New Computer

[kerryk]

I went to look for a new computer today. The prices ranged from 7 to 17 thousand baht. The Emachine tower at 17,000 included windows 7. The others had DOS only. They guy told me he would put on 7 or xp up to me.

What is the advantage in buying a tower with windows 7 pre loaded? I am hot a heavy business or graphics or game user. Mostly email and some work related graphic things but nothing big.

Thanks

[Crossy]

A pre-loaded machine will likely have a legitimate copy of Windows (check for the certificate of authenticity).

Anything that comes with DOS will need you to buy Windows (or load Linux) before it's usable.

[lopburi3]

That said you could buy the 7k version and add a legal Windows for a total cost of about 11k and it should do what you need. I bought the 7k Emachine for granddaughter a year ago and it is working great. Very quiet as no case fan required.

[MikeWill]

That said you could buy the 7k version and add a legal Windows for a total cost of about 11k and it should do what you need. I bought the 7k Emachine for granddaughter a year ago and it is working great. Very quiet as no case fan required.

I want to buy one for my 7 y.o. daughter (to play and surf the web).

Does it have a monitor included, or just a tower?

What are the specs?

[kerryk]

The 7 k was tower only with no windows 7. They told me windows 7 or xp was free if they loaded it.

The only one they had with windows 7 pre loaded was the emachine for 17 k.

Could I take the windows XP from my current hard drive and load it to the new computer? I don't know how to do that unless I install the HD in the new computer. Which defeats the purpose of buying a new one.

[Jingthing]

Anything free (XP or Windows 7) will be a copy version. With those you will have a big problem getting security updates and chances that you will get viruses and trash your hard drive will be very high. You should pay the extra money for the legal operating system with an authentic key. If you are going to go legal, you should go with Windows 7. I recently bought a legal OEM version of 7 for about 4000 baht. I am very happy with Windows 7 and its a pleasure being legal for updates.

If you have a full legal XP from your old machine and you have the disk, you can install that on your new machine. If the XP legal was an OEM version, technically you can't use that on a totally new machine. OEM keys are intended to be used on one machine only and not transferable to completely new machines. Otherwise, if you are going with a copy, let the shop install the copy version.

If you do buy the legal software separately from your vendor, be careful that they aren't scamming you and taking the money and not giving an authentic key. I would insist on getting a sealed box from Microsoft with the disk and the key number. Microsoft has info about Is it real to help customers figure out whether they are being sold fakes. Of course, if it is free, you will know for sure.

[Supernova]

Pirated versions of Windows can still obtain the latest updates through Automatic Updates. However, you won't be able to access the Windows Update site (using a web browser) or download and install Microsoft software requiring WGA validation.

It's definitely better to go LEGIT.

[Jingthing]

Pirated versions of Windows can still obtain the latest updates through Automatic Updates. However, you won't be able to access the Windows Update site (using a web browser) or download and install Microsoft software requiring WGA validation.

It's definitely better to go LEGIT.

I question your assertion that copies can get automatic updates.

The OP doesn't sound like the type who is going to want to deal with the tricky games you have to play to get updates when you have a copy.

http://windowssecrets.com/2009/05/21/02-Ge...-WGA-nightmares

[Supernova]

^ Yes they can. Automatic Updates does not require any form of validation.

A few years ago, Microsoft had come forward with the idea of preventing 'non-genuine' users from receiving Automatic Updates. This idea was quickly abandoned due to the significant risk it posed.

[Jingthing]

^ Yes they can. Automatic Updates does not require any form of validation.

A few years ago, Microsoft had come forward with the idea of preventing 'non-genuine' users from receiving Automatic Updates. This idea was quickly abandoned due to the significant risk it posed.

Only critical ones then? And remember Windows will throw nasty popups (and I think login delays) on your machine when they discover it is fake. Yes there are workarounds to disable that crap, but again, its better to be legal.

Look I don't own Microsoft stock. Just trying to save the OP from some headaches down the line.

BTW, should he got 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7?

