Computer

[Scrounger]

Joe, last Friday Outlook Express got choked (interrupted) downloading an email. I couldn't get rid of the problem any way, couldn't even delete Outlook Express, and it was soaking up my memory and seriously slowing my download speed. I kept trying different things and using System Restore. After one session of System Restore, Windows messaged me that I would have to "Activate" Windows within three days or the whole system would shut down. So I did it. Afterwards some programs I didn't even know I had came to light. But all my Hardware Devices, Drivers, and Connections no longer existed, according to the computer. Naturally I couldn't get on the Internet at all. This was Saturday. So I planned to take it into the shop Monday. But one of my nephew's neighbors is a computer geek and he brought him over last night. Less than an hour he had it all fixed up. Even downloaded the Firefox browser and recommended I use it. I don't know about that yet, I got 6 years on Internet Explorer and there are advantages to both of them. Fortunately I can switch to either one in an instant, so I'll use both of them till one becomes a clear cut winner. I'm pissed at Dell but there probably isn't anything better out there. They have a new computer that is as good as this one on sale now for $300. I'm seriously considering buying one just to have a backup for these "emergencies". I could upgrade my old CompaQ; all it really needs is a faster processor, it only has an AMD 400 in it. Hard drive and memory are good, has a burner and DVD player on it. Any idea what it would cost to upgrade the processor?

[StarMetal]

Art,

I don't know if I'm the Joe you are referring to, but I had wondered "what the heck happen to Scrounger". Now I know. Sorry to hear all that. Art I have both browsers also. My wife like Explorer for playing her MSN games. Firefox keeps getting better and better. There are alot of plugins that you have to download for it tho, but it usually tells you when you need it. Basically all browsers are the same button functioning way. They may have a different appearance then you're use too. Firefox and Netscape are Mozilla based programs. Another rapid growing and excellent system is Linux. The problem with it is that it use to be all programs were made to run with Windows. That is changing now for Linux. Sounds like you had somekind of a worm or virus, because you should be able to delete Outlook and still run. Are you running Windows XP? With XP you have to register it after so many days and it sounds like you reactivated the registering part of it again. Oh well, that kid fixed it for you. While someone does that, watch over their back what they do, ask them questions, that's how you learn. On updating your old Compaq you can only go so much. Don't know if it would be worth it. If you lived by me I'd build you a super pc using AMD's processor and savaging some parts from your old set like the CD player and hard drives. Depending on how old your set is maybe the memory chips too. If you have the disk for XP would use that too. Also your floppy drive. If the power supply is big enough can use that also and the case too if big enough. That ways you save alot of money. I build two pc's that are comparable to Dell's top of the line sets going in the $2000 bracket for ALOT less then that.

Joe

[felix]

I agree with Joe, Scrounger! Building the damn things from scratch is far superior to buying propietary machines with all of their hidden hardware mods. Tommy, my son who did castpics up front, builds our computers. Put a maximum price on a computer, and then proceed to purchace the parts and then build it. If you want help, call me and I will get Tommy to walk you purchase and build. Joe will gladly help too, right Joe? ... felix

[waksupi]

Anoher computer question.

One of these days, I'm going to have to get a new one. This one is an absolute dinosaur.

My question is this. I have over a thousand songs saved on the computer, most of which I have down loaded, or copied on from CD's. Is there a way to copy these to a new computer, without burning everything to CD, and reloading?

[StarMetal]

Ric

I'm not sure you can put the hard drive in your new pc as a slave because for one thing two hard drives can't have the same drive letter. In your case you only having one hard drive the letter for it C: Now if you make the new hard drive the slave and use your old HD as the master, then you can do what Ken said. Another is if you have a network card in your old set and most new pc's come with a network card, you can buy a cable and transfer from one machine to other.

Felix

The mechanical part of building a pc, to me (and not bragging) is the easy part. I think the damn programing is the hard part.

Joe

[Gunload Master]

Doing a proper upgrade on a computer is rather delicate work. I say this because. If you upgrade one aspect. Say, your Processor and Motherboard. But you keep your old Hard Drive and use older RAM, you really arn't getting too far. For upgrades, you have to find a good medium to use. I say this because, even if you buy a super fast processor, and great motherboard. You can still be limited by RAM Type and Amount. Your Hard Drive spindle speed may be too slow for proper opperation. So you Spend lots of cash on great parts. But are limited because of older parts.
Reason I am even saying this is because you should know the person upgrading your computer has an extensive background on computers and parts to do this properly.
Most of the time when you want to upgrade your processor, you will have to upgrade your motherboard as well. Sometimes, you will have to upgrade your "Type" of RAM as well with that. You also have to make sure your Case supports the new motherboard, lots of times, using pre-built computers such as Dell, Compaq, HP, etc design their own parts to use in their own case. Thus, you have to pretty much go through them to get a replacement. Best way is to get a new case that supports your new equipment.
Basically this yapping just has to say that it's much better off getting a custom built computer. I built my first one about 6 years ago, and I still use the same case today (Full-Size Tower). If you are wanting a brand new one. And for upgrading, it takes some time, and if you don't do it right. It's not worth doing.

