Ed Loewenton
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Buying a branded computer vs custom; using DOSBOX with 64 bit
In 2020, I started trying to buy a new desktop to run W10. I have always gotten custom-built machines, back to the early 90s. I learned there is no longer anyone local in northern Vermont (who I would trust to get it right) who wants to do this. The best choice is a well regarded technician nearby who sells Lenovo products.
Q1: what do you all think of Lenovo desktops? For my needs, I am looking at a 64 bit 920 or M90-T.
Are these reliable machines? Any reports of build errors such as failing to use thermal grease or damage to components during installation? How does failure rate compare with a machine that you (as an expert) would want to own?
Should I be concerned about preloaded crapware/adware/spyware if the SSD/HDD comes preloaded with the OS? I am thinking reformatting the disk and installing a clean copy of W10.
Q2: I was advised on EE last year (Thanks much!) that I can use my critical legacy DOS apps if I run them in a DOSBOX virtual environment. I will be running WIN10 64 bit. Just wanted a final opinion that this will work. Quicken 8 for DOS (1994) and an old foxpro database app with wholesale distribution order entry and invoicing.
Thanks as always for answers I can rely on.
Ed Loewenton
Q1: what do you all think of Lenovo desktops? For my needs, I am looking at a 64 bit 920 or M90-T.
Are these reliable machines? Any reports of build errors such as failing to use thermal grease or damage to components during installation? How does failure rate compare with a machine that you (as an expert) would want to own?
Should I be concerned about preloaded crapware/adware/spyware if the SSD/HDD comes preloaded with the OS? I am thinking reformatting the disk and installing a clean copy of W10.
Q2: I was advised on EE last year (Thanks much!) that I can use my critical legacy DOS apps if I run them in a DOSBOX virtual environment. I will be running WIN10 64 bit. Just wanted a final opinion that this will work. Quicken 8 for DOS (1994) and an old foxpro database app with wholesale distribution order entry and invoicing.
Thanks as always for answers I can rely on.
Ed Loewenton
Lenovo is no better worse than others. They all have issues at times. What do you do with your PC, general office, development, intense gaming, graphical, ...? I'll say I started with a cheap Acer many moons ago, and a year or so ago bought a top of the line MSI. I would never purchase another MSI if you paid me! Truly not worth the money IMHO. So be warry of better quality, more expensive, ... these are relative and subjective terms in many instances. Determine your specs (RAM, HD, ...) and find a model that fits the bill.
As for DosBox, I can't say specifically for your applications, but I do use it myself to run various old 80's programs and it works flawlessly. Needed a small configuration to make it full screen, but beyond that works great.
As for DosBox, I can't say specifically for your applications, but I do use it myself to run various old 80's programs and it works flawlessly. Needed a small configuration to make it full screen, but beyond that works great.
I have run lenovo desktops in an office environment with out issue for a while now. The key is to buy the correct hardware config to support your needs. (i.e. don't buy an intel Celeron and expect i7 performance).
I have run dosbox in windows 10 x64 and it worked fine but I stopped after testing and found other ways to do what I needed without dosbox so I have never used it in a production environment. I agree with John, you should probably look into upgrading and getting something that is up to date and supported.
I have run dosbox in windows 10 x64 and it worked fine but I stopped after testing and found other ways to do what I needed without dosbox so I have never used it in a production environment. I agree with John, you should probably look into upgrading and getting something that is up to date and supported.
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I've left two things in the last years: custom built and Lenovo. The first because there's any reason to (years ago I did myself) the second because till they were IBM they were reliable, since they turned Lenovo I had too many problems.
My Brands are DELL and HP.
My Brands are DELL and HP.
i suggest to buy a preloaded system , and i have used Asus parts for more then 20 years, so look at their offer : Desktops | ASUS USA
i have built always desktops for a small company, but unless you want something specific that the prebuilds don't have, they come cheaper usually, and the parts are selected to work well together + you get a warranty ( extendeable)
i have built always desktops for a small company, but unless you want something specific that the prebuilds don't have, they come cheaper usually, and the parts are selected to work well together + you get a warranty ( extendeable)
ASKER
Thanks to all for their constructive advice. Regarding the quality of name brand computers: The replies reflect what is on the internet in general. Some users have had very good results, some very bad, depending on expectations, use, and the luck of the draw for products that are mass manufactured and not offered as true artisan-built premium products. As luck would have it, a new shop has just appeared locally. The sole proprietor is willing to build me a machine from selected parts, all of which are individually well-reviewed. And I get to load a clean copy of the OS.
The comments on virtual environment for old DOS programs were very helpful.
The comments on virtual environment for old DOS programs were very helpful.
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Don't worry too much...just buy the best your money can buy.
If you think its too bloated just make a full image out if it and Download and install Windows 10..the jey should be valid since no hardware change.
As for the other maybe its time to migrate FoxPro to a more modern platform like Ms Access.