*PING* anyone who owns a Dell Computer ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter *ProteanThread*
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*ProteanThread*

is this spyware:

http://tinyurl.com/7bjsy

<SNIP>
Dell Support 3 is a complimentary, factory-loaded application that
ships standard on newer Dimension and Inspiron computers and is offered
as a free upgrade to Dell Support 2.0 on older models in order to help
you get the most out of your Dell experience. This newly enhanced,
Dell-exclusive service enables real-time health scans of your computing
environment (PC, peripherals and network devices) proactive alerts,
automated "fixes", software updates and relevant self-support
information all designed to help keep your Dell system in optimal
working order. With Dell Support 3, we can identify known errors and
present you with auto-fixes before you even realize a problem exists.
What's more, because we built your Dell just for you, automatic updates
and information are specific to your PC and your unique needs. To learn
more about what it monitors, click here.

If you have a new Dell Dimension or Inspiron and already have Dell
Support 3 installed, you can double click on the icon in the bottom
right hand corner of your screen and start taking advantage of
customized support today. If you do not have Dell Support 3 installed
on your computer, you can install now or upgrade by clicking the link
below.

Please note this application will only work on Dimension or Inspiron
systems running on Windows XP.
<SNIP>

what use can it give me outside of windows updates and it taking up
resources sitting in the system tray ?
 
*ProteanThread* said:
what use can it give me outside of windows updates and it taking up
resources sitting in the system tray ?
Click to expand...

I flushed the Dell support crap long ago. There is no advantage in
having it unless you require them to help you "fix" your system
remotely. Personally, I have no use for that type of "support".
You'll also notice that Dell installs a hidden partition on the first
disk that contains some diags - gateway also has similar "helper" crap
programs (strangely, written by HP) and hidden partitions.

If you are not comfortable diagnosing hardware and software issues on
your Dell, you *may* want to keep it for support, otherwise get rid of
it - it will only degrade system performance and offers no discernible
benefit.
 
*ProteanThread* said:
is this spyware:

http://tinyurl.com/7bjsy

<SNIP>
Dell Support 3 is a complimentary, factory-loaded application that
ships standard on newer Dimension and Inspiron computers and is offered
as a free upgrade to Dell Support 2.0 on older models in order to help
you get the most out of your Dell experience. This newly enhanced,
Dell-exclusive service enables real-time health scans of your computing
environment (PC, peripherals and network devices) proactive alerts,
automated "fixes", software updates and relevant self-support
information all designed to help keep your Dell system in optimal
working order. With Dell Support 3, we can identify known errors and
present you with auto-fixes before you even realize a problem exists.
What's more, because we built your Dell just for you, automatic updates
and information are specific to your PC and your unique needs. To learn
more about what it monitors, click here.

If you have a new Dell Dimension or Inspiron and already have Dell
Support 3 installed, you can double click on the icon in the bottom
right hand corner of your screen and start taking advantage of
customized support today. If you do not have Dell Support 3 installed
on your computer, you can install now or upgrade by clicking the link
below.

Please note this application will only work on Dimension or Inspiron
systems running on Windows XP.
<SNIP>

what use can it give me outside of windows updates and it taking up
resources sitting in the system tray ?
Click to expand...

To tell the truth I wouldn't buy a Dell, HP, Gateway, Sony or whatever
they are called.
With their preloaded Advertising stuff and their own Hardware
Specifications I wouldn't have the feeling it's my own computer.
 
Werner said:
To tell the truth I wouldn't buy a Dell, HP, Gateway, Sony or whatever
they are called.
With their preloaded Advertising stuff and their own Hardware
Specifications I wouldn't have the feeling it's my own computer.
Click to expand...

Your recommendation then?
 
Jörg68 said:
Your recommendation then?
Click to expand...
build your own computer or let it build for you. It's simple as a kit.
And you can choose what hardware parts you want to have in there - and
what software.
 
On Tue, 9 Aug 2005 20:21:47 -0500, "Jörg68" <Jörg
Your recommendation then?
Click to expand...

Just about anything you can have someone or yourself custom build at
almost any online/offline shop. You won't regret it.
You will pay a bit more in price, but the lack of frustration with
that prebuilt crap will more than make up for it.

tim
 
Just about anything you can have someone or yourself custom build at
almost any online/offline shop. You won't regret it.
You will pay a bit more in price, but the lack of frustration with
that prebuilt crap will more than make up for it.
Click to expand...

I'll second that recommendation. I've had several DELL computers over
the past ten years. The used to have top notch tech support. Not any
more. Considering the poor tech support and the junk the load on the
computers, I had my last computer custom built. I glad I did.
 
Something terrible has happened to Dell. A while ago a friend of mine
ordered a Dell online. It never arrived. When he called, he was told
that the order had been cancelled because "we no longer ship that
model," even though the model was offered on the website. He was told
he had to order a more expensive model. He ordered a Gateway.
 
He was told
he had to order a more expensive model. He ordered a Gateway.
Click to expand...
Same type of thing happened with me. Dell has passed it's critical
mass point and is quickly melting down. One would think that people
with brains enough to build a huge company would know basic
economics. I think money effects business peoples' brains the way a
thong effects teenaged boys' brains.
 
