WANTED - Cheap Desktop PC

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Does anyone have or know of anywhere I can purchase a cheap desktop PC or laptop with or without an o/s?

I'm currently doing the MCDST and want a clean slate onto which I can install XP (I have a laptop running Linux and a Desktop running Vista, both of which I don't want to install XP onto).

PM me if you have one spare or know of a good place to buy one!

 

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Just install the free microsoft virtual pc on your current vista pc,and set aside a few gigabytes of space,create a partition,and install xp a few times if you want,so you can have multiple windows xp installs all running at the same time,that is the way the mcdst is taught in college.

One of the early chapters ask you to install xp in the standard way,then another chapter asks you to do the same thing, but with an answer file.

I've finished the mcdst part 1 and didn't need more than one pc to do it,i used virtual pc, i had 3 windows xp installs running,and one windows 2003 server all running on a single pc.

Virtual pc is very easy to use,and you are expected to know how to create partitions for the mcdst which you can practice on virtual pc.

 

I have a spare pc for sale it all depends on what you call cheap.

heres the specs:

Intel core 2 duo 2.1GHz
Asus PNE-sli motherboard
2GB 800MHz crucial Balistix RAM
MSI 256MB8600GT
Western digital caviar 250GB Hard disk
DVD rewiter
17" TFT Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse

can be supplied with or without xp on it (but no disk)

£200

 

You can sometimes catch a good bargain at the Dell outlet store :

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dfo

Alternatively, why not have a chat to a local independent computer shop - with the WEEE regulations on disposal they may be obliged to take in customer's old machines and you might grab a bargain there too

 

If you've got enough RAM del_ports suggestion is the cheapest.
I couldn't afford more RAM (I only have 512 MB ) so I asked around and got a computer from a friend for free. I fixed the minor problem and replaced the hard drive when it failed a couple of weeks later. Now I have an XP capable computer for the cost of a KVM switch and my spare HD.
Local classified ads are worth a look if your friends/family don't have anything fixable lying around collecting dust.

 

try your local dump/recycling centre - a freind of mine worked at one and was getting working machines dropped off by the general public every day

If you go down and speak quietly to the attendant im sure he/she would put one a side for a case of beer or a few quid

 

Failing all of the above, you can try bigpockets.co.uk they sell modest spec refurbished old systems for < £100.

 

it's also worth looking in your local newspaper and "freeads" - the yellow traders paper. Bought a few machines that people are selling due to upgrade, fed-up with or virus ridden!

 

Or of course, my old friend... Freecycle

 

What is your location matD?

I may have a Pentium4 machine with 60gb HD and 1GB of ram to spare.