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TheL8Elvis · 16th May 2012, 12:18 PM

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...od=djemptech_t

In a program unknown to most computer users, the company has been using its small chain of retail stores and its online computer store to sell customized versions of popular PC models that have been streamlined for a cleaner look and better performance. It calls these machines "Signature" PCs.
...
Microsoft also offers a program that, for $99, will turn users' Windows 7 PCs into Signature versions, if the owner brings the computer into one of its 16 stores
...

This really begs the question ... if this configuration is so awesome, why isn't that the way they are sold by default ?

Hecubas · 16th May 2012, 12:32 PM

So they remove icons from the desktop and start menu... therefore faster!

I'd be curious as to what they actually do behind the scenes to make them "Signature" configurations. This sounds to me like ordering undercarriage coating from the car wash.

jasonpatterson · 16th May 2012, 12:58 PM

How difficult is it for the person who buys a computer to delete an icon or two and shut down and/or uninstall some of the junk that is running by default? I realize that there are plenty of people who are still afraid to touch any settings in computers for fear of breaking them, but for the vast majority of users, this is not exactly heavy lifting...

Skeptical Greg · 16th May 2012, 01:40 PM

Why are stores like BestBuy able to charge $50 to install software, and other ridiculous services like plugging in a stick of ram ?

An effective free alternative to the ' Signature' service is PC Decrapifier ...

NoahFence · 16th May 2012, 02:14 PM

Wow. What a waste of money!

I'll do it for $50.

Newtons Bit · 16th May 2012, 04:39 PM

When you buy a new laptop: format it immediately and install a fresh OS.

Problem solved.

BenBurch · 18th May 2012, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by Newtons Bit

When you buy a new laptop: format it immediately and install a fresh OS.

Problem solved.

I suggest Ubuntu.

Rat · 20th May 2012, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

I suggest Ubuntu.

Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for.

Salerio · 21st May 2012, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by TheL8Elvis

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...od=djemptech_t

In a program unknown to most computer users, the company has been using its small chain of retail stores and its online computer store to sell customized versions of popular PC models that have been streamlined for a cleaner look and better performance. It calls these machines "Signature" PCs.
...
Microsoft also offers a program that, for $99, will turn users' Windows 7 PCs into Signature versions, if the owner brings the computer into one of its 16 stores
...

This really begs the question ... if this configuration is so awesome, why isn't that the way they are sold by default ?

It IS sold as default, by Microsoft. If you install a clean copy of Windows from a MS DVD this is what you get. What they are removing is all the rubbish that the OEMs put on that just slow your machine down. Yahoo tool bars and program monitors, assorted AV products, browser tool-bars, picture viewer/editors (that run in the tray), Skype, eBay Watcher, etc etc there's a shed-load of rubbish that the OEMs put in because they are paid by the s/w vendors to do so.

Eudaemonic Plague · 21st May 2012, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by Rat

Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for.

Both! At least, that's what I always do. I might go straight Ubuntu, but there are things I need to run, that won't run, or at least not well on Ubuntu.

TheL8Elvis · 21st May 2012, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Rat

Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for.

You mean the answer to everything isn't install linux ?

Rat · 21st May 2012, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by TheL8Elvis

You mean the answer to everything isn't install linux ?

The answer to most things seems to be either Linux or Mac, depending on whom you listen to.

Moon-Spinner · 21st May 2012, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Salerio

It IS sold as default, by Microsoft. If you install a clean copy of Windows from a MS DVD this is what you get. What they are removing is all the rubbish that the OEMs put on that just slow your machine down. Yahoo tool bars and program monitors, assorted AV products, browser tool-bars, picture viewer/editors (that run in the tray), Skype, eBay Watcher, etc etc there's a shed-load of rubbish that the OEMs put in because they are paid by the s/w vendors to do so.

Yep, buying a PC from Best Buy, or HP, etc., you'll find a whole lot of crap pre-installed. Best Buy sales people often try to sell you on these "Features", but it's almost all crap that you really don't want on your computer anyway.

Cleaning up the desktop won't help with speed, but a lot of non-power users still think it will. I've had users come to me and say "I've deleted a lot of files from my Documents folder, but it still won't run faster!"....

As has been said, just re-install a fresh copy of Windows (not the back-up image supplied by the computer manufacturer) and then remove all the special effects, and make sure that as you install software, none of it will start on Bootup and run in the background.

George152 · 21st May 2012, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

I suggest Ubuntu.

The latest Mepis works for me

16th May 2012, 12:18 PM	#1
TheL8Elvis Illuminator Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 3,562	MS makes your computer better for only $99 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...od=djemptech_t In a program unknown to most computer users, the company has been using its small chain of retail stores and its online computer store to sell customized versions of popular PC models that have been streamlined for a cleaner look and better performance. It calls these machines "Signature" PCs. ... Microsoft also offers a program that, for $99, will turn users' Windows 7 PCs into Signature versions, if the owner brings the computer into one of its 16 stores ... This really begs the question ... if this configuration is so awesome, why isn't that the way they are sold by default ?
TheL8Elvis Illuminator Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 3,562

16th May 2012, 12:32 PM	#2
Hecubas Thinker Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 214	So they remove icons from the desktop and start menu... therefore faster! I'd be curious as to what they actually do behind the scenes to make them "Signature" configurations. This sounds to me like ordering undercarriage coating from the car wash.
Hecubas Thinker Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 214

