Browser Blues

This forum is for the discussion of technology, computers, & problems relating to the web and your computer

Moderator: Scott Danziger

User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Browser Blues

Post by -Metablade- »

There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Good info.

So what is the best way for me [windows 98] to install these patches?
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Van Canna wrote:Good info.

So what is the best way for me [windows 98] to install these patches?
My professional advice as an expert would be this:

Unplug your computer running Windows '98, take it out back, say to it (While choking back the tears)
"Well 'ol buddy, we had a good run, we sure did have some good times together, didn't we?"

And then take out your Sig,
~and put two rounds squarely through the hard drive, and on through the CPU. Just to make sure it's dead.
(It may help to distract the computer first by talking about the farm you and it will own someday, and how it will get to tend the rabbits.)

LOL :lol:

But seriously, do it.

I know that thinking about an upgrade is hard, but if you are using a computer with Windows'98 for home use, there are at least 50 reasons I could give you why an upgrade will make your life more pleasant.
If you are using the computer for your business, then the need to ditch Windows '98 is even MORE dire, I'm afraid.
For one, the security holes in Windows '98 are insanely numerous, and many are large enough to drive a truck through, and the exploits have been WIDELY published in the hacker community for years now.
Also, as I am sure you are aware, '98 was end of lifed by Microsoft in 2003. Which means, no more support.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

With all deadly seriousness I tell you that any dumb ass script kiddie out there in netland with a computer can as of this post, hack your system to bits under '98.

Even worse, if you are connected to a network in any way, firewall or no, your system, just by being there, places other systems at risk.

Let's talk upgrade. (As we did 5 years ago.)
I'll assist you in any way that I can.
You tell me why you can't or won't,
and I'll tell you why you must.
(And why you'll actually save money and time and be an overall happier and healthier net citizen to boot.)
:D
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Thanks for the information, Meta, I appreciate it.

I had been wanting to upgrade for a while, but it is a matter of my having two left hands when it comes to switching things around etc, compounded by the fact my whole system is installed in a corner wall unit which requires a contortionist, and makes very difficult for me to get at the tower/components etc. in a maze of wires, without wanting to swing an axe at the thing.

With a new unit I would want to transfer all the data I have on the old one as well, plus new connection to comcast etc. pretty mind boggling for me.

Was thinking of buying another Dell Dimension package and going for the option of paying for an installer coming to my home and doing all the work of transfer and installation.

What do you think? Someone has to do it for me.

Also what Dell system and components should I buy?

Thank you.

One of the problems I have now is that the PC will not shut down unless I do it manually by pushing the power button.

Wonder why it is doing that.

Also, what is the best way to wipe the hard drive clean after the data transfer and to dispose of the old components?

Don’t look forward to the mess.
:evil:
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Van Canna wrote:Thanks for the information, Meta, I appreciate it.
I had been wanting to upgrade for a while, but it is a matter of my having two left hands when it comes to switching things around etc, compounded by the fact my whole system is installed in a corner wall unit which requires a contortionist, and makes very difficult for me to get at the tower/components etc. in a maze of wires, without wanting to swing an axe at the thing.
Meta: I feel your pain, sir.
I often feel as though I'd rather take a good butt kicking that upgrade to a new system. But, like death and taxes, it is soon becoming another, "I gotta do."
:lol:
Van Canna wrote: With a new unit I would want to transfer all the data I have on the old one as well, plus new connection to comcast etc. pretty mind boggling for me.
Meta: I could give you several rather esoteric solutions which would work, but would involve many feet of cables, old hardware, and a football field of instructions.
But fortunately there is a painless way. Please read on.
Van Canna wrote: Was thinking of buying another Dell Dimension package and going for the option of paying for an installer coming to my home and doing all the work of transfer and installation.
Meta: Ok. Let's address your current issue.
How to get the files off the system and onto the new computer. To answer that, I need to ask two questions:

1. Do you have a CDrom recordable drive?
2. Do you have at least (1) USB port?

It looks like this:
Image

If you have a CD Rom recordable, you are good to go.
Just copy all of your files from your C drive to several blank drives, save them, and then load them to the new PC's C drive once you get a new one.

