Foo - Legit source for Windows XP?

...

A local computer store not selling oem?...

Heh :D I still use Win98 SE.

I use windows 3.11... what is it to you :lol:

Actually I refuse to touch PCs now... I am a mac person. We get legit OEM XP homes all the time on the new, try new egg, ebay or others. We used to pay about 75 dollars for home full OEM with the little auth. sticker for the case.

You can always get best prices on all things computer related at:
www.pricewatch.com

It's kind of like one of those price coparison websites, but is almost completely computer related only.

Heh :D I still use Win98 SE.

Hah... Me too. I'm lovin' it!

You can get oem off eBay for pretty cheap. They just send you a dinky little chord or something to meet the oem requirements.

You can get oem off eBay for pretty cheap. They just send you a dinky little chord or something to meet the oem requirements.
Gotta be careful with Ebay/Half.com and software.....I got software once from a guy on half.com (other half of ebay) and it was quite obviously bogus software that he ripped himself on a CD-RW. I contacted him on it and he returned money (no questions asked) and didn't even ask for the CD back. I'm not saying you can't get legit software for a good price on Ebay...just that there's a lot of non-legit stuff going around.

Atleast pricewatch takes you to legit online stores.

I used ebay and got it OEM. No way i am paying over 150 for an OS.

I used ebay and got it OEM. No way i am paying over 150 for an OS.
Almost all of the sites you'll get it from on pricewatch will be OEM as well.

I will NEVER pay "retail" for my OS again.......the difference in price is for the "support" you get. When was the last time you called M$, eh?

Thanks!

I remember that site from a while back, but I haven't shopped for computer stuff in a long time.
Leave it to us uber-computer-geek types. ;)


Hey...I just realized your avatar says you are in Palm Harbor....I'm just down the road in Clearwater. :) Small world, eh?

Almost all of the sites you'll get it from on pricewatch will be OEM as well.

I will NEVER pay "retail" for my OS again.......the difference in price is for the "support" you get. When was the last time you called M$, eh?
I have never needed to call M$, I have solved all the problems with my computer myself. I think for the non computer literate, often they are better off getting their software at Staples or something of that nature.

I have never needed to call M$, I have solved all the problems with my computer myself. I think for the non computer literate, often they are better off getting their software at Staples or something of that nature.
EXACTLY!! That was the point I was making...I was agreeing with you that OEM was "the way to go".


Even for the computer illeterate types.....they usually get the "computer saavy buddy" to help them...not call M$. Even with that....doesn't M$ charge money to call their hotline? I'm not sure...as I've never called it.

newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com)

98 is so tunable, but I didn't think it was stable. My comp was handling things way ahead of its ime and it kept crashing. Then XP came and didn't crash. It just made the games/apps slow. And because it's not good with tuning, I couldn't fine tune the performance!
Gosh!

Anywho if you want to pay a lot for the XP os, go to bestbuy or futureshop.

Its not worth a penny.

http://thepiratebay.org/search.php?q=windows+xp+pro+corporate

Very small. What kind of riding do you do, and where?

I'm off East Lake Road and mostly ride an old rigid MTB with slicks on sidewalks and trails. I'm looking forward to the day when the Pinellas trail loops over to the path on East Lake.
I live off Drew St. (near US 19)....which is very near the East-West trail. I ride that a lot....but its beginning to get too small (unless I start doing laps). On the weekend, I'll often pop the bike on the rack and go down to the Pinellas trail.

I'm still fairly newbie...e.g. pretty slow (12-14 mph) and small distances compared to most people here (usually around 20 miles give or take). If I (we) are in your category....shoot me a PM and we can hook up for a ride. :)

newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com)
Can't go wrong with Newegg either....although you can get better prices here and there off pricewatch, if you stick with Newegg you will always be at or near the rock bottom price and have great customer service to boot!! Newegg is my choice for most computer related items.

I'm running Windows 98, and it's finally reached the end of its usefulness. My "frankenbox" didn't come with all of the required documentation for an upgrade.

I wonder if your box will run XP very well. The 'standard' hardware that exists now vs. when 98 was shipping is a lot more powerful. Anyhow, if you find XP is a dog on your box you might try Linux...

get a mac mini for about $500.

