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-   -   Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/spain-75/buying-spanish-computer-problem-780062/)

Cats-R-Us Dec 8th 2012 6:37 pm

Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
If I bought a Spanish computer with an operating program (I know some do not have them on), would an English Office program work on it, or do you have to have the software in the same language as the operating system. I know this might seem like a stupid question if you know the answer but we are not very computer wise on this sort of thing so would appreciate some help. Thanks.

Dxf Dec 8th 2012 6:46 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
Hi

Yes you should be able to install any windows program on a windows pc no matter which language.

Davexf

Rosemary Dec 8th 2012 7:41 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
I have a Spanish computer and my husband installed a couple of English office programs on it and they work alright.

Rosemary

spainrico Dec 8th 2012 8:47 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
I have a Spanish bought laptop running Windows 7 and I run Microsoft Word in English. The keyboard layout is different but that is not a major problem - the letters are in QWERTY but special characters are different. There are a few setup issues but easily overcome.

mikelincs Dec 8th 2012 8:49 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by Cats-R-Us (Post 10423897)
If I bought a Spanish computer with an operating program (I know some do not have them on), would an English Office program work on it, or do you have to have the software in the same language as the operating system. I know this might seem like a stupid question if you know the answer but we are not very computer wise on this sort of thing so would appreciate some help. Thanks.

I have one, a laptop bought in Spain, but I went to a place who would install an English version of Windows, No problems downloading or installing English programmes. Possibly paid a little more than in, say, Carrefour, but at least I had more chance of getting customer service easily. You can change the keyboard to English layout, but I never bothered.

Fred James Dec 8th 2012 10:55 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
If you are buying a new PC it will probably have Windows 8 installed.

If you buy in Spain it will probably be installed in Spanish but one of the new features of Windows 8 is that you can choose any language after installation. A couple of clicks and Windows will be in English.

spainrico Dec 8th 2012 11:02 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
That is interesting as it only used to be possible to switch languages via expensive upgrades to Windows Ultimate. About time - most other software has had free language options for ages.

bobd22 Dec 8th 2012 11:18 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by spainrico (Post 10424141)
That is interesting as it only used to be possible to switch languages via expensive upgrades to Windows Ultimate. About time - most other software has had free language options for ages.

Yes I found that out when I tried altering some settings on a friends computer bought in Spain with Spanish operating system. Although the programmes were in English once you got into windows system settings etc (not 8) all Spanish.

megmet Dec 9th 2012 12:42 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by bobd22 (Post 10424157)
Yes I found that out when I tried altering some settings on a friends computer bought in Spain with Spanish operating system. Although the programmes were in English once you got into windows system settings etc (not 8) all Spanish.

I bought a Spanish computer running Windows 7 from Worton, I simply paid them 40€ and they changed the system to English.
Another thing is that I just can't get along with the Spanish keyboard no matter how I try, so I ordered an English one from Amazon and everything is fine.

Domino Dec 9th 2012 5:53 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
I was in MediaMkt a couple of weeks ago and most of the keyboards were standard US/UK, especially on the laptops

I'm looking to upgrade my desktop RAM - any suggestions of where to go? (MM don't stock suitable)

`

Loco Pedro Dec 9th 2012 8:05 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
You need to think about the best way to do it - i.e. what is the maximum the board can take ? Is it dual channel ? how many slots have you got ? how are they populated at present ? Why are you doing it ? Are you sure it will make the necessary improvement ? Try to avoid buying more obselete components - i.e. if its an old pc, its probably not worth doing.
That being said, I'd probably go to: http://www.pccomponentes.com/memorias.html
for purchases in Spain or Kingston in the UK.

Domino Dec 9th 2012 9:04 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by Loco Pedro (Post 10425385)
You need to think about the best way to do it - i.e. what is the maximum the board can take ? Is it dual channel ? how many slots have you got ? how are they populated at present ? Why are you doing it ? Are you sure it will make the necessary improvement ? Try to avoid buying more obselete components - i.e. if its an old pc, its probably not worth doing.
That being said, I'd probably go to: http://www.pccomponentes.com/memorias.html
for purchases in Spain or Kingston in the UK.

thanks, their prices seem OK,
valid reasons for upgrading, i.e. doubling RAM, as to age of PC, well this will add another 2 years to its life

rgds

amideislas Dec 9th 2012 10:59 pm

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 
Computers are like cars. As soon as you drive them off the showroom floor, they're worth half as much. And next year there will be a new model that does twice as much for the same price.

For investments that lose their value this quickly, I tend to go for second-hand or ultra-cheap no-name brands, so I don't feel the need to hang on to it until it's a museum piece. You can often buy 3 second-hand or cheap no-name items for the cost of one new one with a popular brand name on it.

Saxy Dec 10th 2012 12:06 am

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by amideislas (Post 10425592)
Computers are like cars. As soon as you drive them off the showroom floor, they're worth half as much. And next year there will be a new model that does twice as much for the same price.

For investments that lose their value this quickly, I tend to go for second-hand or ultra-cheap no-name brands, so I don't feel the need to hang on to it until it's a museum piece. You can often buy 3 second-hand or cheap no-name items for the cost of one new one with a popular brand name on it.

I agree, it's only the cases that are different, the bits inside are the same as the big names. A good company in the U.K. for upgrades (motherboards etc), is Novatech at Porchester, Hants. Have a look at their website.

John.

megmet Dec 10th 2012 10:14 am

Re: Buying a Spanish computer - is this a problem?
 

Originally Posted by Domino (Post 10425446)
thanks, their prices seem OK,
valid reasons for upgrading, i.e. doubling RAM, as to age of PC, well this will add another 2 years to its life

rgds

Having done that in the past I'm inclined to think it's not worth it!

Probably a good clear out of all the unnecessary things on the PC that we all acquire over time would do the same as installing more ram.
It's often the case when adding ram that it's not really the answer and doesn't improve the PC as much as you might wish.

Another point to remember is that not all ram is equal.....make sure that you're buying the correct kind.


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