Now, if you do not have a CDR drive, then then next issue would be to use a USB removable storage device, I just LOVE USB!!!
Through the magic of USB, You can purchase an external hard drive in which you can "plug" into your Win98 box, cut and paste the files into it (It appears as a drive under "My computer" ) then unplug it, go to the new PC, and reverse the process. Simple. Now, you'll probably have to install drivers (which come with the external USB device) on windows 98, (which, by the way, you'll need to see if they support drivers for it.) but good news again, XP will auto detect the device.

Here are some links to ones I personally like:

http://tinyurl.com/dnnpp

http://www.pctekonline.com/usbhardriven.html

If you have neither of these, you will need an external Hard Drive that operates on a COM Port or Parallel port (Like your Printer Port.)

SyQuest makes these kinds of devices, and they work great.
http://tinyurl.com/9dxnx

The process would be the same as the USB Hard Drive.

Note: If you wanted to move your system settings to the new PC, you can, but it is so involved that only an expert with about 10 hours to spare can do it right (Good news is with XP, there is a wizard which does this rather well.)
So really all you can transfer are files.
By the way, XP will allow you to back up your system settings and files to a network device or a CDR, (which come pretty much standard these days.
Van Canna wrote: Also what Dell system and components should I buy?
I recommend ditching the Desktop and going mobile.
Pricewise, it can be similar, or less, plus,
You can walk around the house or office via your built-in wireless card, connected to your wireless router:
http://tinyurl.com/de3dh
sit outside and surf, and recently, many coffee shops and other public spaces now offer wireless.
Note: Make sure it's wireless "G", and that you always enable WEP (encryption)
Pricewatch.com has more laptops that you can shake a stick at, but for my recommendations I'll provide one from each price range.

Low:
http://tinyurl.com/create.php

MID
http://tinyurl.com/9hbkk

HIGH
http://tinyurl.com/dxmrf

Premium
http://tinyurl.com/78j29

God-like
http://tinyurl.com/5rgrf
Van Canna wrote: One of the problems I have now is that the PC will not shut down unless I do it manually by pushing the power button.
There are literally dozens of reasons why this can happen, from software drivers and applications to hardware.

The most common issue that causes this off the top of my head would be a power supply which will die soon.
Van Canna wrote: Also, what is the best way to wipe the hard drive clean after the data transfer and to dispose of the old components?
I have a disk wipe tool which I use here at work:
(And it works great)
You can get one really cheaply here:

http://tinyurl.com/2cdax

Seriously, this is how I dispose of all my user's old hard drives.
:lol:
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Hi Meta,

Don’t know how to thank you for such a comprehensive response and guidance. You are certainly ‘tops’ _ :D

My old system has the CD rewrite, and DVD bay.

> Just copy all of your files from your C drive to several blank drives, save them, and then load them to the new PC's C drive once you get a new one. <

For me, knowing not much about computers, the word ‘files’ needs definition.

For example, I would want to transfer all programs, all icons from the desk top, all my email settings, identities, all messages in the various ‘boxes’ _ all favorites_ all that I presently have on the old system.

I have lots of USB ports.

> Note: If you wanted to move your system settings to the new PC, you can, but it is so involved that only an expert with about 10 hours to spare can do it right (Good news is with XP, there is a wizard which does this rather well.)
So really all you can transfer are files.

By the way, XP will allow you to back up your system settings and files to a network device or a CDR, (which come pretty much standard these days. <

So with XP, supposedly in the new PC I will buy, these settings transfer can be done for less than the 10 hours you mention?

~~

As to going mobile_ I though about that. But I don’t find use for working the PC outside of my ‘special corner’ in private and comfort, so I would want to stay with a desktop.

~~

As to wiping the old hard drive_ I suppose after the transfer of files and settings to the new PC, I insert the disk wipe tool? And where do you suggest I dump the old Tower/components?

Thanks again for your help. :)
Van
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Meta,

Which Dell desktop do you recommend that has a modicum of bells whistles?

Best processor_

Memory upgrades_

Hard drive options_

Media bay options_

~~

Was looking at Dell’s Home PC installation plus files and setting transfer. “ Data migration excluding data files in excess of 1GB operating m systems and application files.

Could you tell me how I can find out if I have over 1GB of systems and files on my unit?

Thank you, :)
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Processing request.............
We'll be right back after these messages..
While your'e waiting..please enjoy:

http://www005.upp.so-net.ne.jp/youen-bijutsu/

http://www.japaneseart.org/

http://budk.com/Default.asp?bhcd2=1134686486
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Nice stuff my friend.

