Join our mailing list for great tips and critical security notifications...       HOME CONFIGURE A WORKSTATION:  AMD FM1-BASED  INTEL LGA1155-BASED SERVICE DATA RECOVERY SOS FAQ's

FAQ's What is Computer Gallery's history (short version)? I've looked at the "configure" page and it seems it assumes that I know what I'm doing. How do I configure a system? Can I get a dual-boot system? Tri-boot systems? How do you install Linux? How long will it take to receive my new PC after I order it? There doesn't seem to be a secure means of ordering. How to I actually place my order? How do I pay for my new PC? How do I get support? Can I get telephone support? E-Mail? Fax? What all will I receive with my new PC? Does my new PC come with a warranty?   What is Computer Gallery's history (short version)? Computer Gallery was founded in 1988 on Milwaukee's east side, within a few blocks of the University of Wisconsin. Not only was there no nearby source for PC's at the time, there were no stores in the Milwaukee area concentrating on building PC's and selling them direct. Sometime in 1993, Computer Gallery moved to a larger store a few miles to the north. And in 2000, we moved to an even larger store on Estabrook park (complete with at least one fat beaver). We like storefronts over offices or warehouse space. They have an open and inviting nature. When we first opened our doors back in '88, there were no computer superstores. Northgate dominated (if you could call it that) in mail-order PC's. Dell hadn't renamed his company to Dell yet. 20-MB hard drives were big and 40-MB hard drives were enormous. A PC's RAM was comprised of individual chips that were inserted, one by one, into sockets on motherboards (you miss one leg and probably nothing worked). MS-DOS was the dominant OS, Windows hadn't even been conceived of, and there was no Linux or FreeBSD (although there were other Unix alternatives from Mark Williams and others). I've looked at the "config" page and it seems it assumes that I know what I'm doing. How do I configure a system? Its true. Using our "config" page requires that you know a little about what it takes to build a computer. That, there is a motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive, etc. Furthermore, you need to know that, if you pick an Athlon CPU, you need to select an Athlon motherboard. And that, if you select an ATX motherboard (as opposed to Micro-ATX), you'll need to select an ATX enclosure (a Micro-ATX case won't due). If this is entirely beyond you, there is hope. You can do your best, picking items which (you think) meet your needs (for example, you KNOW you want an Athlon 800, so you select that. But, you're unsure of the motherboard so you select one you THINK will work). When you're all done, just select "Calculate Total" and then E-Mail the order to us (by selecting the appropriate button on the form that will appear). We will check and validate your configuration. If you screwed-up, we will make the necessary adjustments and mail the form back to you with an explanation. Why don't we just design a web site like Dell's or Gateways's, where you can simply pick a system, make some configuration changes, and place your order? The answer is simple: Flexibility. Designing a few systems and limiting your ability to custom-configure your new PC limits your options. Sure, its a little more work to select every single part from a shopping list. But you can design a system that meets your exact needs. No cookie cutter solutions. Those suit Dell and Gateway, but not you. Can I get a dual-boot system? Yes. There is an extra $54 charge for loading the second OS (above and beyond the cost of the software). If you select more than one OS on the config page, we will notify you of the additional cost via return E-Mail. How do you install Linux? We perform "default" installs. Your OS will be installed and your PC will be 100% tested. We guarantee that everything will be 100% Linux compatible, and that later reinstalls of the OS will be trouble-free.  We really expect that our customers will reinstall Linux once they receive the machine, configuring it to their liking.  But, they often do not.  Perhaps they are intimidated, either having tried an install in the past, or hearing someone's horror stories.  Perhaps this is their first Linux PC and they don't know how they would deviate from the default, so why bother? Just remember that the machine we deliver will offer a problem-free install opportunity, if needed or desired. How long will it take to receive my new PC after I order it? It takes about a week (sometimes a little longer) to build, config, and test the system. Shipping takes another two to three days. Systems are typically shipped FedEx. There doesn't seem to be a secure means of ordering. How to I actually place my order? How do I pay for my new PC? All orders are placed via fax or telephone once a configuration is approved. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You may also make payment via check (company or personal) or money order. How do I get support? Can I get telephone support? E-Mail? Fax? Support via telephone (414/963-6336), E-Mail (support@cgallery.com), and fax (414/963-6338) is available. E-Mail is checked around the clock. What will I receive with my new PC? You will receive all the materials that came with the individual components. That includes extra rails (for mounting drives), documentation, driver CD's and disks, etc. Does my new PC come with a warranty? Of course!  You get a one year parts and labor warranty.  If you live close enough to our shop, simply bring us your CPU and we will provide any needed repairs.  Alternately, you can ship your PC to us (you pay shipping to us, we match shipping method and pay shipping to you).  Or, better yet, we will overnight (we pay shipping) replacement parts to you (secured with a credit card) and provide installation support.

4606 North Wilson Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211 414/963-6336, 414/963-6338 (Fax) info@cgallery.com (E-Mail) 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, evenings/weekends by appt. Not responsible for typographical errors. All prices are subject to change without notice.