Buying a comp without an operating system?

theordinaryboy · #1 11-10-2005, 09:25 AM

hi there

i have my eye on a new comp from ebay, however, it does not come with an OS, i have also seen windows xp on ebay for a decent price and ill probably get it from there.

However, i am not the most computer minded person and am a bit nervous as to whether or not it will be difficult or complicated to install the OS.

Could someone reassure me that its easy or explain what i have to do please.

Cheers

p.s. is their anything else that i need to install apart from the OS.

ditto · #2 11-10-2005, 09:31 AM

[ QUOTE ]
hi there

i have my eye on a new comp from ebay, however, it does not come with an OS, i have also seen windows xp on ebay for a decent price and ill probably get it from there.

However, i am not the most computer minded person and am a bit nervous as to whether or not it will be difficult or complicated to install the OS.

Could someone reassure me that its easy or explain what i have to do please.

Cheers

p.s. is their anything else that i need to install apart from the OS.

[/ QUOTE ]

Put the cd in when you switch the pc on, then follow the onscreen instruction, make sure you have the serial number when it asks you. Assuming its a run of the mill pc it should detect all your components. Otherwise you may need some drivers for any bits that are not included in the original cd. The manufacturers website should let you download these. But it is relatively simple

FouTight · #3 11-10-2005, 09:35 AM

I wouldn't personally be jumping on purchasing a copy of windows on Ebay. Especiallywith the activation and stuff now, who knows where that copy has been and if you'll be able to use it.

I would just purchase that at a store if you are going that route.

theordinaryboy · #4 11-10-2005, 09:50 AM

cheers guys

any idea of any good online stores to get windows from?

MikeTexas · #5 11-10-2005, 10:15 AM

Newegg.com has decent prices.

Dont shy away from ebay though. If you found a good deal and the seller has a lot of positive feedback then it will probably be a safe purchase....especially if you get your copy of Windows from a "Power Seller".

I've found lots of computer hardware deals on ebay. You can usually find good deals on Dell 2001FPs and other components that are much more exspensive elsewhere. Just make sure the seller has lots of positive feedback and review their return/warranty information.

And dont worry...installing an OS is cake. The first time I did it I didnt have any problems. I was surprised at how easy it was.

FouTight · #6 11-10-2005, 10:15 AM

are you in school? you can probably get an acedemic version from your school or online if you were.

I usually only buy computer anything from newegg.

CLC · #7 11-10-2005, 10:16 AM

NewEgg.com is a good one. Reasonable and fast.

FouTight · #8 11-10-2005, 10:36 AM

Now that's when you know your store is doign alright... 3 replies at the same time...

I agree you could probably get a good copy of windows on ebay, but I don't think you are going to save enough money to be worth the peace of mind, but thats just me, I don't buy software unless I'm completely sure the store is reputable.

theordinaryboy · #9 11-10-2005, 01:23 PM

hi there

cheers for all the responses guys, seems like i should have a problem installing it then, just thought i'd query it before buying the gear.

one more question, i live in the uk, newegg.com is an american site, i briefly checked their faq but couldnt find whether or not they deliver to the uk.

Anyone know any good uk sites?

cheers

smoore · #10 11-11-2005, 01:15 PM

I use zipzoomfly.com dunno if they deliver outside of the US