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

[opn4bzns]

Just use this thread (not thead) to ask little techy questions too insignificant to start a thread about.

[CharlieH]

Yeah they do. uh, they are entire multimedia handheld thing.

As simple google search would have helped you out here. (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=archos&btnG=Google+Search&meta=)

EDIT: Sorry if that did come off as bit assholey

[MistyTehMoose]

Gee, Charlie, no need to be a dick about it.

[dnL_Flipped]

That was a little dickish of you, yes. Although Google is all knowing and powerful. It would have kept a pointless thread being created.

[opn4bzns]

That was a little dickish of you, yes. Although Google is all knowing and powerful. It would have kept a pointless thread being created.

Even if my question had been entirely useless, which I still don't think it was, since google's cool and all, but it doesn't provide an explanation for why I've never seen one and why no one I know seems to have heard of them, that doesn't mean the thread's useless. Read the op. It's not just for my one question, it's for anyone's little questions not worth making a thread about.

[Bernardo]

My question: do Archos players actually exist in real life?
I've seen people talking about them on the internet a fair bit, but I can't recall ever seeing one in real life, and there aren't any in any stores I've looked in. Are they just rare or something?.
Now that you mentioned it, I never met anyone who got AIDS. -> must be rare disease :facts:

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
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[Antisaint]

I've got a couple random questions:

I'm looking at expanding my free space, either through an external HD, or replacing my old HD with a bigger one and using the old one as an external. About half (45 GB) of my old one is taken up by music, and I don't want to have to plug in an external HD to listen to my music. Which path is a better option? And, if the new external is a better option, is there a certain kind that I should buy/avoid?

Also, I got shafted on my video card when I got my computer (nVidia 256MB Quadro, used for CAD and other 3D programs), and it hasn't been kind to my gaming habits. I'm running a laptop (Dell Latitude D820), so how hard/impossible would it be to replace?

I'm not going to replace my computer, I'll just live with whatever I can't fix. Thanks for any help.

[dnL_Flipped]

Even if my question had been entirely useless, which I still don't think it was, since google's cool and all, but it doesn't provide an explanation for why I've never seen one and why no one I know seems to have heard of them, that doesn't mean the thread's useless. Read the op. It's not just for my one question, it's for anyone's little questions not worth making a thread about.


I'm not saying that you were wrong or anything dude. I'm just saying that Google search could have confirmed that the do exist. To be honest I think that this thread is a good idea, I have a few questions myself to ask for help with on here. But for now, I need to get some work done.

[Oofie]

Um yeah, can having two different anti-virus thingies on one computer fuck it up? Because my desktop is being nasty and I thought it might be because of that.

[opn4bzns]

Um yeah, can having two different anti-virus thingies on one computer fuck it up? Because my desktop is being nasty and I thought it might be because of that.

It's unlikely that it would fuck your desktop up, but some scanners don't play nicely with each other. Try disabling one or both for a while and see what happens to your desktop (if you disable both be careful about what you download). Also, which two are they?


I'm looking at expanding my free space, either through an external HD, or replacing my old HD with a bigger one and using the old one as an external. About half (45 GB) of my old one is taken up by music, and I don't want to have to plug in an external HD to listen to my music. Which path is a better option? And, if the new external is a better option, is there a certain kind that I should buy/avoid?

Depends if you're happy to have an external plugged in all the time. In your second question you mentioned a laptop, so you might not want to lug it around if it's the same computer. If you are happy to, or it's a different computer or something, it's a lot easier to get an external than transferring everything to a new internal drive. If you stick to reputable brands (Seagate, Western Digital, that sort of thing), and maybe get a specially portable one if it's a laptop, you should be fine. 1 terrabyte ones (1000gb) are going for about au$300, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a big enough one for a decent price if you shop around.

[Oofie]

Avast and McAfee. And other stuff like Windows Defender and SpyBot too.

[opn4bzns]

Well, you don't really need two, and Avast is good enough by itself, so I wouldn't bother renewing McAfee (assuming you're paying for it), but in the short term try disabling one of them for a while and seeing what happens.

Edit: Another question of my own. I know you can get firefox to remember your passwords and require a master password to enter them all, but is it possible to configure it so it just asks me for the master password when I start firefox, not every time I visit a site?

