I haven't posted anything in a while which is pretty sad, I was doing pretty good there for a bit. I don't really have anything new to post about lately other than I actually have a computer of my own now, it isn't the best but, when your broke you take what you can get.
I went back to the good old days of bargain hunting for computers or components.
1. Check with banks and businesses that are getting new computers or upgrades. Many times you can get a pretty decent running machine for nothing, most times they "dumpster" the old ones anyway.
2. When getting a computer from a business or bank, don't expect to get a hard drive with it, unless their IT department sucks at their job. Buy a new HDD or use an old one.
3. Before plugging the tower up to anything, give it a thorough once over, make sure the inside of the case is clean and dust free and none of the wires are comprimised. Also check for RAM and audio/video components, most times these systems have onboard audio and video but, sometimes the tower is a custom job and the a/v is from addon cards and not on the motherboard. Be sure to take notes of the hardware, such as graphics chipset and audio chipset, if you know what you are looking at.
4. Add your hardrive and install an OS and drivers. Don't expect your OS to get the right drivers first time out, default drivers suck.
5. After everything is installed, use the system information utility that comes with whatever OS you installed and see if everything was identified correctly and to make sure the latest driver versions are installed. This is also a good time to make mental notes of the capabilities of the system such as, what software or games can it run.
NOTE: Even with namebrand systems like Dell, Acer, eMachines, etc. taking note of the audio and graphics chipsets or even the motherboard and processor is a good idea since many of them have different build options depending on the model. The notes will help when you go to the website to download drivers and support software.
I have aquired many systems in this manner and built quite a few getting components the same way.
Sometimes if you ask nicely the company IT guy might have some old spare parts laying aound the shop that haven't been tossed or repurposed yet, you might be able to get them for cheap or even free. This is a good way to get peripherals like keyboards, mice and even somtimes printers or scanners and even monitors.
If you go this route to get or build a computer, don't expect to be able to run the latest games or software without a little extra effort and most likely a little extra cash.
NOTE: Another good place to look for a decent system is at high schools and community colleges. Most times they have systems more capable of running the latest software and some games, and unless it is from the teachers lounge or admin office, you might get a hard drive with the tower. Again, when inquiring about old or unused computers or components, be nice.
If you don't find a system first time out don't be too discouraged, your timing may have been bad. Leave your name and a phone number and ask them to give you a call when they decide to get rid of their old systems.
Some places actually auction off their old or surplus computers which is also a good way to get a nice one if you have the cash for it, just remember not to bid more than you feel comfortable with.
Another important thing to remember is to not be too picky, I don't particularly care for Dell computers or Intel processors (which is what I am currently using) but, when it is free or really cheap I'm not going to complain. You might even end up with more than one computer if you're lucky and depending on component compatibility, you could frankenstein your own crazy creation(another something I have done many times).
Enough of the computer Mumbo Jumbo, I haven't done anything art related lately, as I haven't really had much morivation or inspiration to do so. I will eventually get aroud to getting something new drawn or colored and have it posted but, for now I will just be as random, off kilter, and unpredictable as usual.
... That is all for this special news bulletin...
We now return you to your regularly scheduled web surfing already in progress.