I like this:

Image

More than one way to put to use your extra long black belt :D
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Van Canna wrote:
My old system has the CD rewrite, and DVD bay.
> Just copy all of your files from your C drive to several blank drives, save them, and then load them to the new PC's C drive once you get a new one. <
For me, knowing not much about computers, the word ‘files’ needs definition.

Meta: "Files" are how your computer organizes data.
There are two types of Data organization nomenclatures under Windows:

Directories

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/d/directory.html

Files

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/f/file.html

And easy why to think of it is this:
The directory is a manila folder, and the file is the piece of paper inside it.

Van Canna Wrote:
For example, I would want to transfer all programs, all icons from the desk top, all my email settings, identities, all messages in the various ‘boxes’ _ all favorites_ all that I presently have on the old system.

Meta: I'm afraid I have a bit of bad news.
While yes, you can transfer the "files" (Meaning your Word Docs, emails, letters, images, music, Office docs, Browser Favorites, and other files) The "Settings" including email settings, structure and tweaks you've made to your system over the years probably won't be able to make the transition.
This is because of the differences in the two O/S registries, and that undoubtedly you'll have differing hardware.


Registry info:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/r/registry.html

Think of the registry as the Weapons Master.
Each time there is a battle, He loads you up for battle with all the gear you need before you are ready to go to war.

So Files: good. We like that.
Settings: Bad. Bad..Could crash your new system.


Van Canna wrote:
I have lots of USB ports.

Meta: Then you are good to go!
But let's pursue the CDR option first, as it requires no need for buying extra stuff. (Unless you want to.)


Van Canna wrote:> Note: If you wanted to move your system settings to the new PC, you can, but it is so involved that only an expert with about 10 hours to spare can do it right (Good news is with XP, there is a wizard which does this rather well.)
So really all you can transfer are files.

Meta: 100% correct!

Van Canna wrote:
By the way, XP will allow you to back up your system settings and files to a network device or a CDR, (which come pretty much standard these days. <
So with XP, supposedly in the new PC I will buy, these settings transfer can be done for less than the 10 hours you mention?

Meta:
Less..Way less. As in maybe two, three at max.

I'll answer the rest very shortly.
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Ok, I'm back.
Had to put out a a few fires..
I ask myself..why do users wait until 2 minutes before quitting time to hose the network?
:lol:

Regarding backups.
Yes, XP has a fairly decent tool to automate this.
You would use "Backup Manager" to make backup files of partial or full hard drive contents.
Using this tool, You can select what time and what day the backups happen.
In fact, if you place your PC is "Hibernate" mode (another cool feature) It will wake itself up, perform the backup, then go back to sleep.

You can choose to backup the files to a hard disk, external disk, network drive, or a CD.
If using the CD method, I recommend using a CDRW (CD re-writeable ) disk to save money and to keep from having to remember to put a fresh disk in the drive each week.
If you use a DVDRW, this is less of an issue, because you'll have a whopping 5 to 7 gigs of space on the disk as opposed to the usual 700 megs on a normal CD.
When you are ready to do this on the system, we can go over the procedure in more detail.

Van Canna wrote:
So with XP, supposedly in the new PC I will buy, these settings transfer can be done for less than the 10 hours you mention?

Meta: I should be more clear on this. The answer is yes.
But remember, we should not transfer the settings, just the files. If you use a CD or DVD to record and then load the files, it should take oh, about 30 minutes or less. Nice, huh?

We can as well go over the details when you are ready.

Van Canna wrote:
As to going mobile_ I though about that. But I don’t find use for working the PC outside of my ‘special corner’ in private and comfort, so I would want to stay with a desktop.

Meta: No problem at all. More good news. Today's desktops come with slim cases, and even slimmer monitors.
If you don't already own one, you'll probably cry from the sheer cool factor. :)

Van Canna wrote:

As to wiping the old hard drive_ I suppose after the transfer of files and settings to the new PC, I insert the disk wipe tool? And where do you suggest I dump the old Tower/components?

Meta: You can use a disk wipe tool if you like, so yes, you can use it after you remove the files.
However, I would remove the hard drive itself, (It's easier than it sounds, and besides, you won't have to worry about breaking anything after that, right?) And I'd store it in a safe
or other secure place for about 6 months. Then I'd physically destroy it. (Even after a "wipe", there are methods which I cannot discuss here that can still extract the data.)

