Hi all, UK guy here.

I am not great at all with this and Mods if this is not meant to go here please forgive me and delete (I don't want to get banned!).


I want windows, not a MAC. I am going to be using this pretty much just for browsing the internet (YouTube, Facebook, e-mail and maybe watching films). Playing poker and chess.

I would like the computer to work fairly fast but I am not sure how big a hard drive/CPU/RAM I need? Any numbers on this would be great. I want to err on the side of more, not less. I want a decent keyboard and mouse. I will use this at home in my living room. I am not 100% sure as to whether to go for Desktop or all in one but leaning towards the former.

Is the below fine for what I want/need?

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/desk...atures_section


Do we prefer Dell at the moment? I am currently using a Lenovo but it is getting old.


Thanks.

Hi

Do you happen to know what sort of Lenovo you have?
So I can recommend a meaningful upgrade

Hi,

These are my computer specs (must be an old comp).

Windows 8.1

Processor: AMD A4-5000 APU with Radeon(TM) HD

Installed memory (RAM): 4.00 GB (3.46 GB usable)

System type: 64-bit Operating System, x64-based processor

Pen and Touch: No Pen or Touch Input is available for this Display


Thanks.

is that an all in one computer?

No it isn't. I think a normal desktop would also be better...

so it's a laptop or a small form factor then as that is a mobile processor

that thing is rather old and obsolete these days

the Dell AIO you linked are certainly fine for your needs buts you might want to consider either getting something nicer/more practical for the same price or the same performance for half the price

those Dells are essentially monitors with a laptop strapped on their back

for 1k you can get a nicer laptop and a nicer display and have the flexibility of carrying the laptop around when not at your desk or hooking it up to a nice large display when you're sitting down

or a better computer and monitor set for 1k

or a refurbished pc of better performance can be had in the uk for ~200-300 on ebay/amazon/retailers and the rest up until 500 can get you a nice monitor. so essentially half the price for the package

that being said, the Dells are sufficient for your needs but better value can be had otherwise

let me know if you're interested about any option and I'l help you pick

So sorry and this is embarrassing. I must be losing the plot! It is an all in one lol. I am now happy with an all in one but will get a desktop if you think that is better.

Thanks a lot ionutd.

I like the sound of a better computer and monitor or if possible, something you think is good for what i need for under 1k.

Whatever you think i need and whatever make.

Thanks so much for this.

do you also plan on playing pc games?
the budget would allow you to get a dedicated graphics card

would you prefer a larger monitor? or maybe 2 of them for more screen real estate

is refurbished something you would consider or do you want new?

PuttingInTheGrind,

ionutd's advice is likely to be outstanding. You can trust his advice here.

Thank you, Josem

I do not plan on playing PC games.

I would like just one monitor.

I would like a new computer.

Maybe ideally £700 - £800. I could spend more if you think it is worth it for me.

Thanks.




Thanks.

ok then, I would recommend you go with either

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2251390

cheaper, better performing AIO pc. thee difference is this one has a proper desktop cpu inside. laptop cpus are made for utmost power efficiency, since they need to go into thin and light laptops with small batteries. if they weren't power efficient, the battery wouldn't last nearly enough for a day's work on the go. however, these don't make much sense in desktop pcs. you lose half the performance and the difference in your power bill is minuscule.

or

https://www.box.co.uk/Zoostorm-Elite...C_2859546.html
https://www.box.co.uk/Viewsonic-VX32...M_2290244.html
https://www.box.co.uk/Microsoft-Wire...d_1085558.html

much better performance and a lot more future proof. performance right now is not that noticeable for your needs but you will feel it sometimes in the future. the monitor is considerably larger and nicer as well. the problem with all in ones is there's no way to upgrade them, so several years down the road, as they become old and obsolete, you simply have to buy a new computer. if any components die, it's next to impossible to get it serviced. not the case with normal desktop towers. these will last you much longer.

I suggest you go with the normal desktop+monitor option, unless you are really short on space and need the cable and clutter less advantage the AIO provides. the difference in price is about 200 GBP but are getting your money's worth.

let me know if you have any questions

I was thinking of going for the desktop but that monitor is a bit big. Since this is in my living room in front of my sofa, I think the all in one is more suitable. My current monitor is only 23. An all in one is also is a bit more tidy. I guess when it gets old I will simply buy a new one.

