The "ask little questions not worth starting a thread about" thead.

[Tweek]

AVG 8.5.
The Resident Shield keeps deactivating every 15 odd minutes, and to reactivate it I have to open AVG, select Disable resident shield, and then reenable it.

How do I fix this?

[opn4bzns]

AVG's been a bit shit for a while. I'd switch to Avast or MSE (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Microsoft-Security-Essentials.shtml).

[Tweek]

Lame, I just downloaded it.

[Tweek]

I just got a bunch of failed delivery notification emails.
I checked my sent emails and something had tried to send a bunch of spam emails.
How could this have happened? Is this a virus or something?

[opn4bzns]

Yeah, virus. Which is pretty impressive, since you've had your laptop for like a week.
http://i27.tinypic.com/2ewmsl0.png

[CharlieH]

My laptop is old and shitty, and the USB ports don't work. Thing is, one of them keeps getting a power surge if i move the laptop awkwardly, resulting in a annoying stream of messages appearing in the bottom right of my screen. Though they do stop after i reset them, can't i just turn them off, seeing as I never use them anyway?

[opn4bzns]

You can disable them through device manager. It's in control panel.

[Jeftris]

Can I buy a USB - Firewire adapter? As in, is there actually such thing?

[Axidos]

Can I buy a USB - Firewire adapter? As in, is there actually such thing?

Such a thing definitely exists, but I'm pretty sure it will only go at USB speeds.

BUT THOU SHALT BE WARNED YE PEASANTE!!
Make sure you get a USB 2.0 adapter. There's a lot of USB 1.x products trying to con people into thinking they're USB 2.0 products, by using phrases such as "Max-Speed USB." USB 1.x is ridiculously slow in comparison.

USB 2.0 products will also have this image (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Certified_Hi-Speed_USB.svg) on the case.

[shawnshank]

They have USB/Firewire add-on cards @ newegg.

PCI to USB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815104216)
PCI to FireWire (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815124003)

[Chriz]

I'm having an issue with Photoshop CS4, I downloaded a huge brush pack, and when I want to choose them from the menu, I am not able to see the full list. I can only see towards the "M" section, and then it goes off the page. Does anyone know if there is a fix for this or if it's a common problem? Worse comes to worst I'll spend an hour or so putting them all into folders. But it's still pretty inconvenient.

A second problem I have on one computer but not the other, for the same program, is that the brush display window that displays the thumbnails, won't scroll down when there are more than fit in the window. I can't find any reason why it would do that, and I have searched to no avail for topics on this issue. On both issues actually. I can't find a setting anywhere to change this, and I never changed settings anyways.

For some reason, Photoshop has a limit on loaded brushes depending on their file size. Therefore to get the one you want, unload all sets and families, and load the package you want.

[bono]

[QUOTE=lostos;1242509]Assuming you're running Windows, blue filenames mean that the file is compressed/backup (I believe) and green means it's encrypted. Are you sure you want to delete those files?

Thanks for that, I will give it a try. These files are mostly old roms which used to be fine but my ram card packed up and when I got that sorted out the file names were green/blue and I cant open them or delete them. No loss to me, just annoying because they just sit there. (oh and I am running Windows XP).

[fisdunctional]

Guys, I could use some help here. Whenever I start my laptop I get this error box. Does anybody know what it means? http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4664/helpo.jpg
And sorry about the size.

[Axidos]

fisdunctional: Reinstall your sound card drivers.

[fisdunctional]

Alright Thanks, is there an easy way to do that, or do I have to download them again?

[cptlol]

Is there a program for a Mac that's something like utorrent, or does utorrent work on Macs too. I have no idea.

[Seattle_Steven]

Alright Thanks, is there an easy way to do that, or do I have to download them again?

If you have the CD then you can use that, but the best way is to download them off the manufacturer's website, so you can get the most updated ones.

Is there a program for a Mac that's something like utorrent, or does utorrent work on Macs too. I have no idea.

uTorrent Beta for macs - http://www.utorrent.com/downloads/mac
torrentfreak review of some other mac clients - http://torrentfreak.com/mac-bt-clients/

[Oofie]

Sometimes when I leave my laptop hibernating, when I flip it back open the screen is all stretched out and blurry looking. The only way I've fixed it so far is closing it for a minute or so and opening it again, but it's annoying. I've also tried playing with the panel fit but then I get stupid borders.

Anything else I could do to fix it with having to close/open it again all the time?
(Vista, if that makes a difference)

[Urser]

My problem is slightly similar to Aoife's I think. My monitor has focus settings and one of them is "clock". It is currently on 51 (because you can't use 50), and everything is really crisp just the way I want it. Unfortunately, when I go into games or take it off screensaver, everything is blurry and it hurts my eyes. So then I have to turn the clock up to 100 or down to 0 in order to make it crisp again. Then once I go into a game or take it off screensaver again, it's all blurry and I have to change it back to 49 or 51 to make it normal! It's not hard to change, but it gets a bit frustrating. Any help?

[opn4bzns]

They both sort of sound like the resolution is changing, but I could be wrong. Have you tried changing it back? Right click your desktop, go personalise, screen resolution, then change it to the bottom one.

[Oofie]

Thanks, it works

[opn4bzns]

My laptop's battery won't charge (occasionally it charges a tiny bit, 1% per few hours). I'm going to email HP, but from what I've read they won't cover it under warranty unless their Battery Check app says it needs replacing (it very helpfully tells me that I don't have a battery). Am I basically fucked unless I buy a new one, or is there some magic way of fixing this?

[cptlol]

My internet is fucking slow for some reason, even has trouble with youtube vids.
I did a virus/malware/etc check, but it's still the same, I'm not downloading anything or watching pornos.
So what could it be?

[opn4bzns]

You might be capped, if that happens wherever you live.
Is it wifi or wired?

[PineappleHead]

Alright. I have a pretty decent monitor, and it's only 2 years old. Recently, if I leave it off for a couple hours and come back, it flickers on and off for 15 minutes or so like it's warming up. Problem?

[Scrotemeal]

Anyone know of a good program to use on a mac to edit songs and audio? I just want to cut a few seconds out of a song.

[opn4bzns]

Garageband?

[cptlol]

You might be capped, if that happens wherever you live.
Is it wifi or wired?

It is wired, because I has previously bad experiences with wifi in this house because of the thick walls.
I don't think being/getting capped happens here to be honest, it used to be way faster just the last 2 weeks orso it's been slowing down.

[opn4bzns]

If you're sure it's not your computer, (it doesn't sound like it really can be), call your ISP.

[steelrat]

I have a question. Why is the avatar section filled with Britney Spears?

[opn4bzns]

Because she's rad.

[Knight of Cydonia]

This a Britney spears forum duh.

[steelrat]

This a Britney spears forum duh.
Okay, caus' im a big fan of here but these pictures are making fun of her. I mean every celebrity has its bad sides.

But basically
http://earsucker.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chris-crocker.jpg

[Stealth Prawn]

Okay, for my birthday, one of the things I got was a 37 inch HDTV. It's brand is "Electron," and I've never heard of it, nor can I find anything on google because all TVs use electrons, thus it's too generic of a search term. Anyway, this TV has a PC-in jack on the back that I sometimes use for playing games on. After a while, I decided that I didn't like how the TV locked my resolution to 1360x768 as opposed to my regular 1440x900, and made it insanely hard to change back.

Anyway, after just using my regular monitor for gaming for the past little bit, I decided I wanted to explore Point Lookout in 37 inches of glorious HD. Turns out though, that now when I plug my PC into the TV, it gives me a little message saying "not supported" floating around the screen. My first question is how would I fix this? My second question is how would I be able to easily switch back to 1440x900 resolution after using my TV. I assume I would have to make my computer realize that I changed displays again somehow.

[Axidos]

@Stealth Prawn: How did you change the resolution in the first place? Does it work under conditions it would usually work?

Okay, caus' im a big fan of here but these pictures are making fun of her. I mean every celebrity has its bad sides.

But basically
http://earsucker.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chris-crocker.jpg

Take it like a man.

If you'd posted that in any other place you'd probably be getting flamed and/or trolled by now.

