New Computer Specs

Paul Gear paul at libertysys.com.au
Wed Jan 27 23:47:17 GMT 2010


jimtippett at optusnet.com.au wrote:
> By way of introduction, I have been using Ubuntu for about 18 months, but only on quite old computers (6-7 years).  I need to replace my desktop and am trying to decide what to purchase.
>
> Apart from web access, the programs I most commonly use are OpenOffice, GnuCash and some old windows programs I run with wine.  One additional application I want to use is video editing.  I would like the new computer to boot quickly and run the above applications with ease.
>
> My hardware knowledge is limited but I have been considering the following:
> Clarkdale CPU with integrated graphics/motherboard to suit
> 8 Gig ram
> SSD drive for operating system (64 bit Lucid), hard drive for /home
>
> Would appreciate any suggestions or comments
>
> Jim Tippett
Hi Jim,

I agree with Gabriel's suggestion about a dedicated video card.

I would also add that you should try to buy components that are "not
that new".  This is a bit of a fuzzy idea, i know, but the thing is that
it takes time for newer hardware to be supported by driver developers on
Linux.  For example, my Dell Latitude D830 laptop is 2 and a bit years
old.  The system was installed on feisty (7.04) or gutsy (7.10) - i
can't remember which - and the wireless off/on switch only just started
working when i upgraded to karmic (9.10).  Similarly, when i bought my
desktop, the G965 chipset was less than a year old, and it took another
12-18 months before there was a driver supporting the onboard video.

An alternative to this might be buying from a vendor who guarantees
Linux compatibility, or getting very detailed specs (i.e. the exact
models of motherboard, video card, hard disks, etc.) and doing online
research about them yourself.  But regardless, if it were me i would
probably buy components that are at the lower-priced end of the spectrum
to give me a better chance of having drivers available.

Regards,
Paul

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