New Laptop Question

[GambleBotsChafedPenis]

I embarrassingly know jack shit about computers so looking for some laptop advice from anybody who knows about computers...

have a shitty HP laptop right now and it keeps choking on itself so looking to upgrade...

I'm looking for something that can run bovada/ACR/my HUD/hold em manager and thinkorswim (trading platform) at the same time without running really slowly...

right now I have 6GB of RAM and an intel core i3-4030U 1.90 GHz processor...I think that's what I need to focus on when looking for computing power, but again not sure...if I'm correct that these are the main things I need to look at what kinda size RAM/processor would I need to be able to run all those programs above smoothly? don't need some super high end gaming laptop, but would like something that's functional even if it means not going in and picking out the cheapest one and upgrading every couple of years...

would prefer to spend around $500, but if I need to spend more to get something that's functional and won't cause me to fucking tilt when shit starts to slow down I'll do it...

thanks in advance for any help...

[adamantium]

8GB ram
SSD drive
Any processor will do

[Dan Druff]

8GB ram
SSD drive
Any processor will do

Agree on the SSD drive. That's huge these days. Ideally get a smallish SSD drive (250-500 GB) and then a second non-SSD drive which is larger. Such a setup is perfect to store things such as movies which don't need to be accessed quickly. However, that is getting harder to find these days.

I feel you should go for 16GB ram instead of 8. Or at least 12 at minimum. RAM is a huge factor in computer performance nowadays.

Disagree regarding "any processor will do". I would advise staying away from the cheaper/lower-end processors. You don't need the very top of the line (often this is a price trap, aimed at people who always insist upon having the best -- which will no longer be the best a few months from now), but you want a processor which is going to get the job done 2 years from now.

Make sure you have at least 2 USB ports. An HDMI out port will be nice to have. An integrated DVD drive is also nice to have.

I prefer to buy my laptops from a place online where I can partially configure it (such as HP), so I'm not paying for features I don't need, and I always get the features I want. The downside is that the support is shit and the repair process takes 2 weeks.

[Dan Druff]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

[GambleBotsChafedPenis]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

yeah I was kinda figuring I might be fucked in that regard...this HP has been good for the couple of years I had it and it was only like $250-300...was trying to channel my inner cheap jew, but thought I might be shit outta luck and would have to spend around a grand for a decent one...

[John Stamos]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

you have any good free anti-virus software recommendations? Or anything else you use to maintain a clean system

[Dan Druff]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

you have any good free anti-virus software recommendations? Or anything else you use to maintain a clean system

The problem with anti-virus software is that it tends to stay behind the curve. It's good at stopping old threats, but anything new will get by it.

That's not to say it's bad to have an anti-virus program, but it's not going to completely save you.

If you're technical enough, you can get something like the "Process Explorer" (free software) and inspect running processes every so often to make sure you don't spot something which shouldn't be there.

Regarding basic advice to keep your system clean:

1) Every so often, go to Windows "Add or Remove Programs" and scroll down the list of installed programs. Select to have it list in descending order by install date. Any program you don't recognize, remove, unless it's from a trusted company like Microsoft. If there's any doubt, google the program and see if it's something you're likely to need or want to use.

2) Some programs start automatically when you turn on the computer, and will bog it down. Follow the advice in this link to go through the list of programs and disable the auto-starting of unnecessary ones.

3) NEVER download "video players" or other software suggested by websites in order to make your browsing experience better or more functional. Often you will go to a website to see some content, and it will claim you need a driver or player in order to view it. Don't fall for it.

4) NEVER download "installer programs" or "download managers" from shady sites. So if you're trying to download some piece of (maybe pirated) software you want, and the website you're visiting says you need an installer program, close it.

5) Do not ever open e-mail attachments unless you're expecting them, or unless you're 100% sure that a trusted person really sent it to you. Even if your mom sends you a message saying, "Hey check this out", don't open it, because her e-mail may be hijacked. However, if your mom sends you a message saying, "Here's a picture of your sister which I mentioned eariler", and you really had that conversation, obviously you can open it.

6) When installing new programs, don't just lazily do the "recommended configuration". Go into advanced mode and uncheck any other programs it wants to install along with the one you want.

7) If you are running into a virus/malware situation, google the symptoms and you will often find a description of it and how to remove it. However, make sure you download any "fixer" programs from trusted sources. I prefer to read how to fix it and do it manually.

[Zap_the_Fractions_Giraffe]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

you have any good free anti-virus software recommendations? Or anything else you use to maintain a clean system

none. Antiviruses might as well be viruses because they sap all your resources and make your shit not work. If you must use Windows, make sure it's updated (this will take hours and hours on a new computer) and windows defender is turned on, that's enough. Install uBlock Origin on your browser. Create a new user in Windows and make it an admin. Strip yourself of Admin privileges, don't surf the internet on an Admin account. you will be prompted for password to do things like install programs and viruses.

