On 2009-01-24, T > wrote:

> The problem with the Intel/Windows boxes is even if you buy the box
> without Windows you still pay the Windows 'tax'.
>
> It is built into the machine pricing.

Not if you buy separate components and build your own box.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Building a PC isn't much different from
wiring together a home entertainment system. You buy what's called a
"barebones" box (motherboard, cpu, power supply, case) which includes no OS.
Then buy memory, hdd, audi/vid cards and simply plug them in. I could teach
a 10 yr old kid to do it in 30 mins. Basically, all your doing is putting
cards in predetermined slots and connecting storage media to supplied
connectors. If you can work a screwdriver, you can build a computer. It
used to be that the hardest part was partitioning the hdd and installing the
operating system. Now, even linux is easier to install than Windows.


nb