[Treb]

I've recently switched internet networks (companies or whatever) and i cant seem to watch youtube videos anymore. It would load but it would just stop when it reaches a certain point and wont play beyond that. Help would be appreciated.

[ultrasoundchick]

How do I set a .gif as my avatar here? Both times I've tried it's just a still image.

[Benjaman]

Make sure it is allowed in your avatar permissions. It has to be 80x80 and a certain kb size limit, if it's not it'll attempt to resize it and it wont be a .gif anymore.

[Mirrorman]

Okay, for my birthday, one of the things I got was a 37 inch HDTV. It's brand is "Electron," and I've never heard of it, nor can I find anything on google because all TVs use electrons, thus it's too generic of a search term. Anyway, this TV has a PC-in jack on the back that I sometimes use for playing games on. After a while, I decided that I didn't like how the TV locked my resolution to 1360x768 as opposed to my regular 1440x900, and made it insanely hard to change back.

Anyway, after just using my regular monitor for gaming for the past little bit, I decided I wanted to explore Point Lookout in 37 inches of glorious HD. Turns out though, that now when I plug my PC into the TV, it gives me a little message saying "not supported" floating around the screen. My first question is how would I fix this? My second question is how would I be able to easily switch back to 1440x900 resolution after using my TV. I assume I would have to make my computer realize that I changed displays again somehow.

I have Windows 7 and after I disconnect, I just go to the screen resolution settings and click identify. That way it just makes the settings they were before. I can't seem to set my display higher than 1024*768 while connected to my 32' TV. It seems to be a TV thing. Setting the best resolution after the screen size.

[Stealth Prawn]

I have Windows 7 and after I disconnect, I just go to the screen resolution settings and click identify. That way it just makes the settings they were before. I can't seem to set my display higher than 1024*768 while connected to my 32' TV. It seems to be a TV thing. Setting the best resolution after the screen size.

That doesn't work for me, it just shows a 1 for a few seconds and doesn't change resolution. Probably because I'm on Vista.

@Stealth Prawn: How did you change the resolution in the first place? Does it work under conditions it would usually work?

I would think this is obvious, but I go to Control Panel> Adjust Screen Resolution. Normally I can go from 800x600 to 1440x900, but after switching between my monitor and TV, it makes the highest possible resolution 1360x768.

[Queenbutt]

I'm searching for a memory upgrade to my laptop.
Basically looking at this: http://www.ox.ee/est/product/113567

Crucial is all for such upgrades (http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=NP-R70), but how can I be sure it works. Sure, it's DDR2, 200 pin SODIMM, but does it matter it's PC2-6400 or 5300? Since it doesn't say so in the netshop's specs. :ahe:

EDIT: found out in a matter of minutes of looking at the spec sheet again. It's in the code: KHX6400S2LLK2/4G
this is PC2-6400 I'm presuming.

[Mirrorman]

That doesn't work for me, it just shows a 1 for a few seconds and doesn't change resolution. Probably because I'm on Vista.



I would think this is obvious, but I go to Control Panel> Adjust Screen Resolution. Normally I can go from 800x600 to 1440x900, but after switching between my monitor and TV, it makes the highest possible resolution 1360x768.

Sorry, it was Detect, not Identify. Dunno if you have that though, although you should. And that's exactly the same with me, it doesn't go higher than 1024x768 afterward. It sets the best possible resolution after the TV you plugged it into, you probably can't change that

[Axidos]

I would think this is obvious, but I go to Control Panel> Adjust Screen Resolution. Normally I can go from 800x600 to 1440x900, but after switching between my monitor and TV, it makes the highest possible resolution 1360x768.

Nothing's obvious in tech support. I could ask questions which might seem stupid or obvious, or I could make incorrect assumptions and miss the problem. You said your resolution was crazily difficult to change and you might've done something stupid for example.

I'm not sure what exactly could be causing your problem - Electron doesn't even seem to be a manufacturer that I can find - but because of something or other, your TV is not liking the signal being sent to it. These are some of the possible suspects:
- The most important thing, do screens that used to show up on your TV (e.g. a particular game, the desktop, etc) show up? If they do, it's just Point Lookout that isn't getting along with your TV.
- I'd like to assume you plugged everything in correctly. Did you try another set of ports (could the first be broken?) - and could any settings have been changed on the TV which would've screwed around with the signal?
- Have you updated your video card's drivers recently?
- Does your TV's manual say anything about "not supported" errors? As stupid as that might sound, it might have something useful to say.

[Stealth Prawn]

Nothing's obvious in tech support. I could ask questions which might seem stupid or obvious, or I could make incorrect assumptions and miss the problem. You said your resolution was crazily difficult to change and you might've done something stupid for example.

I'm not sure what exactly could be causing your problem - Electron doesn't even seem to be a manufacturer that I can find - but because of something or other, your TV is not liking the signal being sent to it. These are some of the possible suspects:
- The most important thing, do screens that used to show up on your TV (e.g. a particular game, the desktop, etc) show up? If they do, it's just Point Lookout that isn't getting along with your TV.
- I'd like to assume you plugged everything in correctly. Did you try another set of ports (could the first be broken?) - and could any settings have been changed on the TV which would've screwed around with the signal?
- Have you updated your video card's drivers recently?
- Does your TV's manual say anything about "not supported" errors? As stupid as that might sound, it might have something useful to say.

I suppose you're right about that first point. I just didn't know their WAS another way to change the resolution. And yeah, like I said, Electron describes something that all TVs use, so the brand name isn't particularly helpful. Anyways

- It's just my PC that didn't work with it. Nothing on the PC showed up. Not the desktop, or a browser, or another game. As for other ports, there's only one port for the PC monitor.
- I've been using the same drivers since I got my new video card, on the same day I got my TV.
- I can't find the manual, but I'll keep looking.

[Tweek]

Is Microsoft Security Essentials enough to adequately protect my computer?

[opn4bzns]

Yeah, I use it.

[Jeftris]

Is Microsoft Security Essentials enough to adequately protect my computer?
It should do, but you're better off using AVG 'cause it's free and really good.

[Rudeboy]

Alright, throwing caution to the wind here, and asking a question with absolutely no understanding of anything computer related
While playing WoW a few hours ago, the screen froze for a bit, went black, and an error message popped up, reading:

The ialmrnt5 display driver has stopped working normally. Save your work and reboot the system to restore full display functionality. The next time you reboot the machine a box will be displayed giving you a chance to upload data about this failure to Microsoft.

I ctrl+alt+deleted out of WoW and my screen had reverted to a really low resolution and was using only 4 colours
I rebooted, all was good, went back into WoW, played for a bit less than an hour, and it happened again
I've been playing WoW for almost a year on this computer now, and this is the first time anything like this has ever happened, so I don't think it's an issue with my computer not being able to run WoW

On that note, I have a pretty mediocre setup; a Toshiba laptop with a gig of RAM, a built in chipset thingy instead of a proper graphics card and a 1.66ghz processor

Anyone know how to fix this?

[Tweek]

It should do, but you're better off using AVG 'cause it's free and really good.
Too late! I had both and I just uninstalled AVG. It was giving me a few problems and Security Essentials seems a lot more to the point.

My volume doesn't sound as loud as usual.

http://i30.tinypic.com/14o4w83.png

That's a picture of the volume management thing. Should the green part only be going that high? I want it to be a lot louder. I checked the mixer and winamp is at full volume.

[opn4bzns]

It should do, but you're better off using AVG 'cause it's free and really good.

It's one of those things.


That's a picture of the volume management thing. Should the green part only be going that high? I want it to be a lot louder. I checked the mixer and winamp is at full volume.

Is it that quiet from everything? Try youtube or itunes or something.

[Tweek]

Yep.

[BlackHood]

That green bar is not the total allowable volume but the current throughput of sound. For example if you're playing a game with volume up full footsteps would be fairly quiet, speech would be middle and explosions would max it out. Winamp should be about mid way, simply so that if a music has a loud bit, it can actually play it louder than the rest.

What sound setup do you have? Is sound louder from one speaker than another?

[Tweek]

I don't think so, it's just coming out of my laptop and I don't think I changed anything.

