 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsGeneral TopicsCat AnecdotesHealth and BehaviorRescue CatKB.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / April 2004Dude, I'm Gettin' a Dell
Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with Windows 95. I can't open half the websites people post, and if I do, it takes forever (if the thing doesn't just lock up). Forget animated things, and the sound is iffy. All I use a computer for is internet surfing and keeping up the little mailing list/newsletter labels for the Humane Society newsletter, so I never could really justify buying a new one. Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? Sherry > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry Sherry, I use Win XP-Home Edition at home (Compaq Presario computer) and Professional (Dell computer) at the office. I can't tell any difference, and I don't think you would, either, for basic functions. Incidentally, I handle *large* numbers of photos on my home computer, lots of wordprocessing, some basic spreadsheeting, and various functions such as mail labels. I also have cable connection at home and ethernet at the office, and I have a router that I use as a firewall at home. Even so, I can't detect any difference at all between the two versions. I think the resources that will be more important to you will be disk space, RAM, and related resources -- "the faster the better" for download. Have fun with your new toy! MaryL XP Professional is like Windows NT/2000. I would highly recommend it. It's quite stable and more secure than XP Home. Congrats! Fuga > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry Sherry, Here is an article that describes some of the differences between Home Edition and Pro: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp You will find that XP "looks" different than earlier versions of Windows. However, it can be set to emulate the look of Win98 if you find that you would be more comfortable. XP needs to be set to "classic" view if you decide that is what you want. MaryL > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry CONGRATS!!! You will be so amazed at the difference since you have gone so long between. I don't think there is a good reason for the upgrade, personally. Others might have more input than I though. Karen There is a difference in XP & 95. I went straight from one to the other ages ago now. XP not only looks different (but you can change the look to the classic Windows look), but it stores files in different places. Once you get used to it, it's fine. Cheers, helen s (also on a Dell) --This is an invalid email address to avoid spam-- to get correct one remove fame & fortune h*$el*$$e*nd**$o$ts**i*$*$m*m$o*n*s@$*a$o*l.c**$om$ --Due to financial crisis the light at the end of the tunnel is switched off-- >Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though >it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with >Windows 95. I can't open half the websites people post, and if I do, it takes >forever (if the thing doesn't just lock up). Forget animated things, and the >sound is iffy. I have a "cheapo Dell." It;s great. Theresa alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/ Single-mindedness is all very well in cows or baboons; in an animal claiming to belong to the same species as Shakespeare it is simply disgraceful. (Aldous Huxley) Sherry, I have XP home edition, no problems works fine. Not sure what the difference is in professional - except more $$. You can probably get away w/home edition. Be prepared, you'll be in for a bit of a shock getting used to XP compared to 95. It is completely different than most upgrades microsoft has come out with. You can set XP up for different users which is kinda cool if more than one of you uses the pc. (it saves your settings - thing such as your background etc). Welcome to the *new millenium* :) My desktop is in desperate need of an upgrade - getting new motherboard, memory and processor - I want SPEED! :) JoJo > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry > Sherry, > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Welcome to the *new millenium* :) My desktop is in desperate need of an > upgrade - getting new motherboard, memory and processor - I want SPEED! :) Guess I'm not the only one that's discovering an upgrade is necessary! More and more, when I try to do things like ordering merchandise from web-sites, I've been getting "Javascript error" and my screen freezes. Someone told me it's because my browser is too old (I'm using Netscape 4.79). Only thing is, when I tried to download Netscape 7.1, I discovered that most of the new software requires a minimum of 64MB RAM, and mine computer has only 32MB! (Of course, that was a lot more than I had before, but things in the computer wolrd change fast, and I bought my Gateway in November, 1999.) I've been thinking about a Dell - mainly because they claim they build them for each individual. How do those of you who have one like it? The guy at Fry's tried to talk me into one of their "built to order" models, but what he recommended was over $1,000, and then he told me the software was all in addition to that! Also, it came with a much fancier keyboard than I want, a "laser" mouse instead of the standard kind, and big fancy speakers when I never USE my computer for listening to anything - so I would be paying for a lot of fancy hardware I don't really need or want. > > Sherry, > > [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > anything - so I would be paying for a lot of fancy hardware I don't > really need or want. We've got two Dells. Mine's a Dimension 4100 desktop model and DW's is a laptop with a wireless network card (so she can use it in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, wherever. Both worked perfectly out of the box and continued to do so with one exception (mine started having floppy disk problems just before it turned 3 (and my service contract ran out). They wanted to send a tech out to replace it but I talked them into sending me a replacement and I replaced it myself). You can get a faster one for the same money, but Dell pretests all of the configurations they sell and you can count on them. Disclaimer: I am not now nor have ever been associated with Dell Computers in any way other than as a satisfied customer, but YMMV. Sam > 4.79). Only thing is, when I tried to download Netscape 7.1, I > discovered that most of the new software requires a minimum of 64MB RAM, > and mine computer has only 32MB! (Of course, that was a lot more than I !?!?!?!?!?!?!?! ..... and I complain my laptop at work has only 256MB of RAM... :) > I've been thinking about a Dell - mainly because they claim they build > them for each individual. How do those of you who have one like it? I had a Dell laptop at work and I hated it. We had to replace the motherboard 3 times. I now have an IBM and love it, haven't had any problems. I also have a Dell desktop at work and it's ok, it runs Windows 2000 and hasn't blue-screened on me yet. Knock on wood. At home I have a Gateway (my second Gateway, actually) and couldn't be happier. They have awesome deals on their website too. > anything - so I would be paying for a lot of fancy hardware I don't > really need or want. Build your own at either dell.com or gateway.com, you can choose exactly what you want and see how much each piece will cost you. Then select the option that makes the most sense!  SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com Uh.....Wall Street mumbles Gateway is on life support financially.......closing many stores. : > 4.79). Only thing is, when I tried to download Netscape 7.1, I : > discovered that most of the new software requires a minimum of 64MB RAM, [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] : what you want and see how much each piece will cost you. Then select the : option that makes the most sense! > Uh.....Wall Street mumbles Gateway is on life support > financially.......closing many stores. Opening physical stores was a big mistake for an on-line retailer and they're correcting it. I'm pretty sure their online operations are ok. I've never had to contact their customer service or technical assistance though. SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > > Uh.....Wall Street mumbles Gateway is on life support > > financially.......closing many stores. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I've never had to contact their customer service or technical assistance > though. I bought my Gateway the end of 1999, when they were just beginning their downward slide. All I know is, their tech support sucks - I'd hang on the line for a minimum of twenty minutes, listening to country-western music on their "Gateway network" hold button (I happen to HATE country-western), only to be told by some redneck that "that's a software problem, you'll have to contact your supplier". Since the software was resident when I bought the computer, Gateway WAS the supplier, but protests to that effect got no helpful response. > -- > Victor Martinez > Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) > Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov > Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > Uh.....Wall Street mumbles Gateway is on life support > financially.......closing many stores. Yeah - they closed the one near me, as I discovered last Saturday. I was more than a little annoyed, becuase I had called them just the previous Monday to ask just where they were located. You'd think the guy who told might havew mentioned the fact that they were closing in a couple of days! But Dell doesn't seem to have any stores at all - sales all appear to be by telephone or via the internet. From what little I know re Dell.....no stores, right....although heavy adverts to us, the "unwashed public", to buy their 'puters, I know two people, one a relative, who buy Dells by the GROSS for huge corporate entities....so it looks like to me that Dell (and the dude who owns Dell is really named Dell!) has its claws into where the real $ is.....Big Bidness, as our national leader might drawl. That's about all I know....re marketing, know zilch re their tech support. As I stated before, I'm still hanging on to my dinosaur Compaq Presario with its Pentium II, which suits my needs fine, for the time being, with MSW 98, 2nd Ed. : > Uh.....Wall Street mumbles Gateway is on life support : > financially.......closing many stores. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] : But Dell doesn't seem to have any stores at all - sales all appear to be : by telephone or via the internet. >> 4.79). Only thing is, when I tried to download Netscape 7.1, I >> discovered that most of the new software requires a minimum of 64MB RAM, >> and mine computer has only 32MB! (Of course, that was a lot more than I > >!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! ..... and I complain my laptop at work has only 256MB of >RAM... :) <snip> Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's still running old software. For straight word processing I still prefer Word Perfect 5.1, running out of DOS, and 32MB is more than enough, and if most of my computer time was spent on WP now I'd probably still be using the system I replaced last year. Since I retired from the Army, though, WP is no longer a biggy, now it's getting on line, playing with pictures, etc, and I love the new system with 512MB. SignatureSteve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky stouchst@JUNKsirinet.net [remove Junk for email] Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html >Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's >still running old software. For straight word processing I still [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >getting on line, playing with pictures, etc, and I love the new system >with 512MB. First off, let me establish that I am a complete moron with respect to all things technical. That said, I just have one more question; My humane society membership list is on the old computer in Microsoft Word.(from 1997, I don't know what version). I need it for newsletter labels and stuff. The new computer has Microsoft Works Suite. Does anyone know if that will work for keeping the list, and printing labels? Will I have to re-enter the whole list? Sherry > First off, let me establish that I am a complete moron with respect to > all things technical. That said, I just have one more question; My [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > anyone know if that will work for keeping the list, and printing > labels? Will I have to re-enter the whole list? They are not compatible the last time I tried. If you can still access the file on the old computer, is it a document that you can save as ASCII text? MS Works might be able to open that. Email me. SignatureCheryl >> First off, let me establish that I am a complete moron with respect to >> all things technical. That said, I just have one more question; My [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > file on the