So, store it if possible for emergencies, and then destroy it.
BTW, if you don't want to exert the energy to destroy it yourself, you can pay a company that will shred it. Yes, you read right. There are machines strong enough to shred a hard drive.

http://tinyurl.com/co8t4

I have a shredder that makes mince meat out of CD's here at work, and it is a very fun toy I can tell you.
:lol:

Or, you can wipe it, reformat it, and do some of these ideas:

http://tinyurl.com/64wqw

As for me, I usually show up at my daughter's high school like Santa, and with or without a Hard Drive, believe me, they are ultra happy to receive it. Or, you could give it to a friend, or perhaps a needy karateka student?

Hmmmm.....or maybe a cheap patio table/planter?
:lol:

Van Canna wrote:
Which Dell desktop do you recommend that has a modicum of bells whistles?

Best processor_

Memory upgrades_

Hard drive options_

Media bay options_

Meta:No Sweat.
But I must tell you, I'm not really a fan of Dell for home or office. (But their production servers kick butt!! *Think* Jet airplane at takeoff when I do a power cycle, I kid you not!
My Netops Center is pretty much all Dell.)
The reason I'm not so hot for the home products is this:
I'm the type of guy that walks into FRY's (Do they have Fry's back east? If not, just image a Home Depot, but ALL electronics and components. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)
Oh..where was I? Oh yes..I'm the type of guy that walks into FRY's to build his own PC, or better yet, I buy from places that spin off from:
http://www.Pricewatch.com

But I do understand that not everyone goes Koo-Koo for Coco puffs over computers like I do, so I guess Dell does have a niche.
Indeed Dell has some decent (dare I say good) home products, but what I hate is that they almost *force* you to buy stuff you may not always need.
In my book, we are at the level in technological and manufacturing advancement where a brand new PC should not cost more than $300.00 with all the bells and whistles.

After a bit of comparison shopping, looking at specs,
I have two price ranges and offerings.
Note: I'm not happy with the prices, but I have absolutely no issue with the hardware itself and can confidently recommend each:
Note: I have included the options which I think would be minimum for a positive experience.

Low price:
http://tinyurl.com/8dwhf

MID price:
http://tinyurl.com/b8lne

I'll save high for later.

Note: Crap! The links are not saving my entries..arg! Perhaps you get the basic gist.

It may aid in a more accurate and personalized assessment
if you can tell me exactly what you'll be wanting to use the PC for, and what you want it to do for you, and how much you want to spend.
The more details I have, the better I can recommend customized features. Spare no details, and leave the crazy ideas in! :lol:

BTW, this is my main laptop:
http://tinyurl.com/7n8kj

And this is The techno-God
http://tinyurl.com/743o7

Van Canna wrote:
Was looking at Dell’s Home PC installation plus files and setting transfer. “ Data migration excluding data files in excess of 1GB operating m systems and application files.

Meta:Yeah..Hmm. Not sure what they mean by that, but settings transfer from Win98 to XP will be almost impossible.

Van Canna wrote:
Could you tell me how I can find out if I have over 1GB of systems and files on my unit?

Meta: Certainly.
The answer is yes, you do have over 1 Gig.
Trust me on that :)

But if you'd like to see for yourself exactly how much space you currently have,
Double Left click "My computer" then Right click the "C" Drive, and highlight and left click "Properties".
You'll see a nice little pie chart of used and unused disk space.

Hope this helps!
~Metablade
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Hi Meta,

Your knowledge is indeed impressive and you have a way of painting pictures with your words that go a long way in educating 'PC strugglers'. Thank you.