You'll probably have to upgrade all your existing software anyway if and when the new Microsoft Vista OS is finally released. (BTW, Windows Vista seems looks almost exactly like MAC OSX.1 which is already 5 years old)

I wonder if your box will run XP very well. The 'standard' hardware that exists now vs. when 98 was shipping is a lot more powerful. Anyhow, if you find XP is a dog on your box you might try Linux...

And you can always give Linux a test ride by using a live cd version which runs the entire os off of a bootable cd, it doesn't touch your hard drive at all unless you choose to install it on there. The only cost involved is the price of a blank cd-r.

Knoppix is one of those Linux flavors & is a great way to test the waters:

http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html

If you've been thinking about getting a new computer, then that would be a good way to get XP. You save a decent amount of money by getting the computer and OS bundled.

Assuming you have a legitimate license for 98, you save a fair amount of money by getting the upgrade version. XP home is $95 on Amazon (1st place I searched, not necessarily the best), and XP Pro is $155.

Pushing knoppix pretty hard today I've noticed, nick burns. Official spokesman? ;)

get a mac mini for about $500.

You'll probably have to upgrade all your existing software anyway if and when the new Microsoft Vista OS is finally released. (BTW, Windows Vista seems looks almost exactly like MAC OSX.1 which is already 5 years old)

And wait 1+ months to get the keyboard and 2+ months to get the cpu. Thankfully we didn't order the monitor or any other hardware from them.

I agree with suggestions that XP may not run well on your machine if you got it circa 1999-2000. It's a hog by all means. Can't you get a new Dell for like $300 or so these days? Having said that since it appears you want Win XP I also agree even more with those who suggest Linux. If all you do is surf, email, document editing and that sort of thing then any linux flavor will do. Personally I think Fedora is a nice smooth transition for the Windows user. Since I got into Linux a few years ago I have never and probably will never buy software including the OS of course again.

If you've been thinking about getting a new computer, then that would be a good way to get XP. You save a decent amount of money by getting the computer and OS bundled.

Assuming you have a legitimate license for 98, you save a fair amount of money by getting the upgrade version. XP home is $95 on Amazon (1st place I searched, not necessarily the best), and XP Pro is $155.

Pushing knoppix pretty hard today I've noticed, nick burns. Official spokesman? ;)

Probably enjoys pushing hard to use software on people without realizing just how difficult using or installing linux can be for a majority of people. Most modern linux installations have a pita with most of my hardware setups from custom built all the way to gateways and dells. No way I would ask anybody else to do that.

Probably enjoys pushing hard to use software on people without realizing just how difficult using or installing linux can be for a majority of people. Most modern linux installations have a pita with most of my hardware setups from custom built all the way to gateways and dells. No way I would ask anybody else to do that.

Uh, that's why I suggested the bootable version. No installation required.

I bet if you tried it you'd change your tune about how difficult running Linux is.

Uh, that's why I suggested the bootable version. No installation required.

I bet if you tried it you'd change your tune about how difficult running Linux is.


I have used more flavors of Linux then I have fingers. I have fewer uses for Linux then I have fingers on a single hand. And I wasn't really speaking about my personal experience but my experience watching other people, (like my dad, as my dad while being born long before computers is alot more computer savvy then most people) who has tried using it. There are subtleties that you and I take for granted, things that we know that most dont.

There are subtleties that you and I take for granted, things that we know that most dont.

BS.

It's FUD spreading like that that keep more people from trying it.

There are several varieties of Linux that are no more difficult to use than WinXP.

Find me Weatherbug for all the people i know who just want Weatherbug to work like it does? Find me Web Studio, which is some front page dummed down packaged with about 200 templates, Find me Web Button Create 3000 which lets you create 9 million types of buttons that can be inserted into a web page. There are thousands of programs like the above that people use and buy. All of this software installable simply by downloading a single file and clicking a few buttons, without compiling, without chewsing a distro, without deciding what filename needs to be installed for their distro.

There is as much "FUD" as you put it for linux as there is against it. I'm not against Linux, it's just not for regular users imho.

