PC Tips
Buying Or Hiring PC tips......
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....... What sort of computer do you need? Ph 021 213 2659 Most people end up with an expensive piece of equipment that they don't use often and which far exceeds their needs. 85% of what people use computers for is word processing (at a business level). Important notes on Soho PC Hire · Soho PC Hire is a specialist in Hiring of laptop/notebook/PCs Business - we also sell new & used · We are not restricted to selling certain brands over others - you get honest advice · All our stock has to hire or sell - it doesn't matter whether we sell inexpensive or more expensive machines - this means we will give you an honest assessment of your needs. What do the Names and Numbers mean? 486 Machines - these are OK for those who need to do word processing or maybe run a small business accounting package, if a modem is added they can run internet software and be used for email or surfing the net. 486's that run windows 95 generally need to be at the faster end of the spectrum - 50, 75 or 100 Mhz speed (the bigger the number the faster the machine!). 16 Mb Ram is also an advantage although not essential. Pentium Machines - these are faster than 486 machines. This means they will run software with less waiting time. They are also capable of doing more things at once, like running a word processor in the foreground and keeping accounting packages open in the background. All pentium machines are supposed to run Windows 95 or windows 98 or windows ME. Similarly to the 486 machines they need the addition of a modem if the Internet is to be accessed for either email or surfing. Operating Systems Windows 3.1 - old operating system not suitable for modern software Windows 95 - most common system, suitable for Internet use and running latest software Windows 98 - Upgraded form of Windows 95 - more functions etc, runs the same software as win 95. Most users will require Windows 95 or better. Internet This requires a machine running Windows 95 or better, a modem and a phone line. CD (Compact Disk) older laptops/notebooks/PCs did not come with a CD drive. Nearly all-modern software requires a CD Drive to install the software but not necessarily to run. An example could be MS Office. Soho PC Hire offers a free service at time of sale to our customers who buy a Laptop/Notebook/PC from us without A CD, we will copy the software on using one of our external CD Drives. The customer needs to bring us the software and licence number. Q. How do I know if my software will run on your machines? A. Read the system requirements on the edge of the software box, compare these to the numbers on the spec sheets for our machines. In general with computers bigger numbers = better. Bare in mind that ofien the specs listed by software manufacturer are minimums. A few GOOD reasons to buy from Soho PC Hire. Q. If I buy second hand what sort of comeback do I get? A. If you buy privately or from auction you won’t get any. Often people sell equipment through auction, which they either suspect or know to be faulty. Buying privately is a similar situation, there is approx a 30% chance of the seller knowing a fault exists. In both cases you won't know until you get the equipment home or to work and run it for a period of time. Soho PC Hire is not an insurance company but we still offer a warranty period of seven days (30 days for schools) - easily long enough to know that the equipment is in good working order and that we are not tring to pass off 'dodgy' equipment. Q. What about other peoples software on the machines? A. The most common problem people experience with computers (when buying second hand) is the residual software which has not been cleaned off properly, this software frequently causes problems with performance and functionality - symptoms similar in nature and often indistinguishable from hardware faults. Soho PC Hire has a policy of erasing information relating to the former user, their data files and any software, which may be causing problems. Q. How do I know that the computer isn't stolen? A. We have many laptops and notebooks coming through each week for our hire stock. We keep records of the former owners and ID where possible. Offers coming to us 'too good to be true' are always checked out via serial number traces both with the police and the company ofmanufacture. Q. What sort of selection do you carry? A. As we only do ex hire equipment OR New custom made to order, everything we have is subject to availability. (Your order can only be held for 24 hours waiting for payment) Being specialists in hiring notebooks/laptops/PCs we have extensive marketing and advertising designed to keep a constant supply of second hand equipment coming through – and an excellent selection at any given time. Regards Mike SOHO PC HIRE AND SERVICES Christchurch Ph 021 213 2659 Fax 64 3 325 3340 info@sohopchire.co.nz OR Click here to see more! |