I would like to get a used desktop do you have any suggestions or warnings on what to get and where ?
I dont do any gaming but may store some video on it.

You can look at a few consignments shops. I have found some low mileage gems there more then twice.

Some "green" electronic recyclers also sell decent refurbished units turned in to scrap - fits the renew, reuse, recycle theme.

Some folks will also give away units in the free classified papers in your community.

Happy hunting.

I got a used netbook for a great price off ebay but the upgraded OS turned out to be bootleg. Look for lots of positive feedback from the seller but make sure it's for computers not other products... Mom and Pop computer shops often have used computers but they tend to be higher priced compared to ebay vendors even with shipping.

I would recomend a step up from used, get a refubished. It will come with a full factory warantee. Lots of refurbished on ebay and check dell's site too. Stores like Frys and Micro Center often have refurbished as well.

Refurbed is good. Make sure the hard drive is new or newer, because that usually wears out and goes bad first. Also as mentioned, make sure the license (Microsoft puts a sticker on the unit) for the operating system (XP, Vista, Windows 7) comes with the computer. We use only Dell desktops at my office and have had good luck with them. But with our computers running 24/7, the hard drives start to go bad after 3-4 years. Always back up your important data up to a CD, DVD, USB thumb drive or external hard drive.

Ya the refurbished is more along the lines of what I was talking about. Newer returns with a bunch or warantee left.

I've bought a couple HP refurbs, including a quad core with success. Wifey used to work there...

http://www.shopping.hp.com/outlet

I check craigslist, there's always refurb shops in my area that have decent desktops for around $30.I guess they buy a businesses complete inventory when they upgrade.

Dell has a refurbished section, thats where I get all my PC's and laptops. Much cheaper than new and with full warranty. :)

Any used machine I have picked up I always install a new hard drive and load a legal OS, that way you have no virus issues or damaged OS files to deal with. :)