Some
people think that "brand name"
computers are "better" than
computers built from components. That might
be true for costly server systems purchased
by large businesses and backed by on-site
maintenance services, but in our experience
it is not true for computers aimed at small
business and the home market.
Brand
name computers tend to contain costly
special or odd-sized components that can
only be purchased from the original
manufacturer.
Built-up
computers use generic parts which are
readily available for reasonable cost.
If
you have a problem with a brand name
computer and want warranty service, you'll
have to take it back to the chain store
where you bought it, find that no one there
can fix your problem (believe us - we hear a
LOT of horror stories), wind up shipping the
entire unit back to the manufacturer, and
wait a week or three to get it back.
If
you have a warranty issue with a computer
system that we build, we have the knowledge
and parts to fix the problem in short order.
Recovery
CD's
One
last point, and it's about software. Many
brand name computers come with Windows and
original applications pre-installed - which
is fine - but they don't include original
CD's from the software manufacturers.
Instead, and probably with the best of
intentions, they provide a set of
"recovery CD's". These CD's will
ONLY work with the computer manufacturer's
system, and almost always will ONLY restore
the Windows and applications software to the
same state as when you bought it.
This
is probably fine for most people -- run into
a problem -- call the computer support line
-- they tell you "run the recovery CD
and call me in the morning".
Problem
fixed! The computer company saved money too.
But
you may lose your documents, e-mail address
books, favorites, and pictures. And you will
definitely have to reinstall any
software or hardware you purchased or
downloaded since bringing the computer home
from the store.
We
provide original CD's that can be separately
installed. The majority of computer problems
are caused by installing new software, and
often simply removing or reinstalling the
new software is the fix.
