Archive through February 02, 2003
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Computer Problem - I need advice/help (ARCHIVE):
Archive through February 02, 2003
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 01:43 pm     Webkitty, I think most of the problems I've heard about with AOL is their connections on dialup accounts. You would not be dialing in with AOL Broadband so you shouldn't experience those kind of problems. Also, you'll probably find on any computer you puchase options to sign up for AOL, Earthlink, MSN, AT&T, Compuserve, etc. All are internet access providers and each has their own unique advantages/disadvantages. However, NONE are required if you simply subscribe to Roadrunner (or other cablemodem service). You can simply use Internet Explorer or Netscape (plus other programs for other types of access) to access the internet. I hope we're not overloading you with information. If you have ANY questions, please ask and I'm sure you'll get clarification! |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:02 pm     Webkitty, I have had AOL and would definitely try it, but if you did not like it and decided otherwise, you can just uninstall it (anyone here can help with that). If it is free, it would help defray your costs of purchase, and if you do not like their browser, you can use the Internet Explorer that comes with Windows. I am on the threshold of firing MSN (had a problem with AOL and XP and the network on my computer) and will probably just go with AT&T cable when I change. I would uninstall MSN then if I changed. |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:25 pm     Oh boy. I can see I will have to keep my webtv up and running for awhile after I get the puter as I will have tons of questions and what if I can't even log on?? (not two accounts here, I know that isn't allowed, just two ways to post) I don't know what you guys are talking about with internet explorer and netscape. All I do is turn this webtv on and go..... I do know that more and more I am being shut out of places because I don't have the above. Is it one or the other? And how do I decide? Ack! Ok, so lets say I get a Gateway system. Does someone come out to my house to help me get it going? (can you feel my panic rising? lol) And, what if I want Roadrunner, who comes first? The Roadrunner man or the Gateway man? lol! Geesh, I wonder if I will look back on these posts a year from now and feel embarrassed. (probably) Also, will I have to get a new account here? I'm so confused. And what will my new email account look like? webkitty@roadrunner.com? (maybe I should take a puter class) I've been putting this day off for so long......and dreading it. |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:34 pm     Webkitty: Internet Explorer will (most likely) already be installed on your computer. Choosing to go with Netscape is a matter of preference and you don't have to decide anytime soon. Since Explorer is already there, that will be fine and may be the only one you ever need. The chances are you could have an option for Gateway to send someone out to install your computer, however, setting them up these days is as simple as matching colors. As long as you can tell the difference between green blue red or purple (and others), it's very easy to setup and begin using a new computer. Finally, you'll need to have the computer already setup and running before Roadrunner can be installed. It's just much simpler and the cable company will (for a fee, of course) send someone out to install it for you and get it setup the first time. (Maybe even Gateway will offer to help with this, I don't know.) And don't worry. We're here to help. It's not nearly as scary as you might think. |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:37 pm     Kitty, it's not likely that the Gateway guy (or gal) will come to your house to help you. The Roadrunner person may (depends on your local Roadrunner provider). Best to have the computer up and running before the cable access can be installed. Your account name here stays the same. You will get a new Email address. Do you have anyone locally who would come over and help you set up the computer? It's really not that hard, but you might find comfort in having someone who has done it before. If you don't know anyone, you can hire someone to come to your home in most areas, but that can get kinda pricey. |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:39 pm     Kitty, when you boot up your PC, you are going to have to get a connection to the internet. If you decide to use the AOL, you will click on Start, and find the AOL sign up (easy easy ...the Gateway people can show you where it is..you will get to pick your name and mail address then. If you go with a cable connection, they will come get you connected, no biggie. Once you ARE connected to the internet, you will click on the E icon on your desktop, and that is Internet Explorer...it comes with Windows. You can decide to use the browser your ISP provides or Explorer, or yours might come with Netscape. Just the main screen you browse from is all. You will get e-mail with Roadrunner or AOL...or you could get a free Yahoo account. Nothing here needs to change..you just e-mail Gail when you get set up and she will change your e-mail. If you post your e-mail in your profile you will change that is all. All this will make more sense once you get your computer. Talk to Grooch and Bat when you get with them, they will be able to help too! Bat just went through all this with her new computer. Moondance has AOL if you want info about them. Nothing to dread, just decisions to be made. You can take the free AOL, get a dial up connection and then work thru the rest if you want. |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:41 pm     Kitty, at my Gateway store, they have some simple inexpensive classes- yours might have an intro to PC class or intro to the internet...ask when you go...it might be worth it. Here they are very helpful with training. |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:43 pm     Um, I could be convinced to come to Florida and set it up for you, for a very reasonable fee . If you get a Mac, of course.  |
Moondance | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:53 pm     I'll just hitch a ride with Kar... Mac Gals are the best! I want to help set you up... I have an old imac you could use... wish we lived closer! |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 02:54 pm     Dra, thanks for the words of comfort, but I had trouble figuring out how the electric cat box was supposed to be set up! And forget my husband, he has no interest in electronics of any kind, he prefers ancient, musty books (but he's home with me, so its cool) I guess I will just plunge into it and keep the comfort blanket of my webtv working until I know what I'm doing with the new puter. One last thing (again) what about a dvd/cd burner? I'm not into music like I used to be, and I don't have a dvd player, (just a vcr) should I get this feature? Are their any other uses for it? I'm thinking I would rather spend the money on a large flat sceen than the dvd/cd burner, do they add a big cost? (the dvd/cd) Oops, took me too long to post, didn't see all the other posts here, going back to read........ |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:05 pm     Ok! puter party at my house! Moon and Kar, I really would love a Mac, but I'm thinking I won't be able to afford to get the features I want. I'll go down to Gateway on Wednesday, during the day and price out what I know I want, then check this against Apple. I'm not going to actually buy anything until after I get home from Key Largo, so there's some time. |