[Tweek]

I don't think so, it's just coming out of my laptop and I don't think I changed anything.

[Tweek]

Um.
Okay.

[BlackHood]

Do you use EQ settings? If they've been lowered then it would make things quieter.

Do you have a physical volume controller? I quiet often knock my volume nob and then wonder why things are so quiet!

Have you tried going into Sound settings and checking that it set to use Laptop Speakers not 2.1 or something?

[Tweek]

No, no and yes.

I guess it's not a big deal though, it was just weird to listen to some music and not being able to turn it up any higher.

[Axidos]

While playing WoW a few hours ago, the screen froze for a bit, went black, and an error message popped up, reading:

The ialmrnt5 display driver has stopped working normally. Save your work and reboot the system to restore full display functionality. The next time you reboot the machine a box will be displayed giving you a chance to upload data about this failure to Microsoft.

I ctrl+alt+deleted out of WoW and my screen had reverted to a really low resolution and was using only 4 colours

...

On that note, I have a pretty mediocre setup; a Toshiba laptop with a gig of RAM, a built in chipset thingy instead of a proper graphics card and a 1.66ghz processor

That low-resolution low-colour thing probably means your graphics drivers have just crashed, or your onboard graphics processor has overheated*. Even if you've been playing WoW for over a year, you've only been playing this present version for about a week.

I would suggest updating your drivers (http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/detect.htm) (use IE) for a start.

Is the weather very hot there right now? Laptops pretty much rely on the ambient air for cooling, so if the air is too warm, there's no cooling. Don't leave it in the hot sun or directly beneath a light (e.g. desk lamp) either.


* Actually if your display suddenly fucks up completely in any way and stays that way, it's usually an indication your graphics software has just crashed and/or your video card (or GPU in your case) has overheated. In that case, a restart should get everything back to normal. If it happens again, shut down your computer, leave it off for like 5-10 minutes to let stuff inside cool down, then turn it on again.

[Stealth Prawn]

Okay, so I haven't solved my last problem, but I have another, more minor question.

Whenever I change my sound output, ie speakers to headphones or vice versa, firefox doesn't recognize the change. I have to restart it if I want the change to take effect. Why does this happen, and is there any way I can fix it?

[Axidos]

@Stealth Prawn: That would be better off posted at the Firefox Support forum (http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=38) where all the people who know Firefox inside and out are.

Regarding your TV issue: I'm sorry, I have no idea. I'd suggest you take it up with this place (http://www.techguy.org/) since our small operation doesn't have enough knowledge.

[Rudeboy]

That low-resolution low-colour thing probably means your graphics drivers have just crashed, or your onboard graphics processor has overheated*. Even if you've been playing WoW for over a year, you've only been playing this present version for about a week.

I would suggest updating your drivers (http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/detect.htm) (use IE) for a start.

Is the weather very hot there right now? Laptops pretty much rely on the ambient air for cooling, so if the air is too warm, there's no cooling. Don't leave it in the hot sun or directly beneath a light (e.g. desk lamp) either.


* Actually if your display suddenly fucks up completely in any way and stays that way, it's usually an indication your graphics software has just crashed and/or your video card (or GPU in your case) has overheated. In that case, a restart should get everything back to normal. If it happens again, shut down your computer, leave it off for like 5-10 minutes to let stuff inside cool down, then turn it on again.

This is a fantastic response, thanks a lot
I updated my drivers and I'm yet to encounter the same problem

[opn4bzns]

Anyone know why the indexing process in Windows would be using 40% cpu when it finished building the index days ago? It's been doing it for a few days through several restarts.

[timbot]

What's the best way to send a bunch of photos to someone? It has to be something pretty simple because the person I'm sending them to is not very computer savvy (not that I'm that great either).

[Mustache]

Can't you just easily plop them in an email for their viewing pleasure? Or do you need something else?

[opn4bzns]

Unless they're really big I don't see why you shouldn't just attach them to an email.

[timbot]

Well, I have yahoo e-mail. I can send 10mb at a time. I'm sending probably 50-60 pics. I picked out 20 that I liked and checked. It was something like 35mb.
Any other ideas?

[opn4bzns]

Host them on somewhere like imageshack and email the links.

[timbot]

Yeah, good idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that.

[Spastic]

You could try getting a gmail account.

[opn4bzns]

I was going to say that, but apparently the attachment limit is 20mb.

[BlackHood]

Or just compress them. Making them JPG at 70% quality could halve the sizes without reducing the quality noticeably.

[Benjaman]

Okay, so some of my icons are missing.

http://i25.tinypic.com/1g6u6t.png


I don't know how to fix it. They've actually been like this for a while, I just didn't bother to ask until now. No other effect, just kind of annoying to look at.

[MistyTehMoose]

The icons are probably lost/deleted. If it really bothers you you can do a system repair.

[opn4bzns]

Doing a whole system repair is a bit extreme. Just get a non-fucked shell32.dll and it should fix it.

[cptlol]

How/Where do I find all the specifications from my pc.

[Legomasta]

How/Where do I find all the specifications from my pc.

Do this:

Go to Start, choose Run and then type in dxdiag.

Then hit enter and see all the specs you could possibly ever need.

[teh_macho]

earlier there was a thread where you could comment on today's comic. But now I couldn't find one. What's up?

[BlackHood]

How/Where do I find all the specifications from my pc.

Or if you want detailed specs, including brand, model and edition number of components then download PC Wizard 2009. There has never been a piece of info that I've needed and not found through PCW.

[Tweek]

earlier there was a thread where you could comment on today's comic. But now I couldn't find one. What's up?
This (http://forums.explosm.net/showthread.php?t=54628) is pretty close.

[opn4bzns]

earlier there was a thread where you could comment on today's comic. But now I couldn't find one. What's up?

It got dumped because the mods got sick of reading 'lol that was funny' and 'THIS WAS SHIT YESTERDAY'S WAS SHIT TOMORROW'S WILL BE SHIT'.

[Fruitality]

My laptop fan makes a whole lot of buzzing. It's really quite loud. If I whack the side of my laptop real hard it shuts up for a while, but then it just comes back buzzing again. I dunno if theres any real way to fix this without getting a new laptop or fan but, got any ideas?

[opn4bzns]

You could open it up and try and try and tighten it or something, but it's an effort.

[Fruitality]

Yeah. I think I'd rather just put up with it.

[cptlol]

Or if you want detailed specs, including brand, model and edition number of components then download PC Wizard 2009. There has never been a piece of info that I've needed and not found through PCW.

I need them to see if my pc is compatible with a game, but I remember dxdiag it gives a shitload of stuff. I just want a compact list with all the stuff I need to know.

[Tweek]

Have you tried this (http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest)?

[Shrimps]

So I'm getting a new gaming computer but I have no idea about any of it. I'm looking for one that will be able to play most games in highest settings.

OS - Windows 7
Processor - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8400 3.00GHz 6MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Power Supply - 750 Watt Alienware® Approved Multi-GPU Power Supply
Graphics Card - 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250 - Superclocked Edition
Memory - 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 2 x 1024MB
Motherboard - Alienware® Approved ASUS P5N-D nForce 750i SLI Motherboard

Will this be good enough? If not, What would I need to upgrade? (I have some spare cash to upgrade)

[opn4bzns]

Alienware is overpriced as hell and 2gb of ram isn't all that much.

[Mustache]

Yeah no need to go with Alienware, which is mostly paying for the name.

[Shrimps]

I know Alienware is overpriced etc. but I can't find a similar deal anywhere plus this PC was reduced by £200. (£626.49)

[opn4bzns]

A dell XPS 430 is £649 but has much better specs:

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad-Core Q8300 Processor (2.5GHz, 4MB cache, 1333MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 32 bit - English
Microsoft® Works 9 - English
1Yr Premium Warranty Support
Display Not Included
4096MB 1067 MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM [4x1024]
1TB (7200rpm) Serial ATA/100 Hard Drive
512MB ATI® Radeon™ 4850 Graphics card

Or, (dell again, I don't know british stores) a Vostro 220 for £289.00 has exactly the same specs except for the graphics card, and you could just buy one and put it in yourself.

[Shrimps]

Wow. Opn you've saved me so much money. Thank you so much.