Waksupi i'm sure we can guide you step by step in getting your new Hard Drive connected up as a slave and spare.

[Gunload Master]

Ric

I'm not sure you can put the hard drive in your new pc as a slave because for one thing two hard drives can't have the same drive letter. In your case you only having one hard drive the letter for it C: Now if you make the new hard drive the slave and use your old HD as the master, then you can do what Ken said. Another is if you have a network card in your old set and most new pc's come with a network card, you can buy a cable and transfer from one machine to other.


Joe,
Drive letters are automatically given in most computers. If it's properly setup (Jumpers, cables, etc) then it will recieve a new drive letter by default. Usually D, E, F, etc etc. Depending on CD-roms and other components that need a letter.

[felix]

GM is correct, Joe! ... felix

[StarMetal]

Willy,

Tha's true what you said. You can also change them. I've seen HD's put in pc's as a slave and they weren't erased and had the drive C: on them and sometimes conflict with the master C: drive. Also if a HD has any other drive letter but C: you can't install Windows on it.

Joe

[StarMetal]

willy

Missed your other post. The processor and motherboard should be matched, plus the bus speed too. The HD doesn't make any difference as long as it's the right type, that is like an IDE type, you don't want to mix them. If the old HD is too small it's not worth it to mess with it. About the only advancement they've made on HD's are they are larger storage size, some have a buffer, and the rpm's have gone up on them. There are other improvements too, but I don't see any problem with using an old HD on a new pc. The motherboard come set up for a certain type of ram. Not wise to put older different type memory chips in them even if they will plug in. I have seen instances of old floppy discs players having conflicts with newer motherboards.

Joe

[Gunload Master]

I would rather not get into a flaming war over what computers can do. They can do many things, and almost any way imaginable. Sometimes they take a bit of tweaking to do something, but most of the time, there is always a way.

1) Yes, you can change them to whatever you want by all means. If you have a pre-1995 computer, then I can see you having conflicts with drive names. Other than that it's ran by the bios/cmos settings and by the operating system on assigning drive letters (unless user specified).
2) Negative, you can install windows on any drive letter, unless it's assigned by another compent taking up that spot. I.E. if the Floppy drive is assigned Drive Letter A:. Obviously you cannot install windows on it..

[Gunload Master]

This should almost be a chat room discussion. It's too hard to follow this lol

Hard Drives do matter in bigger systems. I say this because if you get a 4200 RPM hard drive put into a bigger system you limit abilities. Upgraded systems should have at least 7200 + RPMS for best performance.

I sort of agree with you on the HD improvements.. Basically the best improvment in the past while has been the development of SATA drives.

[no_1]

Gentlemen, There are some things I know a lot about, some things I know a little and then there are some things I know some about. When it comes to computers I do know some. I started with a factory built computer and I have built 2 computers. The first I built was a 366 Celeron that was over-clocked to 500 which was something back in it's day. When I purchased parts, I got one of the MSI all-in-one boards, a hard drive, some ram, a floppy and a cd drive. When I up-graded it, I put in a 500 Celeron chip that I over-clocked to ~700. I added ram and so on. By the time I finished the re-build, the only thing that was the same was the old motherboard and I soon discovered the built on graphics sucked AND I could have built a new / faster computer for the same cost. I rode that one out for a while and educated myself. When I built the next one, I went all out: 2.6 ghz processer, cd-rw, floppy, case fan, 1ghz of ram, 80 Gig and 60 Gig HD's, graphics card that did not share the system ram, bla, bla, bla.... That was a couple of years ago and it is still a pretty tough computer.

What I would like to offer is this. If you want something that is plug and play, get a Dell. They are ready to go for a very decent price and come with a 1 yr warranty. Almost every company as well as the US Goverment use Dell's exclusively. They must be good and you will be please. However, if you want to tinker, build your own. Talk to people that know about computers, read the computer mags out there, surf the web, then go to www.pricewatch.com and see who has your parts at the cheapest price. Remember this. Do not scrimp on the amount of RAM, the processor speed, the hard drive size / RPM's, or the video card. These items are key. ALSO, you/we can build a computer. I say this because we are a men who take stuff and makes it work for us. We shoot wheelweights, make home-made lube out of soap and hand cleaner, beagle moulds and design bullets. My saying is that if another man has done it, I can to. It just may take a little longer....