I'll second that recommendation. I've had several DELL computers over
the past ten years. The used to have top notch tech support. Not any
more. Considering the poor tech support and the junk the load on the
computers, I had my last computer custom built. I glad I did.
Click to expand...

The last brand name computer I bought new was an Amstrad CPC 464 back
in 1984. Since then I've either existed on second hand handme downs or
built a machine myself to my specifications. Generally I lag well
behind the front line. It's cheaper that way.
 
The last brand name computer I bought new was an Amstrad CPC 464 back
in 1984. Since then I've either existed on second hand handme downs or
built a machine myself to my specifications. Generally I lag well
behind the front line. It's cheaper that way.
Click to expand...

Smarter too.
 
This summer, I bought 6 Dells: 3 laptops (6000Ds) and 3 desktops (4700s)
and all arrived as expected. One 4700 had a bad SoundBlaster card, and
Dell had a new one out to me in 24 hours.

Dont know about the crap load on the PCs. Reformated all of them and put
plain XPPro with the Dell drivers on them.

All 6 are used pretty hard every day and all are working just fine.

Anecdotal evidence is always weak: I bought 3 Gateways four years ago and
had problems with tech support on each and every one of them.

Buy what you like; like what you buy; switch when you are unhappy and
you'll have fewer grey hairs.
 
The last brand name computer I bought new was an Amstrad CPC 464 back
in 1984. Since then I've either existed on second hand handme downs or
built a machine myself to my specifications. Generally I lag well
behind the front line. It's cheaper that way.
Click to expand...

heheh, yup I know that feeling. I stay behind the curve as well. I
don't need any bleeding edge stuff for most of what I do.

tim
 
Buy what you like; like what you buy; switch when you are unhappy and
you'll have fewer grey hairs.
Click to expand...
Amen to that !! My Dell is 6 years old - never had the slightest
problem with it.
 
(e-mail address removed) wrote in
Amen to that !! My Dell is 6 years old - never had the slightest
problem with it.
Click to expand...
That's only because 6 years ago they were consistently producing good
computers. Different story today.
 
That's only because 6 years ago they were consistently producing good
computers. Different story today.
Click to expand...

I manage well over 100 Dell desktops, along with about half as many IBM
laptops. We lease all our Dell machines. I think Dell computers are fine
for general everyday use.

People at work ask me constantly what they should get for use at home.
Most of them are idiots (computer-wise), so I tell them to order from
Dell. From my experience over the last 5 years, Dell makes good "black
box" machines and offers good technical support (much better than IBM's
tech support, that's for sure). "Black box" meaning the buyer is never
going to put in a newer graphics card, or add memory, or anything of the
sort. They're going to receive it and it's going to stay that way for as
long as they have it. Never once has anybody told me they were sorry for
following my advise (and they would tell me if so).

I agree with others though: if you're even a little competent with
computers (for instance, if you've put in a CD drive or changed a video
card), building your own is the way to go. It's really not that hard and
you'll almost assuredly like what you end up with.
 
Klaatu said:
I manage well over 100 Dell desktops, along with about half as many IBM
laptops. We lease all our Dell machines. I think Dell computers are fine
for general everyday use.

People at work ask me constantly what they should get for use at home.
Most of them are idiots (computer-wise), so I tell them to order from
Dell. From my experience over the last 5 years, Dell makes good "black
box" machines and offers good technical support (much better than IBM's
tech support, that's for sure). "Black box" meaning the buyer is never
going to put in a newer graphics card, or add memory, or anything of the
sort. They're going to receive it and it's going to stay that way for as
long as they have it. Never once has anybody told me they were sorry for
following my advise (and they would tell me if so).

I agree with others though: if you're even a little competent with
computers (for instance, if you've put in a CD drive or changed a video
card), building your own is the way to go. It's really not that hard and
you'll almost assuredly like what you end up with.
Click to expand...


Any directional pointing for advice in getting started on picking
components? I'm not afraid of the inside of the box but a bit confused
as to cpu sockets and making sure everything is compatible? Any help
appreciated(Still using old Gateways and Dells right now)

Dave
 
Any directional pointing for advice in getting started on picking
components? I'm not afraid of the inside of the box but a bit confused
as to cpu sockets and making sure everything is compatible? Any help
appreciated(Still using old Gateways and Dells right now)
Click to expand...

http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/
http://www.pcguide.com/byop/index.htm
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/MVGSBG/article.php/3521496

I especially like the SharkyExtreme buyer's guide. They generally put
together all the pieces for a very good machine at a very resonable
price.

and, of course, the obvious:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=build+pc+guide&btnG=Search

A good usenet group to go for advise is

alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt

Some very helpful and knowledgable people frequent that group.

HTH
 
Klaatu said:
http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/
http://www.pcguide.com/byop/index.htm
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/MVGSBG/article.php/3521496

I especially like the SharkyExtreme buyer's guide. They generally put
together all the pieces for a very good machine at a very resonable
price.

and, of course, the obvious:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=build+pc+guide&btnG=Search

A good usenet group to go for advise is

alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt

Some very helpful and knowledgable people frequent that group.

HTH
Click to expand...


Many thanks for the "pointing"

Dave
 
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