[Mustache]

So I've found a desktop that I think I'm going to get, but it's really expensive to upgrade the graphics card directly from them. So I was thinking that I would buy it separately.

Also, what one should I choose if I'm on a $150 budget?

[opn4bzns]

The best thing on newegg for that seems to be a 9600GT (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125273). I've had a crummier version of the same thing and it's pretty rad.

[Mustache]

That's sweet. Looks like usable for my circumstances. What about this? (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4899302&Sku=D10-4856)

[opn4bzns]

I don't know much about ATis but google reckons it's a lot better than the 9600gt.

[Mustache]

Yeah I'm getting that one I linked to I think. It's the one that you can upgrade while buying the computer for an added $180. Why would I do that if I can order it for $70 less?

Decided not to make a new thread:

I think I've found a good desktop for gaming and whatnot. What do you guys think about this?

# Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
# Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q8300 [2.5GHz, 4MB L2, 1333MHz FSB]
# FREE UPGRADE! 6GB DDR3-1066MHz SDRAM [3 DIMMs] from 4GB
# 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
# 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G210 [DVI, HDMI, VGA]
# LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
# Wireless-N LAN card
# 15-in-1 memory card reader, 1 USB, audio
# No TV Tuner w/remote control
# Integrated 7.1 channel sound with front audio ports
# No speakers
# HP multimedia keyboard and HP optical mouse

I think it's a good computer for the $719.99 price. Plus I can upgrade to win7.

[cptlol]

I'm looking for Msn-messenger on the blackberry bold 9000, I searched with the phone to download but I only got reviews, while I in google typed in "msn-messenger download".

[Shrimps]

I'm looking for Msn-messenger on the blackberry bold 9000, I searched with the phone to download but I only got reviews, while I in google typed in "msn-messenger download".

This maybe? (http://download.cnet.com/QuickIM-mobile-MSN-messenger-for-Blackberry/3000-10440_4-10410978.html)

[cptlol]

Can someone who knows how to navigate command prompt add me to msn?
I'll Pm my addres.

EDIT: Never mind, i fix'd it.

[Raxo]

I used to know how to do this but forgot

How do I get songs off my iPod onto my computer?

Isn't there a program or something?

[cptlol]

You need a programm, which is pretty easily findable. I can't link 'cause I'm on phone.

[opn4bzns]

I haven't personally used it but I've heard Ephpod (http://www.ephpod.com/) get recommended before.

[Raxo]

Yeah that's what I used before.

I was googling but I couldn't find it, thanks.

[Shrimps]

What sort of power supply would I need for a Geforce GTX260 (896mb)

Additional specs just in case you need them:

Intel Quad Core Q9650 (3.00ghz)
4gb RAM
Windows 7
250GB Hard Drive.

[Benjaman]

There was some stupid spyware or something on my computer, got rid of it, and reinstalled Windows just to be safe, so it's all fine and dandy now. Only problem is, it may have done something with my internet. I can't connect, but I can see my wireless network in my network connections. I try to connect, and it doesn't work. I right click and try to "Repair" it, but it just hangs at "Renewing your IP address". I'm on XP, by the way.

[opn4bzns]

You probably wiped out your drivers reinstalling windows. I'd download them on whatever computer you're using now and try and install them.

[Benjaman]

Hmm, I did, and still nothing. I even uninstalled it and reinstalled. Well, I used the drivers on my CD that I have, because you need a version number for the drivers on the site. And mine has no version number for some reason.

Oh hey, cool, nevermind guys. My parents gave me the wrong password. My bad.

[Fruitality]

My friend is building me a computer, just cos I'm sick of my crappy laptop. Anyway, I know jack shit about computers, so tell me if this looks decent. I'll just be using it for general stuff and playing a few games but I wasn't looking for anything amazing.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8563/computerav.jpg

[opn4bzns]

Looks pretty good to me. The Quad Core is probably overkill if you're looking to save some money, but it's fine otherwise.

[Fruitality]

Yeah that's what I said but apparently the dual core or whatever was only $4 cheaper so that's cool.

[Oofie]

I keep getting this (http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/eeepha/Untitled-21.jpg) pop up even though I have ad block and I don't hover over anything that would provoke it and it's not a huge deal but kind of interested in why/how it's happening.

[opn4bzns]

I think your computer is trying to tell you something about your personal hygiene.

Alternatively, can you right click it and click 'adblock this image' or is it flash?

[Oofie]

>:(

It's flash.

[opn4bzns]

There's an option in adblock's preferences to put a little 'block this' tab on flash stuff. You could enable that, block and disable it.

[Oofie]

Cool, thankya.

[Desssert]

My Sprint contract has ended and I'm about to buy a new phone. I'm leaning towards the Instinct s30, and I was wondering if you ever have to calibrate the touchscreen, or if it's like the iPhone, where it doesn't need calibration?

[Clerlic]

I've never heard of touchscreen calibration.

[Raxo]

What's the best way to send someone 250 pictures?

[CuntMuppet]

Sharing folder on MSN? Quick and easy like your mum lol

[Tweek]

Flash Player doesn't update. I always update it but I keep getting told to update it some more whenever I try to access things like myspace music player and shit.

[Benjaman]

What's the best way to send someone 250 pictures?
Make them into a .zip or .rar and send that?

[opn4bzns]

Flash Player doesn't update. I always update it but I keep getting told to update it some more whenever I try to access things like myspace music player and shit.

The virus you have might be blocking it, since new versions usually have security updates.

[Tweek]

Lame as fuck.
Why isn't Microsoft Security Essentials picking it up?

[opn4bzns]

I might be wrong about it being a virus, because a mac user on another forum was complaining about sending similar emails. Have they stopped since you change your password?

And if it is a virus, is MSE up to date, and have you done a full scan?

[Tweek]

Well they could have stopped, I'm not sure. As far as I can tell it only sends the emails out every now and then, because I get emails back saying that a bunch of them failed to deliver to the intended recipient.

And MSE is up to date and yeah I've done a number of full scans, with nothing found.

[opn4bzns]

It's pretty good at detections so I'm guessing it's not a virus. Wait and see if you send any more.

[WoeGuy]

So I managed to lose a disc for my game, is there any way I can still play it or would I have to rebuy the game or some shit?

[Benjaman]

I installed Daemon Tools Lite, restarted my computer, and now my TF2 isn't opening. It gives me the "hl2.exe has stopped working blah blah blah" after it launches. I uninstalled Daemon Tools, but it's still doing it. I also tried some stuff on the Steam Support site, but it didn't work either. I don't really want to reinstall Steam/my games, so yeah.

Also, I reinstalled Windows after I had some dumb virus, but it kept my Steam folder intact, so I didn't reinstall and it was working fine until now. That may be important.

[opn4bzns]

So I managed to lose a disc for my game, is there any way I can still play it or would I have to rebuy the game or some shit?

You could download it and not use any cracks or anything.

I installed Daemon Tools Lite, restarted my computer, and now my TF2 isn't opening. It gives me the "hl2.exe has stopped working blah blah blah" after it launches. I uninstalled Daemon Tools, but it's still doing it. I also tried some stuff on the Steam Support site, but it didn't work either. I don't really want to reinstall Steam/my games, so yeah.

Also, I reinstalled Windows after I had some dumb virus, but it kept my Steam folder intact, so I didn't reinstall and it was working fine until now. That may be important.

I've done both of these things without it affecting hl2.exe at all, so I wouldn't blame those straight away.

[Tweek]

I tell winamp to rip CDs at 0.5x realtime and it does it at like, 8.0x realtime. Is there any way I can tell it to stop being such a dick and do what I say?

[Tweek]

Also I have some DVDs that I own and would like to copy onto my harddrive. I think they might have some copy protection or some shit. Is there a way around this?

[opn4bzns]

DVD43 (http://www.dvd43.com/) and handbrake work pretty well.

[Dantez]

My PC is about 4 years old, it came with all the hardware needed, stuff like speakers etc. Now, after 4 years, the right speaker plays louder then the left one. I have these, just white: http://flourishcomputer.com/products/desktop/desktop_right/keyboardmouse/logitech_s100.jpg

My question is, is there anything I can do about it except buying new ones or messing with the sound settings?

