Sounds like something may be getting ready to fail I think. I got those blue screens when my hard drive failed a couple of years ago before my husband was disabled. I bought a 120 GB to replace an 80 GB for only 10.00 more than the price of a new 80GB hard drive. So get the hard drive checked out first, then start checking the fans.

Clean out all the dust and try and make sure all the connections are firmly plugged in.
Little cpu fans, the leading edge gets gummed up with gunk and then it hardly will move any air at all. Cleaning that edge has been important to me several times.

Bios usually has a replacable button battery on the motherboard too that when it runs out of oomph causes some similar problems.

I lean toward the O/S becoming corrupt or the HD beginning to fail.

I personally would first be sure to immediately backup on disks anything you wish to retain, text, pictures, financial records, Favorites lists and Address Books.

Secondly, I would not put any money into the system. I ever so politely say it is time to come into the 21st century. I say this with all sincerity as I did admittedly do it kicking and screaming and my needs are similar to yours. It was only five months ago I abandoned my P2 400 Mhz 8GB H/D with Win98 OE for a dual core Vista system.

The entire HP system including monitor and a printer was just under a $1000.00 For your reported needs I would say you could find something dependable for half that if you shopped around; particularly with the holidays coming. It all depends on the bells and whistles you chose to pay for.

Good luck! Enjoy!

DA

My confusion is that I don't understand what bells and whistles I actually need.

I don't know if I should get Vista or XP

The ads I read for sales locally seem really geared towards gaming or media center which I don't care about.

I can't be of much help, but I understand your confusion. I wound up looking at machines geared more for business. I did not want anything to do with gaming or media. I did want XPpro and that's what I bought. Dell was still selling XP on their business machines. They also did not come full of junk programs or promotions. I did get enough ram, a large hard drive and a good graphics card to be able to eventually switch to Vista (if I ever decide too).I believe many of the computer companies are not loading their machines with junk anymore. There are some good buys around.

Good luck,
Jane

If you've got an extra buck or two, I confidently recommend you consider doing what I did over a year ago. Get an iMac. Compared with what you've become accustomed to with Windows, I think you'll find it a fast, easy, pleasant, quiet, and reliable relief. Thing just sits here and runs. Maintains itself. With good support to boot, if you need it.

I am a HP user and always have been.

The link below is the portal to their desktops. It offers "shop by" opportunities as well as other assistance such as telephonic and live.

I again politely suggest you consider Vista. XP is a fine O/S, but Vista is the current one. Further, no matter what you might have heard or read Vista is not some big monster prepared to cause you great concerns. I made the move and you can too.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: HP

This is the first (and last) time I purchased an out of the box computer. (Moved and old computer was dying and needed something quick) In the past I always had my computers built to what I needed so that I didn't get a lot of useless programs on the computer.

I highly recommed that you look into having one built to meet your needs. Also, having one built you get ALL the disks in case something goes wrong. You don't have to creat backup disks.

I really like my soon to be 4 years old Dell. I got the extended warranty (5 years total) and have had great tech support.

Tech support recently determined my mother board was going out. They had a repair man here in less than 24 hours to replace it free of any charges.

My next computer 'will' be another Dell....if'n I ever want/need one.

I do not game, I do not download music, I do not want to watch movies or TV on my computer, I am the only user, only computer in house, I want a desk top.
It seems my computer needs are much like yours.

Sue

Dell and HP have been mentioned and currently both companies seem to be building better stuff. So why not start somewhere by selecting 2 or 3 of their models. Then Google each one for comments on forums such as this. You will soon get the idea of the good, better and best for your needs. Most promote gaming and media because the younger set are all into those things.

Secsteve suggests getting one built but in your case that may not be the best route. A person needs a basic understanding of the components for that otherwise a dealer will use stock he has on hand rather than buy the components a person may really need. Been there and done that so now I build my own.

SecSteve, you should seriously consider building your own box next time and use those extra few bucks for better parts, it is ridiculously easy to do. The hardestt part is selecting all the components so they match but it is not rocket science. When the first build actually fires up it is a huge ego trip LOL.

Faster cpu's and healthy amounts of memory will startup and save files for your Word and Photo Editing programs. Nice graphic card does better on both of those too.
Other than that if you burn to dvd/cd watch for that option.

That sounds like all you would really benefit from with options.