If you need my help, just ask!

[StarMetal]

The older slower HD is like putting an old 265 cu in Chevy small block in your fairly new Corvette that ran a 350 cu in engine. It will fit, it will make the car run but it will lack performance. If you're short on bucks is what I was getting after. Hell XP Windows won't run right with 64 mb Ram. The set will be slow as molasses on a winter day.

One of my best friends has been in computers most his life, even gone to college for some stuff and he's seen my pc's I've run and/or built that he's never ever seen alone heard of. I told him I'm jinxed. This isn't a flame war by any means. Computers do alot of weird things they shouldn't do.

I had a HD that was formated with the letter D:. I put it into a new set and couldn't do anything with it. I had to erase it and start from scratch. For example that instance I was using Windows 2000 Professional. I had the four boot discs to pre format the HD to accept loading Windows. Well they wouldn't do it, because they couldn't find C: on the HD. Now maybe if I had Window installed as D: drive and made those four boot discs from that setup they would have looked for D: instead of C:. There's alot of stuff about HD's, like whether you should or have to partition it. In the older sets you had to partition a large HD. Also whether you are to set the HD up as a NTFS or FAT32 system.

Like I said, mechanically putting one together is a breeze, programing them isn't.

I'm not arguing this stuff with you as I know you're pretty good. The average person really couldn't handle setting up this forum, doing the chat changes, etc that you do. They could learn yes. You're pretty knowledgeable.

Joe

[Gunload Master]

What I would like to offer is this. If you want something that is plug and play, get a Dell. They are ready to go for a very decent price and come with a 1 yr warranty. Almost every company as well as the US Goverment use Dell's exclusively. They must be good and you will be please. However, if you want to tinker, build your own. Talk to people that know about computers, read the computer mags out there, surf the web, then go to www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com/) and see who has your parts at the cheapest price. Remember this. Do not scrimp on the amount of RAM, the processor speed, the hard drive size / RPM's, or the video card. These items are key. ALSO, you/we can build a computer. I say this because we are a men who take stuff and makes it work for us. We shoot wheelweights, make home-made lube out of soap and hand cleaner, beagle moulds and design bullets. My saying is that if another man has done it, I can to. It just may take a little longer....

If you need my help, just ask!
http://www.howardforums.com/images/smilies/hello.gifhttp://www.howardforums.com/images/smilies/hello.gifhttp://www.howardforums.com/images/smilies/hello.gifhttp://www.howardforums.com/images/smilies/hello.gif I will Clap to that!

[Gunload Master]

Thanks Starmetal. We can both learn from each other on this stuff :) Ever changing world.

I got my A.A.S. degree in computer hardware. There were 2 of us that got the degree out of 16 that started our class.


P.S. If you ever see me and I have a pocket protector and some glasses with tape in the middle. I want you to test your lastest cast boolit out on me. :)

[Scrounger]

Putting it all together, the answer I get is "Yes, it's possible, but not worth the effort. Buy a new one, or better yet, custom build one." I would be hard put to justify the need for a more capable computer, I obviously don't get all I could out of this one. I'm a simple casual computer user. For my purposes I could use my old one as backup as is. I bought it in '99, it had 400 mhz processor, 8 gig hard drive, 128 MB RAM, CDR, Floppy, and a 100MB Zip Drive. That was the most advanced one I saw when I was shopping. Memory on most of the available machines was 32, with a few at 64, my 128 was leader of the pack. And it was Windows 98, of course. In December ,'02 it crashed. Although I already had this one on order, I had someone fix my old one for sentimental reasons. He salvaged part of the hard drive and added a separate 20GB drive, and replaced the CDR with a CDRW. It's out in my reloading room now but not hooked up. I would have to get a wireless networking setup to connect to my Wireless internet connection. I think I'll wait to November when I can switch from wireless internet to DSL. Then I can plug that one in too for emergencie use. I put it out there primarily for the music I have on it that I can listen to whenever I get back to reloading again.
Waksupi, they have these things called 'portable hard drives' for backing up your stored data or for transferring it from one computer to another. I bought one 2 years ago, a Maxtor 30 or 40 GB model, to transfer my data from my old computer to the new one. An unexpected hard drive crash took care of that need.... Be glad to send you this HD to use as long as you need it.

[waksupi]

Anoher computer question.

One of these days, I'm going to have to get a new one. This one is an absolute dinosaur.