Juju2bigdog | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:11 pm     Okay, Webkitty, here is another suggestion: look into your community colleges and adult education and see if you can take a very basic introduction to computers class. I would recommend that anyway. Unless you have any very patient 12 year old children or nieces or nephews who might give you some lessons. Also keep in mind teenagers for setting up the computer. You might have a teenage computer geek next door who would come over and set your computer up for you just to be nice to an old lady (okay, I am being a bad dawg today). Oh! And here is a very important piece of advice once you get the thing home: RELAX! You are not going to break it or blow it up. |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:14 pm     Great advice...but she wouldn't take that sewing class we tried to get her to take either! |
Karuuna | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:14 pm     By the way, Webkitty - our church has had a Gateway notebook for four years. They replaced an out of warranty part (um, that we blew up, ooops!) at no charge; and have been very helpful and reliable all along the way. So maybe that's a good way for you to go. I have to admit, I've never had a good experience with Apple customer support.  |
Tess | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:17 pm     <peeks in> We have 4 macs and love every one of them. I spend my time on my ibook and wouldn't trade it for anything. DH can use any type of computer (his job) but he bought himself a mac to use at home and can do everything on it from playing a simple game of solitaire to programming super computers (his job). Our daughter can use her mac with ease and has been doing so since she was less than 2 years old. She also uses a Toshiba laptop for some of her software. Kids are adaptable that way. Webkitty, there are many places to get macs besides directly from Apple. Dh gets his stuff all online and comparison shops before ordering. Whatever you decide--good luck and enjoy!! <wonders if the party will be at the "Dream Home" Webkitty's going to win> |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:23 pm     <peeking in - looks like a McDonalds has been setup in here with the Big MAC attack!>  |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:25 pm     LOL Car! You remember that, do you? Tess, the dream home will be in Arizona Juju, we live in Florida now, no teens here, I am probably the youngest person on the street! lol!!! I know, my litle nieces know more about this than I do, but they live far away, and I'm already embarrassed for not knowing this stuff as it is. I used to work for a computer company too.....<redfaced> |
Car54 | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:27 pm     When you go meet Bat and Grooch, get them to take you shopping for a PC and see what they think. Either that or try to woo Twiggy for a road trip consultation. |
Juju2bigdog | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:38 pm     Hahahahaha, I was also thinking Webkitty needs to suck up to Twiggyish bigtime. LOL. Car, I forgot about the sewing class. I wonder if Twiggs also teaches sewing ... |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:46 pm     I will not have the time in Key Largo to go shopping (unless there is a shoe store nearby) but it will be ok. I am going to go to Gateway this Wednesday, I just need to know about the DVD/CD burner now........ (see my post upthread) I am thinking I don't need the cd/dvd and would rather put the money toward a big flat screen. (I have a design plan in my head) |
Squaredsc | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:55 pm     ms kitty, i would get the cd burner, but maybe not the dvd unless you plan on watching movies on your computer. i use the burner for music and now to backup files. i have a gateway and they recently replaced parts for free and my warranty ended a year ago. they were great. i actually bought my gateway over the net and customized it myself. good luck, wish i could come down to florida and put your computer together. maybe i can hitch a ride with someone, lol. |
Draheid | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 03:59 pm     Webkitty In my oppinion, a DVD burner would certainly be a large expense that you do not have a need for. However, CD Burners are very inexpensive and are very useful for a variety of things. 'Big flat screen' seems to suggest you are thinking about an LCD panel display. These are naturally considerably more expensive than a regular display. If you are actually referring to a regular display, you can get them in 'flat screen' which simply means the tube is more flat on the front viewing surface then regular screens. The biggest advantages to LCD panel displays are a) the viewing area is pretty much the entire screen, b) they are very thin (front to back) so they take up less space. The biggest disavantage is cost. The price increases considerably with size. Some things to keep in mind with monitors is a) what is called V.I.S. (Viewable Image Size) when looking at monitors. Most 17" monitors only have 15.9" VIS which means the actual viewable image is only going to be 15.9" at maximum, b) Dot Pitch. Usually measured in milimeters (mm). The smaller the dot pitch, the better the images/text will look on the screen. Edit to add: .28mm dot pitch or smaller is typical on 17" monitors. I sure hope I'm not overloading you again. Please let me know if I am. |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 04:03 pm     Oh geesh, now I have to back up files?! (you can come down anytime MsSquare) I won't be watching movies on my computer, so I won't need a dvd, I don't care about the music either, but what do I need to back up?  |
Jmm | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 04:09 pm     Webkitty, I have absolutely nothing to add about your choice of a computer. I, however, would like to suggest that one of the best places to look for help in setting it up and learning to use it is your local high school. Most high schools have students in classes that teach them how to set up computers and the school should be able to set you up with someone (maybe even the teacher) who could come over and help you get set up and teach you the basics. Just a thought. |
Webkitty | Sunday, February 02, 2003 - 04:11 pm     Yes Dra, I'm thinking of an LCD, a big one. I have a certain setup here, and that will fit it nicely. I don't have endless money, but I want to be happy with what I get and am willing to spend a little more. How many rams and all that should I get? I don't want to be obsolete in a year, I tend to keep things for a long time. I just bought a new vcr after 10 years. |
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