[Techtalk] Buying a machine without Windows

[Raven, corporate courtesan]

Heya --

Quoth Kai MacTane (Mon, Oct 29, 2001 at 12:34:45AM -0800):
> If you have the skills to build your own machine from disparate parts, I 
> highly recommend it. It's fun, it gives you a better knowledge of your own 
> system, and it keeps your skills sharp.

	Heh.  I was going to make the same recommendation.  Hardware
isn't nearly as scary as one thinks it is before doing much with it.
Before I built my own box, I was convinced that there was some great
mystery to it all, and there's really not.  Also, (at least for me),
building the box yourself gives you more chance of hardware
compatibility with Linux if you do your research ahead of time and make
sure to get supported components.

> Plus, you can price-shop for the 
> components *you* need and want, and customize the machine to your own needs 
> and desires.

	Quite.  That way, you don't end up paying for a top-notch sound
card in a machine that's going to sit in a remote colo, or for a really
buff processor for a box mainly used for word processing.  Also, when
building your own box, you start to learn about what apps use lots of
memory vs. a lot of processor, etc., and so you can spec out your own
box a lot more efficiently.
 
> But then, I'm pretty comfortable with x86 hardware. I understand that not 
> everyone can go this route, nor is it appropriate or the easiest thing even 
> for those that theoretically could.

	If you have a local hardware geek, I'd suggest bribing her/him
with dinner or something for a bit of hand-holding and expert advice.
The second time around, you'll probably be ready to go it alone.

Cheers,
Raven
 
"But you will be there."
"Briefly."
"As a pumpkin."
  -- Danielle, Jalen, and RavenBlack, on making token appearances