My question is this. I have over a thousand songs saved on the computer, most of which I have down loaded, or copied on from CD's. Is there a way to copy these to a new computer, without burning everything to CD, and reloading?

After this post, pretty much everything that has been on this subject is written in a language that is far beyond my knowledge. Is there a "Build a Computer for Dummies" book?

Tell me this. Should I decide to delve into building one, what can I build for $400, that I can't get from Dell, or some other ready made? My needs are simple. Word processing, Adobe photos, scanner, printer, megaphone, or other fax, email, internet, media player, CD burner pretty much covers it.

[StarMetal]

Art

98 Windows sucks. It also sucks up alot pc resources. You should try to get a copy of Windows 2000 and upgrage it to that. It's hard to pirate XP and Microsoft just took some steps to try and knock out the pirated copies.

Joe

[Scrounger]

After this post, pretty much everything that has been on this subject is written in a language that is far beyond my knowledge. Is there a "Build a Computer for Dummies" book?

Tell me this. Should I decide to delve into building one, what can I build for $400, that I can't get from Dell, or some other ready made? My needs are simple. Word processing, Adobe photos, scanner, printer, megaphone, or other fax, email, internet, media player, CD burner pretty much covers it.

That's the way I feel about. Someone can build a bigger better computer but I don't need it. The factory models do all I need to do. Your biggest problem is probably an extremely slow dial up connection; all the goodies in the world won't help that much.

[C1PNR]

Anoher computer question.

One of these days, I'm going to have to get a new one. This one is an absolute dinosaur.

My question is this. I have over a thousand songs saved on the computer, most of which I have down loaded, or copied on from CD's. Is there a way to copy these to a new computer, without burning everything to CD, and reloading?
You can get a pretty darned good computer for $400 these days. And I'd recommend Dell, and not only because I have a few shares of Dell stock,;-) but also because it'll come with Windows XP operating system installed, and probably the home version of XP Office.

Transferring files over isn't that much trouble, although it does take a little time setting things up the way you want them.

I really suggest you get as much RAM in it as you can possibly afford, and a BIG hard drive, SATA if you can get it, even if you have to pay a little more.

Good luck with your new project!:)

[StarMetal]

C1npr

All new computers SHOULD come with Windows XP because that is the latest version out and it's been out for quite some time now. I wouldn't buy it if it had anything else.

Joe

[Jumptrap]

Interesting thread because i am RIGHT NOW at the buy a new one threshold. I'm not a computer nerd, all i know is the damned thing comes on, i can send email and patrol the 'net. I don't play games design airplanes or any of that other sophisticated shit. I just need something that can burn a CD, runs seamlessly and performs well on a modem connection. I figure anything will be better than what i have.....so here's the question.

I will buy a Dell, now recommend me something under $500 to the door. No damned frills, don't a 9000 jillion GB harddrive....the one I have is 30 gig, 6 years old and still 78% free if that tells you anything.

Just tell me what model offers the best bang for the buck...prefer a 17" flat monitor, has a CD burner.....I think Dell is offering free printers now.and I'll order the damned thing tomorrow.

Thanks,

mark

[Gunload Master]

Art

98 Windows sucks. It also sucks up alot pc resources. You should try to get a copy of Windows 2000 and upgrage it to that. It's hard to pirate XP and Microsoft just took some steps to try and knock out the pirated copies.

Joe

Joe,
Please believe me, I'm not picking on you or anything. Just hoping I could add my 2 cents here too.

Windows 98 requires and runs on way less resources then all the above versions. Windows 2000 sucks up the resources quite a bit, frankly because windows 2000 was an upgrade from Windows NT 4.0 (windows 2000 = NT 5.0). And basically the NT versions were designed more as servers, and servers required more memory because of the running processes. Windows XP is also part of the NT family, but was designed to me more "User" friendly. Thus, you get all the jazz with the colors and pop-up messages and such. Out of the box, windows xp runs a little above 150 MB's of RAM just to start. This is the reason 256MB of RAM is so recommended with windows XP. Also, Windows XP Pro SP2 is my recommendation.

Waksupi.. All it takes is practice and time to build a PC. I can't tell you how many motherboards and hard drives i've sent out in flames :) My first attempt at building my own.. I screwed the Motherboard directly into the case (didnt add the dividers to seperate) and I turned it on. Heard a few capicators in the power supply pop, smoke poured out all over the place.. hehe.. I learned then to put the dividers in :)

[StarMetal]

Willy

Believe me, Windows 2000 Professional runs way better then 98SE and it runs way better on too small of a machine then 98SE. 98SE sucks...it's has alot of problems.

If you want to see how hot your pc is run the game DOOM, I believe the second version. If your set can run that, it's good.

