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>>> Microsoft Windows 2008 Server

Wow... I have to study this; sounds an interesting way to tinker. But, Bert, really- why not simply keep everything WinXP and wait until 2009 when the next Windows incarnation is supposed to come out? MS now says that they will be supporting Windows XP until then. I like the "KSS" idea.

>>> Well, you wouldn't want to build a network and set up a server completely with NewEgg. However, going straight to the source such as Dell and HP you can't really go wrong. The key is getting a 3 year 24/7 five days a week warranty.

I agree- NewEgg is entirely way too expensive. If you REALLY look at the Dell/HP site specs, they do sell expensive units too. Warranty on a desktop? Save your $300. At most, you may lose a faulty card or even a hard drive... usually doesn't go over $80 and you don't have to remember where you placed the warranty certificate. Even the HP computer that I discussed last month where I had to replace the Ram, the HD, and the power brick, it cost me less than $200, and that's because I UPGRADED the various elements- only the HD really failed.

[color:#009900]>>> Did I say get a 3 year 24/7 five days a week warranty? The main point is that you get a 3 YEAR 24/7 FIVE DAYS A WEEK ONSITE WARRANTY. [/color]

This is important ONLY for expensive laptops. I used to get this with my Dells until I started buying off-lease laptops about 4 years ago. Since the off-lease laptops cost about $400 loaded, the warranty would cost as much as the item! I don't do warranties anymore. If the laptop breaks down, it'll go to the trash.

>>> Make sure it has a dual-core processor and at least 2GBs of RAM, preferably three.

Actually, I just went through this in purchasing my son's gaming computer yesterday. A "dual core" processor can be either a Pentium D or a core 2 duo, the latter of which is a much better, efficient CPU (see http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070421120250AAQuGlO). The quad-core CPUs are overkill at this time.

What I don't get is why the server cost $8000. Heck, my son's computer's specs were as follows:

-- Core 2 Duo E6850 4GB 320GB DVDRW 8600GT 512MB Gaming PC
-- Intel Core 2 Duo (2 x 3GHz)
-- GeForce 8600GT 512MB HDTV-Out PCI-E16X (this is a top-of-the-line video card)
-- Memory: Patriot 4GB DDR2 PC6400 800GHz Dual channel
-- Hard Drive: Westrn Digital 320GB 16MB SATA300 Hard Drive (most HD have only 8MB on-board memory, the WD HD is one of the best HD companies)
-- plus a whole host of other amenities, including the cool case

COST: $723.00 (including shipping, URL- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300227277459&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=020)

The only upgrade that this would need is to have another HD ($80) for ghosting and backup.

Now, it doesn't have an OS- I'll put that in separately, from the WinXP Pro license from an old computer being retired.