Archive through February 02, 2003
TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 January:
Computer Problem - I need advice/help (ARCHIVE):
Archive through February 02, 2003
Nathalia | Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 03:00 pm     Draheid and Jed..Thanks for the info..I will try this and let you know if I am successful...Thanks again! |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 09:36 am     I'm not sure where to put this, but I'll start here, if I need to start a new thread, let me know. I am on webtv, never owed a real puter, but I am seriously thinking about it. I've peeked in here a few times, but I always get scared off, they seem so temperamental and complicated. My webtv is so simple to use, but as time goes by, its just not giving me what I want from the internet. It would be a good thing to have around as a backup, but I can see an end to it being my only internet accesss, so I thought I would start to get some advice now. All opinions are welcome. Anyway, I don't even know where to start trying to decide what to get. Apple/Mac or pc? I've heard that Apple/Mac is easier to use and are not as temperamental, but they are expensive? Also, Laptop on desktop? I know I want a cable connection, as opposed to dial up, I'm looking for speed. I have Roadrunner in my area, any drawbacks to this? Would they be my isp? (this is kind of embarrasing, not knowing even the basics) Webtv is powered by msn, I'm not all that happy with them. They were offering free webtv access if you went with them for your pc, but I don't know if they have cable access. Also, for those on an Apple/Mac, does this work the same as a pc? I want to get something that will not have to be upgraded next year, (if this is possbile) so I think I would probably tend to buy more than I need right at this time. I'm not looking for rock bottom price, but on the flip side, don't want to spend more than I need to. Right now, I can sit in my easy chair with my feet up, the remote keyboard on my lap, its comfortable. Do any desktops come with this feature? I've used a mouse here and there, and don't like them. I pretty sure if I get a desktop, I will go for the flat screen. Any drawbacks to them? I have been down to Gateway, because I like the idea of getting everything all together at the same place, but I'm sure their biased. I've looked at laptops too, but the built in mouse always seems to be in front of the keyboard, and that seems like it would be uncomfortable to try to reach across to type. Anyway, I guess that's enough questions for now, any help would be appriciated. Thanks. |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:11 am     Webkitty: First a disclaimer: I am a DieHard PC'er. I have supported both PC and MAC platforms and have extensive experience with both, although my preference is a PC. So please consider that when you read this. To determine what computer is right for you, ask yourself a few questions: 1. What do I want to do with a computer. 2. What can I afford to invest in a computer. 3. What assistance is there available once I own a computer. 4. What do people I associate with have for a computer. Possible answers to those questions: 1. Internet access (including web surfing, chat, etc.), personal finance, word processing (writing letters, etc), etc. 2. Computer prices vary widely from as little as $500-$600 for an entry level system to several thousand dollars for all the 'bells & whistles'. Typically, MAC computers are a little more expensive compared to PCs. 3. This goes along with #4 since whatever your friends and family owns will affect what kind of assistance you might be able to obtain for your computing questions or if/when you run into problems. 4. Sharing information between computers of the same type is much simpler then trying to share between PCs and MACs since each have some unique programs and file formats, however, this gap is beginning to blur with the internet and available resources for sharing files. As for convenience and choices between laptop and desktop machine, there are options there too. PCs can have wireless keyboards to control them however the monitor on a computer is usually much smaller then a TV so seeing it would be difficult from any distance. Laptops can be convenient at times but having to 'tether' it with wires to get internet access can be a bother. This could be overcome with a wireless network connection. If you would like more details or suggestions, I'd be happy to help anyway I can. Others will hopefully jump in as well so as to give you a wider perspective on your choices and options. |
Halfunit | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:38 am     You can have a mouse with a laptop too!! I use a mini-mouse with mine, which is about half the size of a regular mouse. I have both a desktop and a laptop. DH primarily uses the desktop for all his high intensity graphics games, and I use the laptop for internet purposes. Desktop is in the "computer room", and laptop is in the living room. I solved my wiring problem by running the power supply and modem line under my couch. I also purchased one of those little table thingies that the feet slide under your couch, and the tabletop sits over your couch, so that when I'm not using the laptop, I can close it and slide it over a cushion making it neat and orderly (lol). It also puts the keyboard at a good height for typing, I'm by the tv for the watching/posting combination, and with the optical mouse, I can use the couch cushion as my mousepad! The desktop was purchased directly from Dell three years ago for $2300. The laptop was purchased a year ago through e-Bay for $350. I like them both, but am partial to the laptop for it's mobility. I took it with me on my Roadtrip so that I had the maps and phone number of where GAL and Schoolmarm were (not that it helped, I was still late). But it was nice to be able to have it with me. Just my story... |