Joe

[StarMetal]

Now on the other hand I don't think pc is hard to build. The motherboard comes with a manaul and unless you're a total mechanical idiot you should be able to do it. Willy, not picking on your but the motherboards I've bought have the dividers in the manual and where you put them on the board. The case comes with a manual too, well mine did, and the little dividers, in my case brass ones, come with the case. The plugs on the HD ribbons are marked as to how you plug them in and they have a notch on one side so you can't screw it up. The power supply plug can only go one way. Willy I'm talking about the new stuff, nobody is going to buy new old stock. Just like the plugs in the back of the pc are color coded for the mouse, monitor, etc, you can't mess them up. Their are detailed instructions on how to install the microprosessor and it's cooling assembly/fan. I really don't think building a pc is hard. One thing I've mentioned before is to make sure your body is grounded with the one of those grounding clips cause static can ruin alot of electronic componants. Memory plugs in one way and it had levers to lock it in. Most boards only plug one way into the mother board also. Not bragging but I haven't burnt anything up YET.

Joe

[Oldfeller]

The Dell econo-boxes are nice (and cheap) but if you catch a sale at Best Buy you can pick up a HP A1130 3500+ 64 bit AMD with a gig of systems memory & a 250 Gig SATA hard drive with the current most recently released fully intergrated ATI chip set (yes, all MB systems and high level video on the same intergrated chip set -- it's ATI's latest intergration trick) for less than $600 after rebates.

This is a deal.

Now, mind you this 3500+ 64 bit machine is a just an upper mid-range box now since the double 64 bit processor chip sets are out. And it is a completely "intergrated" motherboard arrangement which means you have three open expansion slots still left in the box and a state of the art open video card expansion slot just sitting there waiting for the next greatest video card that you simply just can't refuse to buy.

But it will play FAR CRY on the highest video settings using the intergrated ATI video system which means it meets my current minimum video requrements (I'll add in a separate video card later when it chokes on some amazingly complex future something).

I use Dell at work a lot -- corporate america has bought into Dell big time. But the boxes are lean, real lean on horsepower and the horsepower packed Dells get expensive real quick. So I buy muscular HP's on sale for home use.

Now, FAR CRY -- a first person shooter that makes old gun nuts weep with pain/joy because 1) the graphics are so beautiful as you go prone to use the 50 caliber sniper rifle at over a mile away and 2) it is so realistic looking in every aspect and 3) it is so damn realistic acting and HARD even at the simplest pain level because the opponents COME AFTER YOUR ASS, flank you, hide, shoot you from cover, snipe you -- at any of the upper levels they are simply better than you are. At the highest levels they will actually swim from one island to the next just for the chance to riddle you with well aimed AR fire (from prone position hidden behind something -- just like you would do).

I know young people who give up on the game because they get their butts kicked too continuously. But that's how it would really be in the real world.

Oldfeller

[Ron]

Waksupi there are lots of guys on this forum who know a lot more than me about computers but I read a lot about them and try to learn what is the current best practice when it comes to configuring a system for any specific task.
I have a second hobby, taking movies with my Panasonic video camera and as my mother in law lives in England, I thought that it would be good to send her DVD's of her great grand kids growing up. So last week, after deciding what parts I wanted for a new system, I spent 4 nights on the net checking prices of parts from various computer parts dealers here in Melbourne.
Friday morning last, wife and I went to local dealer, who turned out to be the cheapest, and gave him a list of what I wanted. My idea being that I would build it myself and save a bit of cash. My other half apparently knows me better than I do, she asks the dealer, "How much for you to build it? He says $90.00. She sayd buld it, I couldnt stand the bad temper and cussing if Ron built it himself. Hey, I said this is not the first I have built, I know what I am doing, but it got built for me.
It's now at home and the next job is to set up a network with the existing one. As I said, this sytem was put together specifically to enable me to make and edit my movies so some of the parts were fairly expensive. To give you all an idea of prices here, the following is what I ordered and had built:

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-81945G-PRO
Processor - Intel Penyium D 820 - 2.8Ghz - 800FSB-2x1M CACHE/Dual core
DVD Drive - Pioneer DVR-A09XLB Dual layer.
RAM - 1 Gig of Kingston DDR2 533
HDD - 2 x Seagate Barracuda 250Gig 7200RPM SATA drives
Monitor - 19 inch Acer CRT
Case - Midi Tower with 450watt power supply, front and rear USB/Firewire etc.
Oper. System - Windows XP Home.

Total cost in Aust. dollars = $1710.00, I think thats about $900.00 US.