I will go for that since that is the one you recommended.

For an anti-virus I currently use Kaspersky Total Security. I was under the impression that was a good one when I got it. Would you recommend staying with it or is anything else better?

Out of curiosity, why do computers seem to slow down quickly after buying them? Is there a good way to maintain the speed? I don't store any films or videos on my PC.

Thanks!

kaspersky, bitdefender, norton 360 are considered equally good options, but the one that comes with windows is pretty good these days as well. honestly don't know if you need a 3rd party anti virus but can get one for peace of mind I guess..

hardware wise, computers start getting slow when dust accumulates in fans and they can't spin properly anymore or if thermal paste between the cpu and cooler hardens and no longer provides heat transfer. the cpu then gets hot and clocks itself down, so it doesn't end up cooking itself. pcs need a good cleanup at least once a year.

software wise, as you keep installing programs, especially ones on top of the other if they're updating themselves, you start getting errors at some point.

need to constantly update drivers as well for better performance. I recommend after purchasing your AIO to go to Lenovo's site and download the latest drivers for your model, also go to Intel's site and download the driver and support assistant.

then, as the partition windows is installed on gets fuller, it's harder to map out spaces on the drive for new uses, so it needs to move around information and that takes time. You will have a small solid state drive with windows and programs on the new pc, don't use it as storage space. Anything large you need to keep, put it on the big hard drive. after windows will have finished installing it's own updates, go to Storage in settings and clean up the old windows installation files, these tend to be large and are not neeeded.

a free, simple to use piece of software you can use once a month is ccleaner, keeps things tidy. make sure there is nothing unnecessary running at startup

best piece of advice I can give you tho is to not open any links from random emails or click on shady ads on websites. you know the ones, with the penile enlargement pills and such don't click on those or anything that promises the moon and the sky like free iphones etc and you will keep a nice tidy pc that will continue to work fine for years.

some more helpful tips for a snappy windows experience https://www.windowscentral.com/tips-...nce-windows-10

gl with your new purchase sir

I am just about to purchase it. I have got Office 365 included for an extra £40, seems good.

Before I go ahead I was wondering if you think the 3yrs breakdown care is worth it. I usually do not bother with these things. It costs £134.

What's Included?

Immediate accidental damage cover
Breakdown cover after your manufacturer's guarantee has ended
Unlimited repairs or a brand new replacement outside of your manufacturer's guarantee

And What's Not Included?

Loss, theft, cosmetic and deliberate damage
Breakdown or accidental damage covered by another guarantee or warranty

skip any form of insurance

Purchasing it now.

Thank you for all your help, I owe you for this.

Much appreciated. )

no worries, hope you're happy with the new tech. gl at the tables.

Hey, I set up my new PC, love the look of it, thanks.

However, i was on Zoom and my microphone does not pic up my voice unless i shout. I checked the volume of the microphone and it is on max. Speakers are good.

I then tried on Skype to double check my microphone and i have to shout. When testing the microphone on Zoom, i need to shout there too. Any idea what causes this? Is it an issue with the computer?

Obvious troubleshooting options:

1. Are you several miles away from your PC?

2. Assuming not, what sort of mic are you trying to use? Is it built in or an external one?

3. If it's external, check that you have selected to use that and not some internal microphone.

4. If it's built in, check you don't have a headset, headphones or something else plugged into an audio port (because frankly most times someone has to shout into a mic it's because they're inadvertently transmitting via a mic that's designed to be next to their mouth but isn't).

Hi

1. I am right in front of my computer.

2. When i check the microphone under sound/recording.....it says 'Microphone 2 - Realtek(R) Audio Default Device'. It is a built in one.

3.n/a.

4. I do not have anything plugged into the audio port.

I'm assuming you went from windows 8.1 to windows 10. Go to settings/system/sound and see if it shows up under test microphone, you can see the loudness bar when testing it.

Hi

So the loudness of the bar if i am speaking normally is maybe around 1/6 or 1/5th of the bar. If I speak loudly is it maybe 1/4.

Not normal. Adjust the loudness settings of the mic.

https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-10/...in-windows-10/