[CharlieH]

No. It'll only ask you for it when it needs it first.

[BlakKohm]

Now 20% less snappily titled.
The title's pretty self explanatory. If you have a tech related problem that isn't really worth starting a thread about, such as little issues or whatever, post it in here, and hopefully someone will answer.

My question: do Archos players actually exist in real life?
I've seen people talking about them on the internet a fair bit, but I can't recall ever seeing one in real life, and there aren't any in any stores I've looked in. Are they just rare or something?

It's been confirmed that they exist, but I've seen the 30 gb 605 at an Office Depot, and a Circuit City. There not abundant like iPods, but they're out there

[BurgerKueen]

Avast and McAfee. And other stuff like Windows Defender and SpyBot too.

I had Norton and Avast I think, and the second I downloaded Avast I basically couldn't use my computer. I'd turn it on and it would freeze in like 20 seconds. It all got fixed when I managed to uninstall one of them.

[opn4bzns]

It's been confirmed that they exist, but I've seen the 30 gb 605 at an Office Depot, and a Circuit City. There not abundant like iPods, but they're out there

Yeah, I've done a bit more research and it appears that in Australia you can only get them on the net (and a few obscure stores), so that explains it.

[Oofie]

Thanks for that.

Got another one though. My laptop has this automatic notification thing that tells me when new software is available for me. It's now telling me to download a new Wireless Lan software driver, and it gives a big list of options for different operating systems.

I need to identify the built in wireless lan I have so I download the correct one, and I have no idea how to do that with vista.

It gives instructions for XP so I tried sort of doing the equivalent with vista but got nowhere. Can anyone help?

[opn4bzns]

I have Home Premium, so it may be slightly different if you have Basic or Ultimate or something, but press the Windows key and Pause/Break (top right corner of the keyboard). It should open a window called system. In the top left of that is some text saying "device manager". Click it. It'll open a UAC prompt and then a window with a bunch of hardware stuff. Click on the plus next to the one called "network adapters" (it might be wireless network adapters or something, I don't have a laptop to check on).

It should say the name of the adapter there.

[Axidos]

I have Home Premium, so it may be slightly different if you have Basic or Ultimate or something, but press the Windows key and Pause/Break (top right corner of the keyboard). It should open a window called system.
The other way to get to this "System" window is to right-click on the Computer icon on your desktop, and select Properties.

[Jiggz]

iPod Nano 3rd Generation Review?

Is it worth it? I'd like to upload AVI's and watch my favourite series and movies, but I think the tiny screen makes this pointless. Anyone own the new nano? Is it worth it? How's watching video on it?

[Pie_Dee]

Not at all. It's hard to enjoy a movie on a screen so small any sort of detail becomes hard to make out, and the memory isn't exactly great considering it is meant to store video as well as music.

[Jiggz]

Is the iPod classic any better though? It's also got a relatively small screen.

[Beefynick]

Personally I do not think either of them are good for watching movies or videos. The screens are too small, for me at least, and you miss out on some of the detail of the video.

[Pie_Dee]

Yeah, it's a bit better, but not much. I have a classic and it's fine for watching shows and movies like Summer Heights High which are just stupid and funny, but not for anything else which you really need to be able to get into.

[Antisaint]

Speaking of iPods, does anyone know of a free program to convert .flv to an iPod friendly format (.mov?)?

[Hunnter]

Speaking of iPods, does anyone know of a free program to convert .flv to an iPod friendly format (.mov?)?

This blog seems to have a ton of info on converting files to other formats, found Googling.
Not tried any myself since i don't have an iPod.
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/03/19/convert-flash-video-flv-files-to-mpg-or-avi-and-other-media-formats/

Also, here is one for you.
I have an HDD (external) who had a little accident, think it is the power adaptor.
I put it into my other computer to see if i could get the files that way.
Turn it on, it turns back off instantly.
Remove the drive, put another on the same slot, it boots fine.
I tried another connection with it, i tried it with only that drive, still nothing.
What could be up with it?
Also, i had put the same drive into my NAS, it can detect the drives size, but it can't read due to Netgear being asses and using their own filesystem...

[CharlieH]

What is NAS?