Nathalia | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:43 am     Draheid..I finally ran a complete disk defrag last night. Thank you! However, after I tried to reboot my computer I did end up with a blue screen and it was going really slow. I got a spool 32 error at the welcome screen and then it wouldn't do anything. However, after rebooting a few more times it seems to have corrected itself and everything is working. I have a LOT of things running that I had to use the ctr-alt-dlt. My question now is my computer is on a schedule to do a disk defrag every Thurs night and I know with all these programs running it will just do the same thing and I hate to have to go in there every week and do this. How do I get these programs out of there? Thanks in advance! |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:49 am     Nathalia:You don't indicate what version of Windows you are using so let me suggest you try this: Click 'Start - Run' and type MSCONFIG and press enter. You will either receive a 'File Not Found' message or the MS utility to configure how your computer starts up. Go into the sections of MSConfig to see what programs are set to run automatically and uncheck them. Once you are finished, you will be prompted to restart your computer with the changes you have made. The alternative (and maybe better) option would be to uninstall/remove those programs you do not want running constantly. If MSCONFIG doesn't work for you, let me know and I'll suggest a couple of alternatives for you. Hope this helps. |
Lobster | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:52 am     Webkitty, I would have to agree with everything Draheid said. I have a PC which I basically only use for the internet. I don't use if for work, or anything really important. The only times I've had problems with it was when I downloaded a bad file. PC's are easy to restore if you need to. I've used both laptops and desktops. Laptops are very convenient, cuz you can take them anywhere, but I find if I'm going to be at the computer for any length of time, I prefer the desktop. I just noticed that you're not a fan of the mouse. PC's have keyboard shortcuts that you can use instead of the mouse. I don't know them all, but my sister does. She's blind and can't use a mouse until they come up with one that will talk to her. Her computer will talk to her, but the mouse absolutely refuses to say a word. LOL As Draheid said, and he da man, it all depends on what you want to do with it and how much you want to spend. |
Nathalia | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:53 am     Draheid..I'm sorry..Windows 98. |
Bryan | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:55 am     Halfunit said, I use a mini-mouse with mine, which is about half the size of a regular mouse I thought Disney had an exclusive on minnie mouse  |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 10:59 am     Nathalia: I believe Windows/98 was the first version to offer MSCONFIG so it should work for you. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about anything you find in there. |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 11:15 am     Thank you Dra, Half and Lobster! I am interested in a wireless keyboard, can I use them with any system I get? What do you all think about Gateway? There is a store near me and its nice to be able to get hands on with it first before buying. I am a little nervous about using widows, when I used my father's computer it was confusing to me. Webtv has a "clean" look to it. There are no Apple stores near me so I can check them out first hand. I will only be using this for my own personal enjoyment, nothing intensive. |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 11:34 am     Webkitty: Yes, wireless keyboard/mouse can be used with most any system. Just keep in mind the limitation of being able to see your screen from where you want to use the keyboard. I would suggest Squaredsc comment on Gateway. When her computer (a Gateway) recently needed repairs, they covered it under warranty even though her's had expired! IMO: They are fine computers and since you have a store nearby, I would expect you'd have good support for sure. Windows can be a little overwhelming when compared to something like WebTV, however, I am confident you'll become accustomed to it very quickly and soon wonder why you hesitated in the first place!  |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 11:53 am     Okay, you need a response from a Mac user. I've had Macs ever since they first came out, and I still love my Mac. I occassionally have to use a Windows computer, and even tho Windows was really created to emulate the Mac, the Mac system is still much more intuitive. You can get a fine home Mac systems with great features for home use for about $1000. Mac Advantages - you never have to worry about internet viruses, because they're almost always written to the Windows environment. If you want to put your photos, videos, etc, on your computer and edit them yourself, the Mac comes with all the software you need, and the software is truly user friendly. Mac Disadvantages - if you like to play games, the software is much more limited. Some website games aren't compatible with the Mac. And since Mac is definitely the smaller company, you can never be quite sure how long they'll be around. So if you're willing to trade some compatibility and games for ease of use and great photo/video software - Mac's are a great choicee. Re: notebook versus desktop. For years I had both. Then when my last desktop died, I just put the keyboard from the old Mac on my notebook, and got a separate monitor as well. It's a breeze to unplug my notebook and take it with me when I travel, and I never have to worry about remembering to copy my files to notebook before I go. It's a system that works really well for me. Good luck on your purchase! |
