Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
London School of Puppetry wrote: On 16/03/2008, *Keith Powell* [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you all for your replies and all the advice you have given. I really do appreciate it. When I posted my 'rant', I thought that I may get a couple of replies saying I agree or I don't agree. I never thought that you would all go to the trouble you have done. What a fantastic forum!! You have given me several firms to investigate, which I will do over the next few days. Things are very hectic here at the moment, so I won't be able to do anything immediately. I have read some good reports about Efficientpc (except that they are very bad at replying to e-mails). Also I think a day in Manchester to visit the two Manchester firms will probably be called for. Thanks again to all who replied. Keith Hi Keith, can you report back after you have made your enquiries as I would love to hear how you get on. I am in Yorks but visit Manchester a lot- so looking for a computer there would be as convenient. Thanks (and it is a great forum) Caroline Hello Caroline. It will probably be a week or so before I can do anything, but I'll certainly get back to you and tell you how I get on. Incidentally, I've since read some very good reports about PCSpecialist at Holmfirth. They build computers just to your specification, and they are very reasonably priced. Also, you can have them with XP or Vista installed, or, with *no* operating system installed. This last choice sounds very interesting. The London School of Puppetry in Yorkshire? I knew that London was expanding, but I didn't realise it had reached that far north. ;-) Keith -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Thank you all for your replies and all the advice you have given. I really do appreciate it. When I posted my 'rant', I thought that I may get a couple of replies saying I agree or I don't agree. I never thought that you would all go to the trouble you have done. What a fantastic forum!! You have given me several firms to investigate, which I will do over the next few days. Things are very hectic here at the moment, so I won't be able to do anything immediately. I have read some good reports about Efficientpc (except that they are very bad at replying to e-mails). Also I think a day in Manchester to visit the two Manchester firms will probably be called for. Thanks again to all who replied. Keith -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Hi, On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 1:51 PM, Tony Arnold [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Aria are based in Manchester, as are Micro Direct, who will build a machine to your spec. I'm also looking for a reasonably cheap system along similar lines - Aria seem good and appear to deliver nationwide - are they reliable? How does one find out who the more reliable suppliers are? -- Matthew East http://www.mdke.org gnupg pub 1024D/0E6B06FF -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Matthew East wrote: Hi, On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 1:51 PM, Tony Arnold [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Aria are based in Manchester, as are Micro Direct, who will build a machine to your spec. I'm also looking for a reasonably cheap system along similar lines - Aria seem good and appear to deliver nationwide - are they reliable? How does one find out who the more reliable suppliers are? I've bought stuff from Aria before and I'd say they're pretty good. Not sure what the pre-built PCs are like though. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Keith, Keith Powell wrote: norman wrote: This is rather O/T, but I hope no one minds! My computer is getting rather 'long in the tooth' (just like its owner), so I have been thinking of getting a new one. If I built my own and something didn't work, I'd be lost. So I will have to buy. But which machine? snip I understand your rant and have been through it. In the end, I decided to buy from a supplier who would build a machine to my specification, supply with no operating system installed and be reasonably priced. I have never looked back and now two other members of the family have similar machines. Norman Probably the best way to go, Norman. Was it a national supplier, or one local to you? Aria are based in Manchester, as are Micro Direct, who will build a machine to your spec. Regards, Tony. -- Tony Arnold,Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 6093 Head of IT Security,Fax: +44 (0) 870 136 1004 University of Manchester, Mob: +44 (0) 773 330 0039 Manchester M13 9PL. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