As to a new unit..This is what I have in mind:


SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Dimension 5150 Qty 1
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz,800FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition Unit Price $2,254.00
Save $200 on select Dimension 5150 desktops through Dell Small BusinessSpecial offer View Details
- $200.00

Catalog Number: 4

Module Description Show Details
Processor Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz,800FSB)

Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Memory 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)

Keyboard Dell USB Keyboard
Monitor 19 inch Ultrasharp™ 1905FP Digital Flat Panel

Video Cards 128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory

Internal Hard Drives 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™

Floppy Drive and Media Reader 3.5 in Floppy Drive
Mouse Dell® 2-button USB mouse

Network Card Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
Modem No Modem Requested

Document Management Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
CD or DVD Drives -- Read, Write and Store Data

Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability

Sound Integrated Audio with Dolby Digital 7.1 capability
Speakers

No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)


Productivity Software Pre-Installed Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Word, Excel and Outlook email
Security Software Pre-Installed


McAfee SecurityCenter with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 36-months


Digital Music Musicmatch by Yahoo!™ Music- Entry level with 90 days of On Demand

Digital Photography Corel Photo Album™ 6 Starter Edition - Organize and Edit your photos
Dell Service & Support Plans


3 Year On-site Economy Plan

Phone Support Service Dell On Call 1Year/5 Incidents

Onsite System Setup Onsite System Setup plus Data Transfer(for 1 system only)

Internet Access Service 6 Months of America Online Membership Included

Mail- In Rebate None

Miscellaneous Dimension 5150

Financial Software Pre-Installed No QuickBooks package selected- Includes limited use trial


Optional Ports IEEE 1394 Adapter

Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec


Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.

Memory Keys 128MB Dell USB Memory Key

ACCESSORIES
Return shipping label for recovery of one IT piece (NTB, DSK or MON, etc.) Qty 1


Unit Price $25.00

Microsoft Windows XP: Getting Started Book Qty 1
Unit Price $25.00

TOTAL:$2,104.00




Total Price
Sub-total $2,104.00

Shipping & Handling $161.00

Tax --




· I have Norton antivirus paid up for the year, but no firewall. Would MacAfee replace it or will it be in addition?

~~

As to install services, here is what it says [had read it incorrectly]
Service provides for basic system set up, connection of up to three external devices, set up of Internet service , data transfer, loading of 2 software CDs and email and system basic overview, by trained technician.

Does not cover repair services. Data migration service excludes transfer of data files over 2 GB, operating systems, and application files.

Software loading requires the Customer to supply the CD and any required licenses. Service may be provided by third party. See dell.com/service contracts for details. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. Please see your contract with the service provider for other important details.
~~

Still unsure of what defines ‘settings’ _ would you mind illustrating? :( Thank you.

You wrote
"Settings" including email settings, structure and tweaks you've made to your system over the years probably won't be able to make the transition.
This is because of the differences in the two O/S registries, and that undoubtedly you'll have differing hardware.
Do email passwords, or passwords for other applications? Such as financial records, website access, etc.= settings?

~~
But if you'd like to see for yourself exactly how much space you currently have,
Double Left click "My computer" then Right click the "C" Drive, and highlight and left click "Properties".
You'll see a nice little pie chart of used and unused disk space.
Did that and it shows I have 21.0 GB capacity_

Used: 5.00 GB_

Free: 16.0 GB_

‘Disk cleanup’ as indicated_ something I should/should not do? :(

~~

So this means that the install tech. has to transfer 5 GB of data? :(

And how involved would that be time wise, even with the equipment you suggested?

Thank you Meta, your help is very much appreciated. :D

As you can see, I am a ‘PCP’ [Personal computer plodder] :oops:
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Van Canna wrote:Hi Meta,
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Dimension 5150 Qty 1
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz,800FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition Unit Price $2,254.00
Save $200 on select Dimension 5150 desktops through Dell Small BusinessSpecial offer View Details
- $200.00

Meta: Good basic choice, but UGH! $2,254.00.....
**********************************************
Catalog Number: 4

Module Description Show Details
Processor Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz,800FSB)

META: Nice. This should work well for you.
***********************************************
Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition

Meta: I like XP pro myself, but if you are not using it for business, then Home Ed should do the trick rather well.
(That is, until Windows Vista comes out next year.)
:P
***********************************************
Memory 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)

Meta: How much memory should one get?
Answer: As much as you can afford. 1 Gig should do the trick for most of your computing needs, unless you are doing some serious video processing work.
***********************************************
Keyboard Dell USB Keyboard
Monitor 19 inch Ultrasharp™ 1905FP Digital Flat Panel

Meta: Wait 'till you get this in your space. (P.s. It's Ok to touch the screen and see the little "waves" go round your finger. :lol:
***********************************************
Video Cards 128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X300 SE HyperMemory

