I started out the week here with quite a few problems with my old Compaq Presario. Tried going from WinXP to Linux (several different versions). Things didn't work out very well. I think the old computer has just had it, not to mention it could have gotten the shock of its life from a recent severe lightning storm. It continues to shut down without warning regardless of what OS I'm using. Crash crash crash, that sort of thing.

Enough background info. I found a PC here that runs Linspire.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Tab=2&NoMapp=0

Would any of you consider this to be a good system? I just need to get some recommendations before I sink more money into a computer.

This looks like a decent deal. At least if it arrives running Linspire there is a good chance that all the hardware will work in Linux. I have bought from Tiger Direct and been very happy with the service.

The computer that goes Crash-Crash-Crash sounds very much like a power supply trying to die. If you can borrow a PS and try swapping them out the computer might be salvagable.

Good luck.

C

Just keep in mind, Power Sources can be a pain to install, I have a problem trying to shift one from an older Compaq, the heads on the power connectors were properitary (meaning it HAD to have the compaq connectors), but it's worth a shot.

That does seem like a great deal for that machine too, You aren't paying to MS, so it's a lot cheaper. And, besides, if you didn't want to run Linspire (most of us have problems with it.. pay for use and running as root), you could always install any other distro!

Any suggestions on where I could find a PC running a better version of Linux? I'm committed to making the change, just need help knowing exactly what to do since I'm such a beginner.

Man that is one sweet deal. The only thing I would change would be to add extra ram and a hard drive and you should be good to go. The bad thing about compaq was that they were so propritary that you had to buy all your parts through them. So you may find a power supply but not at the price you are wanting to pay.

Well, because Linux is free, you could just Download another distro (Ubuntu perhaps) and install away. The hardware should be compatable.

It is a sweet deal. Personally I don't really like the celeron chip, but that could be upgraded later, and honestly, with a Linux box, you'll probably never notice the difference.