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Archive through May 30, 2007

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: Oct. 2007 ~ Dec. 2007: All Things Technical: The Help Desk: The Brief Q & A Thread: Archive through May 30, 2007 users admin

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Zgoodgirl
Member

08-22-2003

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 11:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Zgoodgirl a private message Print Post    
Mictay-

Could it possibly be just your power source that went out on your other pc, instead of your whole motherboard?

When mine went out, there was a loud popped and the fan on the powersource stopped and a funky electric burning smell was coming from my tower. I thought I killed it. I couldn't turn it on or anything. Thank goodness it was just the powersource. The first time, I took it in and they fixed it under warrenty, second time it went out, I did it myself. $70 and just take the old one out and connect the colored wires together, really easy to do.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 1:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Trillian is, well, it's kinda an aggregator. One program, and you can use ALL of your IM accounts (I've got two AIMs, two MSNs, and one ICQ). You can see all of your contacts all at once, without having to launch all the separate programs (plus, you can do only one AIM or MSN account at a time). As you can see, I pretty much live on IM.

So, it's really just the flirty stuff you're missing? Since IM is working? I've got the stomach flu, so it's gonna be a day or so before I install YM.

Another option for you to consider... I can't remember, but I think YM supports Web cams? You could get a little monitor clip-on Web cam for each of you! Not like you don't see hubby all the time, but it could be a kick to see each other as you chat. (And yes, there's a privacy "shade" you can "pull down" if you don't want anyone to see you!)

Cndeariso
Member

06-28-2004

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 2:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cndeariso a private message Print Post    
Yahoo Messenger says it allows you to talk to MSN messenger (Windows Live Messenger), but other than hubby right now, i'm not IMing anyone else. Trillian sounds cool though.

i'll take the webcam thingy under advisement. LOL actually, we have talked about that for keeping up with our 3 yr. old niece who we don't get to see as often as we'd like.

yep, just the fluffy stuff missing, Costa. get to feeling better. i'm in no hurry. thanks!!!!

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 6:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Landi a private message Print Post    
i use trillian too, so i can help you set that up, if you want.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 6:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Trillian doesn't have audibles. And if she's using only one IM client, it's really not necessary. I think they want the audibles cause they are cute. :-)

Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Monday, May 21, 2007 - 6:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ladytex a private message Print Post    
I use GAIM and it does all that stuff, too. It also has audibles, ability to use webcam, etc.

Cndeariso
Member

06-28-2004

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 4:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cndeariso a private message Print Post    
Costacat, my audibles are working & so are dh's. and, no, we have no idea why. when i got home from dinner tonight they were there. very weird.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 6:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
LOL Cnd! Maybe it was all the positive thought waves I was sending, so you could send a Wink to hubby! :-)

ETA: I totally hate it when that happens. When something just automagically fixes itself. It's totally NOT fair! But I'm glad it's fixed, nonetheless!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 5:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Is it preferable to uninstall programs through the Add/Remove Programs feature? Or if the software came with an uninstall application, is it better to use that?

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 9:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Usually, it doesn't matter. Very rarely, will Add/Remove Programs not remove everything it should. I rarely use an uninstall program that came with an application -- I'll use Add/Remove. And, if necessary, then clean everything out (folders, registry).

Jimmer
Moderator

08-30-2000

Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 9:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jimmer a private message Print Post    
My understanding was they did the same thing - that the Add/Remove program used the uninstaller provided by the application?

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 3:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Thanks! I usually use the Add/Remove program too. Just thought I'd check, cause I want to clean up a bit!

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Saturday, May 26, 2007 - 6:53 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
They do not *always* do the same thing. There are very rare occasions when you do need to run the uninstall program that came with the application. Usually, it's a very complex installation (that also installed some third-party stuff that should also be removed for a "clean" install). That uninstall program is then, basically a wrapper program.

But they are very rare, and most "regular" users won't ever encounter this.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 6:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
Well, I probably know the answer to this, but it never hurts to ask anyway....