Here's another tip: get a free program called Virtualbox and install an Ubuntu or Linux Mint in there. It's really easy it's all point and click. Go into the linux virtual machine when you want to watch streaming porn or go to weird sites because it basically makes you bulletproof unless you're a complete retard, you would have to go out of your way to fuck up your Windows install from the inside of a linux vm

[El Gallo]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

you have any good free anti-virus software recommendations? Or anything else you use to maintain a clean system

Malware Bytes

[Baron Von Strucker]

we are pretty much in the same boat, as in knowing very little about computers. For me i bought a Apple mac book and it is very simple to use, i guess it is a bit expensive but we have 3 mac book air, 1 mac book pro and 1 mac book plus 4 iPhones and they all work fine with little to no problems. We do have a tec who comes by every month or two and assists with what ever issues we might have. some how they all are connected a bit in some way and back up to iCloud including email through apple icloud as well. I haven't done the math as to how much this all cost (probably way to much) but we have never had viruses or melt down yet.
hope this helps

[GambleBotsChafedPenis]

we are pretty much in the same boat, as in knowing very little about computers. For me i bought a Apple mac book and it is very simple to use, i guess it is a bit expensive but we have 3 mac book air, 1 mac book pro and 1 mac book plus 4 iPhones and they all work fine with little to no problems. We do have a tec who comes by every month or two and assists with what ever issues we might have. some how they all are connected a bit in some way and back up to iCloud including email through apple icloud as well. I haven't done the math as to how much this all cost (probably way to much) but we have never had viruses or melt down yet.
hope this helps

thanks man, appreciate it...I was definitely thinking about a mac, but the only thing is that ACR is supposedly is really glitchy on macs so have to stick to a PC...if I bought a mac and ACR started to shit itself I would lose my fucking mind...

[hongkonger]

Also you won't get a very good machine for $500.

I would look to spend $1000, and then plan to hold onto it for at least a few years.

I stretch about 5-6 years out of my laptops typically, but I am also a cheap Jew, and I'm good at maintaining the OS to where it's virus/malware/bloat-free, which can be tough to do if you're not good at that sort of thing.

My laptop is 8 years old and doing great though I had to replace one of the HDs with a SSD. Core i7 with 8 GB RAM no performance issues at all.

[Zap_the_Fractions_Giraffe]

I disagree with Druff about refurbs, buying a new laptop is like buying a new car. Unless it's a macbook, it will be worth like 1/4 of what you paid in a year. They are not worth fixing, they are disposable in 2017. I bought a Latitude e6530 with i5 and 8GB ram at the beginning of the year for 230 dollars. If the mobo fries tomorrow I can throw it away and buy another one and STILL have more money and a nicer laptop than I would have if I bought a new, shoddily constructed Walmart bargain computer

[GambleBotsChafedPenis]

8GB ram
SSD drive
Any processor will do

cool thanks...one follow up what is an SSD drive?

[tommyt]

8GB ram
SSD drive
Any processor will do

cool thanks...one follow up what is an SSD drive?

Just make sure you defragment it as soon you get your new laptop.

[Deal]

The only user Druff understands is himself and he projects that onto everyone. Same reason he sucks at poker. His understanding of computers comes from some 1990's bbs. LOL at hardware performance degrading over time. Does the memory get slower? The CPU get tired? wtf is your theory?

Buy a $500 computer today. Replace it with a $500 computer in 3 years >>>>> buying a $1000 computer today and keep for 5 years.

Tell us about more about stealing long distance phone service and less about being a sane consumer.

[BlunderMaker]

[Dan Druff]

The only user Druff understands is himself and he projects that onto everyone. Same reason he sucks at poker. His understanding of computers comes from some 1990's bbs. LOL at hardware performance degrading over time. Does the memory get slower? The CPU get tired? wtf is your theory?

Buy a $500 computer today. Replace it with a $500 computer in 3 years >>>>> buying a $1000 computer today and keep for 5 years.

Tell us about more about stealing long distance phone service and less about being a sane consumer.

Heat is an enemy of electronics. Dust inside of the laptop case will cause the entire assembly to heat up, causing performance issues. In addition, some types of capacitors decay over time. The micro-wires connecting the processor's circuit can also decay over time, due to heat and usage.

Processors and RAM have even been shown to develop tiny defects over time which can actually effect performance.

Once again you have absolutely no clue about what you pretend to know.

I am fully understanding the user here, especially because his needs are similar to mine. That's why I'm telling him what to get in order to have a quality computer with enough space, and you're telling an admitted computer novice to hassle with external drives or read a Reddit on how to build his own PC. LOL

You're also the same guy who told me it would take someone "5 minutes" to install SSL support on a vBulletin forum.

Regarding me sucking at poker, let me know when you want to compare lifetime results. I'll even take out my two big tournament hits from 2005, and my results will still blow yours away. You remind me of the kids on 2+2 who can't beat $1/$2 NL but constantly post about how people who have won millions in poker are "awful".

[adamantium]

8GB ram
SSD drive
Any processor will do

cool thanks...one follow up what is an SSD drive?

Its a type of hard drive, no spinning discs, it is A LOT faster, biggest performance improvement on any computer.
Solid State Drive

I5 prosessor will be more than enough for your needs.

[GambleBotsChafedPenis]

cool thanks...one follow up what is an SSD drive?

Its a type of hard drive, no spinning discs, it is A LOT faster, biggest performance improvement on any computer.
Solid State Drive

I5 prosessor will be more than enough for your needs.

awesome, thanks a bunch...