Newest Threads

BarleyWater · 11-10-2008, 07:03 AM

Most of the crap that comes on new computers is a buch of junk. Trial programs that want you to buy the full version, programms that you would never purchase but you for some reason have them anyway. My new comp came with Microsoft Works, really... who the hell uses Works, just charge a couple extra bucks if you have to, and load it with Word, or better yet, charge less and load it with nothing.

BUT, I found something pretty cool on my new comp. As you can probably tell from my avatar (if you have seen the show), I am a HUGE Arrested Development fan. Well, my computer came loaded with all 3 seasons as the sample for some Internet TV crap that it came with. I already had the DVDs, but this is awesome, now every episode is just a click away. I usually just remove all the extras, but I think I will be holding on to this one.

**schweaty** · 11-10-2008, 12:27 PM

This is why I prefer to just build my own. I have TOTAL control!

Malticulous · 11-10-2008, 12:47 PM

The OEMs are paid to put many of those trials and bloatware on there.

I enjoy building my own. It's not cheaper than a low end Dell/HP but it is better.

Tenchiro · 11-10-2008, 01:11 PM

I have a copy of XP Pro Corp, just wipe whatever OS is on there and install something clean. Linux is good for that too. Although aside from laptops I just build my own anyways, so it is not usually an issue.

Nice that they are starting to ship with some real content though.

**cubbies** · 11-10-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarleyWater

or better yet, charge less and load it with nothing.

Typically, those extras, especially the trials, are paid by the product manufacturer. Think of it as an advertisement. The presence of these packages makes the computer cheaper, not more expensive.

DeadDoc · 11-10-2008, 05:00 PM

If You Build It They Shall Come!

**Homercidal** · 11-10-2008, 05:11 PM

I thought that Works now comes with Word included.

Also, the trialware is how you can buy a Dell, Etc. cheaper than building your own (low end of course), and not all of that is useless, but I'd certainly look for drivers and do a reload if possible. If not, spend a couple of relaxing hours "Cleaning House". You can generally get it back to basics in not much time.

If you do a reload, then please make sure you can get drivers for all of that. A name-brand will certainly have them available. Get them in advance, and store on a Mem Stick or CD for installation after OS reload.

**Mutilated1** · 11-10-2008, 05:14 PM

The last couple of computers we've bought came with Ubuntu pre-loaded. None of that extra crap, no need for anti-virus and anti-spyware. Easy enough to use that two kids ages 9 and 12 can each run their own computer and play their games for windows without help, and I never have to come fix anything when they screwed it up by downloading some virus or trojan from the internet.

DeadDoc · 11-10-2008, 05:23 PM

wait.. retail computers coming with linux?

**cubbies** · 11-10-2008, 05:59 PM

Also, a lot of computers (I know specifically that HP does this) they come with a system restore disk and then an "application and drivers disk". After the system restore is done, you run this disk and you can choose what applications go on your machine. Sure, this takes a couple of hours, but for the price of the computer + a couple of hours of my time, it is still cheaper than building my own. I used to build my own computers years ago when desktops were still expensive, but these days it doesnt make sense. By the time you buy a processor, a motherboard, and a nice video card, you have pretty much reached the price of a new out of the box computer and you still have a bunch of stuff to buy and spend hours setting it up. And if you have to buy a new version of your operating system...fuhgetaboutit.