Juju2bigdog | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 11:55 am     Go for it, Webkitty!!! I would say go the PC route rather than Mac for the simple reason that more people have PC's, and if you need help with something, there are more people capable of helping you. I had a friend with a Mac, and I could have helped her tons with the simple type questions she had, but I couldn't really help her at all because I didn't know the Mac operating system. I am on a laptop right now, and it is great if you travel. Otherwise, I'd say get a desktop. Better monitor and easier to repair if it needs repair. I would think Gateway would be a perfectly fine machine for you to start with. You probably don't need a top of the line from them either because you are probably only going to be doing simple things with it for the first few years. You could go to Gateway and just chat with somebody about your needs. Go ahead and tell them you don't know diddly. If there is a local computer store, you could also go there and chat with them. My first computer, wait, BOTH of my desktop computers were store built, and the shop guaranteed them for the first year or something. That is another way to go. Don't be afraid to tell anybody just like you told us that you don't know a thing about computers. We all had to start somewhere. Good luck. You will never be sorry you made the leap. |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 12:00 pm     Webkitty, I just got a lovely new laptop from Dell and I do everything on it. You can certainly use a detached keyboard and or mouse, but I literally don't use either ever. I find once you get used to the touchpad, you kind of just use your finger for everything... and you rest your wrists beside the mouse or over it. I use mine everywhere- work, the couch, in bed- you name it. It would be very easy to have it beside you and have a keybd in your lap as you are used to or the entire thing in your lap. It just takes time to let yourself transition and get used to the new set up. |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 12:03 pm     Juju, that is a good point, about getting help. However, we do have several Mac whizzes on this board that would be more than willing to land a hand. I've used them myself on several occasions!  |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 12:35 pm     Ok! Thanks Kar, Car and Juju. I am not interested in playing games on the computer so I don't need a pc for that. Every time I hear how easy a Mac is to use, it makes me want one, lol. I like the idea that they are virtually virus free, too. $1000 was about what I was thinking of spending. I just wish there was someplace I could get a demo before I buy, what to do. Can I use a wireless keyboard with a Mac? Do Mac's have flat screen for desktops? I was reading an advertisment for them while waiting in the doctor's office, and it looks like the new ones are on a swivel with an egg looking bottom, I don't know if I like that or not. I want to go with the largest flat screen avaiable. Also, what isp does Mac use? Can I still get Roadrunner cable access with it? This webtv is dial-up, and its tooo slow, I like the idea of on-line, all the time with just a touch of a button. And, what is the difference in how the screen looks with a Mac and a pc? And what about live feeds for BB? I've never seen one, and I'm curious. I like the idea of having so much help here with a pc though, and having a Gateway store close.......ack. This is why I have waited so long, every time I start to really, really think about it, and look into it, I get boggled. I don't want to spend $1000 on something that will frustrate the .... out of me, but I'm tired of not being able to do all the things I want on this webtv. |
Whoami | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 12:43 pm     OK, I have a computer related question.... My monitor flickers badly. When I walk across the room or lean on my table, it will often flicker, fade or go completly black. I give it a few "pops" with my hand on the side of the monitor, and it will finally go back to the normal screen. Is it going out? Or is there just a loose tube in there somewhere? It's been going on for months now. |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:00 pm     Whoami: The only tube in recent monitors is the picture tube itself. Everything else is solid-state circuitry. The symptoms you describe sound like it could be a faulty component or bad connector. Finding someone to repair it for a reasonable price will most likely be difficult if not impossible. And even if it is repairable, the cost to repair could easily be more then buying a new monitor. You can buy new 17" monitors for around $120-$200+, 19" monitors for $200-$400+, or you could go all out and get a 42" plasma screen for only $4,999 , etc. (prices per Office Depot's website). |