[Beggar]

If you get a fake Win7 version and want to keep it running then be prepared to dig into certain forums on the web to keep up with the fight between Microsoft and the hackers. If you make one mistake and have no backup then you might get a problem. So I think the existing Win7 copies are nothing for the not so experienced users.

[Jingthing]

Also with a Tower rather than a laptop, when your system gets messed up because of the fake windows you will have to haul that big thing to the repair shop (or pay for out service). Even more reason to go clean with a tower.

[Tywais]

One post deleted related to the below forum rules. You're walking on thin ice talking about pirated software guys. Though the comments on the associated problems that come with it have not been removed. Let's put it back on the OPs specific question. There is Windows 7 Starter edition which would be the least expensive option and may be sufficient for the OPs purpose.

16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand.

//edit - ok, the least expensive OS option is Linux as it is free.

[Supernova]

Only critical ones then? And remember Windows will throw nasty popups (and I think login delays) on your machine when they discover it is fake. Yes there are workarounds to disable that crap, but again, its better to be legal.

I believe it applies to all updates; from a low severity rating to critical.

The popups you mentioned are Windows Genuine Advantage notifications. All it does is inform the user he/she is running non-genuine Windows. Nothing more.

WGA can find its way on to the system by visiting the Windows Update site, downloading / installing Microsoft software requiring validation, as well as through Automatic Updates. (Note: Setting up AU to 'notify me before downloading' will allow you to pick and choose which updates to install; thus, prevent WGA from invading your system.)

Just trying to save the OP from some headaches down the line

BTW, should he got 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7?

Of course... I was just merely pointing out that pirated copies can obtain updates too. It's always better to go legit, if only for the reasons you've mentioned earlier (the part about viruses).

Windows: FAQ

Windows 7: 64 bit vs 32 bit

[lopburi3]

Also with a Tower rather than a laptop, when your system gets messed up because of the fake windows you will have to haul that big thing to the repair shop (or pay for out service). Even more reason to go clean with a tower.

Actually the Acer Emachine is very compact and lightweight. Nothing like a normal tower.

[Beggar]

The popups you mentioned are Windows Genuine Advantage notifications. All it does is inform the user he/she is running non-genuine Windows. Nothing more.

The popups will not be the end of the story. After a while Windows will shut down automatically. Okay - perhaps enough time to check email before But anyhow - if you install a lot and have a Win7 copy it might be a strange feeling if your next Windows experience is always up to Microsoft and up to a possible answer of hackers. So far Microsoft has been nice to make the famous update KB971033 voluntary. But it will be hard to sue them if they change their mind and add it invisible to a different update. And KB971033 will be for sure not the end of the game.

[robblok]

Also with a Tower rather than a laptop, when your system gets messed up because of the fake windows you will have to haul that big thing to the repair shop (or pay for out service). Even more reason to go clean with a tower.

If you dont need to move your computer a lot buy a tower or normal pc. You get a lot more value for money, you cant buy a laptop with the same specs for the same money. Give me a normal computer any day (unless i need to move it around a lot)

[d0ndela]

That said you could buy the 7k version and add a legal Windows for a total cost of about 11k and it should do what you need. I bought the 7k Emachine for granddaughter a year ago and it is working great. Very quiet as no case fan required.

I want to buy one for my 7 y.o. daughter (to play and surf the web).

Does it have a monitor included, or just a tower?

What are the specs?

The Acer eMachines Atom computer that used to cost around 7k is no longer being distributed in Thailand, so if you find one now make sure to check the warranty stickers on it, because Acer removed it from their product line at least 4 months ago. (Specs for the Acer)

Lenovo had a similar Atom mini desktop, also around 7k, also removed from the market.

MSI had a similar Atom mini dekstop, also around 7k, also removed from the market.

Compaq had/has a similar Atom mini desktop, also around 7k, but is being removed from the market now. (Specs for the Compaq)

All these were great computers for the majority of computer users. They were fully sufficient for browsing, office applications, emails and the occasional torrent download. That's what most people who buy a computer claims that they are going to use it for.

The reason they have all been taken off the market, is that the manufacturers did not make enough profit from those cheap models.