I could have built one for cheaper but it would not have been capable of doing what I wanted it to. Good luck with deciding what you buy.

Ron
FESTINA LENTE

[Scrounger]

Waksupi, I found that hard drive, I'll get it on its way today or tomorrow. In the meantime, if you want to do some computer window shopping, here's a link to Dell. Look over their $299 and $399 packages. I'd settle for either one of them. The extra memory (512) in the $399 model probably makes it worth the difference, not to mention the CD/DVD R/RW combo. With respect to our more learned colleagues, I know you can build a better one, but these are good enough for me; I drive a Nissan and shoot Marlins and Savages...

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_dimen2400?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[waksupi]

Thanks, Scrounger. I'll get it back to you ASAP. And you should gain the advantage of a bunch of music and other interesting info!

[Scrounger]

Thanks, Scrounger. I'll get it back to you ASAP. And you should gain the advantage of a bunch of music and other interesting info!

I just wasted an hour trying to get a PM to you; had the same problem others were having yesterday. Very frustating. Is this problem caused by Chat? Seems to be a lot of problems with it. I don't use it, don't think many others here do either. If it is what is causing our problems here, I'd say can it. What can you post in chat that you can't post here in the normal manner or in a PM. Assuming PM can be made to work...
Ric,
The External Hard Drive is a Maxtor 5000 EL, 80 Gigabytes. There is a USB cord in the box. And the box says installation and use are easy. However, there are some requirements your computer must meet in order to be compatible. (If not, it would be sorta like putting CarpetMan in a room with a bunch of cats...) Please let me know whether you can use this or not before I give it to the Brown truck.

Your computer must have:
USB Port
CD-ROM Drive
32 MB RAM (memory) or more
Internet Service
Pentium II class equivalent processor or better
Windows 98 SE; ME; 2000; or XP

[Gunload Master]

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-81945G-PRO
Processor - Intel Penyium D 820 - 2.8Ghz - 800FSB-2x1M CACHE/Dual core
DVD Drive - Pioneer DVR-A09XLB Dual layer.
RAM - 1 Gig of Kingston DDR2 533
HDD - 2 x Seagate Barracuda 250Gig 7200RPM SATA drives
Monitor - 19 inch Acer CRT
Case - Midi Tower with 450watt power supply, front and rear USB/Firewire etc.
Oper. System - Windows XP Home.


That's a really nice system!

[waksupi]

Scrounger, I'll have to check into a couple of those things, not being overly computor smart.

As far as chat goes, quite a few of us use it, and it is a pretty fun time generally. Ten or so at a time isn't unusual, and I believe one evening there were about twenty on at one time. It's a good place to kick around ideas much more convieniently than can be done on the regular board.

[Scrounger]

If it turns out you can't use that hard drive, here's an alternative.
https://www.streamload.com/About/LP3.asp?CMP=KNC-GoogOnlineStorage
There are places on the net that will store files, music, photos, etc. for you. I didn't read the fine print but the eye-grabbing words were 10 GB secure storage for free. I think you can rent a larger storage room if you need it... I'm sure your computer will work with my HD.

[no_1]

How long do you think it would take to upload 1000 songs using dial-up? 2-3 weeks non-stop?

If it turns out you can't use that hard drive, here's an alternative.
https://www.streamload.com/About/LP3.asp?CMP=KNC-GoogOnlineStorage
There are places on the net that will store files, music, photos, etc. for you. I didn't read the fine print but the eye-grabbing words were 10 GB secure storage for free. I think you can rent a larger storage room if you need it... I'm sure your computer will work with my HD.

[waksupi]

Zowie! I'll bet! I used to start maybe 20-25 songs down loading, and go to bed. They would be done in the morning. I know it would tie up things for four or five hours pretty easy.

[Scrounger]

Another alternative, Ric. Dell has a 20 GB pocket sized Juke Box for $200. This would not only allow you to back up your music AND OTHER files, but would also allow you to take your music wherever you go and enjoy it through earbuds or speakers on any stereo with an AUX input.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dj_20_new?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[9.3X62AL]

If ever I start wondering WHY I'm raising these rotten daughters of mine, I need only have a computer throw a fit to remind me of their resourcefulness and knowledge when it come to figuring out and fixing these things. I'm glad no one asks what sort of computer I use, 'cause my answer would be "a tan one" or "a 2-tone gray thing". I'm as clueless about computers as Handgun Control Inc. is about IPSC.

[waksupi]

Another alternative, Ric. Dell has a 20 GB pocket sized Juke Box for $200. This would not only allow you to back up your music AND OTHER files, but would also allow you to take your music wherever you go and enjoy it through earbuds or speakers on any stereo with an AUX input.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dj_20_new?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Holy cow! I wasn't aware of these. I can see possibiities...

