tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78811904039472018592024-02-08T10:50:31.167+00:00First4InsightsA computer technologically blog by Harry of First4Computers.comFirst4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-60927779003147825852016-05-21T12:12:00.001+01:002016-05-21T12:12:19.712+01:00Chrome OS - Make Your Old Computer Useful Again<b>Do you have an old laptop or desktop PC that is past its prime, just sitting in a dusty office corner or loft?</b><br />
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Rather than throwing it away, you can turn it into a Chromebook!<br /><br /><b>What is a Chromebook?</b><br />
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A Chromebook looks just like a normal laptop but instead of running a Windows or Apple operating system it runs Google's Chrome OS; which primarily uses Google cloud apps such as, Drive, Calendar, GMail, Chrome Browser, Maps etc.<br />
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<b>Should I use a Chromebook?</b><br />
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It all depends on what you use a computer for. If like most people, you just want to do email, web browsing, iPlayer, YouTube and a bit of word processing, a Chromebook is an excellent option.<br /><br />If you use software that is not available in Chrome OS, e.g. Adobe Photoshop, iTunes etc then a Chromebook is not for you.<br />
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<b>How does this benefit my old laptop?</b><br />
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The main problem with older laptops is that they simply aren't fast enough to run modern operating system. They likely came installed with Windows XP (a small operating system) but will struggle to run Windows 10 (a much larger operating system). Chrome OS does not require large amounts of processing power or hard drive space as it is cloud based. Your old laptop will be both useful and fast again!<br />
<br /><b>How can I turn my old computer into a laptop?</b><br />
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<i>As a general rule this procedure will work on any Intel based laptop or computer that have a 64-bit processor. All but one of my laptops I have been able to run Chrome OS. The one that didn't was a 2003 IBM Thinkpad T40 which had a 32-bit processor and did not support Physical Address Extension. There is a workaround but it is far too time consuming for most users.</i><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You will need:</span></b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">8GB or larger USB2.0 memory stick</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A computer with an internet connection</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Google Chrome installed</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A Google account</span></b></li>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. Download CloudReady from <a href="http://go.neverware.com/free64" target="_blank">Neverware</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. Follow the installation instructions: <a href="http://www.neverware.com/installation">http://www.neverware.com/installation</a></span></b><br />
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<b>Once installed with ChromeOS your old laptop will have a new lease of life!<br /><br />If you attempt this, please let me know how you get on and what if any problems you encountered.</b><br />First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-84945337965866485102016-04-23T12:34:00.000+01:002016-04-23T12:34:09.335+01:00The Truth Is Out There - Help Find Aliens With Your Raspberry Pi!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Australian electronics engineer Dave Jones has published a great video on YouTube showing how you can help SETI search for alien radio signals using your Raspberry Pi. </div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pcQaseUJeZI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcQaseUJeZI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Don't worry if you don't have a Raspberry Pi and would like to get involved, you can download the software for many other devices (Windows, Linux, Android and Mac).<br />
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Go to: <a href="http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download.php">http://boinc.berkeley.edu/download.php</a> to download the software. When your computer/tablet etc is idling, BOINC harnesses your computer's spare CPU power to process scientific data.<br /><br />More detailed information can be found here: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Open_Infrastructure_for_Network_Computing">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Open_Infrastructure_for_Network_Computing</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Who knows, your computer may be the one that proves we are not alone in the universe!</span></b>First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-26602141947803917102013-08-07T21:46:00.002+01:002013-08-07T21:47:15.551+01:00High Performance Laptop for only £500I was recently asked by a customer to recommend a new laptop that would be able to cope with their heavy usage needs. My thoughts immediately turned to an Intel i5 or i7 powered laptop with 8GB of RAM. I am a big fan of Asus laptops as their build quality is superb.<br />
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Looking through the range I discovered that many of the i5 and i7 laptops were very expensive and did not represent good value for money. Many of the Intel i3 powered laptops start from around £300 and are supplied with 4GB RAM. The Asus X55C is a particularly good example.<br />
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I decided to upgrade the RAM from 4GB to 8GB, also increasing the RAM speed from 1333MHz to 1600MHz. I removed the supplied 320GB hard disk drive and replaced with a 128GB solid state drive that can deliver speeds up to 500MBs per second. I also loaded Windows 7 instead of Windows 8.<br />
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<b>The result? A laptop that boots in only 15 seconds after pressing the power button! </b><br />
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And the cost of all this? Only £500. A MacBook Air which boots in around 10-15 seconds, starts from £849 and for this you only get an 11" or 13" screen. The Asus is supplied with a 15.6" screen. A MacBook Pro with 15" screen retails at £1499 and isn't supplied with a solid state drive.<br />