old computer, is it a document that you can save as ASCII text? > MS Works might be able to open that. Email me. You have a number of options. The first is to simply install your old Word on your new machine. You said you had a broadband connection so you might consider giving Open Office a try. Its free, open source and downloadable. I know people who use it and nothing else. Its meant to be a free office replacement. When I last had XP I bought for $99 Works and Word boxed together. I don't know if that is still available but it was nice. You could price how much an upgrade to the latest Word would be priced for a charitable organization. > >> First off, let me establish that I am a complete moron with respect to > >> all things technical. That said, I just have one more question; My [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > nice. You could price how much an upgrade to the latest Word would be > priced for a charitable organization. Since there's not much in Works that I've ever even used (other than Word, which apparently was in addition to, rather than part of) I think I'll opt for MS Office this time, and get not only Word but Excel (which I would use frequently if I had it). The Works spread-sheet program just doesn't cut it, and I've been frustrated about that ever since I got this computer and didn't know how to transfer Word Perfect and Lotus 123 from my old computer. > > First off, let me establish that I am a complete moron with respect to > > all things technical. That said, I just have one more question; My [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > file on the old computer, is it a document that you can save as ASCII text? > MS Works might be able to open that. Email me. I have MS Works (1999?) and MS Word. Since it all came resident on my software, I just assumed Word was part of Works. Newer versions of Word not only read disks saved on older versions, but also my old Word-Perfect documents. > -- > Cheryl > >Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's > >still running old software. For straight word processing I still [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > list, and printing labels? Will I have to re-enter the whole list? > Sherry Sherry, They are not compatible. However, you should be able to open your Word document (while still in Word) and use "save as" to save it as a Works document. Be sure to give it a different name to avoid overwriting -- it shouldn't be a problem because you should automatically get a different file extension, but a new name would avoid any possible problems. If you have any difficulty with this, I could do it for you if you want to send a copy to me on disk. Send e-mail to me if you want to do this. MaryL > you should be able to open your Word > document (while still in Word) and use "save as" to save it as a Works > document Good one, Mary. I never noticed that Word has the ability to save as a Works doc. I just checked my Office XP and it does, too. SignatureCheryl > >Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's > >still running old software. For straight word processing I still [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > list, and printing labels? Will I have to re-enter the whole list? > Sherry Open the old list on the old computer and save it to a diskette as a .txt file, as opposed to a .doc file. You may lose some formatting, but you can open the txt file using MS Works on the new 'puter. Or do you still have the MS Word disks (disc?), you can install it on your new computer. Stacey :) > >Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's > >still running old software. For straight word processing I still [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > has Microsoft Works Suite. Does anyone know if that will work for keeping the > list, and printing labels? Will I have to re-enter the whole list? Most Word files I've used will work on a newer version - IIRC, you can write them in a newer version, save them to a floppy, and use them on the old version, too. However, I'm not QUITE sure about that - I have a newer version on my home computer than on the one at the office, and I know I've done things on the machine at work, then transferred them to my home computer. (I just can't remember whether I've done the same thing in reverse or not, so don't treat what I say as gospel.) It may be like Quicken files - you can read older versions, but once you work on them in a newer version, your old software doesn't recognize them any longer. > >> 4.79). Only thing is, when I tried to download Netscape 7.1, I > >> discovered that most of the new software requires a minimum of 64MB RAM, [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's > still running old software. It is, but some of it, like the browser, I HAVE to upgrade (or continue to get "Javascript errors" and a frozen screen from more and more web-pages) and most of the upgrades have a minimum requirement of 64MB, which is twice what I have now. If it were just Word and Printshop Deluxe, I'd continue to be happy with what I have. But I buy a lot of stuff over the net, and more and more I find when I get all the info input and try to "send" my order, I get the Javascript message, and my order doesn't go anywhere. >> Thing to remember, though, is that her old system sounds like it's >> still running old software. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >input and try to "send" my order, I get the Javascript message, and my >order doesn't go anywhere. Yep, sounds like my old system and yours match up pretty well. I used to do lots of database and word processing, and only a little on line stuff. But, when my priorities changed I finally broke down and upgrade after getting tired all the things I couldn't access. ;-( And, BTW, I still have the old system sitting on the desk for the odd times I want to do WP, and my business database is still running on the old system (though now that business is starting up for this year I'll probably change over). SignatureSteve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky stouchst@JUNKsirinet.net [remove Junk for email] Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html > Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get > Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? Congrats! I just got a new Dell laptop and I paid the extra for XP pro. That said, I'm familiar with both Pro and Home and you really don't need pro. I only got it so I'd be consistent with my work computer and anything I can