Mate, your HDD may well have given up the ghost. Your only hope is to see if you can recover the files off of it.

[Spastic]

NAS is network attached storage. (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FNetwork-attached_storage&ei=IEIOSL-PF6PezQS34IHtDQ&usg=AFQjCNFoY4ckShXEzfJFgZY6JC1lptmx4A&sig2=ppEhhEXqd6gQ3BDPkvuPWA)

[Beefynick]

It sounds like your drive is fried.

[Hunnter]

I had a feeling it might be that.
I just don't know why the NAS can detect it though... thats the strangest part of it.
I'll probably need to rip it open and try some tests to see if the electronics are fried in some way, or attempt another computer as well.

Never ever getting an external drive again, nor a drive from Seagate ever again, even if they make a perfect drive (which they won't), i still won't get it, they are an enemy for life now.

[opn4bzns]

iPod Nano 3rd Generation Review?

Is it worth it? I'd like to upload AVI's and watch my favourite series and movies, but I think the tiny screen makes this pointless. Anyone own the new nano? Is it worth it? How's watching video on it?

I wouldn't bother getting an iPod for video unless it's a touch. The screen on Classics and Nanos (as well as the low capacity on Nanos) makes it a real pain to watch anything. I really like the idea of portable video, but the Nano and Classic's execution is deeply flawed (you have to use obscure formats too).

[Jiggz]

I wouldn't bother getting an iPod for video unless it's a touch. The screen on Classics and Nanos (as well as the low capacity on Nanos) makes it a real pain to watch anything. I really like the idea of portable video, but the Nano and Classic's execution is deeply flawed (you have to use obscure formats too).

I could probably google this, but what formats does it play besides .MOV? All my movies/series are avi.

[opn4bzns]

.MOV, .M4V, and I thought they played .H264 too, but it seems like only the Touch and iPhone do.

[Jiggz]

Ok, one last question on the subject. How does one go about converting video for the Nano? Does it come with software? And how long does the conversion process take?

[Pie_Dee]

I use iSquint, but I think it's only for Macs, so if you have one you can google it and download the software. The conversion time obviously depends on the size of the file, but for a two hour movie it takes about 10-15 minutes at the most for me.

[opn4bzns]

Ok, one last question on the subject. How does one go about converting video for the Nano? Does it come with software? And how long does the conversion process take?

Doesn't come with software. How long it takes will depend on the program and your computer. Converting video is very processor intensive, so if you don't have a decent one it will take a while. I don't use a Mac (you do, don't you?), but I've heard of iSquint (as the guy above said) before, and it's basic, but meant to be fast.

[Hickabod]

Whats CPU Overclocking? Pros, Cons, and is it worth it?

[Beefynick]

It depends on how long you want to keep you computer. It does create a speed increase but it decreases the life of your processor. If you are not looking at getting a new computer in the next few years I would not suggest it.

If you do not know what you are doing you can completely burn out your processor as well.

[Dime]

I have and intercooler for my 360 and whenever it gets moved around the littlest bit , I get the RROD. Can someone please explain exactly what RROD means? I always thought that it was basically, send it to microsoft, your screwed.

[opn4bzns]

Whats CPU Overclocking? Pros, Cons, and is it worth it?

Makes your cpu faster. If you have a prebuilt pc (a dell or hp or whatever) you probably won't be able to. It's also difficult if you're unfamiliar with it and the benefits aren't enormous. If you want to look into it more there are a lot of guides on google.

[Beefynick]

I have and intercooler for my 360 and whenever it gets moved around the littlest bit , I get the RROD. Can someone please explain exactly what RROD means? I always thought that it was basically, send it to microsoft, your screwed.

It means that there is an error with the general backbone of the system (GPU or CPU). Your problem is the intercooler as that is known to burn out systems since it requires more voltage than the system can handle.

[Gudizere]

I have and intercooler for my 360 and whenever it gets moved around the littlest bit , I get the RROD. Can someone please explain exactly what RROD means? I always thought that it was basically, send it to microsoft, your screwed.


I presume you mean the Red Ring Of Death by RROD?

And there are many red rings. The one you are referring to are the 1st, 3rd and 4th sections turning red, that is the infamous one, im pretty sure its a power supply failure.