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So if you want a truly high performance laptop for an excellent price then please get in touch!First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-12444422997435869182013-05-15T10:59:00.001+01:002013-05-15T10:59:05.819+01:003D Printing: Why I believe it could change the world3D printing or additive manufacturing is the process of printing three dimensional objects from designs made on a computer. It has been around since the 1980s but only used for prototyping in large scale companies. Now a revolution is under way. With 3D printers available for less than £2000 they are quickly appearing in the domestic market. <a href="http://www.makerbot.com/" target="_blank">MakerBot</a> being a notable example.<br />
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You can print more or less any shape / object using a variety of materials, metal, plastic, paper and even food substances! The uses for 3D printing are seemingly endless! As someone who enjoys tinkering with my car on a daily basis the ability to print out spare parts would save endless trips to the main dealer or frequent eBay searches. Already thousands of free designs are available on the Internet, take a look at <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/" target="_blank">Thingiverse</a> for some of the great offerings.<br />
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So how can 3D printing change the world? As I see it the world economy is driven by the classic model of supply and demand. Objects like diamonds are scarce (i.e. there is low supply) therefore the price is high. Although 3D printers can't make diamonds yet they can make a lot of other things (even <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/05/meet-the-liberator-test-firing-the-worlds-first-fully-3d-printed-gun/" target="_blank">guns</a>) and no longer will you need to pop to the shops for a lot of things. Imagine the handle of your favourite coffee mug snaps off, no problem! Just print another one off. And why stop at a single mug, why not print 12 off?<br />
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3D printing will increase supply of goods (i.e. making them less scarce) and therefore price will have to fall. I believe supply could be so great that prices will fall to zero! I haven't even got to the best bit yet about all this. Currently a 3D printer can print approximately 70% of its own components, in the coming years this will inevitably become 100%. Some progress has already been made by The University of Bath: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project</a> - This means you won't need to go to PC World or wherever to buy another one if it breaks. You simply ask a friend or neighbour to print a 3D printer for you on their 3D printer! You could have one in every room of your house.<br />
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The potential applications for 3D printing are huge, I see it being particularly useful in many impoverished places of the world. The ability to print out spare parts for generators, water pumps and even medical applications. If 3D printing is able to give us all the things we want at the touch of a button will there be any need for money? Will humanity move from a monetary based economy to a resource based one?First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-18208487959441857542012-11-16T23:10:00.000+00:002012-11-16T23:10:46.832+00:00Windows 8: First Impressions<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've used many different computers and operating systems over the years, everything from an Amstrad to your latest generation Samsung Galaxy tablet, Windows 3.1 to Mac OS X 10.7. Without doubt, the best of these operating systems is Windows XP. It is beautifully, simple and easy to use, above all it's quick! Even on systems I would consider to be under powered it still performed admirably.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Earlier this month I had to setup a new Asus X501A that a customer had recently purchased. An aesthetically pleasing laptop, with an Intel i3 processor and 4GB RAM, excellent value for money at around £350. The one drawback however was that it came installed Windows 8 as its operating system. I've recommend many similar spec Asus laptops to customers in the past, all of which have run Windows 7. I was amazed at how much slower 8 appeared to be than 7. Everything took five times longer than normal and it was full of superfluous menus and warning messages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I should say at this point that this was not the first time I had used Windows 8. An evaluation copy has been freely available online from Microsoft for some time now. The first thing I immediately took a dislike to was the new Metro interface. I recommend you read the Wikipedia article for more information on Metro: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_(design_language)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_(design_language)</a>. It seems totally unnecessary on a desktop or laptop computer. I'm certain it works brilliantly on a tablet though. The traditional desktop environment is still lurking underneath the Metro interface but the Start button is no more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In conclusion, I see no reason to upgrade from Windows 7 to 8. In fact if you're considering buying a new PC or laptop I recommend you do whatever you can to ensure it's supplied with 7. If you're interested in an alternative operating system to both Windows and Mac OS take a look at Ubuntu. A free operating system used by over 20 million users: <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/">http://www.ubuntu.com/</a></span></div>