[CharlieH]

Where is compatibility mode on Vista. How do I get to it?

[Clerlic]

Where is compatibility mode on Vista. How do I get to it?

You can choose compatibilities if you right-click a program and go to the "compatibility" tab, if that's what you mean.

[Arielcz]

Is there any way I can open a video clip with Flash for editing?

[Fruitality]

So I got a new computer a few weeks ago (I've got a post about it further up this page) and today I got up and turned it on and any time within 5 minutes it will just freeze and I'll have to restart. I've restarted quite a few times but it just wont give in. I tried a system restore to yesterday when it was working but it didn't work.

Oh and it's got windows 7, too.

So any ideas on how I can fix this?

[Clerlic]

Maybe it's overheating? Does it freeze in safe mode too? Is it the latest Win 7 or beta?

[Fruitality]

Oh yeah I forgot I posted this here. I left it for a few hours and my friend told me to do a windows memory diagnostic and it's been working fine ever since. Guess it was just feeling a bit grumpy.

[cptlol]

Does it matter for the speed of internet how many "veins" a wire has?
Because now I have 8 veins, but we're getting way faster internet(from 1mb to 20mb).

[BmphP]

limewire is not connecting, but my internet is working fine!

[cptlol]

Check permissions, could be something blocking it.

[BmphP]

fuck limewire new question:

Is anyone familiar with "Touch Copy 09"? It's a program that allows you to transfer everything from your ipod to any cpu. Anyway when I try to activate it says "Activation attempt failed" Even though I have the right code and everything. And I bought it legally, which sucks ass (because I paid and it doesn't work)

I guess this is only a question to those familiar with the product, but it's worth a shot.

[Clerlic]

You probably have to contact the developers or something.

[cancerfist]

Im looking for a good place to get some filter foam for the fans on my new computer which is filling up with dust I've checked ebay and such with no luck anyone know where to get them?

[BmphP]

OK I literally just wiped my computer, and now a lot of internet sites are lagging whenever I scroll up and down. Like .1 or .01 of a second, but it's noticeable. And fucking annoying. I thought wiping a computer meant it should work faster?

Like this site in particular.


*The smaller the screen resolution, the less lag there is. Like if it's 800x600, there's basically no lag. 1280x1024 has lots of lag. Keep in mind, before I wiped my computer there was NO lag on the 1280x1024 mode (which was the mode I was normally on).

[IronWire]

if you want to transfer songs just get an itunes account and log in to first your computer then the computer you want to transfer too. There was a tab that said "Home Sharing" for me.

[CharlieH]

OK I literally just wiped my computer, and now a lot of internet sites are lagging whenever I scroll up and down. Like .1 or .01 of a second, but it's noticeable. And fucking annoying. I thought wiping a computer meant it should work faster?

Like this site in particular.


*The smaller the screen resolution, the less lag there is. Like if it's 800x600, there's basically no lag. 1280x1024 has lots of lag. Keep in mind, before I wiped my computer there was NO lag on the 1280x1024 mode (which was the mode I was normally on).

Have you wiped the latest drivers for your video card, whatever that might be.

[BmphP]

Have you wiped the latest drivers for your video card, whatever that might be.

Thanks!

[BmphP]

New Question: How do I re-download all of the videos that I bought from the itunes store (Like I said I wipped my computer and nothing is left)

[BlackHood]

Store --> Authorise Computer

then

Store --> My Available Downloads

Should give you everything. Alternatively if you try and download it a second time on your account it should advise you that you already own it and let you have it free.

[Desssert]

My 360 Gold membership ran out today. I had 2 free month cards that I got when I had to send it in twice. I decided to redeem the codes on Xbox.com so I could just type it in. It says I'm a Gold member on Xbox.com and under Account Management on my 360, but I have that Silver bar around my gamertag (showing I have a Silver account, instead of a Gold bar/account). Do I just wait and the 2 months of Gold will transfer over, or did I get screwed over and have to call Microsoft Support?

Tl;dr :
I'm a Gold member, but I'm not? What's up with that?

[Axidos]

Do I just wait and the 2 months of Gold will transfer over, or did I get screwed over and have to call Microsoft Support?

If it doesn't affect you that much I'd wait a week and then call support.

If it does affect you (e.g. you can't do certain things), check if you can actually do Gold Member things anyway right now - it just might not be showing it for some reason. If you can't, call support sooner. How soon? Up to you, depending on how much it annoys you.

[TheKekeMaster]

Question!? O_o

I made a salute comic to the Cyanide & Happiness.
I cant find the place where fans can post these, and I really wish that Dave would see this..
Or Rob also.. ._. And the third guy... was there a third guy? ._o
And also, I would wish to make more of these, is it possible?
http://image.wetpaint.com/image/3/c7umgfz5cSidTtgiHIrY-A63383
Salute to the C&H by TheKekeMaster

[IronWire]

Thats terrible. Theres four guys.

[Axidos]

Don't do C&H fanart.

Fucking.

Ever.

We've had several C&H Fanart threads and they failed every single time. C&H Fanart will get you either flamed or TO'd depending on where you post it, because it constantly sucks.

If you have original art and you're looking for criticism, the Showcase/Showdown (http://forums.explosm.net/forumdisplay.php?f=5) forum is the place for you.
If you're not looking for criticism, go to DeviantART, this isn't a gallery site.

[CharlieH]

Posting fan art is kinda a life or death situation. If you have GOOD art and jokes, like the legendary Ant (www.antscomics.com) then you might be able to get away with it. If it sucks, you should probably just be permabanned.

[opn4bzns]

Can I buy something that's basically a media keyboard without the keyboard? I inherited an old Microsoft keyboard and really liked using the media buttons, but the actual keyboard was horrible to type on, so I went back to my old dell keyboard, but now I miss the media buttons.

[TheKekeMaster]

Well, that image was just a salute to the C&H.. ._.
I was going to draw actual comic, if posting them would have been possible, but it seems not..
Ah well, too bad :l
Wonder then how some of the fancomic ended up in the official C&H series? o_O
Like that Jesus, sun, battery comic, which is terrible drew..

Well, no prob ^^
Can someone mod perhaps or anyone somehow show my salute image to Dave :3
Im a fan of him :D
Oh.. wait.. Rob made the Waiting for a bus..? Can someone show this to Rob? :DD Im a BIG fan of him x3
Who was Dave again ._.

I would really owe him one.
And remember to tell its from meh (since my name is not on the image), stealing credit is wrong :l
Very wrong :l
Thanks! :D

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: Very bad post, lose all the dots and smilies.

[Clerlic]

Can I buy something that's basically a media keyboard without the keyboard? I inherited an old Microsoft keyboard and really liked using the media buttons, but the actual keyboard was horrible to type on, so I went back to my old dell keyboard, but now I miss the media buttons.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19018 Something like this?

[BmphP]

Firefox won't open for me. Literally I just downloaded it, and it won't open. This computer is basically brand new. I didn't have it installed before, I just installed it. It won't open. No error thing, no whatever.

It just won't open.

[Antisaint]

Could be a bad install. Try to reinstall, if that doesn't work download an older version and install that.

[RandomDungheap]

Why can't I start a thread? something about privileges it says. Cheers.

[Clerlic]

You're supposed to get like 20 messages and being registered for 2 weeks, I forgot, check the rules.

[BlackHood]

Can I buy something that's basically a media keyboard without the keyboard? I inherited an old Microsoft keyboard and really liked using the media buttons, but the actual keyboard was horrible to type on, so I went back to my old dell keyboard, but now I miss the media buttons.

Check out this guy http://www.diyphotography.net/a-diy-optimus-maximus-keyboard-for-the-gimp-or-photoshop

He's talking about the keybaord for use in photoshop, but you could just as easily make one for global buttons. Simply get a small program that allows you to record macros to buttons and you're set.

[Shrimps]

I'm a dumbfuck

[BmphP]

Theres this stupid fucking piece of SHIT malware or spyware or some shit called "Security Tool" that just magically appeared on my computer this morning. Literally last night: using computer, no problem. This morning: fuckin virus or some shit. I didn't download anything, or do anything of that sort. It literally appeared out of NO WHERE.