do there, I can do here. SignatureCheryl >> Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get >> Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > pro. I only got it so I'd be consistent with my work computer and anything > I can do there, I can do here. I would put the extra money into ram instead. Before you plug your new computer into the internet make sure you install a firewall or turn on the firewall inside XP. Its not the best one, only blocks incoming not outgoing, but it will do until you can download a free one. You can get a free antivirus as well. I did not like XP. In fact it drove me to Macs but I haven't used it in a long time. A lot of people do and I am sure it is better now than when it first came out. I doubt one is more stable than the other, if it was they certainly would not admit it. But they are the same platform and I can't imagine they would leave something out that would hurt stability. XP has more features mainly for high end users. You are going to be amazed how fast it is if you are using something from 95. John Biltz <biltzjohn@cox.net> dumped this in news:vt0fc.3214$L75.2019 @fed1read06 on 13 Apr 2004: > Before you plug your new > computer into the internet make sure you install a firewall or turn on > the firewall inside XP. Its not the best one, only blocks incoming not > outgoing, but it will do until you can download a free one. I recently got cable modem and with my latest laptop addition (all done at the same time) with a wireless NIC, and added a wireless router (very cheap!!) which has its own firewall and have networked my desktop and laptop to share printer and file shares on the desktop. No malicious traffic can get to my internal network (that I've seen yet; I run McAfee firewall but "allow all traffic" just to log it). With no external services running (like HTTP or FTP) I think it's safe. Opinions? SignatureCheryl > John Biltz <biltzjohn@cox.net> dumped this in news:vt0fc.3214$L75.2019 > @fed1read06 on 13 Apr 2004: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > firewall but "allow all traffic" just to log it). With no external > services running (like HTTP or FTP) I think it's safe. Opinions? McAfee is a really good firewall. I've heard a lot of experts say there is none better, used to us it myself. I set mine to allow after asking then checked the always allow for most stuff. It was annoying at first but it was how I found out I had some spyware on my system. After a couple of days the normal stuff becomes invisible. But I was only running a software firewall. You probably only need one or another but two doesn't hurt. John Biltz <biltzjohn@cox.net> dumped this in news:Pn5fc.3742$L75.2514 @fed1read06 on 14 Apr 2004: > You probably only need one or another but > two doesn't hurt. Thanks. Another good free firewall is Outpost. Very configurable. SignatureCheryl >I did not like XP. In fact it drove me to Macs >but I haven't used it in a long time. A lot of people do and I am sure >it is better now than when it first came out. I have always used Macs at work. Beginning with the old SE, and ending with a G4.. (I finally gave up because of health reasons & quit my job). If I were still working, or working with design & graphics,,, I'd have sprung for a Mac. Thanks for the firewall tip. Yeah, I bet I will be amazed. I used to joke that new continents would form before web sites open on this thing. So...look out. April 23 you all will eitther see a much faster me, or no me at all if I can't manage to figure out setting the thing up. Ssherry Sherry > >I did not like XP. In fact it drove me to Macs > >but I haven't used it in a long time. A lot of people do and I am sure [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Sherry April 23? My brother's is April 24. :-) I don't know jack about computers or their programs, but I wanted to say Happy Early Birthday and Congratulations on the new addition! I have the cheapest Dell laptop and XP Home, and am perfectly happy with them both. All I do with them is play on the internet. My computer at work, on the other hand, which I am *extremely* attached to (in fact when I left my old job in December I took it with me), is not so much a computer as a word processor, and boots up with a default date of January 1, 1980. 24 years later, it's still going strong. They don't make 'em like they used to. ------ Krista >April 23? My brother's is April 24. :-) > >I don't know jack about computers or their programs, but I wanted to >say Happy Early Birthday and Congratulations on the new addition! Thanks, Krista! It's the 16th. I hate birthdays. I have a birthday curse, awful things always happen on my birthday. I lost my childhood dog on my birthday, my mom on my birthday, plus a myriad of lesser catastrophes on other years. It's really a weird thing. Sherry I'm so sorry to hear that, Sherry. Lots of purrs and gentle hugs, SignaturePolonca & Soncek > Thanks, Krista! It's the 16th. I hate birthdays. I have a birthday curse, > awful things always happen on my birthday. I lost my childhood dog on my > birthday, my mom on my birthday, plus a myriad of lesser catastrophes on other > years. It's really a weird thing. > > Sherry >> I did not like XP. In fact it drove me to Macs >> but I haven't used it in a long time. A lot of people do and I am sure [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Sherry Just don't tear the other down and copy the settings from the old one > >> Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get > >> Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > users. You are going to be amazed how fast it is if you are using > something from 95. I notice that there are several Anti-virus/anti-spam/anti-spyware software packages available. I have NAV, because it came with my computer (but only the anti-virus, not the whole works). Is Norton's package the best? What about McAfee, which seems to offer more for a bit less money? >>>> Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get >>>> Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > package the best? What about McAfee, which seems to offer more for a > bit less money? I think Norton has really slipped and is too intrusive and controlling. McAfee beat it for the firewall. I've used both and preferred the McAfee. AVG is free antivirus software for home use. They sell a commercial product for business so their always up to date its highly regarded and free. >>>>> Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade >>>>> and get Windows XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > They sell a commercial product for business so their always up to > date its highly regarded and free. The firewall I use is Zone Alarm www.zonelabs.com it's free and seems to work well. SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy, Milo & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat. > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry Greetings, the difference between XP home and professional is that xp pro has the necessary extensions for complex networking that the office environment requires and a few other things. Xp home is more than sufficient for a standalone computer in the home the most important thing about Xp is that it requires MEMORY (ie RAM) you will need at the minimum 128mb Ram and preferable 256mb Ram. also to stop the viruses and such i would recommend Norton Internet Security 2004 as one of the most complete packages for both firewall/viruses/parental control/spam solutions hope that this helps regards Trelling =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= In a world where data is coin of the realm, and transmissions are guarded by no better sentinels than man-made codes and corruptible devices, there is no such thing as a secret. Dr Kio Masada "This Alien Shore" >the most important thing about Xp is that it requires MEMORY (ie RAM) you >will need at the minimum 128mb Ram and preferable 256mb Ram. > >also to stop the viruses and such i would recommend Norton Internet Security Thanks for the info. This computer comes with 128 mb of ram, I hope it will be enough? It has "McAfee" Security Center (virus scan, firewall).. It's the Dimension 2400 computer (the bottom of the line one they advertise on TV for $499, w/ free shipping). After you add the CD burner, and the software you need, etc. it adds up the price of course, but still really economical. Since it's basically just a toy for me, I was trying to keep the cost down. Hope I didn't scrimp so much I won't like it. (But then again, I'll think I'm in tall cotton after using this old one so long) Sherry > >the most important thing about Xp is that it requires MEMORY (ie RAM) you > >will need at the minimum 128mb Ram and preferable 256mb Ram. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Sherry One thing I would recommend (even for a "basic" computer these days) is more RAM. It's fairly inexpensive to jump from 128 to 256, and this is one of those areas where people usually look back and wish they had opted for more. XP requires a *lot* of resources. If you are getting the "free" preinstalled version of McAfee, you may find that you can only download new antivirus definitions for 30 days -- then you will need to get a full version of whatever AV software you use. Also: does yours include a floppy drive? You might want to consider it. You're going to love having a new computer. As you said, you will feel like you're in tall cotton after using a 1996 version for all these years. Happy birthday! MaryL >>> the most important thing about Xp is that it requires MEMORY (ie RAM) you >>> will need at the minimum 128mb Ram and preferable 256mb Ram. [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > MaryL I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you had. Karen >I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you >had. > >Karen They aren't shipping out till the 19th. Maybe I can still call & upgrade the memory. I did upgrade to the full version of McAfee, and got a disk drive (just becuase people are always giving me pics on disk for the newsletter, it was $20 more). I got a dual CD drive and CD burner also, that's about it that I can think of. Thanks for the help, everyone, I really appreciate it. Sherry > >I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you > >had. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Sherry You could check. I bet they can. It'll be really fun and exciting for you. I always think a new computer is fun anyway. Karen >> >I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you >> >had. [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > >Karen I love a new computer. All that RAM, all that disk space. I love putting my stuff on it, like decorating a new home or office. I play around with it for days. Ahhh . . . Theresa alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/ Single-mindedness is all very well in cows or baboons; in an animal claiming to belong to the same species as Shakespeare it is simply disgraceful. (Aldous Huxley) > I love a new computer. All that RAM, all that disk space. I love > putting my stuff on it, like decorating a new home or office. I play > around with it for days. Ahhh . . . Thing I'm most concerned about is how do I transfer all the stuff from my present computer? (I don't WANT newer versions of some of the software I have, and my entire LIFE for the past five years is in the files on my computer!) > > I love a new computer. All that RAM, all that disk space. I love > > putting my stuff on it, like decorating a new home or office. I play [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > software I have, and my entire LIFE for the past five years is in the > files on my computer!) That definitely can become a problem. I use XP and have a "power" computer, but I still have some favorite programs from years ago (including a marvelous address book program that is no longer available). Some of them run fine under XP, but there are others that simply won't work at all and had to be upgraded to XP-compatible versions. Others will "run," but they may not be as efficient as newer versions. You said "transfer" from your computer. Do you still have the original program disks? If not, then that becomes an even bigger problem. In fact, I would say that it is not feasible simply to "transfer" programs from an old computer running an old operating system to XP. It can be done (with the right equipment), but it needs to be installed correctly to work well -- and I would be dubious about the results. By contrast, it's a simple matter to transfer data files. I do transport large numbers of files from home to the office every day. I prefer to use zip disks for this. I had to have a zip drive custom-installed because they are now "old" technology, and computer manufacturers do not include them. I find zip disks much better for this purpose than CDs because any file burned to a CD and then copied to another computer (or even back to the original computer) will have been reset with the "read-only" attribute. It's a real pain to constantly encounter