How to Buy a Computer - Comments Page 2

My friend went looking for a computer in the Philipinnes and was told there would be extra charges for an operating System...It does not sound right to me because all necessary software is usually built right into computer...

EDITOR'S NOTE: Software is not built into a computer. The operating system and any application software must be installed, either by the computer vendor, or the end user. Some vendors pre-install the Windows operating system, and include the cost of the software in the "sticker price". Others give you a lower price, but charge for the software. A free alternative would be to get the computer with no operating system, and install Ubuntu Linux yourself.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's true that MPC, the company that was providing Gateway warranty support, filed for bankruptcy in Nov 2008. And that has apparently left some customers with a worthless warranty. But I called Gateway today and asked about a warranty on a new computer. They told me that warranty support on anything purchased now will be provided directly by Gateway