Dell without Windows

D'Artagnan

My parents plan to replace their old Compaq desktop soon as its around 8 years old and they would like to get something newer. I put Windows 7 on it when it came out which means I have a copy of Windows 7 and I don't see the point in getting a new desktop with Windows pre-installed. I feel like I am paying for something I already have.

A Dell would be easier for them if there are issues with the machine so a custom built desktop wouldn't be advisable here. Does anyone know if Dell will sell a desktop without Windows installed? There is no option on their website.

Thanks!

yoyo

D'Artagnan wrote: »

My parents plan to replace their old Compaq desktop soon as its around 8 years old and they would like to get something newer. I put Windows 7 on it when it came out which means I have a copy of Windows 7 and I don't see the point in getting a new desktop with Windows pre-installed. I feel like I am paying for something I already have.

A Dell would be easier for them if there are issues with the machine so a custom built desktop wouldn't be advisable here. Does anyone know if Dell will sell a desktop without Windows installed? There is no option on their website.

Thanks!

Some Dells ship with Ubuntu but very few do. I think if you ring Dell up and say you do not agree to the Windows EULA they may refund you the OEM cost of Windows, which could be around €30. Remember that your copy of Windows you used on the other machine may be tied to it, you can't just keep reinstalling OEM versions of Windows.

Nick

Barack Obama

What do your parent's use the old PC for? If it's mainly internet browsing, etc. then why not try installing Ubuntu on it? There are tons of free applications out there for Ubuntu like Open Office.

You'll be amazed how good old kit runs with Ubuntu!

D'Artagnan

@ Nick I bought a retail version on Windows 7. Should be no problem sticking it on a new machine provided I remove it from the existing one (I think Microsoft have a way of ensuring its only used on one machine at a time).

@Obama,
GOod suggestion and actually something I might do anyway. But my parents will not learn how to use Ubuntu so Windows it has to be. But the desktop will probably be kept on as a secondary computer with Ubuntu installed on it.

Suppose I will just have to ring Dell at some point to find out what my options are.

wingnut

To be honest if it is just web browsing there is zero difference in using Windows vs Ubuntu. There is no learning involved.

Try Linux Mint, its a very nice customised version of Ubuntu.

yoyo

D'Artagnan wrote: »

@ Nick I bought a retail version on Windows 7. Should be no problem sticking it on a new machine provided I remove it from the existing one (I think Microsoft have a way of ensuring its only used on one machine at a time).

Your license allows you to do that alrite, as its a desktop your getting how about building one? Plenty of people on boards in the building and upgrading section will help you. You needn't buy any OS with a custom build, if you don't want to put it together yourself many suppliers will do it for you for a fee, but its more fun (and easy enough!) putting it together yourself!

Nick