Small form-factor, bare-bone PC recommendation?

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by atikovi
How do you run a computer without the operating system?

You install one of your choice.

OP just doesn't want to buy a computer with OS already included as that usually costs more. Maybe he has a spare Windows license that he can use, or maybe he'll install Linux or some other free OS.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete

You install one of your choice.


Or, you don't, and you get a boot loop that says "operating system not found, press any key to continue". Technically, even that computer is still "running"

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by SubieRubyRoo
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete

You install one of your choice.


Or, you don't, and you get a boot loop that says "operating system not found, press any key to continue". Technically, even that computer is still "running"

Or you just take it with you for a jog.

 

[atikovi]

How much cheaper could it be without an OS? And I can't imagine you can transfer it from another computer. Isn't it locked to the hardware?

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted by atikovi
How much cheaper could it be without an OS? And I can't imagine you can transfer it from another computer. Isn't it locked to the hardware?


I've never found much savings, and trying to buy a Linux or Chrome OS machine costs more than a comparable Windows machine. Check out the prices over at System76

I can get a much nicer Dell for less.

 

[atikovi]

That's what I mean. It's like ordering a new car without a radio because you want use your own. You might save $50 but why bother.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by atikovi
That's what I mean. It's like ordering a new car without a radio because you want use your own. You might save $50 but why bother.

When i was buying my Intel NUC some 5 years ago, there was about a $100 premium for getting one with Windows. So I got one without Windows and am running it with Ubuntu which suits me just fine. Not sure what the price differences are today.

My guess is in the refurb/used market, there isn't much difference.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Yea, from what I've see. It's usually around $100 cheaper, but considering a "new" Windows license will run you about $150, you can tell it's heavily subsidized.

Try Linux, there are more flavors than Baskin Robbins, and something should suit your fancy. Almost all of them are free.

 

[nthach]

Intel NUC or any of the USFF "business" spec machines(Dell Optiplex, HP Elite, Lenovo ThinkCentre/ThinkStation). I have a Lenovo M92P Tiny I'm going to turn into a 'nix rig to cut my chops on Kubernetes with.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by atikovi
How do you run a computer without the operating system?

You install one of your choice.

OP just doesn't want to buy a computer with OS already included as that usually costs more. Maybe he has a spare Windows license that he can use, or maybe he'll install Linux or some other free OS.




How much extra is it going to be?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by PandaBear
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by atikovi
How do you run a computer without the operating system?

You install one of your choice.

OP just doesn't want to buy a computer with OS already included as that usually costs more. Maybe he has a spare Windows license that he can use, or maybe he'll install Linux or some other free OS.




How much extra is it going to be?

I already gave my answer up above.

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...-bare-bone-pc-recommendation#Post5347456