Getting set up

cowboy

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looking for info on getting set up with a Linux PC
Not so much for the Linux OS, and the various versions.

But more for the hardware side of it.
Haven't researched it much so i thought I would start here.

Can you buy a Linux computer off the shelf ?
if not, or if its preferable, buy the components separately ?

Which is better and why ?
 
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Lenovo sells laptops with fedora or Ubuntu installed. There are likely other manufacturers as well.

The nice thing about this, is you don't have to install it yourself.
The other nice thing is, you know all the components work, the video, the sound, the wifi, etc...

The down side, if you already have a computer that you don't want to run windows on anymore, you just spent a grand needlessly.
 
. . .
Can you buy a Linux computer off the shelf ?
if not, or if its preferable, buy the components separately ?

Which is better and why ?
I have no idea of your intended use for the PC nor whether a desktop or laptop preferred.
Top end and new -- arochester has provided the most extensive list of vendors I have seen.

I'll go at it from the opposite end of the spectruma and say, "Why spend money better spent elsewhere?"

And there is a lot of ground to cover with everytinng in-between the two.

Here is a list of Windows 7 Dell laptops with 8GB RAM for sale at ebay, where I have made several purchases and can say I would recommend any seller with a high 90's percent satisfaction rating:

Dell Windows 7 8 GB RAM PC Laptops & Netbooks

Why? Because I am cheap. Plus, nowadays the prices of components make it not cost-effective to build your own compared to purchasing a pre-built desktop.

I favor Dell but have had good experences with Lenovo. Asus comes in third in my book Others say HP. However, I shy away from their computers but love their printers, especially the laserjets. Personal prefernce is one of the things GNU/Linux ia all about.

Take a look at the link provided if it's laptops you want. Sidebars allow customization of search parameters.
 
Thanks for all the info, I'll sift thru..... and ask more as I go.

FYI
Looking for Desktop,
my main use is for day to day things, email, surfing etc...... nothing too extravagant. ie no gaming, video editing..... etc
I'm a data and into junkie, so I collect a lot of files, books articles etc. tons of em......

I currently use Win 7, see attached for sys info. sounds like I could use this, but it's 6 yrs old or so.
Plus I may designate for my wife......

My main reason for wanting Linux is, I don't like Win, .........
Plus I want the versatility and ability to tailor my system and needs for data crunching, searching, manipulation.... etc (yes I can do some of that with Win) but it's a chore and more convoluted.
Plus I don't like the baggage, and potential malware issues et.



sys info.PNG
 
My personal experience with GNU/Linux and hardware is that I have never since I started using GNU/Linux looked at hardware compatibility before buying a new system.
 
My personal experience with GNU/Linux and hardware is that I have never since I started using GNU/Linux looked at hardware compatibility before buying a new system.

This is mostly true for me. I have 12 computers made by different manufacturers and they all run Linux fine for me. One exception... I do pay attention to the WiFi chipset. I tend to lean towards Intel here.
Some Realtek, and Broadcom Wifi chipsets have been problematic. I've gotten around this a number of differnt ways... compiling drivers ( a pain), USB dongles (but you still have to have the right chipset), and PCI adapters (not practical for laptops)

I have installed Linux for other people on their computers as well. This may be bragging.. but I'm sure I've gotten Linux to run on over 30 to 40 different hardware platforms over the years.

There have been times I had to switch which distro I was using, but so far I'm 100% at getting Linux to run in some fashion.
 
As you say rarely a problem.slackware 14.2 did not recognise my WiFi chip on a new HP laptop. I just upgraded to slackware current and issue solved. In years gone by I did have a problem with printer comparability but found hp printers no problem due to hplip
 

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