Going to build a computer for the parents.

Ok, it has been way too long since I have done this so I'm looking for a little advice here. I have finally talked my parents in to the idea that they need a new computer. I don't know how they do it, but they always screw something up. Now I have taken the liberty of building them a new one and setting an account up for both of them. Obviously they would only have regular user permissions, I would be the Admin so that they can't go installing any random stuff without my permission.

Now, all they need this for is Internet surfing, email, daily spreadsheet activity, and my mom's lesson plans for school. I was thinking about going ahead and just getting them Win7 so they have the most upgraded version of Windows. If anyone opposes to this, let me know. How much RAM do you think they would need with Win7? I was thinking 2GB would probably be fine and just finding some sort of bare-bones kit on TigerDirect.com or Newegg.com

I was wondering if any of you found some deals out there that would help me out? They don't need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. I'll probably go ahead and get them a new simple case also. I just haven't done this in a while because I got a Mac and I can't remember what are the good brands and all that good stuff. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just an example.

case w/ps, motherboard, video, audio $225

Core2Duo @ 2.93Ghz is the price point right now - $120
You could probably step down to a dual core celeron for about $50 for what they need a computer - Don't know that I'd put Win7 on a celeron though.

Corsair 2GB kit
That Shuttle has 4 slots so you could always upgrade it to 4 later.

By the time you add Windows, an optical drive and a hard drive, you're up around $650-700. You can get a Dell inspiron 537s for the same money maybe less with the same CPU, just not as good in the video or audio. It's tuff to build a lower end decent machine for less than an off the shelf system. If a $400-500 Dell is all they need, I wouldn't build one.

Hmm..you do have a good point, bobtomay. Thanks for the info.

I was able to build one on newegg for $436.00. That included a Rosewill case w/PSU (350W) and Windows 7 Home Premium OEM license. I used an AMD Athlon quad core CPU, Asus open box Mobo, 2GB DDR3 1066 RAM, LG DVD burner and 500GB Western Digital HDD. Total does not include shipping.

You could always install Linux for 0$ ... Linux Mint is a great one.

Being the go to guy for everyone in the family, I got fed up of reinstalling windows on my mother-in-law's system for the 2nd time since August.

Installed Linux Mint ... I hope this will result in less tech support calls concerning unwanted porn showing up hahaha.

Oh yeah ... buying parts used can easily save you half as well.

yamawho said:

You could always install Linux for 0$ ... Linux Mint is a great one.

Being the go to guy for everyone in the family, I got fed up of reinstalling windows on my mother-in-law's system for the 2nd time since August.

Installed Linux Mint ... I hope this will result in less tech support calls concerning unwanted porn showing up hahaha.

Click to expand...

Yeah, if you used Linux instead then that would get you down to $331.00. Don't know if your up to teaching your parents a new OS though.