Archive through January 29, 2003
MoveCloseDeleteAdmin

TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 January: Computer Problem - I need advice/help (ARCHIVE): Archive through January 29, 2003

Mosessupposes

Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 01:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lobster, unless the file is very personal, try e-mailing it to one of the regular posters in this thread and have them convert it and send it back to you as a jpg. Unless the file is completely corrupted, opening it, should be a pretty simple procedure for many of the regular posters in this thread.

Zachsmom

Sunday, January 26, 2003 - 01:27 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lobster..download this free program..it will open .sit files

StuffIt Expander

hope this helps!!!

Lobster

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 05:04 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Zachsmom. I did download that today. I thought for sure I'd finally get this thing open. Well, it's still telling me that "A suitable graphics (importer? exporter? I can't remember) cannot be found." Whatever the spain that means.

The clipping is of my parents wedding announcement, and the original is somewhere in this house. I have seen it before. I just really hate it when people send me stuff and I can't get it to open. LOL It was also sent to my niece who has a mac, so maybe she can resend it to me. She's just hard to pin down these days.

Thank you everyone for your help.

Zachsmom

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 05:09 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
So the program doesn't work or there is no file once you uncompress it?

would you like for me to extract it for you? have one of the mods give me permission to email you?

I don't mind in the least..

Draheid

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 06:27 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lobster: Check your folder for a message please.

Lobster

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 07:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Zachsmom, Stuffit told me well, basically, to stuff it! LOL It said that it couldn't open the file, but it could have been because of something I did. But thank you for your offer. I tried Draheid's method and,...

Draheid, you da man!! It took me awhile cuz I'm not the most computer literate person on the planet, but I was finally able to open it, and I resized it already!! Thank you!

SULLYwed

Zachsmom

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 08:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
LOL..and uh..there was no hidden meaning when I recommended StuffIt..

The picture is beautiful!! What a pretty lady!!

Lobster

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 08:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks, Z. They will be married 58 years on March 10th.

Draheid

Monday, January 27, 2003 - 08:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Lobster: I'm so happy that worked for you. Looks great! Congratulations to your folks. That's a wonderful memory to have.

Karuuna

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 07:51 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Help!! I need to purchase a Windows XP Notebook for our church. Since I'm a Mac person, I'm a bit out of my element.

It's used for multimedia presentations - hooked up to a computer switcher via VGA output, and then output into a projector. One of the problems we've had with our old Gateway is that it bogs down during graphic intensive presentations - not sure whether it's processor speed (it's a Pentium II), or there is something else to consider in making that second comuter/monitor run efficiently.

Any suggestions about brand, type, model, anything else I should look for? Thanks!!

Draheid

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 08:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Karuuna: First thing that graphics intensive programs typically require is LOTS of memory. Both system RAM and video memory. Since the video memory on most laptops is not upgradeable, system memory would be the only option here. So I would recommend possibly looking into first upgrading the computer you have now. This might be an alternative to purchasing a new computer. If you need more details, let me know.

Ed: PS: If you really want to go with a new/another computer, let me know and I can offer some suggestions for that too.

Karuuna

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 08:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Drah - we can't upgrade the current computer because the VGA output connection has gone bad, and the only fix for that is apparently a new motherboard. Since the notebook is about 4 years old, a new computer seems the better choice? We did upgrade the RAM in it not long ago, but it only partially solved the dual monitor problem. For example, running a Powerpoint presentation on just the notebook (without outputting to the projector), the transitions are very smooth. But once we connect to the projector, the transitions become horribly choppy... so that's what we're trying to eliminate with the new computer.

Draheid

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 09:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ok, Karuuna, I understand all you've provided. Now, the next question I would have to ask is if you have a 'budget number' in mind for this investment. I would be happy to research available options if you would/could provide some sort of guideline as to how much they are willing to spend on a new computer.

The other question I feel is important: Why a laptop? Is it necessary to take the machine out of the presentation area on a regular basis? Would it be possible to replace the 'presentation' computer with a desktop and use the laptop with only it's built-in display for creation then transfer the files to a playback only machine that could become a permanent installation?