that setting and then need to reset it so that I can edit the file. MaryL > > > I love a new computer. All that RAM, all that disk space. I love > > > putting my stuff on it, like decorating a new home or office. I play [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > You said "transfer" from your computer. Do you still have the original > program disks? If not, then that becomes an even bigger problem. Most of them (except for Netscape, which was an internet download). It's the Netscape files that most concern me - I have a very large set of "Permanent Files" saved on Netscape (nearly two dozen "folders", with quite a few messages in each). I can save the individual messages to floppies (but I'm not sure how they'll show up in Word) but it takes FOREVER to save each message separately, and there are some, with JPEG photos, that I'm not sure will save to Word at all. It would be much easier if I could just save my entire Netscape 4.79 (program and all data) to the new computer, THEN upgrade the Netscape to 7.1 (which would presumably upgrade my address book, bookmarkas and "Permanent Files" when I installed it.) I have an appointment Monday with a computer professional (a friend of a co-worker has his own consulting company). It's worth paying him for a bit of his time, to have him look at what I have, advise me about a new computer, then help me with its installation and the transfer of whatever files we decide I need/want. Unfortunately, the computer savvy friend who first got me on the internet (by selling me his old computer for a few bucks, when he upgraded) died shortly before I got my Gateway. (He had transferred all the programs from my original, non-internet computer, but when I got the Gateway, I had no idea how to transfer any of it again.) > > You said "transfer" from your computer. Do you still have the original > > program disks? If not, then that becomes an even bigger problem. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > computer, then help me with its installation and the transfer of > whatever files we decide I need/want. I no longer use Netscape because the university where I work only supports Internet Explorer, and I wanted to use the same browser at home and work. However, I have a file where I keep downloaded copies of programs that I have used in the past -- and I do have Netscape 4.7 and 4.71 stored there. I don't have 4.79, but it was similar. If you can't download a copy of 4.79 from the web site, I could email whichever version from my "storage" that you want. I have never emailed programs (only data), so I would need instructions from your computer friend on how to do it. For example, should it be sent as an attachment or by some other method? That said, I doubt that you will really need to install 4.7 and then go on to the newest version of Netscape. After you create a profile (something I am not familiar with because the requirement came with a newer version of Netscape), I think you will be able to save the important files (such as mail, preferences, and bookmarks) to disk and then copy them to the appropriate location. Be sure to have your computer friend verify that files have been correctly copied before he leaves (especially those with photos). Here is a link that may help you with the process: http://www.ufaq.org/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=99 You might also want to look at this location. It deals with lost mail, but you might find some useful information: http://home.att.net/~cherokee67/ns7lostprofwinxp.html Finally, there is a newsgroup for Netscape (but it is not carried by all ISPs). It is: netscape.public.general. I found it by searching through secnews.netscape.com and still have it on my list of newsgroups "just in case" I would want to use it again (and that is how I located the two URLs I listed here). Please send private email to me if you do want a copy of the Netscape programs I have. If you could contact your computer friend this weekend and ask if (and how) Netscape should be emailed, I could send the program so that it would be available before he arrives on Monday. Remember to "take out the litter" when you use the address attached to this message. Good luck! MaryL > Please send private email to me if you do want a copy of the Netscape > programs I have. If you could contact your computer friend this weekend and [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Good luck! > MaryL I tried to send a copy of this message to your email address. However, your settings in earthlink reject all messages unless the sender is already listed in your "approved" list. I received a return message from earthlink asking for my full name, but I do not list that on newsgroup mail. Therefore, please be sure to include my address in your allowed senders list if you do ask me to email the Netscape program to you. Otherwise, earthlink will reject it. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'< http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") > > Please send private email to me if you do want a copy of the Netscape > > programs I have. If you could contact your computer friend this weekend [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > if you do ask me to email the Netscape program to you. Otherwise, earthlink > will reject it. It doesn't completely reject it, just keeps it in a "Suspect E-Mail" file for fourteen days. That's one of the two "minuses" in their spamcatcher (the other being that the "Suspect E-Mail" sits there taking up some of my 10MB allowance until it expires in fourteen days, unless I go in and tell earthlink to eliminate it. (Consequently, since I get so MANY messages - mostly in oriental languages - I check my "suspect" file at least once a day, and transfer those like yours into my in-box, adding them to the allowed sender list.) Earthlink's "Suspect" file now offers several options, including "this is spam" (which hopefully relegates the sender to "Known Spam" from then on), but since they changed the web-page, That's where I get a "Javascript error", and it won't follow instructions. > > > Please send private email to me if you do want a copy of the Netscape > > > programs I have. