I usually get my computers built by a small independent local shop. I know roughly what they make out of me but then they have to order the bits, put them together and guarantee the whole computer for a year. It’s also somewhere local to run the computer back to if any hardware does go wrong. I realise this is rare but all in all, not a bad price for the bits, the convenience and service.
Supports the local economy too. 
Ok slow PC? change the hard drive to an SSD drive to start with (Solid State Drive). You may need an external hard drive to save your data on beforehand.
My start up and shut down times are about 7 seconds give or take.
I also have a second internal hard drive as a backup for my photos
I haven’t heard of anyone who likes Windows 8, but when I asked my computer man about Windows 10, he advised to wait for 12 months to let any the teething problems get sorted first. Made sense to me.
I miss my old Me pc! It was easier to understand and compatible with my favourite programme.
I have the same. It seems to be a fairly popular arrangement for those who use SSDs in a Desktop computer. My boot speed is about 12 seconds. Fast enough I suppose. Skype adds some seconds to that but I prefer to let it load at start-up even so.
Changing the HDD to an SSD would speed up almost any computer. Not too expensive these days either. I’m sure it would have speeded up my 4 year old computer but well, I just fancied getting a new one. New computers have later processors, usually more RAM and other advancements, so there is perhaps that aspect to buying a whole new box.
I’ve since formatted everything away on my old computer and use it to run Linux and more recently, the Windows 10 Previews. So Emjay, if or when you get a new computer, you could use the old one for giving a bit of extra computer interest …if you’re into that kind of thing. I find I can do this and still find plenty of time for cycling. 
There’s always one and I am that person. A much criticized OS but I’ve always got on OK with it. It has been generally trouble-free for me and the tiled Start Screen hasn’t upset me at all. I will be upgrading to W.10 straightaway because I want to run the latest OS but will be a little sorry to leave W.8.1 behind.
… I haven’t had a problem with W8, it took me a day or so to get used to it and it has been fine :-).
Thanks for all the advice that has been given. I know all about Macs as my neighbour is Mac mad. It was he who convinced me that I needed an iPad.
History: My first computer was a Spektrum, followed by a BBC, then a Commodore, followed by home built Dos and early windows machines. Later I decided it was just as cheap to buy ready to use than build. I still have a Dell Inspiron laptop, with docking station (not used now) that cost me many years ago £900 refurbished.
I have nearly decided that I shall go for another laptop. The Asus X555 LA is at present top of my list.
With the plug in hard drive docking device that I have ordered, I am hoping that I can access my other hard drives, just sort out the stuff I need to put onto just one extra drive.
I started with windows 95 and now use windows 7. I have windows 8 on a hand held pad and it is terrible. First you have to sign in every time and finding ones way around it you have to be a genius. It is about the worst computer system onthe market
W10 will be free for 12 months. Microsoft could then start charging for new installations after that.
As for what to buy…you could be like me and have the whole lot!! Each model has its own use. I browse during the day on this iPad but it doesn’t support Flash. Then I have my laptop, desktop, netbook that sometimes comes away on holidays with me, my tablet - bought some months ago, and also my brand new all in one touch screen pc, which I’ve had very recently.
I couldn’t be without either piece of equipment.
That looks a good device. Is it USB 3.0?
Here is a link to it. Looks like USB2. Note the price.
I have a computer in my craft room and would be lost without it.
But in the lounge I have laptop, nice and small and not in the way.
I also have an ipad that I take to my daughters when I go to visit.
I should like to say a few words in fabour of the iPad.
As some of you know, I have always used an iMac (desktop computer) but when my current one broke this year and needed a new hard drive, I went into despair/panic mode.
My Mac laptop is very old and unpleasant to use and the thought of being out of action for over a week was just too awful !
I bought an iPad and imagined It would just see me through this appalling episode … WRONG :shock: :!: :shock:
[SIZE=“5”]I LOVE IT[/SIZE]
I’m hardly using the iMac now and am thoroughly addicted to my new gadget … I take it to bed every night too, which is something I would never have done that with a laptop.
I love my iPad too Rachel … so much that it’s going on holiday with me for the next two weeks 
I should think so too
Oooooer … having sung its praises, mine’s refusing to post smilies
I defiantly love my iPad. After getting my new laptop this morning.
The story…
Seek and ye shall find. I feel sure you have heard that saying.
Having decided that as the cash was burning a hole in my safe, I decided that I would not wait.
So browsing for the best price, I noticed that Amazon was close.
Looking at the seller, I noticed that their address was very close to where I live. A phone call and a short trip, and I also got a discount for cash.
I got the Asus X555LA.
It is doing my head in just trying to get it to see my email address.
It wants for me to make a Microsoft address what I don’t want to.
Where is my hammer?
Sorted. now on my new Asus.
I hope you and your new computer will be very happy together.
Happy…
it’s a new learning curve. I’ll just keep pressing the buttons until I figure it out.
It’s the simple things at present that are getting to me. :!:
If you’re used to a mouse, it might be easier to plug one in and get around the system with that to start with. One very handy thing to know about Windows 8.1 is that when you right-click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left of the screen, it opens a quick menu that leads to the most used places on the computer, including the familiar Control Panel:
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u78/Mart44/marts-graphics/rightclick_zps3qa916nv.png