It pops up right when I start up any user account, and it automatically makes all of my desktop shortcuts useless (they disappear), and I can't open ANYTHING except the control panel and anything having to do with files (like My Computer or my Documents). By some miracle I managed to get on the internet but everything goes EXTREMELY SLOW.

It won't exit. Ever. If I right click on the bottom right of the screen on its icon it just opens its stupid "buy this program for 300000 dollars" shit. I can't change any of the settings on it (like uncheck the box that says" start up at windows start up ").

It doesn't appear on the add/remove programs list. That was my first idea.


Then I went to the file itself (like going through the C:// etc etc.) and when I tried deleting it, it said access was denied. It said I had to check the disk ( there is none ) and make sure its not running (its always running).


How the fuck do I delete this shit? IT'S IMPOSSIBLE.

[Axidos]

Restart your computer. Do whatever you have to do to start up in Safe Mode With Networking (or Safe Mode, if that allows you to access the internet). That thing where you hold F9 or whatever while the computer's booting. This step is crucial because you're going to download some stuff and the virus might screw with it or inject code into the programs.

Now, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, the free version: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
Run a full scan.

After that, Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
Run a full scan.

After that, run a full virus scan. AVG or Antivir will do the trick.

By this point, it will probably be solved.

[BmphP]

Ya I downloaded them but the installation screen won't pop up because nothing pops up. The only reason the internet works it because I clicked on it milliseconds before the "security Tool" software popped up.

[CharlieH]

Look on the "Process" tab on Windows Task Manager. If you can end the process or the service, then it might be easier to do things. Also, try starting in safe mode then going to the file in the C drive to delete it.

[BmphP]

I just did all that safe mode shit and I think I may have deleted it. I didn't restart my computer yet so I don't know. However is there any other free (and good) anti-malware/spyware software? Because I downloaded the malwarebytes one and it didn't install properly (I don't think it had anything to do with the security tool, though)

But Spybot installed just fine.

[opn4bzns]

Check out this guy http://www.diyphotography.net/a-diy-optimus-maximus-keyboard-for-the-gimp-or-photoshop

He's talking about the keybaord for use in photoshop, but you could just as easily make one for global buttons. Simply get a small program that allows you to record macros to buttons and you're set.

Ehh, it's cool but a lot of effort for the purpose of avoiding a small effort.

[cptlol]

What the fuck!?

My Firefox opens a new screen sometimes when I refresh a tab and open another tab with something(youtube for example) and now I can't close some tabs.

Is it a bug(in firefawks) or some shit being stirred.

[Oofie]

Yeah that new window thing is annoying, happens to me too. I can close tabs though.

[opn4bzns]

If your firefox(es) aren't updated, try that. Click help, then check for updates.

[cptlol]

No updates available, and I restarted the Pc and now I can close tabs, but the extra window keeps popping up randomly.

[Oofie]

No new updates. It's only since the last update that it started happening, like when they added the little box on the tab bar you can click for a new tab like in ie

[BlackHood]

Where in the name of god do I go to re-download games that I own on steam?!

I've gone to My Account in the store tab, but its just a list of stuff I've purchased, not a single hyperlink or option to be had!

[Axidos]

Where in the name of god do I go to re-download games that I own on steam?!

I've gone to My Account in the store tab, but its just a list of stuff I've purchased, not a single hyperlink or option to be had!

Go to your Games tab and scroll down to the bottom-most category, "Not Installed." Right-click and Install Game.

[BlackHood]

I don't have that, from what I can see. Here's a screenshot.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a78/nick_burke/Steam.jpg

Edit: I have no idea why that is so blurry.

[Antisaint]

You wouldn't happen to be on a different account than what you bought it on, would you? It should look like this:

http://i38.tinypic.com/15xwbvo.jpg

[BlackHood]

Nope, and in fact I spoke to steam, and they added it to my account today as a work around for a damaged disk. (And they confirmed its been added, so its not a matter of waiting it out)

[opn4bzns]

That happened to me once on my laptop (not installed games didn't show up). Restarting steam fixed it.

[BlackHood]

Several re-starts have failed to solve the problem.

[opn4bzns]

I'm guessing they just messed up adding it to your account. Call them again maybe.

[Clerlic]

Try deleting the clientregistry.blob file or whatever it was called.

[Axidos]

Wow, ok. Well, I presume you've exited steam at least one time since (if not, exit and restart it). Blackhood08 is the username you're meant to be signed in with and which owns all your games, right? You're not signed in with your friend's account or anything?

I would contact support (https://support.steampowered.com/) since either your steam's stuffing up or they apparently have forgotten you own several games.

[BlackHood]

Its definitely the username, as they re-set the password after putting the Orange Box on the account (Some security reason) and forwarded me the info. Even if they'd added it to the wrong account, I'd be looking at the wrong account.

The only thing I can think of is if the same thing that stops me contacting the servers to authenticate a game is also stopping me accessing them to see what games I own. Though it doesn't explain how I can download and update demos.

[opn4bzns]

Because downloading/updating demos is downloading, if the problem only affects uploading then it wouldn't affect those.

[Clerlic]

Its definitely the username, as they re-set the password after putting the Orange Box on the account (Some security reason) and forwarded me the info. Even if they'd added it to the wrong account, I'd be looking at the wrong account.

The only thing I can think of is if the same thing that stops me contacting the servers to authenticate a game is also stopping me accessing them to see what games I own. Though it doesn't explain how I can download and update demos.

Did you try deleting the clientregistry.blob file? I've heard this fixes a lot of problems. Also you could try searching Steam forums.

[BlackHood]

I've done both of those things now. Think it might just be my university blocking a particular type of traffic, as I can't use uTorrent either.

[Clerlic]

It doesn't connect or what?

[Benjaman]

Okay, so, let's say my Windows XP was less than genuine. Now, let's say, that my registry happened to be edited so as that Windows thought it was activated. And then let's also say, hypothetically, that upon repairing Windows, it gives me the following error.

I restart, see my User. It says that I need to activate Windows to log on. So, I say yes. It logs me on and I see my old background and everything's cool but then the Windows Activation thing comes up and tells me that it's already registered. Then I'm like, "Cool, lets go" and I click OK and then it takes me back to the log in screen, only for me to do a "yes, already registered, OK, yes, already registered, OK" infinite loop.

How would I go about fixing this?

[CharlieH]

There probably isn't one. Go live in a box until Windows 7 comes out.

[Benjaman]

Thank you CharlieH, your infinite wisdom has helped me. Problem solved, actually. no you didnt help stfu charlie

[Axidos]

Click cancel?

I bet your registry was poorly edited, therefore Windows is activated according to one thing, but not activated according a different thing.

[opn4bzns]

This is why pirating your OS is a dumb thing to do. Buy Windows 7, it's $99 on newegg and it's far better than XP.

[Axidos]

Make sure you at least get Windows 7 Home edition. Starter has almost no features, you can't even change your desktop wallpaper (it's meant for weak devices like Netbooks).

Here's a Feature Comparison (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart) for the editions. Or there's Microsoft's much less comprehensive (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare) comparison.

[Benjaman]

I have no monies, but I will look into it. Thanks.

[Desssert]

What's the best virus/malware removal software? I used Spybot to get rid of a registry change/something-or-other called Microsoft Virus Scan Override or something like that. It keeps coming back. It gave me the red shield at the bottom right and when I clicked it, it brought me to the Security Center (yes, the real one; not a popup) and said my Firewall was turned off. (Though my McAfee license did expire recently)

Tldr: Just read the first sentence.

[opn4bzns]

Turn on windows firewall and download this (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/).

[BlackHood]

I have no monies, but I will look into it. Thanks.

Ben are you a UK student?

Because this will help:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/studentoffer/

W7 for £30. I assume they must be doing an American one somewhere.

[Axidos]

I have no monies, but I will look into it. Thanks.

Oh hey that reminds me. On top of what BlackHood said... if you're attending a University (or College? tertiary education, whatever) - ask if you have access to the "MSDN Academic Alliance." Simply put, that's a site where you can download a ton of Microsoft products for free. For me, that includes Windows 7.