Check what sections turn red on your's, I often get the 1st, 2nd and 4th turn red and "INTERNAL ERROR" come on the screen, but a quick reboot fixes mine.

[JW]

I'm just wondering, since that's the topic of the thread,

I have Winamp, and I want to have it on top of the other windows, so it's always on top.
I've looked through the options a few times and can't find the place to choose to have it always on top. Can someone explain it to me?

[Spastic]

That is simple, top left of Winamp should be a little orange button, and when you hover over it it should say "main menu" click that. Now go to options -> always on top.

[Beefynick]

There should be a setting in Preferences, but last I knew if you hit CRTL+A or CTRL+ALT+A it should set it to always on top. It has been a while since I had winamp so that may have changed, but it is worth a try.

[JW]

Oooooh. Totally. Thanks for that.
I must be lazier than I thought to not check that, but hey. I am me.

[Hickabod]

I have and intercooler for my 360 and whenever it gets moved around the littlest bit , I get the RROD. Can someone please explain exactly what RROD means? I always thought that it was basically, send it to microsoft, your screwed.

If the ring is completely red (ie not 3/4) then you have a loose video cable. Also makes a good prank.

[GrapefruitMovin]

I have a question using Ubuntu when i normally boot up it shows that i'm only running one core on my Intel Core Duo. I can run the second core by booting another kernel when it gets to the boot screen but is there a way that i can make it run this kernel without having to manually override it?

[Ox]

I'm as dumb as fuck when it comes to the actual inner-workings of computers and their bits 'n' pieces, so please bear with me.

My computer runs really slowly when there are too many programs running at once. If I wanted to make this not happen, I'd need a better processor, right?

[BlackHood]

A new processor would be a sure-fire way to up the performance, but if you've only got a small amount of RAM, you might be using all of it at once. It may be that you just need more RAM, which is much cheaper than a new processor.

[Ox]

How does one acquire more RAM?

[Spastic]

Depends on the type you use, but you can buy RAM at a variety of places, and you just stick it into your computer then you're good to go.

[Beefynick]

I have a question using Ubuntu when i normally boot up it shows that i'm only running one core on my Intel Core Duo. I can run the second core by booting another kernel when it gets to the boot screen but is there a way that i can make it run this kernel without having to manually override it?

I would suggest updating Ubuntu or recompiling the kernel. I have a dual core and Ubuntu runs on both cores for me.

[opn4bzns]

How does one acquire more RAM?

What type you have is important. Download this program (http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php) (download link's top left), open it and click the memory tab. Post what it says next to "type".

[Beefynick]

How does one acquire more RAM?

Besides getting a new stick of ram there are programs out there that free up ram. I use a program called Memturbo which is basically like a defragmenter for the ram. I know there are freeware programs out there that do this as well.

[CharlieH]

How does one acquire more RAM?

Go here, (www.crucial.com) scan your system, and then it will tell you what you have, and give you upgrades that are gaurunteed you work with your current set-up.

It's good stuff

[Antisaint]

Anyone know of a program to mute individual programs in XP? Tried IndieVolume and it didn't work (7 day trial anyways).

[TheHighwaySong]

I recently bought a SanDisk Cruzer 2GB Flasdrive and it came with that U3 Launch software. Should I just delete this? Or will it prove useful later?

It means that there is an error with the general backbone of the system (GPU or CPU). Your problem is the intercooler as that is known to burn out systems since it requires more voltage than the system can handle.


I've always thought about getting one too. I don't think I will anymore :indiff:

[Antisaint]

I recently bought a SanDisk Cruzer 2GB Flasdrive and it came with that U3 Launch software. Should I just delete this? Or will it prove useful later?

I've always found it a useless waste of space, except for being able to put a password on it. It's kinda hard to remove, though, you need a certain program.

[I_Smell]

Which one's the "mouse" and which one's the "keyboard"??

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Reason: Hurrr

[SODA]

I've always found it a useless waste of space, except for being able to put a password on it. It's kinda hard to remove, though, you need a certain program.

No, you can uninstall it right from the drive, no other programs needed. It is supposed to enable you to install programs onto your drive but I find it as more of a hassle and removed it from mine.