Jed245 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:01 pm     Whoami: That is likely a loose connection on your power cord. Sounds like on the monitor side. Then again there is the possibility that the internal power supply circuit is shorting out or has an open connection in it. First thing to do is eliminate the cord as a problem. Try moving your power cord slightly near the point of connection between it and the monitor. Take care that your monitor isn't flickering or anything before you do this. Also make sure you can reach the cord and access it without putting pressure on anything other then the cord itself. If you can move the cord and it doesn't make it flicker then. The problem is internal. If that's so there are a number of things that could be wrong. Most likely there is something that has loosened up in there. If you move the cord and are sure you are touching nothing other then the cord. And it flickers or goes off. Try unpluging it from the monitor end. Shut down your computer and remove The power cord from the back of the computer (computer side of the cord) Then take that cord and plug it into your monitor. If it no longer flickers when you move it then you will need a new cord. If you find that the problem is internal you'll need to take it in to have it fixed. Unless you want me to e-mail you instructions on how to replace circuitry :o) Jed. :o) |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:07 pm     Webkitty - the newest Macs do have the flat screen. The $1000 variety comes with a 15 inch, but it is the one you said you weren't sure you liked (with the egg bottom). The nice thing about that panel is that it is fully adjustable to view at any angle. A 17 inch flat screen about doubles the price, unfortunately. You can buy a wireless keyboard and mouse for about $50 - $90. You can also get wireless networking (that includes wireless internet use), altho I don't recommend it. Apple is also now selling EMacs, which look like the last iMac (the whole computer is that kind of lop-sided bubble shape), about $1100, with a 17 inch monitor. These are a really good deal (IMO). You can also get reconditioned Macs (with the same full warranty as new) from MacWarehouse (online at Macwarehouse.com). Three of the four Macs in my office are reconditioned, and I've never had a problem with any of them. If you're willing to go the reconditioned route, you'll save about 20-30% on the purchase price, depending on the model. Macs work with any internet service provider, so Roadrunner cable will be fine. I'm not sure about what your question about how the screen looks. Can you elaborate? All new Macs ship with OS X, which is compatible with Real Player One (used for BB live feeds). However, if you want local help, unless you know a Mac user, or there's a user group in your area, you might want to consider that Gateway. Or if having a local dealer is important to you. Those are important considerations. The easiest system in the world can still be too complicated if you can't get help with your questions. But there's lots of Mac help here on the board. We just don't get as many questions (hmmmm... wonder why that is? ), so you don't see a lot of advice etc. On the rare occasions when I needed it, there's been plenty of help around.  |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:13 pm     Webkitty, you should be able to get a demo at any major computer retailer, as well as someone to discuss the options with. Gateway is ok (go in the daytime...not evening when they have a lot of teenage help) or I have had decent salespeople at Comp USA and Best Buy or even Circuit City (the daytime thing applies there tho as well). I am partial to Comp USA because my local store has a very high ratio of salesman to customer...lots of help. I kind of hang around and watch them with other customers and find someone who is low pressure and helpful. Find a nice adult salesperson and make a list of your questions. If you go to a local store, they may also know your options for ISP. If you buy from a major chain you can get their service agreement, so if there are problems, you go back to where you buy it. I know my CompUSA store has Macs in the store to try. |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:32 pm     Kar and Car, I'll look into what each of you said, it will probably take me awhile to sort this all out, but the writing is on the wall, a computer of some sort is in my near future. One more question, when I went to Gateway that time, they said their systems already come with 1 year of AOL. I've heard bad things about AOL and wouldn't want that, how hard is it to get rid of AOL and switch to roadrunner? I asked the salesperson at Gateway this question and didn't really get an answer, he just said why would you want to do that? Its a $350.00 value that your throwing away! (can't remember the exact price) Also, do the Macs come with an isp already loaded in like that? |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:38 pm     Webkitty: AOL being loaded on a computer does not mean you have to sign up with them, it's just an option. You can also subscribe to "AOL Broadband" through your local cable company since the rules (as far as I understand them) are that they must provide you with choices of 'provider' even though it's the same connection. Pricing might be a little different depending on which provider you choose. However, I would think, if you're interested in AOL at all, then subscribing under their brand would be a good option since it should save you the cost of AOL seperate from your internet access. IOW, you get high-speed internet access for the normal price (usually around $45 - $55 per month) and get a access to AOL's services for no additional cost to you. |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:38 pm     Webkitty, Macs generally come with the software installed, but you have to run the software and sign up for the service. One of the PC users will have to answer your question about the pre-installed AOL on your Gateway. I imagine its much the same thing, you still have to run AOL to start using it. If you never run it, and it just sits on your computer, its a waste of space but nothing more. |
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