re: If you were starting over

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remedies this and has since 10.04 at least. Almost every piece of software that the typical user would want is in a unified app store, already installed on the OS for you.

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Thanks for the tip. That worked for FireFox and was as simple as it gets. The first few Google hits I found were all talking about Terminal and many comments were saying it didn't work. I see Adobe isn't going to update the versions anymore but will still issue security updates, so I'm not sure if that's a big deal or not. I was running Chrome cause FireFox was running at a snails pace. I'll have to see if that speeds it up.

Computers: Starting with the desktop - since you're interested in using the desktop as a media hub, lots of storage is probably in order. I'd be more than happy to build something that would fit your needs a little more readily than something off the shelf. Mainly, an SSD for fast booting/overall responsiveness while working in the OS, and separate high-capacity storage for media that can be accessed by other devices without affecting the performance of the desktop if it's being used at the same time. Custom-built would be more upgradeable and generally use better quality parts.

Here's one setup option below. Doesn't include mouse and keyboard because everyone has different preferences.

PCPartPicker part list: LINK

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.98 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.78 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.97 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($101.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer S241HL bmid 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $863.16
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-02 22:09 EDT-0400

It's likely more than you need, but at the same time, it'll last you a while and you're less likely to notice any limitations in its use, particularly with slow-down that inevitably occurs in mechanical hard drives over time. Although, I can amp up the CPU to an i7 if you think you'll use it often enough for video editing. As it is, it's a good all-around configuration for home use as well as being able to serve as a cloud for the rest of the home. If you or your kids are interested in playing PC games, a mid-range graphics card could be added easily. Also, the chassis (case) I chose has filters for the intake fans -- cuts down on dust buildup/maintenance a good bit. You can't get a configuration like this off the shelf. As for software... you just tell me what you need, and it can be had. If you would prefer an off-the-shelf desktop PC, I can look into that too. It's not that they're bad. You just get a little less for a little more money, and they're generally not quite as targeted or upgrade-friendly as this system.

For laptops, a couple of these ASUSes or these Lenovos would make for decent, well-rounded general business use. The laptops I linked have 802.11AC. I particularly like the ASUS because it's 1080P and has a nice little boost of GPU power for true HD playback. If you have specific applications that are resource-heavy (video editing, 3d modeling, photoshop, financial modeling/trading) in whatever profession you might have, let me know. Or, let me know if you'd prefer an ultrabook for the added portability and touch screen functionality. Something like that might be a better complement to a media hub, but not everyone likes them. Plus, you already have tablets. The desktop could be amped up significantly in lieu of the laptops, but I doubt you'd get any additional benefit from it.

All of these suggestions are taking into account your $3k-6k budget, without going overboard to the point of highly diminishing returns. The desktop build with monitor + the two ASUS laptops + modem + the router will total $2450-2550+ depending on the router you choose. Leaves lots of room for a good printer and keeps you at the low end of your budget. So, with that in mind, if you'd like me to scale anything up or down based what you think you might need/want, let me know. Or if you need to fit another major machine/device/etc into the budget. And obviously, these suggestions consider that you aren't tied to the Apple ecosystem. I know you have iPads, but so do I, as well as iPhones, and I've never felt held back by not having an all-apple environment. I think the idea of being bound by any single ecosystem in both hardware and software is kind of silly. Apple, Google, Microsoft... I'll take all 3, and a mix of my own ecosystem.

However, there is something to be said about going all Apple if you love OS X -- in which case, the decisions are largely laid out for you -- iMac, airport time capsule, maybe a macbook air or something, Apple TV, etc. And if you're not sure whether you want OS X or Windows, I'm going to bow out for the remainder of the thread because I am really just not interested in dealing with the same old bullshite.

ILikeLSUToo at g mail