On 3/14/08, Keith Powell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sean Miller wrote: Updating Ubuntu isn't hard... the update manager will simply tell you There is a new version available and do it all for you. Significantly easier than upgrading XP to Vista etc... when new Ubuntu versions come out they generally work... don't need to wait a year for the product to become stable... ! Sorry, Sean, I couldn't have made it clear. It's not the actual upgrading Ubuntu that I was commenting on, (no problem with that), it was the fact that, if the Ubuntu machine was pre-loaded with 7.10, would the warranty be void if I replaced it with 8.04 almost immediately, then 8.10 in six month's time. It would be something I would check with the manufacturer if I bought a Ubuntu machine. I don't think you get a Ubuntu Warranty anyway... the warranty will be for the hardware side... and I've never heard of a hardware warranty that was invalidated by upgrading software... Regardless, if the warranty is protection against misconfiguration or whatever you'll get far better support from the Ubuntu community than you will from some hardware supplier call centre. Sean -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Sean Miller wrote: Updating Ubuntu isn't hard... the update manager will simply tell you There is a new version available and do it all for you. Significantly easier than upgrading XP to Vista etc... when new Ubuntu versions come out they generally work... don't need to wait a year for the product to become stable... ! Sorry, Sean, I couldn't have made it clear. It's not the actual upgrading Ubuntu that I was commenting on, (no problem with that), it was the fact that, if the Ubuntu machine was pre-loaded with 7.10, would the warranty be void if I replaced it with 8.04 almost immediately, then 8.10 in six month's time. It would be something I would check with the manufacturer if I bought a Ubuntu machine. I was just thinking out loud! Cheers Keith -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
norman wrote: so I have been thinking of getting a new one. If I built my own and something didn't work, I'd be lost. So I will have to buy. But which ... to buy from a supplier who would build a machine to my specification, Correct answer, IMHO. There are lots of small local PC build repair shops who will build machines for you, after finding out your requirements. They'll all offer warranties on the hardware and many of them will also be happy to preinstall Ubuntu. They will also be happy to give you the name and phone number of a couple of satisfied customers. Just look up computer systems in Yellow Pages ( www.yell.com ). The alternative is to get a reputable brand that's got Ubuntu preinstalled. Ged's post had a basic but good eSys one from Aria for £135+delivery. I'd also recommend Dell, as their hardware is mostly bulletproof and they honor their warranties without a quibble. My only tip would be to avoid onboard Intel graphics if you intend to use the Hibernate/Suspend/Sleep feature; it doesn't work reliably in Ubuntu on the i965/X3000/X3100 graphics chipsets, and Ubuntu have confirmed this will not be fixed in Hardy. Go for low-end ATI or nVidia graphics. -- Andrew Oakley -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Message: 1 Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:43:46 + From: Keith Powell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare! To: ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed This is rather O/T, but I hope no one minds! My computer is getting rather 'long in the tooth' (just like its owner), so I have been thinking of getting a new one. If I built my own and something didn't work, I'd be lost. So I will have to buy. But which machine? As with so many technological things these days (cameras, DVD players, TVs) etc there's really too much choice. I usually decide how much money to spend, drop any manufacturers or retailers who have a bad rep, or get a really bad review in the magazines, and then just choose the one that gives the most grunt for the money. But if you can get a personal recommendation for anything (like a couple of the chaps have on here) then thats absolutely the best advice to go with. It was all so much simpler 15 years ago. -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Probably the best way to go, Norman. Was it a national supplier, or one local to you? I'm in Cheshire. This company is in Cambridge but, as you now realise, there are lots about. Norman -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
On 14/03/2008, norman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Probably the best way to go, Norman. Was it a national supplier, or one local to you? I'm in Cheshire. This company is in Cambridge but, as you now realise, there are lots about. Norman This discussion is really interesting and most useful. I am interested in getting a Dell already fixed up with Linux- Ubuntu- Someone I met said this is possible- approx £300. But perhaps it would be an idea to get one built- My needs are really simple. Caroline -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ -- --- London School of Puppetry www.londonschoolofpuppetry.com -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Kris Douglas wrote: On Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 1:31 PM, Ged [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Aria is now selling Linux fitted PC's with Ubuntu, and for a VERY good price, and a bloody good spec. I've had a play on one of these too, and the build quality is spot on, and they run perfectly well, very fast. Kris I know it's subjective, but how noisy are they? (For comparison, I'd say a Dell Dimension 5150 was quiet enough to be acceptable) Mac -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Ged wrote: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/eSys+S709001UK+Intel+PC+System+%2B+Linux+?productId=30498 Aria is now selling Linux fitted PC's with Ubuntu, and for a VERY good price, and a bloody good spec. Intel(R) Celeron 3.2GHz Processor 80GB – 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive 512MB DDR II RAM DVD Rom drive VIA PM 800 Pro Motherboard Integrated shared 64MB Graphics 