Keep in mind XP wants about 7gb of hdd and Vista about 15GB just for the opperating system, which is considerably more space than win98 required.

Thanks, I have thought about having one built again but was quoted a lot more money and the shop that built this one went out of business during my extended warranty period and I lost money on that deal. I am a little leary. I have no mechanical ability what so ever and specs with numbers cause my eyes to blur. I'm a visual artistic kind of gal, not going to be building my own.

I've looked at Dell and HP but friends who have bought both had them come loaded and I do mean loaded with junk that it took me hours to get rid of. I will look at Dell's business machines.

Certainly I can buy a HP at Best Buy cheaper than having one built or a Dell shipped.

Are these dual core processors the big deal they are advertised to be?

Would having two hard drives make backing up the simplest possible?

Is integrated graphics bad?

When I got my Dell, I ordered it on line, and had a sort of computer savvy friend doing it with me. She advised me on what to get...more of this...more of that...little extras. I got a printer at the time too. If I had printer problems I did not want any disagreements as to where the problem might be.

Sometimes Dell shipping is free...and if it isn't, it really isn't that costly. Often there are rebates as well.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Dell Direct 'Store'

Regarding the trialware and other bloatware found on factory built computers there is a handy program linked below that will remove all of it for you.

Having 2 hard drives can be beneficial, especially for backing up your data.

Integrated graphics is not bad. It allows manufacturers to build for a price, they all include the LAN and audio connections these days too. Basically the onboard video uses the RAM (memory) you use for the computer. So if you have one gig of RAM some gets taken to run the video card. Obviously a separate video card is better and faster in most cases because it has it's own onboard memory and not taking from the main memory pool.

Strangely just last week I had to disable the onboard video in my daughter's Compaq and install a separate card as her LCD screen seemed to dislike the original set up. I set her up wth an ATI Radeon 9600 card with 256 megs of RAM.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trialware removal program

I have no experience with independent purveyors. However, I have heard and read horror stories just like we regularly read here regarding major brands. The two reoccurring negatives with the independents have been out-of-business and failure to stand behind there product regardless of warranty, written or implied.

Like myself integrated video and audio should not be a concern to you. If a system comes with an improvement it's a plus.

Remember the key to Vista is having a minimum of 2GB of RAM.

Are you perhaps a bit anxious about the software bundles because you are coming from an older system where space and power were main concerns thus creating a rush to pare down the system? In my experience the bundle removals were no big deal. Admittedly, I had problems removing Norton, but they weren't ridiculous. The rest came off easily and some software is still on the system as I tinker with them "to learn" or I just haven't got to removing them yet.

A dual core is wonderful for multi-tasking and multi-media if you ever decide to expand into it. Even I have started to experiment with it.

It honestly sounds that a capable dual core processor, Vista, a 300 GB+ H/D, 2GB RAM and a multi-compatible DVD-RW drive( no you do not need a second R-drive) are the only basics you need. A freebie or entry level pair of speakers would be forward looking too. I am not a supporter of 2 H/Ds for backup and that's just a personal opinion.

Remember not all your current peripherals are certain to operate with Vista so check the manufacturers' websites for availability of new Vista drivers or confirmation the peripheral is compatible.

DA

Thanks for all the info. I do not have a computer savvy friend. I am more savvy than any of my friends and relatives and that isn't saying much!

I would love to multi task. I cannot now without the computer locking up. I only have 256 MB of RAM.

Looking at the Dell site and choosing stuff, on the memory, one choice has 2 dimm the other 4 dimm for more money both are 2 GB. I have no idea what dimm is? Not sure if it is better to pay more for the 4? Or better to use the money for 3 GB there is no choice about dimm on the 3 GB?

I will have to buy a new monitor and a scanner if I decide I need one. My monitor is a 1999 model CRT. My scanner isn't compatible with XP so I'm sure not Vista. My printer has drivers available though someday I'd like to upgrade to a nice photo printer. This one works great for work.

I have speakers already, they wouldn't have compatibility issues would they?

DIMM is a 'Dual In-line Memory Module' .
Did they perhaps say two versus four DIMM Sockets? Meaning a couple of extra spare memory sockets which would allow you to add extra memory a bit more cheaply down the road. Perhaps the Windows Merlin version. Look ma, no keyboard, you just wave your arms around. Makes you look like a magician, or an idiot!