Just some thoughts.

Hippyt

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 10:18 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hiya Dra! Here's my question: Hubby went out and got us a new sound card yesterday. Turns out it wasn't compatible. We have Windows 98 Gold. Could you point me in the right direction? I'm not looking for a stellar sound machine,but something decent. Thanks!

Karuuna

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 10:27 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Drah - we can spend up to $1800-2000. That would be great if you could check out some options for us!

That's an interesting idea about using a permanent desktop for presentation only, and using the laptop for creation. We do plan to continue using the laptop for creation, however, I think we still want a laptop since our tech booth space is very limited, with a very low backdrop. And since we have a fair amount of money in the budget, I think an additional laptop gives us more flexibility. Several folks have to share the current laptop, and with two laptops to share, it will make the coordination of that much easier.

Last note: I've been told by the church office manager, she absolutely refuses to ever order another Dell. On the other hand, apparently she has received excellent service/support from Gateway. I'm up for anything, but keep in mind that most of the users are very novice, so support is important. :)

Whoami

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:03 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
OK, not really a problem, but....

I gotta get this of my chest. My sister's ex is always trying to impress the kids on how much better "toys" he can get than her.

He just got a new computer. He emphasizes how it was custom made just for him (uh, doesn't Gateway do that on a regular basis?).

Here's the kicker, he's telling them it cost $15,000.00!

Ok, I am not a computer expert by any means. But, that would have to be one heck of a system for 15 grand! rolleyes

Squaredsc

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
it sure must be who, what did he get a mainframe? my "custom" computer from gateway cost me about $1600.00.

Zachsmom

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
well..if he paid $15,000 he's an idiot..it's now worth $300..

I've built all 3 of my home computers..and it's a lot cheaper and easier to maintain than a name brand..mine didn't cost me 15,000..cost about $900..

only an idiot would spend that much money on a personal home computer..they are absolete after 6 months..

now..I don't know your sisters ex..so I cannot say for sure if he is in fact an idiot..so I apologize..but he sure did an idiotic move to spend that much money..just think of what he could have done for the kids..took them on a really nice vacation to disneyworld or something..

Whoami

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
You got him pegged Zmom! He is an idiot! As for spending money on the kids.....bah! What, are you kidding? He's a lot more things than what I can say here....

<..proceeds to copy/paste Zmom's post and send it to my sister...she's going to LOL!...>

Draheid

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 03:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Karuuna: The choices you have are nearly unlimited. One question I have is about the video projector. You talk about going through a VGA switcher and I'm not sure I am familiar with that. I looked at HP and Compaq notebooks and for the money you indicate, they have some excellent 'ready-to-ship' machines that include both VGA and S-Video/TV Output ports so you might not even need that device.

I have always had excellent service and support with every Compaq computer I've owned, installed, or purchased through my work. (All workstations in my previous job were Compaq before I left.)

I would recommend that you might get better service and support if you purchase the new computer from a local authorized dealer since that would give them more incentive to work with you should you have any problems with the unit.

I would also recommend you first allocate a portion of the money you wish to spend on software that you will need for the machine. Then look for a machine that either includes that in the price or leaves enough money to purchase the software seperately.

I hope this helps. If you would like specifics, you could e-mail me and I'll be happy to provide more details and answer any questions.

Juju2bigdog

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 05:07 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, go ahead and do it on the board, Draheid and Karuuna. You never know when somebody else's church is looking for the same thing. I always read this thread just to see if there is anything in here I might be able to use. Often there is.

Fanny

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 05:08 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
"Oh go ahead and do it on the board"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
looks great in New Messages

Juju2bigdog

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 05:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Fanny, you are a bad influence. Now you will have inspired me to go post something salacious in the Hare's folder.

Karuuna

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 05:26 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I have to do it on the board with Draheid?

Halfunit

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 05:31 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
What was I thinking, trying to stay away from this!?!?