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > It doesn't completely reject it, just keeps it in a "Suspect E-Mail" > file for fourteen days. I received your email and sent a reply. However, this was also rejected -- and in this case, the message did not say that my reply had been sent to the "suspect" file. It said "user unknown." I hope you receive the information because I still can't send information to you that Earthlink will accept. MaryL Did you remove the "nospam" from my return address? Please try again - I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my e-mail. I tried to send myself a message from my office machine, and although it went through okay using Netscape 7.1 (which is the optional browser on my office computer), I couldn't send it at all using the Netscape 4.5 which is the default browser, there. (I don't think that should make any difference, should it?) Well, I'm definitely going to get a new computer, but it will have to wait until I get back from my first week of May vacation. > > > > Please send private email to me if you do want a copy of the Netscape > > > > programs I have. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > MaryL > Did you remove the "nospam" from my return address? Please try again - > I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my e-mail. I tried to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Well, I'm definitely going to get a new computer, but it will have to > wait until I get back from my first week of May vacation. I did remove "nospam" from my original message, but my addy may not have been on your approved list at that time. Then I tried to send it my using "reply" but didn't notice that "nospam" appears in your address even when you send personal email. So, I just re-sent the message ... and it appears that this one may have gone through correctly. If so, I hope the information I sent was useful. Please feel free to use email if I can help. MaryL > > Did you remove the "nospam" from my return address? Please try again - > > I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my e-mail. I tried to [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > that this one may have gone through correctly. If so, I hope the > information I sent was useful. Please feel free to use email if I can help. Uhhh... I did reply - you probably hadn't yet checked your e-mail, yet. I appreciated your input, it was very helpful. > I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you > had. Its cheaper to buy it yourself. Generally, with manufacturers like Dell, HP, Gateway and most of all Apple it will cost you 2 to 3 times as much. If you buy it at a reseller then its a different story they will give you what you ask for in terms of price. > > I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish you > > had. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > If you buy it at a reseller then its a different story they will give you > what you ask for in terms of price. You're absolutely correct, John, about the difference in price. However, the instant you put in the larger/new memory sticks, your warranty's out the window. Call 'em up and they send a sharp young kid out to look at your problem. They see there's non-OEM memory and they quit working on the problem, even if the memory has nothing to do with your issue. BTDT. If one isn't "computernik" enough to argue with the tech, they're out of luck. You would have to reproduce the problem without the non-OEM memory "polluting" the system, and even then it's a toss-up as to whether the tech will look at a system that "had been tampered with". Just my .02. Sam Wow! Sounds like my runaround w/tech support of Compaq, now gobbled up by HP, about my dinosaur '98 model Presario's modem problems lately. I got more help out of the repair dudes @ CompUSA, so I dragged it down there for a new modem. : > > I agree with MaryL about the RAM. It's usually the one thing you wish : you [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] : Just my .02. : Sam > version of whatever AV software you use. Also: does yours include a floppy > drive? You might want to consider it. I haven't used a floppy drive in about 6 years... :) SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com >One thing I would recommend (even for a "basic" computer these days) is more >RAM. It's fairly inexpensive to jump from 128 to 256, and this is one of >those areas where people usually look back and wish they had opted for more. >XP requires a *lot* of resources. Yup - I've got 512 on my machine. XP needs memory! >If you are getting the "free" >preinstalled version of McAfee, you may find that you can only download new >antivirus definitions for 30 days -- then you will need to get a full >version of whatever AV software you use. The version of McAfee that came with my Dell is the full thing - 12 months' licence all upgrades etc., etc.. > Also: does yours include a floppy >drive? You might want to consider it. Certainly Dell's over on this side of the pond don't seem to come with the floppy drive but *do* have a CD/DVD re-writeable drive as standard. Cheers, helen s --This is an invalid email address to avoid spam-- to get correct one remove fame & fortune h*$el*$$e*nd**$o$ts**i*$*$m*m$o*n*s@$*a$o*l.c**$om$ --Due to financial crisis the light at the end of the tunnel is switched off-- > >One thing I would recommend (even for a "basic" computer these days) is more > >RAM. It's fairly inexpensive to jump from 128 to 256, and this is one of [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Certainly Dell's over on this side of the pond don't seem to come with the > floppy drive but *do* have a CD/DVD re-writeable drive as standard. I dunno about the UK, but here you can get one if you WANT it - anyway, a lot I've looked at still have them, in addition to both writeable and read-only CD/DVD drives. (I have a lot of prized photos which I had put on floppies rather than having prints made - I'd need one for that, if nothing else.) They also come with extra ports for digital camera memory sticks, and a lot of the other ports in front, where they're acessible. > > >One thing I would recommend (even for a "basic" computer these days) is more > > >RAM. It's fairly inexpensive to jump from 128 to 256, and this is one of [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > memory sticks, and a lot of the other ports in front, where they're > acessible. I have a *large* numer of digital photos. Even though I worte in a previous message about my frustration with CDs setting the attribute to read-only, I would reserve that comment to data files. I think you would be much better off if you burn your photos to a CD. The CD has a much larger capacity, and it is a much more stable medium than floppies. MaryL "Sherry " <sriddles@aol.comkitty> wrote (But then again, I'll think I'm in tall > cotton after