It's definitely becoming more and more for regular users though. Seriously if you burn or buy the Fedora FC3 disks you will have linux up and running in a secure user friendly gui environment in no time. It recognizes a lot of old and new hardware and even your internet connection. It is an absolute piece of cake to install. Granted it still has issues with some software installations but since it installs the majority of the stuff most of us use anyway then its no big deal. Plus as time goes on this stuff just gets better and better and easier. Ive had an FC3 machine running for over a year now. I booted it up last spring and its never even been turned off.

And wait 1+ months to get the keyboard and 2+ months to get the cpu. Thankfully we didn't order the monitor or any other hardware from them.

Huh? Mac Minis are available off-the-shelf at most apple stores and better computer retailers. On top of that, there is no need to buy a new monitor, keyboard and mouse if you already have a monitor and the mouse & keyboard are USB comptaible.

Its too bad that Apples are now actually affordable to most people and seemless run many of the same programs. Yet people still call them toys. Yet the best MS can do is create a "new" OS that is already 5 years behind what apple already did, and still only in Beta testing.

Find me Weatherbug for all the people i know who just want Weatherbug to work like it does?

Wait a sec? People actually want Weatherbug? Man, I removed that crapware (http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/adware.weatherbug.html) from so many computers at my last job I almost couldn't even look at the sky without imagining pop-up adds.

Also, I don't think there's anything fundamentally more difficult about installing a simple Linux distro like Fedora or Mandrake than there is to installing Windows, which is something most Windows users aren't able to do without a little bit of help. But, given the right pointers, they can handle it just fine in both cases.

I had linux pushed on me. I'm not an uber computer geek, but I'm not stupid either. I tried it for quite a while and got rid of it because I didn't get it. It was giving me trouble with all my obscure programs so I tossed it. Back on XP and I don't have any problems. Everytime I wanted to do something in linux, I had to consult a forum or something. With XP, I just do it.

I had linux pushed on me. I'm not an uber computer geek, but I'm not stupid either. I tried it for quite a while and got rid of it because I didn't get it. It was giving me trouble with all my obscure programs so I tossed it. Back on XP and I don't have any problems. Everytime I wanted to do something in linux, I had to consult a forum or something. With XP, I just do it.
I AM an uber computer-geek and I get sick of people who try to push Linux so hard. They make it sound so easy......and it has a LONG way to go until its easy enough for the average person. When you have to COMPILE to upgrade or install software, that is NOT easy enough for the average person.

I AM an uber computer-geek and I get sick of people who try to push Linux so hard. They make it sound so easy......and it has a LONG way to go until its easy enough for the average person. When you have to COMPILE to upgrade or install software, that is NOT easy enough for the average person.


:rolleyes:

I haven't had to compile any software in years.

Those are the old days. Most common Linux software has been pre-compiled for the more widely used distros.

Considering what most people use their computer for- web surfing, working with documents & spreadsheets, email & instant messaging, and music, most major Linux distros are perfect out of the box, without any need for additional software installation.

Then there's that added bonus of not having to worry about adware, spyware, worms, bots, or viruses.

But hey, it ain't my money, run whatever floats your boat.

:rolleyes:

I haven't had to compile any software in years.


There are still many other software proggies that you can get for your Linux box that will require you to compile them on installation (running the make). I know "most" are precompiled binaries, but not all.

Not all software for linux has a nice window type installation...and that's what an average user needs (even that is a bit intimidating for some).

I don't have a problem with that....but the average person does. That's my point.

There are still many other software proggies that you can get for your Linux box that will require you to compile them on installation (running the make). I know "most" are precompiled binaries, but not all.

Not all software for linux has a nice window type installation...and that's what an average user needs (even that is a bit intimidating for some).

I don't have a problem with that....but the average person does. That's my point.

assuming you can find the software. My dad probably plays with more "unique" pieces of software packages in a year then me and that's saying alot, but it opens my eyes to what regular "non-savvy" people often end up doing with their computers. Often times people think being uber smart or uber geek means knowing how to recompile your kernel and knowing that "windows sucks". And that being "dumb" means not knowing what the internet is or how to click a mouse. The sad truth is there is a multi-billion dollar business that spawned from windows 3.1 and it involves software that some of us don't even know about or care and yet people that get termed as being "every day email and im users" use. And then these same people say "go use linux" not realizing what they are actually doing. I pity anybody that thinks that "somebody only does im, spreadsheets and thus lets use linux because it can do that". It's about as classy as sterotyping everybody that drives a Honda as being a modder, or edvery SUV driver as a soccer mom or rude fat person. Of every Honda driver i see on the road maybe 1 out of 1000 are modded. Out of every SUV i see maybe 10 out of 1000 are soccer mombs and 20 out of 1000 are fat. I wonder how many "people who just email and im" actually do more then just "email and im" ;)