First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-42509395725616430492011-05-17T11:06:00.000+01:002011-05-17T11:10:45.525+01:003 Year Warranty on all new PCsI am delighted to announce that all new PCs supplied by First 4 Computers will have a three (3) year warranty as standard.<div><br /></div><div>The industry standard is typically only one (1) year with some retailers offering two (2).</div><div><br /></div><div>A three (3) year warranty gives you added confidence in the product you are buying and the knowledge that you are getting great value for money. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please visit <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm">http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm</a> to see the current range of PCs.</div><div><br /></div><div>All PCs can be customised to your requirements. Alternatively I can build a bespoke machine from scratch to suit your budget.</div>First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-10830038806561199332010-02-04T17:41:00.000+00:002010-02-04T17:52:48.797+00:00Wireless NetworkingRecently it has come to my attention that a lot of people are having problems with their wireless networking setup. It is often the case that the wireless router (often provided by their Internet Service Provider) is of poor quality.<br /><br />Consequently, users experience slow Internet speeds, connection drop outs and poor wireless reception. The solution is simple, buying a high quality router built by a trusted manufacturer. High quality doesn't mean high cost either, most routers First4Computers supply start from just £65 including installation and setup. A high quality router will ensure, greater security, faster Internet, greater reliability and far improved wireless reception.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> can supply wireless routers for Cable or ADSL Internet connections. Setup takes approximately one hour.<br /><br />So call on 0117 922 0686 or <a href="mailto:sales@first4computers.com">e-mail</a> today for more information.First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-11340933342371934492010-01-15T11:19:00.000+00:002010-01-15T11:24:23.890+00:00Apple iPhone 3G/3GS + iTouch Repairs Now Available!<a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> is please to announce that we can now offer repairs for the iPhone (3G/3GS) and iTouch.<br /><br />Currently we are only doing glass screen repairs, but a greater range of services are soon to follow. Please feel free to get in <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/contact.htm">contact</a> if you have a problem with your Apple device and we will advise on the best course of action. We offer some of the most competitive rates in the area and pride ourselves on delivering excellet customer service and satisfaction.<br /><br />In the meantime, keep checking the iPhone repairs page at: <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/iphone_repair.htm">www.first4computers.com/iphone_repair.htm </a>for updates.<br /><br />Thank you.First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-37774584885756926522009-12-23T17:32:00.000+00:002009-12-23T17:36:01.503+00:00Laptop Repair Now Available<a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> is pleased to announce that we can now offer <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/laptops.htm">laptop repair</a> as part of our wide range of <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/services.htm">services</a>.<br /><br />Our rates are very competitive and repairs can be done onsite or in our workshop.<br /><br />Please click this link for a list of rates and services, <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/laptops.htm">www.first4computers.com/laptops.htm</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at </span><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">!</span>First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-56368861378311603032009-12-01T21:57:00.000+00:002009-12-02T16:33:39.387+00:00New Media Centre PC Announced! Perfect Gift For Christmas!<a href="http://www.first4computers.com/index.htm">First4Computers.com</a> is proud to unveil its new <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/media_range.htm">Media Centre</a> PC, the perfect gift for Christmas!<br /><br />Presented in an elegant, slimline case, the MediaLite has everything you need for a computer in your living room. It includes a powerful yet low wattage AMD dual core processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, a large 500GB hard drive and a Blu-Ray reader with DVD-Rewriter. Best of all it includes a Hauppauge Dual DVB-T Freeview receiver. This means you can record one channel while watching another.<br /><br />It is supplied with Mircosoft's latest operating system, Windows 7 (Home Premium). With this in your living room you can watch HD films, use it as a PVR (personal video recorder), browse the web and view all your photos and home videos thanks to a front bay card reader with USB and Firewire ports. Rear connectivity includes HDMI, DVI and VGA outputs. As well as RJ45 network ports, 4 USB2.0 ports and 6 channel sound capability.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.first4computers.com/index.htm">First4Computers</a> uses only the best quality components to ensure your computer runs cool and quiet (near silent in most cases).<br /><br />All this for £770 including V.A.T. and delivery. Supplied with a twelve (12) month return-to-base warranty parts and labour. As with all our PCs, components can be added or removed as per your specifications. Visit our <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/index.htm">website</a> for more information or go direct to the <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/media_range.htm">media centre page</a>.<br /><br />Alternatively you can<a href="mailto:sales@first4computers.com"> e-mail</a> or call 0117 922 0686First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-10403578620608474662009-11-13T01:19:00.000+00:002009-11-13T01:44:19.231+00:00Can you speak up? I can't hear you over the computerDo you suffer from an excessively noisy PC? It is a common problem for many people and is a nuisance when trying to listen to music or just typing a letter for example. Often the cause is old/cheap fans that hum and rattle as well as generally inadequate cooling devices.<br /><br />At <a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> we have a number of methods to make your PC near silent, outlined below;<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Case</span> - A good quality case can ensure components operate at lower temperatures, causing fans to work less hard and reducing noise. Changing a PCs case can make a huge difference as well as improving aesthetics. Alternatively First4Computers can fit foam to the insides of the case to reduce the effects of noise. We can also check that the airflow through your case is ample.