What computer should I get?

Hi All.
I asked this question a long time ago and got good answers, but I have searched my archives and can't find them.
So I am really going to do it this time, semi-retire my old guy and buy a new computer, and I would really appreciate your input as to what computer to buy.
I am an older person on a budget, not very computer literate, esp. as compared to people on this site! I don't want gaming, and might do a few pics, but not much. WhatI mostly want a computer for,[besides email, groups, writing documents], is for information researching of all kinds, esp. medical. I can be on the computer 8 or more hours just looking up and researching things. It would probably be good to be able to watch tv on the net at times, also, but I have a tv and currently prefer that. I am currently running xp prof,[I don't have the xp disc:cry- I was green when I bought the computer and got cheated in a third party sale, frankly],so guess I would have to upgrade, so I guess I'd want windows 7? I'd want it installed completely, not just a trial version. Would prefer not to have to uninstall alot of bloat.
Any input [in language even I could understand:] is much appreciated. Currently, I bake a loaf of bread while waiting for a page to load, so hope to buy soon.
Thanks,
Sheena

 

Check your internet speed first by going to speedtest.net and running their test. There is no reason why your XP machine should be so slow for surfing. We may find a reason but let's start by first eliminating your internet connection as the culprit.

 

Hi Auggiedog, and thanks. I went to speedtest few days ago and download was 24 and upload 22 for true speeds, the connection icon on my computer stating it was connected at 33.6. But have been having problems with phones, thought that was fixed, but will visit speedtest again, but today what I am trying to do today is get input as to what is a good computer for me to purchase.
Sheena

 

Like augie said, check your actual ISP speed using speedtest.net. Also, go into your browser (IE, Mozilla, etc.) and try disabling any add-ons and/or toolbars (Google, Yahoo, etc.). The fewer browser add-ons you're running the faster pages load.

Since it appears you may be out in the boonies (rainforest), getting warranty service if needed should be a consideration on your new PC. Given this, I'd lean towards Dell's Vostro (business) series PCs. On their United States warranty, the Vostro warranty includes next business day on-site service plus business grade (read: English speaking) phone tech support. If outside the US, check with Dell for the warranty terms in your country.

Hope this helps.

 

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My current machine is an Optiplex from Dell, its a 'vintage' machine. That's probably blasphemy in the tech world but I love my old machine. and wonder if Dell has any recent Optiplexes that would be of good quality. I looked at one that said "it has a guaranteed life of 20 MONTHS' but when I asked the salesman what that meant he couldn't tell me. Though it didn't say on the online Dell site, I'm assuming they meant the battery, not the actual computer, but wouldn't that be a short life for a battery? [ i am in the us northwest, hence RAINforest-:-D].

Sheena

 

Don't sweat the name on the model - the Vostro series basically replaced the Optiplex as Dell's "business grade" PC -- better warranty support and less junkware than their consumer-grade machines.

 

I have a Dell Optiplex Gx260 just gathering dust lol waiting on a friend too give me money for it its fully upgraded too the max.Well have you tried too clean out your computer lately Like a all in one tool I would recommend Advance System care 4 or 5 it will give your computer the boost it needs.And if your connecting faster then me then i don't think its your modem its your slow computer try ASC too give your pc a boost you probably have too much junk on there clog it up,And slowing it down.If you use the web as much as i do the a cleaning is what u need Asc is free too use.
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5927

 

Thanks, Goldenskull.
I think you are right about my optiplex having too much stuff. Windows xp prof is stacked on another os. I'd rather not overstress this machine, use it for some things as it is so reliable, and I really like xp; and buy a new machine in order to do the other things I need to do at faster rates, etc.
Do you happen to know how I would find out what the bios is on my optiplex?
It isn't listed in the system information; I have 'tune-up' and it doesn't tell what kind of bios I have either.
Sheena