Old monitor should work OK. New flat ones might actually disappoint you if youre into graphic manipulating programs.

Speakers come in two basic categories, static and powered. In the static you just plug in the left and right speakers. The powered in addition require a power source. Powered will work on static systems, static will usually not work on powered.

I laughed on your comment about multi-tasking. With the new system I was doing things as I use to always do, one at a time. Then all of a sudden the light went on. Now I do two or more things at a time without a concern.

DA

If you follow DAMcCoy's link to look at desktops at the HP site, I'd suggest you pick one or two that you think you might like, print out the specs and then watch the ads at the "big box" stores to find one that most nearly meets the specs of the one you like. I did that and saved quite a bit over buying direct from HP.

I'd suggest that for Vista, you choose 2 GB of RAM, a good dual core processor (either Intel or AMD are fine--AMD costs less) a 17" or 19" flat panel monitor, lots of USB outlets (some on the front of the tower), memory card readers built in, since you do photos. Integrated graphics is fine if you have lots of memory, and the size of the hard drive depends on how much storage space you need.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Following grandms advice this site might help.

You might also want to order a Dell catalog...even if you don't order a Dell, it might help you make some comparisons, and come back here and ask questions about the different things offered.

I am now dreading on down the road being faced with what you are facing. I really doubt if this one will 'take me on out'. I'll be anxious to hear what you pick out, and why.

I am more savvy than any of my friends and relatives and that isn't saying much!
Zowie...I'm impressed, but sorry you have no one close to help. A GF claims her 14 year old grandson can help me. Have you seen the TV commercial where the (stupid) woman claims her two year old knows more about the computer than she does? Sheesh!

Below is what she saw when ordering...I imagine...
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs [add $97 or $3/month1]
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs [add $242 or $7/month1]
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 4DIMMs [add $359 or $11/month1]

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Dell catalog

Monitor thought.

You will have the ability to select a traditional flat screen or a wide screen.I purchased the traditional flat screen. Unless you intend to watch a lot of movies on your computer you probably might consider doing the same. It was cheaper too.

I sat in front of both models and found that the wide screen required much more eye/head movement for the tasks that I regularly perform.

DA

Yes, that is what I saw.

I "built" two Dells, one "business" omi something and one "home" inspiration and the home version was $200 cheaper with a bigger hard drive and the same everything else. Vista Ultimate on both. AMD x 64 4800 dual core processor. 2 GB memory. No monitor.

However, what I came up with was almost $1000 for the home version and almost $1200 for the business.

In today's paper, a HP is on sale with a faster processor 64 x 5000, bigger hard drive, flat screen monitor included for under $600 with Vista Home Premium. Actually, I'm not done with the paper yet so there may be more.

Honestly I think you should go with Asolo's suggestion of getting an Imac. Your computer need are simple and I don't think your into anything hard-core . . .

Imacs are good for what they are: a computer that WORKS.

1st: I would have to agree with what Asolo and Asylum said about the IMac..... for a "regular user" there is nothing better, "it" just works....Or maybe go to Sears Roebuck and get one of their brand new Linux PC's at less than $200(US)

BUT......Right at $200(US)
Go to: pricewatch(dot)com and click on
"Computers PC no OS"

since you:
>>>> "I do not game, I do not download music, I do not want to watch movies or TV on my computer, I am the only user, only computer in house, I want a desk top." Pick out one of the systems that are less than $170 and increase the installed RAM to 2GB....I would at the least get one with a CDR/RW, but there are always USB CD/DVD drives if you want to stick with the lowest possible price.

Now that you have the PC, get a copy of PCLinuxOS, LinuxMint, SimplyMepis7.0, ZenWalk, or VectorLinux or DreamLinux and do the install........If the CD doesn't have all the software you are looking for/want/need, LOL, check out the distro's repository...More than you'll ever know what to do with, and if that's still not enough, there is more than you could possibly imagine available on the WWW.
A repository is where a distro maintains all of their compiled specifically to run with that distro software. (Yes geekers I know, but that's the simplest way I know to say it)

Your new PC w/Linux will run extremely fast, much faster and with more stability and "robustness" than any MSWin version on the same hardware. Run the OS in RAM and all your MSWin-fan friends will be amazed and jealous of the lightening speed your "budget PC" will outperform their super whiz bang with all the high dollar bells and whistles, maybe even astounded when you offer them a FREE AND LEGAL copy to try on their own machine.