5.1 channel AC'97 Sound 6 x USB 2.0 Ports Integrated Ethernet 10/100 Mbps 1 x AGP 8x , 3 x PCI Enhance 250W PSU Multimedia Keyboard Optical Scroll Mouse Linux Ubuntu -- Kris Douglas Softdel Limited Hosting Services Web: www.softdel.net Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Kris Douglas posted this not long ago. If yours is a bit long in the tooth this should blow your socks off.And it's got Ubuntu pre-installed so you know it works. All the best Ged To be honest it's not that good a spec now, a Celeron 3.2GHz is getting long in the tooth (Aria are selling them off at about £20 a piece, a Pentium Dual Core would be a better option at about £20 more) and it's old technology, you should really aim for a dual core CPU nowadays and 1GB memory as a minimum. A decent supplier should be able to do this at a good price. I've heard that Novatech sell PCs without operating systems bundled. I've never personally bought anything from them but I do know that they have been around a fair few years (at least probably about 10 years). Other than that, I hate to say it but there's always Dell. Rob -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Ged wrote: Ged wrote: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/eSys+S709001UK+Intel+PC+System+%2B+Linux+?productId=30498 Aria is now selling Linux fitted PC's with Ubuntu, and for a VERY good price, and a bloody good spec. Intel(R) Celeron 3.2GHz Processor 80GB – 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive 512MB DDR II RAM DVD Rom drive VIA PM 800 Pro Motherboard Integrated shared 64MB Graphics 5.1 channel AC'97 Sound 6 x USB 2.0 Ports Integrated Ethernet 10/100 Mbps 1 x AGP 8x , 3 x PCI Enhance 250W PSU Multimedia Keyboard Optical Scroll Mouse Linux Ubuntu -- Kris Douglas Softdel Limited Hosting Services Web: www.softdel.net Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Kris Douglas posted this not long ago. If yours is a bit long in the tooth this should blow your socks off.And it's got Ubuntu pre-installed so you know it works. All the best Ged I'm sorry people but I made a mistake when I made my first reply. Instead of replying to the post I copied and pasted Kris Douglas' previous post about this cheap machine. I put my little bit at the bottom as shown now in red and sent it in plain text only. It then scrunched it all together. I did not find this machine, Kris Douglas did. Ged(and I'm sending it in plain text again) and it's not red when sent in plain text. Ged(this is in html) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Ged wrote: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/eSys+S709001UK+Intel+PC+System+%2B+Linux+?productId=30498 Aria is now selling Linux fitted PC's with Ubuntu, and for a VERY good price, and a bloody good spec. Intel(R) Celeron 3.2GHz Processor 80GB – 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive 512MB DDR II RAM DVD Rom drive VIA PM 800 Pro Motherboard Integrated shared 64MB Graphics 5.1 channel AC'97 Sound 6 x USB 2.0 Ports Integrated Ethernet 10/100 Mbps 1 x AGP 8x , 3 x PCI Enhance 250W PSU Multimedia Keyboard Optical Scroll Mouse Linux Ubuntu -- Kris Douglas Softdel Limited Hosting Services Web: www.softdel.net Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/ Kris Douglas posted this not long ago. If yours is a bit long in the tooth this should blow your socks off.And it's got Ubuntu pre-installed so you know it works. All the best Ged I'm sorry people but I made a mistake when I made my first reply. Instead of replying to the post I copied and pasted Kris Douglas' previous post about this cheap machine. I put my little bit at the bottom as shown now in red and sent it in plain text only. It then scrunched it all together. I did not find this machine, Kris Douglas did. Ged(and I'm sending it in plain text again) -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
I've never had any dealings with them so can't comment on service quality but these: http://efficientpc.co.uk/ appear to supply decent spec machines at sensible prices, all with ubuntu pre-installed. Stu ___ Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief with Yahoo! For Good http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/forgood/-- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
Steve Cook wrote: On Fri, 2008-03-14 at 17:01 +, Rob Beard wrote: ...you should really aim for a dual core CPU nowadays Why? Steve Well the cost difference is so small now and with software demanding more power, why not get one now and not have to upgrade again. Plus it does make a considerable difference if you're hammering the machine* You can even get a dual core Celeron now (based on the Core 2 but with a lot smaller cache) for about £25 to £30. Plus there's the advantage that the board may take a quad core CPU. Or if you prefer AMD, you can get a dual core Athlon X2 quite cheap, and if you go for an AM2+ motherboard there's the option there to upgrade to triple or quad cores (just don't do what I do and leave it running with the fan not working by accident - it didn't like it). Rob * Unless you're running HD video, then it only uses single core, then you can't get a quick enough CPU! -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
Re: [ubuntu-uk] New computer nightmare!
On Fri, 2008-03-14 at 17:01 +, Rob Beard wrote: ...you should really aim for a dual core CPU nowadays Why? Steve -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.kubuntu.org/UKTeam/