And then these same people say "go use linux" not realizing what they are actually doing. I pity anybody that thinks that "somebody only does im, spreadsheets and thus lets use linux because it can do that". It's about as classy as sterotyping everybody that drives a Honda as being a modder, or edvery SUV driver as a soccer mom or rude fat person. Of every Honda driver i see on the road maybe 1 out of 1000 are modded. Out of every SUV i see maybe 10 out of 1000 are soccer mombs and 20 out of 1000 are fat. I wonder how many "people who just email and im" actually do more then just "email and im" ;)

I spend enough time troubleshooting & repairing family & friend's windows boxes that it almost feels like a second job, as well as administering an office of 35 windows users. Like imlucky13 stated, removing crapware like Weatherbug is pretty much a daily chore.

I have a pretty good handle of what the average computer user is doing.

But, like I said, if you want to line Bill Gates' pocket, knock yourself out. I'd rather spend my money on bike stuff. :D

assuming you can find the software. My dad probably plays with more "unique" pieces of software packages in a year then me and that's saying alot, but it opens my eyes to what regular "non-savvy" people often end up doing with their computers. Often times people think being uber smart or uber geek means knowing how to recompile your kernel and knowing that "windows sucks". And that being "dumb" means not knowing what the internet is or how to click a mouse. The sad truth is there is a multi-billion dollar business that spawned from windows 3.1 and it involves software that some of us don't even know about or care and yet people that get termed as being "every day email and im users" use. And then these same people say "go use linux" not realizing what they are actually doing. I pity anybody that thinks that "somebody only does im, spreadsheets and thus lets use linux because it can do that". It's about as classy as sterotyping everybody that drives a Honda as being a modder, or edvery SUV driver as a soccer mom or rude fat person. Of every Honda driver i see on the road maybe 1 out of 1000 are modded. Out of every SUV i see maybe 10 out of 1000 are soccer mombs and 20 out of 1000 are fat. I wonder how many "people who just email and im" actually do more then just "email and im" ;)

Now there is somebody who understands.


It is much like seeing many users in the TDF thread who love bashing Lance. They think they are saavy enough about biking that it makes them look cool to "have enough knowledge" to be able to bash the top dog in the sport.

It's the same with the OS's.....once a few people are smart enough to go to Linux and start the Microsoft sucks banter it makes them smarter than everybody else. Suddenly they think anybody who isn't on Linux is because they aren't smart enough with computers. I was there at one point......but they don't realize that there is yet another step in their evolution and will then realize that though it has tons of problems M$ is still the dominant platform that most people use and most software is written for Windows, not Linux. Just because software is developed for Linux, does not automatically make it "higher quality".

In the end.......it boils down to "use the right tool for the right job" - plain and simple!

It's the same with the OS's.....once a few people are smart enough to go to Linux and start the Microsoft sucks banter it makes them smarter than everybody else. Suddenly they think anybody who isn't on Linux is because they aren't smart enough with computers. I was there at one point......but they don't realize that there is yet another step in their evolution and will then realize that though it has tons of problems M$ is still the dominant platform that most people use and most software is written for Windows, not Linux. Just because software is developed for Linux, does not automatically make it "higher quality".

Microsoft bashing has been around much longer than Linux has been in existence.

If you've been a "uber geek" for so long, you'd realize Microsoft is not the dominant platform because it's a better product.

You must make the distinction between Microsoft software & software developed to run on MS windows. Saying software written for windows is better/worse than software written for Linux is absurd. It all depends on the coder writing the software, not the platform it's written for.



In the end.......it boils down to "use the right tool for the right job" - plain and simple!

Then again, maybe you do think windows is a better product.
:rolleyes:

Then again, maybe you do think windows is a better product.
:rolleyes:
It's just not worth it....you think you know better, but you really don't. I never said Windows was a better product...I said "use the right tool for the right job".

I'm done arguing.....it's not worth my time.