I booted up my computer yesterday, and when I turned on the power to the speaker system, there was a sort of "pop" sound. After that, the sound worked ok. Boot up today, same "pop" sound, and the sound is all jacked up. The power light on the speaker with all the controls isn't on, yet there was power. Even at the very lowest volume setting, the sound is blasting and static. And I think its only coming out of one speaker (its blasting so loud, I can't leave it on long enough to tell).

The speaker system is almost 4 years old. Its an Altec Lansing 745. It has 4 speakers and a subwoofer. The power switch on the subwoofer is what I turned on when the "pop" occurred).

So is the whole speaker system shot? Is it the subwoofer? Probably time to get a new speaker set up?

Like I could afford anything like that. I guess I'll have to dig the speakers out from my old computer and hope they work.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 6:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Speakers have come a long way in four years. I'd dump 'em and get new ones. They aren't all that expensive. Or else use your old ones.

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 7:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
That was my initial assessment Costa. However, brace yourself......

I fixed them!!!!

I was in the middle of unplugging the whole system. I'd unplugged each speaker from the subwoofer and wound up each individual cord. Unplugged the subwoofer from the sound card. Dusted everything off, and was bracing myself for the final (and most unpleasant) part....crawling under the table to unplug the power source and plug in the old speakers. With my somewhat bad knees, it sometimes takes days for them to be back to normal after I have to crawl around on the hard floor.

While viewing the back of the subwoofer, I see a little fuse area. I pull it out and it doesn't look like its burned or blown or anything (like I'd know it if I saw it, LOL). I thought, well, maybe its just the fuse. I write down the type of fuse so I can look for it the next time I'm out. But in the meantime I'll put in my old speakers cause I'm spoiled and just can't go without sound.

I was "running" the power cord, making sure I could locate it at the power strip quickly once I got on my knees. And just before I make the plunge to my knees, I see a tag on the power cord that says "Spare Fuse." I feel along the tag, and nothing. Then I take my glasses off (only way to see halfway decent close up), and spy a tiny bag scotch taped tightly to the cord!

I install the spare fuse, plug everything back in and.....YAY! I have sound again!

I'm so grateful it was that simple. Kinda scary too, things usually don't work out so perfectly for me like that! I mean, not only was it a simple fuse, but there was a spare one right there and handy! Hope I don't jinx myself by saying that!

Sorry for the long drawn out story. But I just had to share the excitement that it's now fixed! I know speakers are not all that expensive. But they are for someone like me these days where spending even 20$ is a huge deal.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 8:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Yay!! I forgot about fuses!! Duh me! And glad you had a spare handy, too!

Whoami
Member

08-03-2001

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 9:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Whoami a private message Print Post    
I wouldn't have even thought about a fuse being on the darn thing. Luckily I just happened to see it!

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 9:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Rosie a private message Print Post    
Yay for Whomum, the super tech!

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 9:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
Speakers have fuses??? Huh!!!

Whoami, or anybody else, it is very common to find computer speakers at garage sales for about $2. Keep that in mind if you need new ones. And there are probably people here with two or three spares who would send them to you.

Graceunderfyre
Member

01-22-2004

Monday, May 28, 2007 - 9:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Graceunderfyre a private message Print Post    
wow great job Who :-)

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 7:26 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Note that not ALL speakers have fuses. Who's speakers did. The cheaper Altec Lansing speakers? I don't think they do.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - 8:54 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Juju2bigdog a private message Print Post    
And yay SuperWhoRepairPerson!!

Yoda
Member

08-11-2005

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 12:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Yoda a private message Print Post    
I made a power point of pictures for my parents 50th anniversary but I'm wondering if there is a way I can save it to a DVD so they can see it on the tv? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Karen
Member

09-07-2004

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 1:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Karen a private message Print Post    
Yup, do you have a DVD burner and burning software? (I use Nero for DVD burning)