Check out our Troubleshooting / Guides page for common issues with your DAW computer.

Q: What sets WOOT Computers apart from other brands?
Q: Why does a Digital Audio Workstation cost more than a normal PC?
Q: How do you test your systems?
Q: Do I get a licensed, legitimate copy of Windows XP/Vista?
Q: Which is better, a desktop or a laptop?
Q: Will my Woot Computer work with my hardware and software?
Q: Is it safe to connect my Woot Computer to the internet?
Q: Can I install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on my Woot Computer?

Q: What sets WOOT Computers apart from other brands?

A. We use only top quality hardware for both performance and reliability. We use quiet and efficient cooling systems, a luxury rarely afforded with other name brand systems. Our top tier systems are designed specifically with future upgrades and reliability in mind so your system will not go obsolete the second it arrives at your door. Our systems are optimized for speed. This is done both by pairing parts that through benchmarking have shown to be fast and reliable and by minimizing Windows' footprint on your cpu and ram.

Q: Why does a Digital Audio Workstation cost more than a normal PC?

A: Recording music demands calculations from a computer that other applications don't. Large computer manufacturers do not want to tailor a system to your specific purpose, because that would mean the cost of the PC would go up. Since they only care about the pure quantity of sales, their systems are built to please the regular computer user. Our DAWs use processors that are specifically fast at doing the calculations common to effects, VSTs, virtual instruments etc. Our components are matched for best performance, and tweaked to the max. From us, you will get a very lean Windows install tweaked for performance. When you receive a computer from WOOT Computers, you will not need to spend multiple hours getting your machine to run properly. When you get your WOOT computer it will come fast, quiet, configured, tweaked and ready to work.

Q: How do you test your systems?

A: Each computer that leaves our workbench goes through very thorough tests. We examine every single byte of memory on your RAM chips. We 'burn in' the CPU. The term 'burn in' means pushing the processor to its absolute full capacity for hours on end. On a faulty or insufficiently cooled cpu this often leads to crashes and other various issues. We measure the temperature and fan speeds. If the temperature of the CPU or Case goes over a comfortable threshold we replace the necessary parts to keep the computer cool and quiet. We also test the Hard Drives sector by sector, and burn your personal 'tweak restore' disk on your system's DVD/CD burner. You will receive this with the computer in case you ever have to reformat in the future. We stress-test your machine for a solid 48 hours to ensure there are absolutely no questions about your computer's stability.

Q: Do I get a licensed, legitimate copy of Windows XP/Vista?

A: Of course, it would be illegal for us to sell Windows with our computers without giving you a properly licensed version. We do however authenticate Windows for you as that allows us to apply the latest Windows Updates so that your system has the latest security and performance patches installed.

Q: Which is better, desktops or laptops?

A: That depends. Desktops and laptops are built with different applications in mind. To complicate matters, laptops come in different configurations as well. As far as simply tracking audio tracks, a properly configured laptop can do anything a comparable desktop can do. If you are looking for real-time, super-sampled VST instruments, a desktop will do a much better job as its hard drives, memory, and in many cases the CPU are much faster. Desktops are less expensive, easier to customize; however, they are more difficult traveling buddies.

Q: Will my Woot Computer work with my hardware and software?

A: Yes, your Woot Computer should work with your existing audio interface and DAW software. When we design our workstations our first priority is to build systems that are compatible with the industry's hardware and software. We achieve this by testing each individual component with all the major software/hardware options available on the market. The idea is that when you receive the computer all you need to do is plug it in, install your software and record. We can even install your hardware/software for you at no additional cost. Simply give us a call and we will coordinate the shipment of your hardware/software to us to limit your studio downtime.

Q: Is it safe to connect my Woot Computer to the internet?

A: It is generally recommend to keep your Digital Audio Workstation offline as there are too many things on the internet that could cripple your system, making it slower and less reliable. It is ok, however, to connect your DAW to the internet for hardware and software updates or online registrations of plugins, hosts etc. If you do plan on using your Woot computer for general internet purposes such as email or web browsing, we highly recommend using an alternate browser such as Mozilla Firefox and installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Q: Can I install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on my Woot Computer?

A: Yes, but keep in mind that Digital Audio Recording software and recording with the PC in general is very resource intensive. You generally want to avoid having other software (such as anti-virus/spyware software) use up unnecessary CPU cycles and memory. Because security software constantly checks the state of your system to ensure it stays clean they tend to bog down your time-critical operations such as multi-track recording. So is it recommended? No. Possible? Yes.