Do I need a new computer AASAP?

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

We know we need a new computer. We are having so many problems with it since it is 8 years old. I just am very nervous about spending the money right now. We do not do crazy stuff with it. Internet acesss, word, excel. That's about it. Now, my monitor screen has 2 big weird color blotches on it. Do the monitors have picture tubes similiar to TV'S?
We are trying to figure out what we could get that will not break our bank if we need a new computer, and where to go. A friend has been telling us about Best Buy because they have the Geek Squad. Neither one of us is really a computer techo person. Now what?
Am I in the need for a new computer/ monitor very soon?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Anne-Marie there are plenty of fine products that would serve your purposes and be minimal cost like $600plus the MS Office package cost . Even laptops are inexpensive unless you are going for all the bells and whistles. The new computers come pre-programed and are a snap to set up and get going.

I happen to really like Dell. Others will have their preferences.

The only annoyance is the majority of new computers will come with windows vista and require MS Office 2007 as a separate purchase. I'm not overly fond of either but it is a force play if you are a PC user and with your needs it won't be a major issue except for getting used to the new placement of certain things.

Given the Vista. your minimum requirement will be 2G memory, dual core and will probably last you next to forever. The new monitors for desktops are all flat screens now.

I wouldn't bother with the geek squad. Nice concept for high high tech solutions but for a new computer an unecessary expense.

There are specials all the time. Some even with 3 or 6 month interest fee payments.
Featured Dell Desktops

I'm going to move this to the computer help forum for you.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I would suggest Dell for an inexpensive buy. Great deals can be found almost daily on DealCatcher: Free Online Coupons Dell, Amazon, Best Buy, Overstock and you can still get windows XP on some of the deals. I would also suggest a dual core processor and at least a 19" flat panel monitor. If you go with Vista- get at least 1 GB of Ram tho 2 would be better. The nice thing about Dell is that you can customize it to fit your needs- so think of future needs.
For excel and word, I would buy the program separately, going with the Micosoft Student-Teacher edition which you can pick up for $ 85-$ 140 online or even at Staples (make sure you get the original Microsoft software and not a copy that can't be updated).
Another thing you can get after delivery is AVG anti-virus- the free edition (download it at Grisoft.com)

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

Since it sounds like you're looking to go on the cheap, check Walmart. Often they have $300 pcs.

[opkansas Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close opkansas]

I would NOT have Microsoft Vista nor OFFICE 2007.

I believe that I saw somewhere that Dell has an XP option. I would DEFINITELY go that route.

I agree with AVG for virus protection.

Reference Letter Writing and Spreadsheet, I would NOT recommend Microsoft Office 2007 to anybody. I uninstalled 2007 and decided to get the FREE Office Systems from Sun Microsystems. I have had NO PROBLEMS!

Sun Offers Free Office Software

[opkansas Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close opkansas]

Since it sounds like you're looking to go on the cheap, check Walmart. Often they have $300 pcs.

I read an article that Walmart's lower end computers were better than most electronic stores. Go figure!

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Go to Woot : One Day, One Deal (SM) right now before they sell out

HP Pavilion a6200n AMD Dual-Core 2.6GHz Desktop PC
$349.99

+ $5 shipping

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

The coloured patches on the monitor might simply be caused by magnetic field from a speaker or similar. Have you moved any such item near the monitor recently?
Many monitors have a button marked 'degausse' on them. If yours has that just press it and it should clear the problem.

[Ann-Marie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ann-Marie]

Turned my monitor on and off, and BINGO! My blotches are gone!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

This one might be a good choice for you

The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Turned my monitor on and off, and BINGO! My blotches are gone!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

The moral of the story is always check out the cheap options first