[Spiffy13]

What is RPM for a hard drive? I need a new one, and I'm debating whether I should get this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3167558) or this (http://computers.pricegrabber.com/hard-drives/m/15806449/). The first one has 500GB but 7200 RPM, and the second one has 10000 RPM but only 150GB. I'm a gamer, by the way.

[opn4bzns]

What is RPM for a hard drive? I need a new one, and I'm debating whether I should get this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3167558) or this (http://computers.pricegrabber.com/hard-drives/m/15806449/). The first one has 500GB but 7200 RPM, and the second one has 10000 RPM but only 150GB. I'm a gamer, by the way.

Technically it's Revolutions Per Minute, but basically it's the speed at which the computer will read the disk. Higher RPM drives tend to cost a lot more, for smaller capacities. Personally I'd get the 500gb one, since I've never had any problems with my standard speed drives and 150gb is pretty small.

[Beefynick]

I would go for the 500GB one as well. The price is good and while there is a difference between the speeds of the two drives, it is really not worth it to get a drive with an extremely high RPM. 7200 RPM is more than enough to be a good, quick drive.

[BlackHood]

If you only have say, a 60GB drive now, then a 150GB will do fine, its more than double the size. The 1000rmp means that you can access your data faster, which means decreased load times, and less time to save games. Having said that, unless you're running a very powerful processor you wont be able to tell the difference. I'm talking about Intel Q6600's and the like. Unless you're using a laptop I'd lay money on your using a 7200rmp drive right now, and I can't imagine you sit there wishing your word documents didn't take so long to open!

[Spiffy13]

Okay, thanks guys. I got the 500GB one :smile:

[Benjaman]

Okay here's my question:

I need a graphics card better than or equal to a NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS to run a game. I have a VIA/S3G Unichrome IGP. Can I run it?

[GrapefruitMovin]

Has anyone herd of the computer company Sager I'm interested in buying one for gaming and i was wondering if they are are any good. The model i'm looking i located here
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np2092-custom-laptop-built-compal-jfl92-p-2347.html"]http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np2092-custom-laptop-built-compal-jfl92-p-2347.html[/URL]

[CharlieH]

O.K. Grapefruit. Thats not such a bad laptop at all. It tick all the boxes i would want it to anyway. The one thing that i would do with it though would be to get a bigger Hard Drive in it. 80Gb isn't excatly big.

[opn4bzns]

Has anyone herd of the computer company Sager I'm interested in buying one for gaming and i was wondering if they are are any good. The model i'm looking i located here


Well, the specs are good (especially the graphics card), but the obscure brand is a bit of a worry.

[CharlieH]

Well, the specs are good (especially the graphics card), but the obscure brand is a bit of a worry.

So what?

[opn4bzns]

So what?

Support may be poor or non existant, build quality may be poor, components might be low quality, compatible accessories could easily not exist, etc. It could be the best laptop in the world for all I know, no offence to Sager, but buying from an unknown company is potentially dangerous.

[Beefynick]

For an off brand laptop, that is kind of expensive. I have a Toshiba Satellite with pretty much the same specs and mine was about $200 less. The centrino processor is another bit of a worry since those are not the greatest processors. They tend to run slower than other processors of the same speed.

I would not buy that laptop, but that is me. I am usually more than willing to buy off brands, but buying in a store is one thing and buying online is another. You may have no recourse if you get your laptop and it does not work where as if you got a brand name you would be able to contact the manufacturer.

[GrapefruitMovin]

Well I've done a little more research and i found out that the parent company for sager laptops are made by a company named clevo which made ailenware laptops before ailenware was bought by dell so i'm assuming the quality is decent.

[CharlieH]

Thats a fair assumtion to make.

I have a question for all you flash folk out there.

Is it possible to save an animation as a .avi or .wmv? If not directly, are there any programs that could convert it for me?

[SODA]

Support may be poor or non existant, build quality may be poor, components might be low quality, compatible accessories could easily not exist, etc. It could be the best laptop in the world for all I know, no offence to Sager, but buying from an unknown company is potentially dangerous.
Sager is a good brand, if I remember correctly they were the original owners of Alienware.

edit: woops someone already said it.

[Axidos]

I have a question for all you flash folk out there.

Is it possible to save an animation as a .avi or .wmv? If not directly, are there any programs that could convert it for me?