[Gorby]

When watching a streamed video, sometimes the audio is delayed, or it is ahead, is there a way to delay the clip/audio(depending what situation) so the match up perfectly?

[Axidos]

When watching a streamed video, sometimes the audio is delayed, or it is ahead, is there a way to delay the clip/audio(depending what situation) so the match up perfectly?

Not that I'm aware of, unless you're using VLC Player which lets you adjust the audio track for moments like this.


If it's youtube: Open the video in two different pages. Mute one of them. You're going to watch the muted one, and listen to the other one. Through some good timing you'll be able to sync it up just right.

A good thing to look for is, say, someone firing their gun, or one of those loud punches movies are so fond of... or anything that makes a quick, loud noise.
1. Pause the muted video just a split-second (to account for reaction time) after that noise is supposed to occur.
2. Get the unmuted video to just before that point, hit play, alt-tab back to the muted one.
3. Sit with your mouse poised over the play button on the muted video. The moment you hear that noise, click play.
4. If you did it right, they should be more or less synced. If you want them synced more finely, try again.

[Benjaman]

Oh hey that reminds me. On top of what BlackHood said... if you're attending a University (or College? tertiary education, whatever) - ask if you have access to the "MSDN Academic Alliance." Simply put, that's a site where you can download a ton of Microsoft products for free. For me, that includes Windows 7.

American and I'm still in high school. But whatever, I'll just deal with it for now.

Anyway, I have another question. My computer is connected wirelessly to my parents computer, which is connected to our router. We apparently have the best internet plan we can get (I live in the middle of nowhere, so this isn't too great), but I still get shitty speeds. I have not seen any download go a kb over 60kb/s, and that's dumb because I know I can download better than that. Details: My wireless Belkin thing says 54 Mbps on it. I have a Netgear WNR3500 router.

My internet according to Speedtest:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/594457019.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

No idea what my parents usually download at, nor what their speed tests say, but I'll see if I can get that later because I don't feel like going downstairs at the moment. Also, this makes me sad:

http://i35.tinypic.com/1060sia.png

[Axidos]

So what was the question? How do you make it go faster? Most obvious answer is to connect it directly to your modem. Also, if the modem's downstairs on the other side of the house, you're not going to go at optimal speed anyway due to the obstructions.

[Benjaman]

Well yeah, I understand that, but if there's a very very large gap between what I'm getting and what I'm supposed to get, I suppose my question would be "how could I make my speed fast enough to lessen that gap?"

edit: I realize this is a dumb question so I'll probably just have to live with it

[Axidos]

There's nothing you can do about the connection from your modem to the internet, so the best you can do is make the connection between your PC and your modem as efficient as possible. Direct connections (you <-> modem) are faster than indirect ones (you <-> another PC <-> modem), and wired connections are faster than wireless ones.

So get yourself directly connected to that modem. If there's some way you can connect yourself to it using an ethernet cable, that will be a lot faster.


FYI, something that might help you convince your parents:
It will also make your parents' internet much faster too because currently their computer is processing everything your computer wants from the internet. If you want to watch a youtube video, their computer is downloading it from the internet, and you're downloading it from their computer (more or less).

[MistyTehMoose]

FYI, something that might help you convince your parents:
It will also make your parents' internet much faster too because currently their computer is processing everything your computer wants from the internet. If you want to watch a youtube video, their computer is downloading it from the internet, and you're downloading it from their computer (more or less).

Uhhh, that's totally wrong, where the hell did you pick that up?

If you're connected wirelessly, its to the modem, not their computer. It doesn't affect them in the slightest. His speed is bad possibly due to a dodgy router, a dodgy ISP, or a dodgy wireless connection. There's a few factors that could be involved, but his parent's computer is not one of them.

[pure_hatred]

My friend recently told me I can replace the Windows hello and goodbye themes with anything I want. So I have 2 questions; Where can I find a free piece of software with which I can record/chop bits out of a song to use as a theme, and then how do I use as as theme? Thanks in advance!

[Clerlic]

Audacity is a free audio editor. You can set your own Windows sounds in Control Panel > Sound.

[pure_hatred]

Epic, thanks Clerlic! :)

[Axidos]

Uhhh, that's totally wrong, where the hell did you pick that up?

If you're connected wirelessly, its to the modem, not their computer. It doesn't affect them in the slightest. His speed is bad possibly due to a dodgy router, a dodgy ISP, or a dodgy wireless connection. There's a few factors that could be involved, but his parent's computer is not one of them.

Networking class at University.

He said he was connected to his parents' computer, and there's no reason why that can't happen. If a computer has enough juice to communicate with a router on the other side of the building, it can communicate with a computer too. Networking devices don't care whether it's a router or a computer they're talking to.
If it his parents' computer was serving as the middleman, then that computer is more or less being a modem or router - it has the responsibility of receiving all transmissions from either end and forwarding them on (meaning downloading + uploading everything).

You found other factors (though I doubt dodgy ISP's one due to the huge difference between his speed and the ISP average) but that's the first one to deal with - the one where you assume nothing's wrong with the equipment and don't have to spend a lot of money to replace it all, and the one where you're obviously being bottlenecked by another PC.

[opn4bzns]

Uhhh, that's totally wrong, where the hell did you pick that up?

If you're connected wirelessly, its to the modem, not their computer. It doesn't affect them in the slightest. His speed is bad possibly due to a dodgy router, a dodgy ISP, or a dodgy wireless connection. There's a few factors that could be involved, but his parent's computer is not one of them.

Read his post again. He said he was connected to his parents' computer, which was in turn connected to the modem. Makes sense, the modem plugs into the computer and you put a wireless card into the computer to share the connection.

[MistyTehMoose]

Ahh, misunderstanding. Apologies Ax. I thought he was connected to the router *facepalm*

[Urser]

Your face is connected to the router.

[Axidos]

Apology & facepalm both accepted. Yeah my post would be pretty dumb if he was connected to the router.

[Raxo]

I don't know anything about wireless routers but I need one. Does it matter what brand I get? And which would you recommend?

[Dantez]

Alright guys, I need your help. I have downloaded C++, wrote a program and let it debug, but here comes the problem. I can write anything in there, and it gives me this error:

Error 1 The NULL device is missing from your system. We are unable to launch a build.

My question is, do I have to reinstall my OS, or can I do anything else about it?

[cptlol]

I don't know anything about wireless routers but I need one. Does it matter what brand I get? And which would you recommend?

It really depends on your needs, I personally use a Linksys one with N-signal which is 2,4 and 5,0 herz(if I'm not mistaken) and I can wireless internet trough the whole house. ( we have a computer, laptop and a gaming console.)

It also has decent/good protection Wpa2.

[Clerlic]

I don't know anything about wireless routers but I need one. Does it matter what brand I get? And which would you recommend?

Buffalo is the most stable brand I've used. Get something more expensive if you plan to use more than 5 computers with it at the same time. Or if you want to use it from far away or behind obstacles. Placement matters too.

[Axidos]

Alright guys, I need your help. I have downloaded C++, wrote a program and let it debug, but here comes the problem. I can write anything in there, and it gives me this error:

Error 1 The NULL device is missing from your system. We are unable to launch a build.

My question is, do I have to reinstall my OS, or can I do anything else about it?

Sounds like something bad happened to a code library - pretty sure those things come with the program and not the OS, so you shouldn't need to do anything to your OS. Reinstall the program, and if that fails to fix it, redownload + reinstall it.

What program are you using by the way? You can get Visual C++ Express (http://www.microsoft.com/Express/VC/) for free which is like a light version of the full Visual C++ Studio, but it's been sufficient for all my Uni assignments so far.

[Captain Insanity]

Sounds like something bad happened to a code library - pretty sure those things come with the program and not the OS, so you shouldn't need to do anything to your OS. Reinstall the program, and if that fails to fix it, redownload + reinstall it.

What program are you using by the way? You can get Visual C++ Express (http://www.microsoft.com/Express/VC/) for free which is like a light version of the full Visual C++ Studio, but it's been sufficient for all my Uni assignments so far.

Actually it can be either!