16th May 2012, 12:58 PM	#3
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,197	How difficult is it for the person who buys a computer to delete an icon or two and shut down and/or uninstall some of the junk that is running by default? I realize that there are plenty of people who are still afraid to touch any settings in computers for fear of breaking them, but for the vast majority of users, this is not exactly heavy lifting...
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

16th May 2012, 01:40 PM	#4
Skeptical Greg Agave Wine Connoisseur Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Just past 'Resume Speed' Posts: 12,894	Why are stores like BestBuy able to charge $50 to install software, and other ridiculous services like plugging in a stick of ram ? An effective free alternative to the ' Signature' service is PC Decrapifier ...
	__________________ " Somewhere between Jesus dying on the cross, and a giant bunny hiding eggs,there seems to be a gap in information. " Stan - Southpark Prove your computer is not a wimp ! Join the JREF Folders ! Team 13232 Last edited by Skeptical Greg; 16th May 2012 at 01:46 PM.

16th May 2012, 02:14 PM	#5
NoahFence Psycho Kitty Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Patriot Nation Posts: 9,431	Wow. What a waste of money! I'll do it for $50.
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16th May 2012, 04:39 PM	#6
Newtons Bit Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7,051	When you buy a new laptop: format it immediately and install a fresh OS. Problem solved.
Newtons Bit Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 7,051	__________________ "Structural Engineering is the art of molding materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot precisely analyze so as to understand forces we cannot really assess in such a way that the community at large has no reason to suspect the extent of our own ignorance." James E Amrhein My website.

18th May 2012, 09:47 PM	#7
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,500	Originally Posted by Newtons Bit When you buy a new laptop: format it immediately and install a fresh OS. Problem solved. I suggest Ubuntu.
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20th May 2012, 07:15 PM	#8
Rat Not bored. Never bored. Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Leicester, UK Posts: 7,156	Originally Posted by BenBurch I suggest Ubuntu. Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for.
	__________________ "Man muß den Menschen vor allem nach seinen Lastern beurteilen. Tugenden können vorgetäuscht sein. Laster sind echt." - Klaus Kinski UKLS 1988- Sitting on the fence throwing stones at both sides.

21st May 2012, 05:35 AM	#9
Salerio Thinker Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 208	Originally Posted by TheL8Elvis http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...od=djemptech_t In a program unknown to most computer users, the company has been using its small chain of retail stores and its online computer store to sell customized versions of popular PC models that have been streamlined for a cleaner look and better performance. It calls these machines "Signature" PCs. ... Microsoft also offers a program that, for $99, will turn users' Windows 7 PCs into Signature versions, if the owner brings the computer into one of its 16 stores ... This really begs the question ... if this configuration is so awesome, why isn't that the way they are sold by default ? It IS sold as default, by Microsoft. If you install a clean copy of Windows from a MS DVD this is what you get. What they are removing is all the rubbish that the OEMs put on that just slow your machine down. Yahoo tool bars and program monitors, assorted AV products, browser tool-bars, picture viewer/editors (that run in the tray), Skype, eBay Watcher, etc etc there's a shed-load of rubbish that the OEMs put in because they are paid by the s/w vendors to do so.
Salerio Thinker Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 208	__________________

21st May 2012, 06:52 AM	#10
Eudaemonic Plague Thinker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Champaign, Illinois Posts: 137	Originally Posted by Rat Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for. Both! At least, that's what I always do. I might go straight Ubuntu, but there are things I need to run, that won't run, or at least not well on Ubuntu.

21st May 2012, 12:06 PM	#11
TheL8Elvis Illuminator Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 3,562	Originally Posted by Rat Or Windows. It rather depends on who you are and what you intend to use it for. You mean the answer to everything isn't install linux ?
TheL8Elvis Illuminator Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 3,562

21st May 2012, 12:50 PM	#12
Rat Not bored. Never bored. Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Leicester, UK Posts: 7,156	Originally Posted by TheL8Elvis You mean the answer to everything isn't install linux ? The answer to most things seems to be either Linux or Mac, depending on whom you listen to.
	__________________ "Man muß den Menschen vor allem nach seinen Lastern beurteilen. Tugenden können vorgetäuscht sein. Laster sind echt." - Klaus Kinski UKLS 1988- Sitting on the fence throwing stones at both sides.

21st May 2012, 01:54 PM	#13
Moon-Spinner Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Within a star too far to dream of Posts: 1,489	Originally Posted by Salerio It IS sold as default, by Microsoft. If you install a clean copy of Windows from a MS DVD this is what you get. What they are removing is all the rubbish that the OEMs put on that just slow your machine down. Yahoo tool bars and program monitors, assorted AV products, browser tool-bars, picture viewer/editors (that run in the tray), Skype, eBay Watcher, etc etc there's a shed-load of rubbish that the OEMs put in because they are paid by the s/w vendors to do so. Yep, buying a PC from Best Buy, or HP, etc., you'll find a whole lot of crap pre-installed. Best Buy sales people often try to sell you on these "Features", but it's almost all crap that you really don't want on your computer anyway. Cleaning up the desktop won't help with speed, but a lot of non-power users still think it will. I've had users come to me and say "I've deleted a lot of files from my Documents folder, but it still won't run faster!".... As has been said, just re-install a fresh copy of Windows (not the back-up image supplied by the computer manufacturer) and then remove all the special effects, and make sure that as you install software, none of it will start on Bootup and run in the background.

21st May 2012, 02:17 PM	#14
George152 Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hamilton New Zealand Posts: 2,054	Originally Posted by BenBurch I suggest Ubuntu. The latest Mepis works for me
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