Akira

You can get a new comp with any OS you want already installed.

The best anti-virus etc software are the free ones.

Even if you did all that, it wouldn't cost the same.

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Roygbiv

I bought a PC last year, from Staples, the OS did not come installed, and the anti-virus protection had to be paid for. I have a hard time believing that free anti-virus protection is the best option.

You also have to look at how cheap you're buying your computer. If it's less than $600 and it's a notebook, you're probably not making a long term investment.

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