What is the default operating system?

[RobertWhite]

I won't be able to buy Windows 7 for 3 weeks when I get my computer as I'm ordering it cheaper through work. What is the default operating system, can you install and run games, search the internet etc...?

Does it come with your motherboard or something?

[Rob_B]

You need to ask whoever you're buying it from. All features depend on that.

[RobertWhite]

You need to ask whoever you're buying it from. All features depend on that.

I'm buying the parts from Scan.co.uk to build.

[redddraggon]

I don't understand your question, it doesn't make much sense.

Are you asking what OS comes with your Mobo? If that's the case, you'll more than likely find no OS with the mobo.

Are you asking what OS people normally install on new builds these days? If that's the case you'll find Windows 7 to be the answer.

[RobertWhite]

I don't understand your question, it doesn't make much sense.

Are you asking what OS comes with your Mobo? If that's the case, you'll more than likely find no OS with the mobo.

Are you asking what OS people normally install on new builds these days? If that's the case you'll find Windows 7 to be the answer.

I'll try and explain. I've bought the parts I need to build a computer from Scan.co.uk, such as the CPU, GPU, hardrive, power supply etc...

It won't be 3 weeks until I can buy an operating system. Without an operating system, will I still be able to use my computer once I have built it, such as go on the internet, install games etc...?

[mrt9888]

No you won't able to do anything after the BIOS displays the POST/ motherboard logo, you could try using a linux OS like Ubuntu.

[redddraggon]

You won't have anything beyond the BIOS. You could install a free Linux distro, to browse the net, but installing any windows programs would be a right faff.

[RobertWhite]

You won't have anything beyond the BIOS. You could install a free Linux distro, to browse the net, but installing any windows programs would be a right faff.

What about Ubuntu, would that allow me to install and play games online, browse the internet, and if so, how do I install it without being able to search the web for it?

[Phage]

Ubuntu can be mailed to you as a disk. You'll still need to order it - usually online, but worth checking at local PC suppliers. If that doesn't work use the web access at your local library, or friends place.
Install and play games - In some cases yes, but Linux support for games is not common. You are very unlikely to be able to play any new games. Quake Wars is one you can.
Browse the web - Yes

[adz08]

Which montherboard have you bought, if it's an Asus it might have Express Gate which would give you access to internet, email, skype etc. I think you can play online games too just you can't install anything.

[barry2811]

You could always get hold of the Windows 7 RTM ISO and install now and activate in 30 days once you have bought it. I installed before the release and activated when Amazon sent my preorder that way.

Just make sure you install the version you are buying, eg, Home, Professional, etc.

[Bagnaj97]

If you want to go the Linux route but have no disc and no means of downloading one then you could go to your local WHsmiths and pick up Linux Format (I've also seen this in Tesco) or Linux Magazine. I'd recommend Linux Magazine as this month's coverdisk has "easier" distributions on it such as Linux Mint.

[MSIC]

For the present (once your parts arrive and you have built the machine) i'd also highly recommend installing Ubuntu.
This can be installed either from a CD or DVD ROM which (as said) can be posted to you, or comes free with some magazines, or you burn it yourself with your current machine / a friend's machine etc.
Ubuntu (and indeed almost any Linux-based Operating System) is cost-free and requires no paid licence, but there obviously would be a cost to buy a magazine etc.

The other option is to install it on to a USB memory stick, and ensure that in your BIOS you set an option to boot from this memory stick. At that point (either from USB stick or CD), you can run the environment directly (which works surprisingly well but can be a bit slow), or install it to your hard drive (which is what you would do for Windows, for example).

You might also find that Ubuntu meets your needs, and you can do without Windows at all. For me, i have been using Ubuntu for some years, really like it, but still enjoy playing games that are Windows only, so I flick back-and-forth between Ubuntu and Windows (this is called dual-booting). If however you only play online flash-type games, or browser-based games of any sort, then you might not need Windows at all.
You asked the question

What about Ubuntu, would that allow me to install and play games online

If the games you are talking about are Windows games (ie you install them to your Operating System but then play online with other people), then you most likely will still need to buy Microsoft Windows to do this.