[Scrounger]

Holy cow! I wasn't aware of these. I can see possibiities...

Isn't this a strange new world? My nephew's son got a mini disc player, about the same size as a thin pack of cigarettes, for Christmas; it holds about 5 hours of music. When my CD player died earlier this year, I started looking in that direction for a replacement. I ended up with a RIO, which is a 5 GB Hard Drive Player. It is about the same size and holds many, many hours of music. I got a cord to plug into the earphone jack on the player and into the AUX plug on my defunct CD player. The battery charger is permanently plugged in, charging. I turn it on when I go to bed, off when I get up (Did you figure out yet I'm not married?). If I want to take it anywhere, I just unplug the power and the speakers, plug in the earbuds, and it says I can walk around about 15 hours listening to the music. Anywhere.

[grumble]

And, if you get either an FM rebroadcaster or one of those things that go into your car's cassette player slots, you can listen to your CD tunes through the car's radio system. For anyone who takes long trips and gets tired of searching for new radio stations or fumbling through their CD/cassette collection every hour, the 10+ hours of your favorite music is a godsend. Also works well when you get tired of listening to Rush or Hannidy. <GGG>

[Scrounger]

Jumptrap, what did you end up doing about your computer situation?

[Jumptrap]

Jumptrap, what did you end up doing about your computer situation?

Scrounger,

I haven't done anything yet. Went to Walmart locally and all they had was a compac with 80 g HD and 256 Ram, CD Rom for $428 I think. Then they had an Emachine with 120 G HD, 512 Ram and a CD burner (both have 17" flat monitors) for $562. I would have bought the Emachine but the box was pretty rough and I was afraid it might have been dropped....had been rough handled for certain and so, i came home empty handed.

[Scrounger]

Scrounger,

I haven't done anything yet. Went to Walmart locally and all they had was a compac with 80 g HD and 256 Ram, CD Rom for $428 I think. Then they had an Emachine with 120 G HD, 512 Ram and a CD burner (both have 17" flat monitors) for $562. I would have bought the Emachine but the box was pretty rough and I was afraid it might have been dropped....had been rough handled for certain and so, i came home empty handed.

I have over a thousand pieces of music and at least a thousand photos, and a lot of data stored on mine. And I've still used only about 25 GBS; My hard drive is 60 GB, I think. Most likely 40 GB would be plenty for hard drive for most of us. A CDRW (Burner) and 512 memory added on, I don't think you'll ever feel undergunned. I still think the Delll 3000 at $399 plus shipping with the above equiptment is as good a deal as you'll find

[waksupi]

Bringing this back up to the top.

You computer guys, would 512 memory be enough to run a Dragon Naturally Speaking program, along with the other things that go on with a computer?

[Gunload Master]

Bringing this back up to the top.

You computer guys, would 512 memory be enough to run a Dragon Naturally Speaking program, along with the other things that go on with a computer?
Yes it would.

[Scrounger]

Bringing this back up to the top.

You computer guys, would 512 memory be enough to run a Dragon Naturally Speaking program, along with the other things that go on with a computer?

I can't answer that but this much I can tell you: I looked up a version of that (there is more than one level of product available) and it required at least one GB (1024 memory). There may be a version that requires less. Look on the box it comes in, or look the product up on the web, to see what the system requirements are and whether or not your computer can handle it. It will require so much RAM, so much storage space, will only work with certain operating systems (May not work with Windows 95 or 98). All else fails, ask the guy that's selling it to you...

[waksupi]

Ok, you computer gurus, how does this one sound?

Compaq Presario SR1611nx-b Desktop PC Bundle


Limited Time: Save $200 After $150 Instant Rebate and $50 Mail-in Rebate. Final Price: $399.98 After Rebates. Mail-in Rebate Valid: 10/2 - 1/7. Click here for more information.



Detailed Specifications:


Processor: AMD Sempron S-3200+ Processor with Enhanced Virus Protection
Processor Speed: 1.80GHz
Cache: L2 Cache = 256KB
Bus Speed: 1600MHz System Bus
Memory: 512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM Memory
Hard Drive: 80GB 7200RPM Ultra DMAhard Drive
Optical Drives: LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD +-R/RW Drive with CD Writer Capabilities 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD+-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CDR, 24x CDRW, 40x CD-ROM
Video Graphics: Integrated ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Graphics with 256MB Shared Memory
Network Interface: Integrated 10/100BASE-T
Sound: Integrated Audio, 6 Speaker Configurable
Fax/Modem: 56k Modem
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
9-in-1 Media Card Reader
Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs (two available)
Expansion Slots: 3 PCI Slots (two available) and 1 PCIe Slot
Expansion Bays: 2 External 5.25" (one available), 1 External 3.5" (available), and 1 Internal 3.5" (occupied)
2 FireWire (IEEE 1394) Ports
7 USB 2.0 Ports
1 Parallel, 2 PS/2 Ports
Microphone/Headphone/Line-In Port