Dantez, a quick test for you:
1. Go to the Start menu and select Run. Type cmd.exe then press OK. (alternatively if you know how just open a Command Prompt)

2. In the Command Prompt type copy con nul, press Enter and then press Ctrl+Z and enter again.

Now here's the sad part:
If the command prompt responds: 1 file(s) copied.
1. Your issue may be a permissions thing! What permission do you have on the machine?
2. If you have full permissions, try uninstalling an reinstalling c++
EDIT: 2b. If uninstalling an reinstalling doesn't work Axidos is right, try downloading it from a different source (Axidos has a link to C++ Express in his comment).

If the comand prompt responds: 0 file(s) copied.
1. Oh dear. That really ain't good. This is when you may need to reinstall the OS, but let me know if this is the case we have a few options if it is the case.

Let me know how you go!

[BmphP]

Hai.

I lost my CD key for several games, and I lost my disc 1s, 2s, 3s, etc. for some games. But I own these games! I just want to re-install them!

Help.

[Captain Insanity]

Hai.

I lost my CD key for several games, and I lost my disc 1s, 2s, 3s, etc. for some games. But I own these games! I just want to re-install them!

Help.

Ouch.

Ok, if the missing CD Key's are for games that you are missing discs for, and your the honest type (ie: not going down the pirated alley), you may be in for a spot of bother. Pretty hard to prove you own a game without discs, unless of course you have a proof of purchase!

If the games were installed previously on a computer and you just uninstalled them (and haven't formatted it recently) it is possible that the CD Keys are still stored on your computer. A program like Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html) will be able to find these plus a lot of other useful info about your computer!

Missing discs. Hmm. Proof of purchase would be helpful as you may be able to get the distributors to take pity on you (edit: and tell you where to get a copy). Alternatively you can download a dodgey copy but use your legitimate CD Key.

(The download of pirated software is up to each persons own discretion and i do not condone or endorse the practice)

[Gorby]

Not that I'm aware of, unless you're using VLC Player which lets you adjust the audio track for moments like this.


If it's youtube: Open the video in two different pages. Mute one of them. You're going to watch the muted one, and listen to the other one. Through some good timing you'll be able to sync it up just right.

A good thing to look for is, say, someone firing their gun, or one of those loud punches movies are so fond of... or anything that makes a quick, loud noise.
1. Pause the muted video just a split-second (to account for reaction time) after that noise is supposed to occur.
2. Get the unmuted video to just before that point, hit play, alt-tab back to the muted one.
3. Sit with your mouse poised over the play button on the muted video. The moment you hear that noise, click play.
4. If you did it right, they should be more or less synced. If you want them synced more finely, try again.
That is good tyvm if anyone knows any other alternatives tell me, cause i cant stream 2 full length videos at the same time, 1 loads slow enough as it is.

[opn4bzns]

I don't know anything about wireless routers but I need one. Does it matter what brand I get? And which would you recommend?

I have a D-Link that has served a Wii, 3 laptops and 2 phones well for a few years, but check out reviews. I'd have a look at what stores near you have and then google the model names to see if they're any good.

[Metalhead636]

Every time I make a photo in MS Paint, I will save the file to go back to it later. When I open it again, the colors are all choppy, and the fill tool is pretty much useless.

What do I do?

[Tweek]

Don't save it as a .jpg.

[Axidos]

Save it as a .PNG. Paint never fucks up PNGs.

[Scrotemeal]

Ok, so I have windows formatted ipod that i want to eventually sync to my mac. But I don't want to lose my music. I downloaded 'Music Liberator', to copy them, but unless I buy it, I can only move 5 songs at a time, which is not very useful.

Is there a program that will just list the songs I have, without copying them? That is all I want.

[opn4bzns]

Can't you just look at itunes on your windows computer?

[Scrotemeal]

Well, I don't know where it's synced anymore, i haven't plugged it for like 2 or 3 years, and I just wanted to know what was on it. Maybe I'll just not bother and sacrifice it, I dunno.

[Antisaint]

There are programs to pull the music off your ipod, regardless of where it's synced. I forget what they are, but they've been posted in this thread before.

[occultculture]

Oh, I have an iPod question as well.
I have a RCA Pure Sound 160 watt Windows Media/MP3/iPod/CD Stereo thing.
No idea how else to classify it.

Anyway, it has a built in iPod charger on top. But when I plugged my iPod into it, it charged it, it wouldn't turn on or play via the stereo. Figuring it was broken, I bought a new iPod and the same thing happened. I thought maybe if I plugged it into the computer again it would work, and it did. Now both of my iPods work.

Is it short-circuiting my iPod? Can this be fixed, or should I just return my stereo?

[LandMarkMoon]

No it seems that the power in that dock is very strong, or just not working at all. Either way, you got shafted.

[occultculture]

No it seems that the power in that dock is very strong, or just not working at all. Either way, you got shafted.

Well, fuck.
I'll just return it.

[LandMarkMoon]

Is it worth it to upgrade to Snow Leopard? I got a 15' pro with max specs. Just missing Snow Leopard. Don't really know if it's worth it, it's just $35 but I can't recognize any significant difference on my friend's O.S. other than the fact that he saved around 5.5 gigs of space and some screen savers appeared.

Plus I run parallels on it so not dieing for a new OS upgrade anyway, just wondering if its worth it.

[opn4bzns]

It's a little faster, but no, there aren't a lot of changes you'll notice, and it breaks a fair bit of stuff.

[LandMarkMoon]

So is that a Yay or Nay?

[opn4bzns]

Depends if you want to spend $30 on a few minor changes and a potential performance bump.

[Hypocrite]

I'm not sure if I have anything to do with this, but I am trying to download NoNameScript for mIRC, but when I try to download the file I get a "what the fuck?" worthy product.

http://www.nnscript.com/ link to the download

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���€#Á÷ØÀ@‰E9]uVèx?��3Àƒ}•À@Ph���@Vè�?��ƒøÿ‰EÌuv9]uSh�@B�Wè’B��Vh�@B�è‡B��ÿuðhhŸ@�èœB��Wh�@B�èoB��‹E ÜÁøPhhŸ@�è;��ƒè„SÿÿÿHtVjúéWüÿÿÿuøjâèÞ5��ƒ}éZýÿÿÿ(? B�é-��ÿuøjêèÀ5��ÿT?B�SSÿuÌÿuäè‹��ÿ
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��‹Eä‹=h¯@�;ÃtDH;û„Ñ��‹?;Ãuñ;û„Ã��ƒÇ¾h›@�WVèL?��¡h ¯@�ƒÀPWè=?��¡h¯@�VƒÀPéL��;Ót%;û„ë
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I have used the program before, but never had this happen

[Spastic]

Getting the exact same thing here Jewy, I don't think that's a client side problem. I'd suggest finding an alternate download site.

[Tweek]

Yeah I always think he is Hypnotic too.

[Hypocrite]

Yeah I always think he is Hypnotic too.

Huh?

Anyways, checked for alternative downloads, all of which game me the same thing. Any other plans?

[Spastic]

Yeah I always think he is Hypnotic too.
Haha, shit.

[Tweek]

My router has been disconnecting and subsequently reconnecting a few seconds later. It does this about every 15 minutes.
It could probably be solved by calling my ISP or whatever but those guys are probably all boring and I can't be bothered.

So I've surrendered and stopped attempting to use rapidshare and stuff to download things, and decided to go back to torrents. This meant I had to set up a static IP and then forward a port. I did both of these things successfully (as far as I can tell).
I've forwarded ports enough before to know what is up but setting up the static IP was a new thing so I don't know if I did it completely correctly, but I'm posting this so I assume it went well.

The problem is that no torrent will download.

[Axidos]

Regarding your disconnections thing, I began to get that a while ago (but not quite so severe). Check out the responses I got. (http://forums.techguy.org/networking/696412-solved-d-link-router-frequently.html)
You have two options:
- Update the firmware.
- Restart the router to factory settings and reconfigure.

No torrent will download? Make sure you got the right ports (check your program's settings) and didn't typo your IP, or subnet address (if you have to enter that).

[Clerlic]

Tweek, what kind of client do you use? If uTorrent, go to Preferences->Advanced, and set bt.transp_disposition to 255.