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PSU</span></span> - A lot of PCs are supplied with low quality <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PSUs</span> (Power Supply Units). The fans are often low quality and start to hum and rattle relatively early in their lifetimes. Installing a higher quality <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PSU</span> specifically designed to be near silent will greatly reduce noise.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Heatsink</span> & Fan</span> - To keep a processor cool, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">heatsink</span> and fan are installed to dissipate heat. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Heatsinks</span> and fans are typically found on the CPU (central processing unit) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">GPU</span> (graphics processing unit). Installing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">heatsink</span> made of better material (e.g. copper), heat can be dissipated more easily and therefore the fan works less hard reducing noise. In some cases, if a good enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">heatsink</span> is installed, there is no need for a fan. Better cooling of the CPU and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">GPU</span> also increases the ability to "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overclocking">overclock</a>" these processors and achieve better PC performance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Water Cooling </span>- This is the most expensive but most effective way to cool a CPU and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GPU</span>. As the name suggests it uses water to cool processors, removing the need for fans. This is also the best way to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">achieve</span> the fastest overclocking<br /><br /><br />In summary, the key to a quieter PC is to make the components run cooler and reduce the work of fans, preferably removing them all together. At <a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> we have the expertise to design a solution that meets your needs and budget. Please call or <a href="mailto:sales@first4computers.com">e-mail</a> today or visit our <a href="http://www.first4computers.com">website</a>.First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-21198420951735170332009-11-13T00:07:00.000+00:002009-11-13T00:18:54.861+00:00Want To Save Money? Try Linux!Have you heard of <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/">Linux</a>? Linux is a free, open source operating system. It is predominantly used in servers but thanks to the popular <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/">Ubuntu</a> distribution it is becoming more popular with desktop and laptop users.<br /><br />Windows by contrast is not free nor is it open source. Linux operating systems are considered to be more stable by many, i.e. they don't crash as much. Previously it has been the case that Linux versions haven't been very user friendly but thanks to Ubuntu among others this is no longer the case. You can also run the excellent and some would say more importantly free <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/">OpenOffice</a> on Linux. OpenOffice is an superb rival to Microsoft's Office packages and it can open all your Microsoft Documents. Linux will also run Mozilla Firefox as well as many other applications.<br /><br />So if you want to save money on your next PC purchase, then why not try a Linux operating system? At <a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> we can install Linux on any PC in our <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm">range</a> or custom builds.<br /><sup id="cite_ref-Economist04Dec08_9-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux#cite_note-Economist04Dec08-9"><span></span></a></sup>First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-67258557554635872282009-11-12T20:03:00.000+00:002009-11-12T20:10:36.716+00:00New! Our cheapest PC announced<a href="http://www.first4computers.com">First4Computers</a> is proud to unveil our cheapest ever PC at just <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">£225</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">!</span><br /><br />It features, <span style="font-weight: bold;">64-Bit AMD</span> processor power, <span style="font-weight: bold;">1GB</span> of DDR2 memory and a <span style="font-weight: bold;">250GB</span> hard drive. This is the perfect PC for users on a strict budget. It also has a <span style="font-weight: bold;">DVD-</span>ReWriter so you can back up all your important documents.<br /><br />Although the PC is not supplied with an Operating System, we can install one you may already own for example e.g. Microsoft XP/Vista. For an additional fee we can install Microsoft's newest OS, Windows 7. If you're feeling daring, we can install a Linux Operating system for free including OpenOffice.<br /><br />Call, <a href="mailto:sales@first4computers.com">e-mail</a> or visit our <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm">website</a> today for more information.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">PCs are supplied with a 1 year RTB (return-to-base warranty) - <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/warranties">click here</a> more inofrmation</span>First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7881190403947201859.post-51954621104816238792009-11-12T18:04:00.000+00:002009-11-12T18:54:39.355+00:00New Range Of Home & Office PCs<span style="font-weight: bold;">First4Computers</span> presents its new range of Home & Office PCs. Prices start at £420 up to £999.<br /><br />All PCs are built-to-order and any components can be removed or added to meet your needs and specifications. As standard all PCs are supplied with:<br /><br /><ul><li>Onbard Network Port(s)</li><li>7.1 channel sound capability</li><li>4-8 USB2.0 (we can usually add more if you desire)</li><li>High quality internal cabling</li> <li>High quality quiet power supply units</li> <li>High quality case cooling</li> <li>Front and rear-mounted audio and USB connectors</li> <li>1 Year Return-To-Base Warranty</li> </ul>You can view our range of PCs at <a href="http://www.first4computers.com/range.htm">www.first4computers.com/range.htm</a><br /><br />Additional: We are planning to produce an even cheaper PC, somewhere around the £200 price tag, please subscribe to our blog to keep updated.First4Computershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270747820501101355noreply@blogger.com0