Building a computer system?

Question

Hello. I need a little assistance. I just purchased a laptop computer from ebay. It doesn't have an operating system on there and I need to know what I need in order for my laptop to run great if not decent. I need to know what operating system, virus protection and any other software that I would need to get this computer up and running. And I would need to know roughly how much these items would costs me in the store or on the internet. Thanks...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170098378094&rd=1&rd=1

Here is the laptop if anyone will want to take a look at it.

P.S. can anyone also tell me where I may be able to go to have someone else upgrade it?

Answer 1

Im going to guess that the laptop is less then a year old and will run the following software easily.

Operating System: Windows XP with SP2 ($150.00)
Anti Virus: Symantec/Norton Anti Virus ($35.00)
Anti Spyware: Windows Defender (Free from Microsoft.com)

Plus you will need the drivers for the hardware in your laptop such as video, sound, modem, network adapters, USB Hub and so on.

It might be easier if you contact the manufacturer of the laptop and purchase a recovery disk for your laptop model. This will come with the operating system and all drivers for your laptop. These usually only cost between 25 and 40 dollars.

Answer 2

All you "need" is an operating system like Windows. As Vista (newest version) just came out a month ago, I would avoid it for now. There are some strict hardware requirements to it anyway.

Go to a local PC repair shop or software store and buy XP Home Edition, the full install version (not upgrade). Make sure it comes with a CD and a software "key" (code you need to activate it). Should be close to $100.

If your hardware and BIOS are properly setup, all you really need to do is power the laptop on, put your windows CD in the cd drive by pushing the little button on the door (wont open without power). You should get a message that says something like no operating system when you do this. Its ok for now. Close the CD drive and HOLD the power switch down for about 5 seconds until it turns off. Turn it back on, and the computer will boot from the CD. Just follow all the prompts to install. If it doesn't boot from CD, then you need to get into your BIOS setup and make your CD the first boot device.

Once you have windows up and are on the net (separate issue), click on Windows Update from your start button. Follow the instructions and install ALL critical updates.

You can then install antivirus (I recommend Avast or AVG - its free AND good). Other good applications is Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc), but its not cheap (~$400). I would try the free Open Office (www.openoffice.org) to see how you like it. Its compatible with Microsoft Office with about 95% of the features.

You can post another question here, or Email me, if you need help along the way. Just be somewhat specific with what you are asking. Dont just say "it dont work...what do I do?".

Good luck.

Answer 3

It's hard to say without some basic info about your hadrware (i.e. processor speed, RAM, etc.)

If it has at least a 800Mhz processor and 256MB of RAM, I would recommend Windows XP, and for McAffee for security.

Other than that you'll just have to buy programs for whatever you're using the computer for.

Answer 4

I do sell Windows Operating System just visit my website at http://www.mtechama.com and click on the "Computers" in the Categories box on the left. If you need some more assistance please click one of the links below.

Answer 5

what are the specs on your laptop. send me an email!