Under Publish settings, save it as a Quicktime .mov file. That's a video file, so it's the closest match.
Then you can use Super (http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html), a file conversion utility listed under the list of free internet programs (http://forums.explosm.net/showthread.php?t=26421) stickied in this forum, to convert it to either AVI or WMV. The free download version of SUPER is at the bottom of their page.

[Vin]

What is the best free program I can use to make animations?

I used to use microsoft photodraw years ago to make animated pictures, but it seems they've stopped making it. It was already installed on my computer when I bought it, so when I upgraded, it disappeared.

[Vetmode]

What is the best free program I can use to make animations?

I used to use microsoft photodraw years ago to make animated pictures, but it seems they've stopped making it. It was already installed on my computer when I bought it, so when I upgraded, it disappeared.

Try GIMP. (http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/Simple_Animations/)

[Spastic]

What is the best free program I can use to make animations?

I used to use microsoft photodraw years ago to make animated pictures, but it seems they've stopped making it. It was already installed on my computer when I bought it, so when I upgraded, it disappeared.

You can check this thread. (http://forums.explosm.net/showthread.php?t=28061)

[Vin]

Cheers you guys!

[Jiggz]

Video Calls

Does anyone know how much bandwidth an online video call uses? Like for instance in Skype?

[Clerlic]

Video Calls

Does anyone know how much bandwidth an online video call uses? Like for instance in Skype?

I'd say no more than 500-800 kbit, although it's probably less.

[Beefynick]

Video Calls

Does anyone know how much bandwidth an online video call uses? Like for instance in Skype?

Depends on the quality of the video being sent, but an average would be between 100 and 300 kb/s.

[opn4bzns]

The iSight on the MBP's are decent quality (640x480), so you'd probably be be looking at about 1 and a bit megabytes a minute.

Edit: Actually a bit of googling reveals that it's very variable, and the general advice seems to use a program like NetLimiter to measure it yourself.

[cabhats]

Flash drives:
Is it worth carrying a live boot image round on one instead of a laptop? Or do the write cycles screw the drive really quickly?

[Jiggz]

Edit: Actually a bit of googling reveals that it's very variable, and the general advice seems to use a program like NetLimiter to measure it yourself.

That's a good idea. Know of any Mac compatible variants of such software?

[Captain Insanity]

Thats a fair assumtion to make.

I have a question for all you flash folk out there.

Is it possible to save an animation as a .avi or .wmv? If not directly, are there any programs that could convert it for me?

Unless I'm mistaken yes such programs exist. I recall on my previous computer (before it exploded) my completely legal and deffinately non-pirated version of Macromedia Flash Professional *cough* had an add-on named something along the lines of Flash Movie Converter. I remember vaguely using this tool to test the theory that I could convert my flash to video so that I could also post it on Youtube and the like. I'm not 100% sure what the exact name of the add-on was but yes such tools exist and there is one for Macromedia Flash (Or Adobe Flash, or whatever name it goes by now).

[Jiggz]

Anyone know of free software I can use to monitor my bandwidth usage? I'm currently searching but can't find anything. What key words should I be searching for?

Also, it needs to be Mac compliant, which makes it just a little more difficult.

[BlackHood]

Flash drives:
Is it worth carrying a live boot image round on one instead of a laptop? Or do the write cycles screw the drive really quickly?

You get well over 5 million write cycles on a standard flash-drive. The good thing about a laptop is that its there. If you're on a plane or train, just whip it out. A live boot Image is only good if you want an OS with you when you at a computer.

Personally on fixing jobs I carry DSL to boot when a hard drive is screwed, but for school I have my laptop. It really depends what you need.

A boot image is useless without a computer to boot it on!

[Oofie]

Thanks for that.

Got another one though. My laptop has this automatic notification thing that tells me when new software is available for me. It's now telling me to download a new Wireless Lan software driver, and it gives a big list of options for different operating systems.

I need to identify the built in wireless lan I have so I download the correct one, and I have no idea how to do that with vista.

It gives instructions for XP so I tried sort of doing the equivalent with vista but got nowhere. Can anyone help?

Okay, so I did what you guys told me when I asked this, then went to look for the right LAN driver or whatever that would match but none of them do. Screenshot of available downloads (http://uploads.screenshot-program.com/my.php?image=upl6021998243.jpg).

