Small PCs?

[ffutures]

My second PC (HP Pavilion 400mhz, 256mb, runs Windows 98) has begun to freeze up occasionally - can't find anything obvious wrong, and it hasn't done it since I reseated the memory, but I think I need to start thinking about replacing it.

The thing is that it's mostly used for downloads and as an emergency backup, but it's now a bit long in the tooth for the backup part since a LOT of the software I use now won't run on Windows 98 anyway. It really needs to be an XP box for maximum compatibility, although at a pinch I can do without OCR, Pagemaker, and the other applications I own that demand XP for a few days if I have to, so Linux or a Mac isn't absolutely out of the question. I want to avoid XP Media Edition crappiness.

As I've previously mentioned I've been thinking that it would be a good idea to have a PC permanently attached to the TV in another room, and if I use WiFi or extend the network in there, the backup PC might as well be in there. So what I think I need is suggestions on buying or building a small-case PC; I have two hard disks and a DVD writer in the current machine which ought to be OK for a new one, but memory etc. and the OS would have to be bought new.

If I go the Linux route which is the best implementation for a complete beginner with lots of Windows and some OS-X familiarity? The main applications I'd want to run would be bittorrent, a web browser (opera for preference), and Open Office, scanning and paint software, etc.

If I do end up with XP, what's the best deal at present?

Finally, what make of casing, motherboard, etc. should I look out for if I do build my own?

Comments

[roo2.livejournal.com]

For Linux, I'd recommend Ubuntu Linux. It's currently one of the more newbie-friendly distributions available, and many former Windows/Mac users seem to like it. Here are some links that might be helpful:

List of recommended software for Mac users who are switching to Linux (http://diveintomark.org/archives/2006/06/26/essentials-2006)

A comparison of XP, Max OSX and Ubuntu Linux (http://lxer.com/module/newswire/view/56437/index.html)

How to make Ubuntu look like OSX (http://www.taimila.com/ubuntuosx.php)

And there are tons of helpful guides for Linux newbies. The Linux comunity in general is very friendly and eager to help. And since the OS is free, you can take the $100 or so you would have spent on it and put it toward better hardware.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Per the other comment, know anything about how it copes with wireless?

[roo2.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I generally run Linux on older hardware and we don't have wireless, so it's never been an issue for me. I did some googling and found some people who said it was easy, others who said they pulled their hair out over it. It may depend on which version you're using and which hardware you have. There's a forum that might be helpful here (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?s=f474bee7a30f62413976fe102b427a07&f=136).

[vicarage.livejournal.com]

Ubuntu is good. The hardest bit of getting Linux working is wireless, so concentrate your investigations there.

If making your own PC, get an Antec Sonata case, lovely to work with, and extremley quiet

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thanks - I'll check them out.

[armb.livejournal.com]

> paint software

I can't remember whether you are already a Gimp user. I gather there can be a big difference between "some paint software of some sort" and "paint software that works like the paint software I'm used to".
Googling, Photoshop works under CrossOver Office but with some problems.

Linspire (formerly known as Lindows) is specifically aimed at being easy to use for Windows users, but I don't know how good a job it does. Ubuntu is certainly worth a look.

[cobrabay.livejournal.com]

I can't add much about Linux distros, I use Red Hat at work and I'm getting a new Fedora box, but they were both someone else's choice. If you decide to go for XP, whether you go for Home or Professional depends on your needs, the Microsoft comparison is here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx). I use Pro, but I use the additional file level security and networking facilities, and the Remote Desktop. Most home users, even those with home networks really don't need those things (strictly speaking I don't need them but I'm used to having them from work), so Home is probably a better choice, certainly cheaper. Don't go for XP Media Centre edition. I saved a lot buying XP as an OEM edition with new hardware. Can you swing an educational discount?
As for small form factor hardware, I recently bought a Biostar iDEQ which I'm very happy with, very pretty, very compact, but not that cheap. I bought mine as a bundle from http://www.aria.co.uk/ which included the processor and memory and that brought the price down a bit. Mine is theoretically big enough to get 2 HD drives in, but it is a bit like trying to fit the last block into one of those 3D wooden puzzles so my 2nd drive is actually a USB external (which doubles as luggable backup for other boxes).

[averageshmoe.livejournal.com]

I live in the States and am uncertain about making recommendations for anything overseas, but I would encourage you to look at anything with an Asus board and an AMD 64 dual core. The prices on them are dropping fantastically and some truly superb equipment is becoming very economical. Make certain that you would have four memory slots and find out what memory it takes and how far you can expand that. PCI express slots are absolutely necessary for a first rate video card and I installed a Happaenpage tv in/out card so my computer is my VCR and I have been burning great DVDs.

As for operating systems Linux is good but most softwear is still MS based. Just beware that Vista looms on the horizon and that is going to require at least a gig of memory just to run the OS.

pgavigan

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

That plus DRM is why I'm probably NOT going to stick with Windows indefinitely.