The other thing that we do to make it easy on our paying customers is having an easy way to find your download link/serial number (which I wish all companies would do).  The main section of our support page will allow you to have your info emailed to your registered address.  Makes it a snap to redownload and install.  If you need to reinstall an Adobe download, for instance, you have to call them during their business hours so that they can reset the download for you....not too convienent....

IP, glad that you got it sorted out with little hassle.  Now your son can be in computing bliss again

Intel Celeron 2.4GHz Bare CPU W/ ECS L4VXA2 Motherboard (that includes Processor, Mobo) - $109

Mid ATX Case w/ 300W Power Supply - $29.99

Corsair 512MB PC2700 333MHz 64x64 XMS DDR Memory 184Pin - Model #CMX512A-2700C2PT - Lifetime Warranty - $89.99

Hitachi (IBM) 80GB DeskStar 180GXP 07N9685 UATA100 - Bare Hard Drive ( I really do not need 120 Gigs) - $80.00

52x24x52x BTC Internal IDE CDRW Drive - $49.99

Kaser 64MB AGP Video Card with nVidia's GeForce4 MX440 3D Chip - $59.99

Airlink+ - Model #ASHOVIA - 10/100Mbps PCI Network Card - $6.99


TOTAL=426.00

So I went over a little. I usually do not get a Nvidia video card.

Karmagirl: it can be done. When you buy a prebuilt system you pay for the name. I am sure your system costs more than this one does. I will save my money and build one.

Tech cat: I have my ways but I will say I have never had to call Microsoft. And no, I am not using a Pirated copy of XP.

Tech cat: I have my ways but I will say I have never had to call Microsoft. And no, I am not using a Pirated copy of XP.

hmmm, you won't say how you manage to get around it. Must be either against the EULA or against the law.

it's called typing in the 25 digit serial number. Thats all it asks me for.

Where did you get your copy of XP pro from? XP Home asks for both the serial number and asks to activate with Microsoft within 30 days. XP Pro from a store like Best Buy or Wal-Mart does the same thing. The only legal version of XP Pro I am aware of that does not require software activation is an expensive version for installing on more than one PC for business customers.

Its been a long time I do not remember where I bought it. I never have had to call Microsoft to activate windows. Everytime I run the activation thing it says XP is already activated.

Does XP give you that icon in the system tray reminding you to activate until you do run the activation? Once you are done activating then it says it has already been activated. Have you installed your copy on other PCs before?

No XP does not give me that icon. I have only installed on computers I own. 2 to be exact.

I hope it's some cracked version you got off of ebay. Did your copy come in a box, and is the label side of your installation CD shiny?

#37 by ~Legolas - 9/22/2003 3:16:17 PM to build a 2.8 ghz machine it costs me around 400 bucks. Sorry, i refuse to pay for the Dell name.

2.4 celeron on Mobo is $109, a 2.8 is...well...do they even make a 2.8 chip?  If there was one, the comparable price would be about $180.  So, you were $100 off, still, which is a substantial difference (from $400 to $500)

You were talking earlier about being able to build two *high end* systems for what one Dell would cost.  Cheap RAM and an 80 gig drive do not make up a "high end" system.

And, if you use the same copy of XP running on two machines at the same time, it's illegal (against the EULA)

http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_3_dimen_XPS.htm#tabtop

I was talking about a high end Dell...that one goes for $1649...

so even if I did spend $500 on a system built by myself I could build two and have money left over...

And about all this XP talk...I haven't used it in a LONG time. Windows 98 for the last 3 or 4 months.

#56 by Tech Cat - 9/22/2003 5:36:45 PM The only legal version of XP Pro I am aware of that does not require software activation is an expensive version for installing on more than one PC for business customers.

That is through MSDN.  You still need a valid serial number, which they will look for, when updating (like to install SP1). 

I doubt that Kona has MSDN (since it is some serious cash... thousands per year).  He has a single user license, which should only be on one machine......I wonder if any of our MS reps snoop these boards

......I wonder if any of our MS reps snoop these boards

Wouldn't matter since I am using my Windows 98 machine and not XP.

If you're looking for a custom bare-bones configuration for a rock-bottom price, I recommend MonarchComputer.com. It is very versatile. In fact, the box I'm using now came from there at one heck of a price.

#62 by ~Legolas - 9/22/2003 6:00:46 PM Link I was talking about a high end Dell...that one goes for $1649... so even if I did spend $500 on a system built by myself I could build two and have money left over...

uh...you are comparing apples to oranges.  Just doesn't make any sense.   The comparable Dell to your "$500" system would be $899.  Except it comes with a keyboard and mouse, full XP install plus other preloaded software, and a free palm pilot.  (Not to mention a sound card, speakers, Pentium processor, etc....) You can't compare a high end PC w/ monitor to a budget box.  It's like comparing a loaded Mustang to a base Focus...just can't compare them that way.

Wouldn't matter since I am using my Windows 98 machine and not XP.

My cousin wanted a new PC, and he wanted to spend as little as possible. Now, I could of very easily built him a budget box, but I told him to get a Dell. Why? Because it was cheaper in the end. Dell has excellent support and all the software and XP updates done...just plug it in and go. My custom box would of saved him $100 in hardware but so what? If it breaks or something is wrong...just hassles.

Karmagirl chew on this:

16x EPO Internal IDE DVD-ROM - $29.99

Hitachi (IBM) 120GB DeskStar UATA100 - Bare Hard Drive - $108.99

Intel Pentium 4 3.06GHz, 512K 533 FSB Socket 478 Hyper Threading Tray Processor - $399.90

Pacific Magtron 300W Black Mid Tower ATX Case - $39.99

Patriot 1GB PC3200 Dual Channel 2X512MB CAS2 DDR 184Pin - $229.99

ATI 128MB AGP Video Card with RADEON 9800 PRO 3D Chip - $349.99

MSI 875P Neo2-FIS2R "Canterwood" Motherboard - $209.99

3648955 52x24x52x LG Internal IDE CDRW Drive - $69.99

purchase total: $1,438.83


Sill cheaper than the Dell. And the Dell is on Sale! HA HA HA!

Kona, Dell would come with more than that.

Windows XP + Software: ~$150

Speakers: ~$80

Monitor: ~$200

Keyboard/Mouse: ~$40

Still cheaper?

The dell does come with all that but i already have all that stuff. I was just trying to point out that for me, I can build a system cheaper than buying one.

There is a reason that Dell, Compaq, HP, Sony, and other PC makers are losing money. Alot more of us are building are own.

uh...Dell losing money?  Huh?  What?  You need to research Dell a bit more.   Besides, why do you think that they cater to the little guy?  It's the companies that standardize on them that bring them the cash.  The end user is just a bonus.  People buy a Dell because they want a dependable, licensed PC that all you have to do is plug in and use.  You don't have to mess with fans and hooking up USB.  You don't have to mess with a sound card (which you left out of your machine specs, btw) and you don't have to spend hours installing the OS and all the programs and drivers that you need. (Not to mention the hassle that you have if you get a faulty part for your home built machine). 

Wake up yrag!  You're too young to be sleeping this early at night!

..wh...oh...present!!