Meta: This should give you enough power to play most games at a reasonable level, but for the best experience, you can't beat the Nvidia GeForce GTX 7800
http://www.nvidia.com/page/geforce_7800.html
Are the graphics that good?
I say, they are MIND NUMBING!!!
************************************************
Internal Hard Drives 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™

Meta: That's a good size HD! Are you planning on creating a audio/video library? If so, that's a good size.
************************************************
Floppy Drive and Media Reader 3.5 in Floppy Drive

Meta: Floppy wha--? *Drive* you say?
What's that? :lol:
Seriously though. You don't need one anymore, and why would you want to spend extra cash for a device that stores less info per disk than a $25.00 Mp3 player?
Think of floppy drives as you think of your own appendix.
************************************************
Mouse Dell® 2-button USB mouse

Meta: I recommend the optical usb mouse. (Laser optical are the best, but even with the standard LED optical, you will notice a HUGE difference in ease of use.
************************************************
Network Card Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
Modem No Modem Requested

Meta: I was glad to see that Dell now included a Network card as "basic hardware". Note: Unless you live in Malawi, Africa, or some other 3rd world country, You should not even use the word "Modem" in your vocabulary.
************************************************
CD or DVD Drives -- Read, Write and Store Data
Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability

Meta: TWO drives, eh? Why Mr. Van Canna, you old Pirate, you!
:lol:

Speaking of which, if you like Music, and you want it free, and you want to select between hundreds of genres and artists,
Go HERE:
http://music.download.com/2001-1_32-0.html

***********************************************
Sound Integrated Audio with Dolby Digital 7.1 capability
Speakers

Meta: Meh..Speakers are speakers. I use headphones.
(Unless we are talking about home theatre or saturated home music systems, which is a differing story.

The best audio schtuff:
http://tinyurl.com/7nj6m
***********************************************

Productivity Software Pre-Installed Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Word, Excel and Outlook email
Security Software Pre-Installed
McAfee SecurityCenter with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 36-months
Digital Music Musicmatch by Yahoo!™ Music- Entry level with 90 days of On Demand
Digital Photography Corel Photo Album™ 6 Starter Edition - Organize and Edit your photos
***********************************************
Meta: Good stuff!
***********************************************
Microsoft Windows XP: Getting Started Book Qty 1
Unit Price $25.00

Meta: Believe it or not, most public libraries maintain a reasonably up to date grouping of tech books.

...and they're free...

************************************************
Shipping & Handling $161.00

Meta: If you ask me, for over 2 grand, S&H should be freakin' free.....

************************************************

Van Canna Wrote:
I have Norton antivirus paid up for the year, but no firewall. Would MacAfee replace it or will it be in addition?

Meta: If you have a dynamic IP address (This is default, and trust me, if you have a static IP, you'll know it because it would should up as a separate and substantial charge on your bill)
Then firewalls are seldom necessary. (unless you are going to be networked, and or use the PC for business.
All Firewalls really do is block certain ports from incoming/outgoing traffic.

For this purpose, I recommend Zone Alarm:
(Free version)

http://tinyurl.com/2zm6v

This will block any traffic traveling to and from the kernel, even legitimate traffic, it will tell you what is trying to access what, and you can tell it to keep blocking forever, once or allow. This is good, because it will keep any spyware from "phoning home" as it were.
***********************************************
Van Cann Wrote:
As to install services, here is what it says [had read it incorrectly]
Service provides for basic system set up, connection of up to three external devices, set up of Internet service , data transfer, loading of 2 software CDs and email and system basic overview, by trained technician.
Does not cover repair services. Data migration service excludes transfer of data files over 2 GB, operating systems, and application files.

Software loading requires the Customer to supply the CD and any required licenses. Service may be provided by third party. See dell.com/service contracts for details. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. Please see your contract with the service provider for other important details.
Meta: They are essentially talking about setting *everything* up on the computer, which, 90% of it you can do even if you are a casual user. But if you don't want to deal with it, by all means let them handle it. However, I think this is another way which they make extra money, and it's easy for them to "go over" the suggested pricing..
They might say.."Oh, you had XYZ type configuration, and we had to take extra time..blah, blah blah, here's your bill for an extra $300.00. And how would the casual user know any different? It's sort of like getting a car fixed.

**********************************************
Van Canna Wrote:
Still unsure of what defines ‘settings’ _ would you mind illustrating? :( Thank you.