Oh yeah, and you don't have to pay the MS or the Apple tax for your Operating System either...And, Linux requires much less high dollar hardware, and I can say this from personal experience....

There is never any need for "Security" software... no scanners, no "Anti-Virus", no registry mechanics, no de-frags, no nothing.....This thing has been running for just a few weeks now w/o being powered down or ever disconnected from the WWW. It is currently running 3 browsers/14windows/44 tabs (I just counted). I have gone as long as 10 months w/o ever shutting down or rebooting or disconnecting from the WWW, and other than an outgoing firewall, I run ABSOLUTELY ZERO "security" software

The Linux "learning curve" is, quite honestly, a vastly overblown issue mainly bandied about by people who either: A) sell PC's and know that there is a lot more commission to be made on a $200 OS installed on a high hardware requirement PC than on a "naked" hard-drive PC w/o no need for unnecessary hardware "upgrades"
B) that have no idea what they are talking about, or
C) can only figure things out when somebody is there to step by step them through virtually every click...
If you can figure out "Vista" you can figure out almost any Linux. SimplyMepis7.0 is a 4 click install that your Grandma could figure out how to install, run, modify, and download/install to. But some folks swear that the others mentioned above are just as easy an install, I just prefer SM7

Get a few LiveCD's and try them out, and install the one (or ones) that you like best....

But if you don't mind spending the money, for "Joe and Jane User", an IMac is pretty hard to beat.

AMD Sempron 3000+ Computer System; SATA DDR2 PCI-e -MBoard; 2GB DDR-2 Dual Channel RAM; 40Gb Hard Drive; CDr/RW DRIVE; DeltaChrome 3D 256MB Shared Video; 6-Channel Audio; 10/100 Ethernet (LAN); MIDTOWER CASE Assembled & Tested!
$210 (US) or, $230 to my door in 3 business days...
But then again, there is that $0.1325 per CD for burning an ISO image of each Linux distro you might want to try.....Or you can order them from the vendors advertising on DistroWatch.com for real cheap...like you can get maybe almost 100 complete operating systems and all the included software for the price of JUST ONE COPY OF MSVista!

Oh yeah....BTW.... with a Linux OS you are free to copy, modify, trade, sell, give away, install on 3256 separate machines. Ever actually read the MSXP/Vista EULA? You don't actually even own the contents of discs you just paid $200 for. And with Linux you can add/delete/change hardware devices at will and unlike with an MS OS, you won't have to buy a new OS whenever the MS decides that you have made too many changes and need to buy a new OS, as in MSWorld your clicking on "I agree" you agreed to give MS the right to determine the hardware changes make your old PC a new PC,and therefore to disable your system in in its entirety. And your new (or old) PC won't be "phoning home" everyday to report to MS what your software and hardware configuration was yesterday, is today, or what it is tomorrow.

Go to your friendly local Barnes and Noble, or Borders bookstore and get a copy of one of the Linux mags, I would suggest "LinuxFormat" and get the multiple OS DVD with the mag and try whatever versions are on the DVD..or CD....
And while you're there, get a copy of "Knoppix Hacks" you get Knoppix5.1.1 with the book. Knioppix, never leave home without it...no kidding...

Don't pay any attention to anyone telling you you need even more memory, a big video card or any such bull.....Unless you insist on getting a "MSVista" PC, in which case you need a minimum of 2GB RAM, and a pretty good video card would help too....And don't fall for all ANY talk about buying "Vista Home Basic", if you want a "Vista" that actually works at a speed you can tolerate (with enough hardware resources) you gotta "upgrade" for a whole lot more $$$.
And for a whole less than what a free Linux distro will get you, except for a whole lot more money?

HAGD!

Here is a link that might be useful: OS 's for a new PC

I have always had custom built machines, until my son bought this new Dell with Vista for me for Christmas. I really like the machine. I am still getting used to the Vista, and not sure about that yet. My daughter and her hubby both have new HP and they like them too. I heard that Walmart is now selling some Dell computers. I havent seen them at the two Walmarts I usually go to, but they do have the Dell Monitors now, so imagine they will get them. I dont know anyone who has bought from Walmart, so dont know anything about the quality, but imagine they would be the same. Good Luck :-)Cat