using this old one so long) This was an interesting saying I've never heard before. What exactly does it mean? SignatureMarina, Frank and Nikki Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki > This was an interesting saying I've never heard before. What exactly does it > mean? Probably that you're in trouble? Victor, who is also unfamiliar with this expression... :) SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I suppose it relates back to if your cotton crop was doing really well, you'd have a great financial year, be well respected etc.. Karen > > This was an interesting saying I've never heard before. What exactly does it > > mean? > > Probably that you're in trouble? > > Victor, who is also unfamiliar with this expression... :) > I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I suppose > it relates back to if your cotton crop was doing really well, you'd have a > great financial year, be well respected etc.. > > Karen Also harvesting cotton manually would be much easier if it were tall enough that you didn't have to bend over to get it. Just a thought. Eve >I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I suppose >it relates back to if your cotton crop was doing really well, you'd have a >great financial year, be well respected etc.. > >Karen Right, Karen! (Note to self: Try harder to keep the hick from leaking out) >> I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I suppose >> it relates back to if your cotton crop was doing really well, you'd have a [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Right, Karen! (Note to self: Try harder to keep the hick from leaking out) That is known as "local color". You are not a "hick". >> Right, Karen! (Note to self: Try harder to keep the hick from leaking out) > >That is known as "local color". You are not a "hick". LOL, thanks Karen. You're just cuter than a speckled pup sleepin' in the sunshine. :) Sherry >>> Right, Karen! (Note to self: Try harder to keep the hick from leaking out) >> [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Sherry Awww shucks. > >I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I suppose > >it relates back to if your cotton crop was doing really well, you'd have a [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Right, Karen! (Note to self: Try harder to keep the hick from leaking out) No, no, don't do that! I like learning new expressions, and this is a great place for that, because there arer people from all over the world here. :o) Anyway, there's nothing hick about it to me, it's just something I haven't heard before. SignatureMarina, Frank and Nikki Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki <Singing> Gloom, despair, and agony on me. Deep, dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't fer bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Gloom, despair, and agony on me. >>>I think it means, living high on the hog. Nothing could be better. I > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Anyway, there's nothing hick about it to me, it's just something I haven't > heard before. I've always heard it as high cotton. Here... at least, in Louisiana, it means on top of the world... nothing could be better, life is good. Most of the time, I hear a "Hot Damn!" in conjunction to high cotton. Gosh, talk about replacing one xpression with another :) Grace > "Sherry " <sriddles@aol.comkitty> wrote > (But then again, I'll think I'm in tall [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi > Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki Yes, Gracie is right....a deep south expression equalling "hog heaven"...... : I've always heard it as high cotton. Here... at least, in Louisiana, it : means on top of the world... nothing could be better, life is good. Most [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] : > Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi : > Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki > I've always heard it as high cotton. Here... at least, in Louisiana, it > means on top of the world... nothing could be better, life is good. Most [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Grace We say *high cotton* here in south Georgia too. Same meaning. ------ Krista PS: Sherry, you are not alone in your hickness. :-P > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. (Even though > it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 Packard Bell, with [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get Windows > XP Professional instead of Windows XP home? A friend of mine told me the Professional version is more secure, but the salesperson at Fry's Electronics said that's only true if your computer is linked to a network. He said if you just have one computer, the Home version is amply secure, and quite a bit less expensive. >> Does anyone know, is there any reason I should buy the upgrade and get >> Windows [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >the salesperson at Fry's Electronics said that's only true if your >computer is linked to a network. Like the internet :) >He said if you just have one computer, >the Home version is amply secure, and quite a bit less expensive. miaow > Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. > (Even though it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry Congratulations on the new computer. It's probaly not worth upgrading to proffesional, it's supposed to be more secure, but Service Pack 2 is set to be released in June which will have among other things, security enhancements. SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy, Milo & Bagheera) A house is not a home, without a cat. >> Whoa. I'm getting a new computer for my birthday. I'm so excited. >> (Even though it's just a cheapo Dell)....BUT I now have a circa 1996 [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > be released in June which will have among other things, security > enhancements. Wasn't service pack 2 supposed to be released back in January? >> Congratulations on the new computer. It's probaly not worth upgrading >> to proffesional, it's supposed to be more secure, but Service Pack 2 >> is set to be released in June which will have among other things, >> security enhancements. > > Wasn't service pack 2 supposed to be released back in January? I think they were having too many problems with SP1a and then released SP1b. Something to do with the JVM (IIRC). SignatureCheryl |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2009 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.