<p>Be careful with Linux. Wine claims to be able to run most Windows programs, but only a few run smoothly, the rest have lots of bugs with tiresome workarounds.</p>
<p>It depends on what you want on your computer. I had mine custom built for $1,200 which is more expensive than most Dells on the market now. On the plus side to that is that I have the highest quality hardware there is. My computer boots up in less than five seconds. I have Windows 7 which is awesome btw because Vista sucks.</p>
<p>I think if I were to buy this computer retail it would have been over $2,000. It saves money I suppose.</p>
<p><<<it depends=“” on=“” what=“” you=“” want=“” your=“” computer.=“” i=“” had=“” mine=“” custom=“” built=“” for=“” $1,200=“” which=“” is=“” more=“” expensive=“” than=“” most=“” dells=“” the=“” market=“” now.=“” plus=“” side=“” to=“” that=“” have=“” highest=“” quality=“” hardware=“” there=“” is.=“” my=“” computer=“” boots=“” up=“” in=“” less=“” five=“” seconds.=“” windows=“” 7=“” awesome=“” btw=“” because=“” vista=“” sucks.=“”>>></it></p>
<p>What do you have on your computer? I’m not crazy abt Vista, either.</p>
<p>Vista isn’t too bad. Its search function is a 200% improvement over XP. But Windows 7 is much better. Whatever you decide to do, definitely wait until you can get Windows 7 on your computer. Some of the major brands are now offering a thing where they’ll give you a free upgrade if you buy now. It will definitely be worth it.</p>
<p>Oh, try to get your case to COME WITH THE POWER SUPPLY. I don’t think its much more expensive and its just annoying to find the right fit some times.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE=LogicWarrior]
Be careful with Linux. Wine claims to be able to run most Windows programs, but only a few run smoothly, the rest have lots of bugs with tiresome workarounds.
[/quote]
Just run Windows in a virtual machine and you can run all apps (except 3D games) perfectly. That said, there are hardly any commonly used programs that don’t have a Linux-native alternative (which are almost all free).</p>
<p>You can easily save yourself a lot of money not only on the OS but also on applications (like word processing software) by going this route. For example, Ubuntu comes with OpenOffice already installed, so you don’t even have to manually install a word processor, like you’re forced to on Windows.</p>
<p>And these days, when it comes to custom machines, installing Linux is even easier than installing Windows.</p>
<p>I’m using OpenOffice on my Windows machine. Thing is, lots of open source programs are free for Windows and even Mac.</p>
<p>Windows 7 will be released on October 22nd.</p>
<p>^ The RC and RTM are available.</p>
<p>I’m running the RC currently, but as of Marchit will only stay on for 2 hours.</p>
<p>Well, upgrade to the real thing once it’s released. That’s my plan. I’ll do a reformat over winter break or something.</p>
<p>
This isn’t actually the best advice. Some computer cases have very cheap power supplies. Most folks building a computer are usually building something more powerful than the stock power supply will support or handle. Generally it’s better to buy the power supply separate because you just don’t want your computer components frying because of a cheap power supply. Also power supplies for the most part have standard dimensions so that they can fit in most computer cases so it isn’t really a problem (unless you’re trying to put a standard power supply in a very small computer case).</p>
<p>
Beat me to it… Try to get your case WITHOUT a power supply, as it would probably be wasted money on a crappy power supply. Having built multiple computers (with several different case and PS manufacturers) I’ve never had an issue with compatibility, and the power supplies that come with cases are usually poorer quality or lower power than you need/want.</p>
<p>I concur with ensuring you get a <em>quality</em> power supply. </p>
<p>You can save yourself hours of frustration dealing with phantom crashes or even toasting components.</p>
<p>Hard drives, especially, are quite sensitive to bad power. One old computer I saw, fried 3 hard drives before (unnamed computer maker) replaced the power supply.</p>
<p>If you’re dropping $1k on a hot new PC, it’s worth the extra $20 for a quality supply.</p>
<p>For everyone talking about Windows 7, the RTM has already leaked onto torrents and [the</a> copy protection has been cracked](<a href=“Windows 7 Ultimate activation cracked with OEM master key (Updated) | Ars Technica”>Windows 7 Ultimate activation cracked with OEM master key (Updated) | Ars Technica). If you download it, make sure you verify it hasn’t been modified with [this</a> ISO verifier](<a href=“istartedsomething | Blog by Long Zheng, user experience entrepreneur.”>Windows 7 ISO Verifier, for your downloading pleasure | istartedsomething) and get a copy of the Hazar+Orbit30 cracker/activator.</p>
<p>I’ve got it running on my laptop just fine.</p>
<p>I’ve always wanted to build my own computer but I’m convinced I’ll muck it up.</p>
<p>@hirako</p>
<p>I always have issues with cracking/activating major software components. I didn’t like the looks of most of the cracks for Vista/7, whether they required BIOS modification, spoofing, or other things that could run into problems in the future. Several keys ended up de-activating themselves when Microsoft caught on to it.</p>
<p>It’s the same reason I kept Adobe CS3 MC instead of going to CS4, since the activation for that didn’t have master corporate keys that required no activation. CS4 would require me to hack around with my hosts file or edit key components of the programs. In the past, this is caused me to run into issues with plugins and such. I know it shouldn’t have, but it did for some reason.</p>
<p>Plus I wouldn’t want to be blocked from Windows Update in the future either.</p>
<p>Well, FWIW, the Hazar+Orbit30 cracker requires just one click and no BIOS modification. Also, the NFO included with it says this:
[QUOTE=Hazar+Orbit30]
Microsoft blacklisted the key we use for activation?</p>
<p>If the leaked OEM product key is blacklisted, ultimately unblockable OEM-SLP product
keys for Windows 7 that deliver with PCs will be leaked when shipped in October. The
Activators will be updated.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>As for the Adobe CS4 Master Collection, I’ve got a keygenned/cracked copy of that installed in Windows 7 as well :D</p>
<p>I’ve got mpa.one.microsoft.com and activate.adobe.com in my hosts file, though I believe adding them are just precautions.</p>
<p>I know CS4 will deactivate itself if it syncs with Adobe’s servers and the key has been blacklisted.</p>
<p>I’ll stick with my (technically legit) RC right now, and see what I end up doing in December. If I get buy a copy of 7 Ultimate for < $50 because of student discounts, I’ll do it. But it all depends.</p>
<p>Depends… if you need the computer ASAP, opt for a Dell. If you’re not under any time constraints, then build. If you’re ordering parts online (newegg, etc…), go through a cashback site such as bing or ebates to save money.</p>