the machines are not all that different. The main things I'm concerned with are the warranty for at least the first 90-days (this is when most problems are found...if it works beyond that time it will most likely run well for years, a truism for most electronics). And the support site, as mentioned above.

About software. I generally recommend that you purchase software that you want separately from the computer (not pre-installed at the factory) so that you will get the retail version of the software. Having the retail version will usually help with support issues from the software maker. It also eases reinstall problems. And it is often less expensive. For example, take the MS Office software suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint and MS Outlook (email program). Dell charges $149 to pre-install the software. You can usually purchase the Student/Teacher version of Office at Best Buy or Wal-Mart for about $130 (and I've seen it as low as $100). You have the exact same programs and the retail CD for less money. To qualify to purchase the Student/Teacher version, you just need to either be a teacher or have a student in your household (kids, grandkids, neighbors kids, etc.).

You new machine will likely come with lots of software that you don't want or need (AOL, MSN Explorer, various ISP (Internet Service Provider) offers, etc.). Whatever you're not using and will not use, you can uninstall via the Control Panel, Add-Remove program utility. This will save storage space and simplify your machine.

Finally about Internet speed. This is mostly a function of the type of Internet connection you have, not the computer itself. A broadband connection like DSL or Cable is going to be much faster than a dial-up account (even if one buys the accelerated version). This is true of your current Gateway 2000 or a new mega dollar machine. So if Internet speed is important to you, consider the Internet connection type first. All new computers will come with the Ethernet adapter card built in so they will be able to accept broadband connections.

I hope something here will be helpful.

Dwight

Spectacular answer, Dwight.

Dwight, thanks for a terrific helpful answer. I looked at the Dell site yesterday. It's easier to navigate than the Gateway site, so that might make up my mind rightthere.

A couple more questions, if you don't mind. Keyboards and mice aren't brand-specific, are they? I have an ergo-keyboard that I love. There was an option to delete the monitor but not the board/mouse.

What's the best way to get my old email and Word/Excel files to the new computer? I do a lot of editing for the Air/Space museum in Oklahoma City, so I need those files. Best Buy will install my old hard drive in a new computer for $60. Is that a good idea? My old
computer won't let me copy any word file to a CD. Tells me everything is "Read-Only", even though nothing says that in Properties, etc. (In 2004 I tried everything you and Gateway suggested, to no avail.)

"Geek" at Best Buy suggested Spysweeper and PCcillin for protection. What do you think of those? I have Norton and the free AdAware right now.

I'm going to Wal-Mart today and will check out the software you suggested. Thanks again.

1. Keyboards and mice aren't brand-specific, are they?
No, you can just plug in whatever mouse and keyboard you prefer to use. If your keyboard came with an installation CD, you may need to use that. If you do need it, you will be prompted to install it. When you first get your new machine, you can just plug in your preferred keyboard and mouse. I suggest keeping the other ones as a backup.

2. What's the best way to get my old email and Word/Excel files to the new computer? I do a lot of editing for the Air/Space museum in Oklahoma City, so I need those files. Best Buy will install my old hard drive in a new computer for $60. Is that a good idea? My old computer won't let me copy any word file to a CD.

Best Buy will install... Without a doubt this method is the easiest way of moving files. You should ensure that your new computer has a bay available for a second hard drive, or check to ensure the $60 Best Buy fee includes installing a second drive bay if necessary. (You will probably need to speak to a Dell Representative to determine is there is provision (drive bay) for a second hard drive).

What's the best way to get my old email and Word/Excel... What kind of email are you using? I notice this is from mail.yahoo.com If your mail is Webmail like Yahoo online, the email is stored in your Yahoo mail server. It would be available to you with any computer that you used to connect to Yahoo mail. If the mail you're wishing to save is in another account (POP3 mail) then you can export it.

Can you send me one of the Word files in an email attachment and let me look at it? Perhaps I can figure out what the problem is.

One method of transferring files is leaving you old computer set up and then setting up your new one and connecting the two via a network connection. Once the two are connected, you can transfer files back and forth between them. In order to do this, you would need two monitors. What type of Internet Connection are you using?

3. "Geek" at Best Buy suggested Spysweeper and PCcillin for protection.
These are OK, but they are not free. You can use the Lavasoft Ad-Aware and the Spybots program for removal. Both of these are recommended by Microsoft.

For spyware prevention I highly recommend the free SpywareBlaster. I find it prevents most problems. All three are available for download on my site: http://dwightblackburn.com#spyware

Send the sample excel or word file that is in read only and I will try to determine what is the problem.
I hope this helps!

If all you're transferring are simple Word and Excel files, installing your old hard drive into a new machine may be a bit extreme.

If both the new and old machines have a floppy drive, why not put it to good use? Sure it's an antiquated mode of data transfer, but it works. (Free if you have a floppy disk around)

If both machines can connect to the internet (doesn't have to be simultaneous), take your old documents, compress them into a ZIP file and simply email the ZIP to yourself. Then unpack the ZIP using the new machine. (Free)

Or, you could consider investing in a USB thumbdrive. Most electronics stores carry them, some can be found ~$20 and allow you to easily shuttle data between machines. (Much like a floppy) Or for a little extra money, you can get one which doubles as an MP3 player. ($20 - $100, depending on storage space and extra features)