Bundle Includes:


Mouse: Compaq Scroller Mouse
Keyboard: Compaq Keyboard
Monitor: Compaq FS7600c 17" Presario Flat Screen CRT Monitor with Standalone USB Powered Speakers

Additional Details:


Included Software: Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money, Apple iTunes, Norton Internet Security (First 60 Days Included), plus much more
1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty and 90 Day Technical Support
Dimensions: Approximately 15.35" (H) x 7.17" (W) x 16.54" (D) Unpacked

[StarMetal]

Ric,

It's okay for the price. Sempron is one of AMD lower line processors. One of their upper lines would be the Athlon. I guess you could say it's like a 6 cylinder engine compared to a V8. The lower line processors make desktop more affordable. Athlon processors run 32 bit systems better and faster. They are supposely able to run 64 bit.

Joe

[Scrounger]

Ric, you can spend the rest of your life waiting for a better deal and/or a better computer to come along. There is always a better one available or coming out soon. That computer is better than what most of us are driving. If it's better than yours and it satisfies you, jump on it. Carpetman has a new one, too; you guys can compare notes.

[crazy mark]

Ric,
I just bought a Compaq SR1620NX and the main difference is 512 MB Memory, 160GB HD & S-3400+ amd sempron and everything else the same except no monitor for $50 more. I had a perfectly good monitor. Some of the bundled programs are crap. I use a purchased version of Zone alert for my virus and internet protection. Uninstalled the Free Norton trial and Office 2003 trial. I have office 97 which runs fine.
Seems like the season for PC crashes. My motherboard went south on my old PC. Bought a USB HD kit for $30 to suck the data off my old hard drives and it worked great. A compaq is no worse than any other PC's and better than some in my opinion.
Mark

Ok, you computer gurus, how does this one sound?

Compaq Presario SR1611nx-b Desktop PC Bundle


Limited Time: Save $200 After $150 Instant Rebate and $50 Mail-in Rebate. Final Price: $399.98 After Rebates. Mail-in Rebate Valid: 10/2 - 1/7. Click here for more information.



Detailed Specifications:


Processor: AMD Sempron S-3200+ Processor with Enhanced Virus Protection
Processor Speed: 1.80GHz
Cache: L2 Cache = 256KB
Bus Speed: 1600MHz System Bus
Memory: 512MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM Memory
Hard Drive: 80GB 7200RPM Ultra DMAhard Drive
Optical Drives: LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD +-R/RW Drive with CD Writer Capabilities 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD+-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CDR, 24x CDRW, 40x CD-ROM
Video Graphics: Integrated ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Graphics with 256MB Shared Memory
Network Interface: Integrated 10/100BASE-T
Sound: Integrated Audio, 6 Speaker Configurable
Fax/Modem: 56k Modem
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
9-in-1 Media Card Reader
Memory Slots: 4 DIMMs (two available)
Expansion Slots: 3 PCI Slots (two available) and 1 PCIe Slot
Expansion Bays: 2 External 5.25" (one available), 1 External 3.5" (available), and 1 Internal 3.5" (occupied)
2 FireWire (IEEE 1394) Ports
7 USB 2.0 Ports
1 Parallel, 2 PS/2 Ports
Microphone/Headphone/Line-In Port

Bundle Includes:


Mouse: Compaq Scroller Mouse
Keyboard: Compaq Keyboard
Monitor: Compaq FS7600c 17" Presario Flat Screen CRT Monitor with Standalone USB Powered Speakers

Additional Details:


Included Software: Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money, Apple iTunes, Norton Internet Security (First 60 Days Included), plus much more
1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty and 90 Day Technical Support
Dimensions: Approximately 15.35" (H) x 7.17" (W) x 16.54" (D) Unpacked

[waksupi]

Well, I've decided to go with this one. I think it will do anything I need to do, and more. It does have peripherals I really didn't think I would need, but I kind of see this old one migrating up to the loading bench for record keeping. If I don't have room, I'm sure I can at least peddle the flat screen monitor for a few bucks.
This isn't a new crash, this thing started going tits up months ago, and I have been babying it along. I've just had enough of dealing with it. I'm getting my files arranged to burn to CD's, and may use some of the online storage.