Meta: No problemo.

All the customization you have done to the computer over the years, such as your desktop look, the special programs you have installed, Color settings, special fonts, themes,
Windows Settings
It also encompasses settings that apply to all users who log on to the computer. It includes two subitems: Security Settings and Scripts.
This means configuration\Windows that apply to users regardless of which computer they log on to. It includes subitems: Folder Redirection, Security Settings, and Scripts. Security Settings extension to Group Policy, Startup, shutdown, logon, and logoff scripts, and Folder Redirection.

The short version:
When you sell your old car an buy a new one, you'll need to readjust the seats, mirrors, steering wheel, clock, and program the radio stations again.

That's all settings are. :)

The "Guts" (Ie, your actual data, music, pictures, old email addresses, letters, office docs, etc..these are the things that we transfer over.

One note about I.E. Browser settings: You can transfer your "Favorites" (Your bookmarks) over to the new computer.
The bookmarks are in a folder called "Favorites"
In Windows 98, the file is located here:

C:\Windows\Favorites

Under XP, it is located here:
C:\Documents and Settings\(Your user name)
In XP, The "Favorites" file appears as a Yellow Star Icon.

In 98, Just copy the contents of the C:\Windows\Favorites
Stick it on a CD, then upload it to
C:\Documents and Settings\(Your user name)

Then when you open IE, all of your old bookmarks should be there. :)
***********************************************
Van Canna Wrote:
You wrote
"Settings" including email settings, structure and tweaks you've made to your system over the years probably won't be able to make the transition.
This is because of the differences in the two O/S registries, and that undoubtedly you'll have differing hardware.
Do email passwords, or passwords for other applications? Such as financial records, website access, etc.= settings?

Meta: Yes and no.
It's a good idea to have your user names and passwords written down somewhere secure for backup.
I use a small notebook for all of them, and store it in a floor safe at my home.
(Then again, I also write them in code, so even if they are stolen, they would be useless.)

However, most of your important passwords are stored in windows 98 under C:\WINDOWS and are files with the extension ".pwl" , but for browser passwords, let's not go there.

Reading this will explain why:

http://tinyurl.com/cmmf6

BTW: Here is a cool link to a site which talks about windows 98 backup:

http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/Back ... win98.html




Van Canna wrote:
Did that and it shows I have 21.0 GB capacity_

Used: 5.00 GB_

Free: 16.0 GB_

‘Disk cleanup’ as indicated_ something I should/should not do? :(

Meta: You can, (if you have not this for a while. Also defragment the hard drive will speed things up, most of the time a lot, some times only a little.


Van Cann wrote:
So this means that the install tech. has to transfer 5 GB of data? :(

Meta: Roughly, give or take a gig.
But you can reduce this by a little time invested in some "house cleaning", I.e., by physically going through your files and removing all the junk you don't want.
I would even go so far as to create a folder called "My transfer stuff" or what have you, and put all the files you want to keep in there, which will save the tech the effort (And you money) of sorting through it later.

Van Canna wrote:
And how involved would that be time wise, even with the equipment you suggested?

Meta: Realistically,
If you have never done this before, three hours should do it.

Van Canna wrote:
Thank you Meta, your help is very much appreciated. :D
As you can see, I am a ‘PCP’ [Personal computer plodder]

Meta: Always a pleasure and never a bother.
Hey, as with anything worthwhile, we all had to start somewhere, right?


:D :D
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
User avatar
Van Canna
Posts: 57244
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am

Post by Van Canna »

Quite an education, Meta, thank you. :)

Still digesting it all, and more questions for you surely to follow :wink:

And have been checking the new 'Dell Precision 380' that would save me lots of $$ even with all that I want.

What do you think of The '380' :?:
Van
User avatar
-Metablade-
Posts: 1195
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 4:54 pm

Post by -Metablade- »

Another reason why Dell home products annoy me.
The Dell Precision 380 is not bad (an average PC) but still has less features than some of the cheaper models.
Dell seems to excel at this confusion game.
This is how they make their money.
Dell should just make the models scaled like tiers instead of "add-ons".

Anyhoo,
If you want a better base PC, at a little less price range with more features, try looking at the Dimension 9100.
This would be a better value for the consumer, IMO.
:D
There's a bit of Metablade in all of us.
Post Reply

Return to “Computer & Web Tech Help”