But as I said you might find some still for sale in various shops, but be certain to check the warranty sticker dates before you buy them!

Edit: And should you decide to by one of these, you only need to buy Windows 7 Starter edition, that's only about 1,900 baht. So a computer with legal windows can (could) be had really cheap.

[d0ndela]

The popups you mentioned are Windows Genuine Advantage notifications. All it does is inform the user he/she is running non-genuine Windows. Nothing more.

The popups will not be the end of the story. After a while Windows will shut down automatically. Okay - perhaps enough time to check email before But anyhow - if you install a lot and have a Win7 copy it might be a strange feeling if your next Windows experience is always up to Microsoft and up to a possible answer of hackers. So far Microsoft has been nice to make the famous update KB971033 voluntary. But it will be hard to sue them if they change their mind and add it invisible to a different update. And KB971033 will be for sure not the end of the game.

Not sure if this will break the forum rules, if so I'm sorry.

I will not go into details, just say that I run Windows 7 on several computers, that update installs just fine and Windows 7 runs smooth as always.

And for Windows XP not being able to update if you are running a cracked version, that statement is driving me crazy. Yes true if you go to your regular Thai computer shop they have some shitty fake Windows XP image that comes pre-installed with 800 different programs you will never use, and if you install a proper antivirus instead of the modified NOD32 they always install, you will catch several virusses from the "clean" install. You can be sure that they always have turned off automatic updates as well, and done everything in their powers to prevent you from turning it back on. You get what you pay for!!!

[AlanL1275]

On eBay you can buy an original windows 7 key starting at $15.00 buy-it-now. You would need to get a copy of the software from one of the software vendors. The one I saw was for version 7600 Windows 7. The seller had 100% positive feedback. I did not look at Vista, or XP. Wouldn't recommend Vista but you cannot upgrade from XP. A copy of 7 will cost you about 150 baht. Get just Windows 7 and nothing else that loads. You can search for Windows 7 key.

Below is a link to one of the eBay auctions.

You can also buy full versions with DVD cheaply. (oem) but you would have to wait for the software to arrive.

I recently purchased Final Cut Express 4.0 for my Mac and only received the serial number. Went to Pantip and got the software for 150 baht, and now I have a fully registered, legal, and update-able program. Final Cut 4 was about half price for me.

But for sure you want a legal copy. It is much easier to deal with, especially if you are not computer savvy.

Good Luck,

EDIT link to eBay listing removed

17) Not to post links to pages that contain objectionable material. This includes, warez, cracks, file-sharing, pornography, pyramid schemes, referral ID's, eBay listings and requests for donations.

[CHdiver]

If you use that ebay offer, you better go for the ultimate offer, just under 17 USD

[kerryk]

It is not the price so much but ease of operation. I am used to XP. Is it possible to buy an in the box legit XP or has it all been replaced by Win 7?

[Supernova]

As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP Home Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general availability of the next version of Windows.

Source

Forgive me for saying this, but it's time to ditch XP and move on to a newer and better operating system. While I agree that Windows 7 is a little "different" than XP from a usability stand point, it's just like any other new OS and will take some getting used to. Installing XP on a brand new machine seems like an awful waste of computing power to me... But hey, it's YOUR decision. I'm just simply stating the obvious.

[sammycic]

As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP Home Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general availability of the next version of Windows.

Source

Forgive me for saying this, but it's time to ditch XP and move on to a newer and better operating system. While I agree that Windows 7 is a little "different" than XP from a usability stand point, it's just like any other new OS and will take some getting used to. Installing XP on a brand new machine seems like an awful waste of computing power to me... But hey, it's YOUR decision. I'm just simply stating the obvious.

could not agree more i have just bought a new machine with win 7 on it and there is no way i would go back to xp. it is so easy to use.

[Jingthing]

I have using XP for years and my learning curve for Windows 7 was nonexistent. No problem, whatsoever, and Win 7 is much better. There is no reason to go with XP now, Microsoft finally got it right, what took them so long (a windows user Windows 1.0, sad to say)?

I also like Towers, and don't they tend to last longer than laptops?