Now what I got when I did opn4bzn's thing was some Realtek shit that looks nothing like any of that stuff ^ but I also saw the name of my processor: 'Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU T2330 @ 1.60GHz' which means absolutely fuck all to me, but looks more like what I was looking for.


That's also not on the list of downloads, as you can see. So which one should I download? If any?

I am a complete retard when it comes to computers, so please don't laugh if this is something really obvious :frown:. I ignored it for ages but I keep getting alerts telling me to download the driver, I just dunno which one to get.

[Beefynick]

I could tell you to download each one and try installing them, but that should be a last resort. Since you are downloading from Toshiba I can only assume you have a Toshiba laptop. If you post the name of your laptop (such as Satellite A135-S4677 which is mine) I can probably tell you which one to download.

[Oofie]

Oh cool thanks. Toshiba Satellite L40-17U.

[Beefynick]

This looks like the driver you want: link to download (http://support1.toshiba-tro.de/tedd-files2/0/wlesslan-20071121132221.zip)

It is for the Realtek card. It was released on November 21, 2007. Let me know if this one does not work.

[Oofie]

That worked! Thanks a mil

[Desert]

Yeah I have a question, with a small story to explain it.

I had my phone stolen recently and I used it to play music; my next phone is basically the same thing and it uses an micro SD card. I have a card reader thing I can plug into my USB port so I can put stuff onto the card.

Question: Is the type of file that is a ringtone file or game file? Like if I wanted a ringtone, I'd drag it onto the card and when the SD card's in my phone, it'll work just as if I bought it. That's probably confusing.

[Beefynick]

That worked! Thanks a mil
No problem

Yeah I have a question, with a small story to explain it.

I had my phone stolen recently and I used it to play music; my next phone is basically the same thing and it uses an micro SD card. I have a card reader thing I can plug into my USB port so I can put stuff onto the card.

Question: Is the type of file that is a ringtone file or game file? Like if I wanted a ringtone, I'd drag it onto the card and when the SD card's in my phone, it'll work just as if I bought it. That's probably confusing.

What you are asking is not too clear, but I am going to take a stab at answering it. Ringtones are usually just MIDI or MP3 files. It depends on the carrier, but sometimes you can transfer them from one phone to another (by putting it on a SD card). Sometimes the carriers will only allow you to save ringtones to the phone memory.

As for games, they are usually specific for a phone meaning you cannot transfer them. Most carriers only allow them to be downloaded to the phone memory and not to a SD card. That is only if you downloaded them from the carrier. If you downloaded them from some website (who sent the link to your phone) you should be able to transfer them on a SD card.

I hope that answers your question.

[Soul]

Ok this is starting to piss me off but for some reason the back and forward page buttons on my browser have disappeared. It might be because I recently installed and removed the new version of firefox 3.0. Heres a screenshot in case it helps. http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scra9ff09gc3.jpg

[Antisaint]

You might look in View -> Toolbars -> Customize.

[Jiggz]

Just a quickie, YouTube is blocked at my work so I can't check this out myself, what is the average size of a three minute video?

[Mirrorman]

Just a quickie, YouTube is blocked at my work so I can't check this out myself, what is the average size of a three minute video?

Depends on the quality. If its not completely crap, It can be like 50 megs, but I don't know what quality you mean. Youtube ones may be like 5-10 megs though I think.

[Jiggz]

YouTube video's specifically. That big for a 3 minute video?

[junglebunny]

Should I get a Sony or Samsung HDTV??

[Beefynick]

Personally I like Samsung because they tend to hold up longer and have fewer problems, but I would say it depends on the price.

[junglebunny]

Same price, both 32", both 720p.

[Assassin]

What is the meaning of life?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
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[AllyOvaries]

Why is Explosm so Strict about the threads?
Are they trying to be anti-ghetto talk plus anti-weirdness

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
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[junglebunny]

You capitalized "strict" for no reason, you're going to get banned!

Quick edit your post!!

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[Mirrorman]

YouTube video's specifically. That big for a 3 minute video?

5 megs isn't that big. Or is it?

[opn4bzns]

5 megs isn't that big. Or is it?

No, it's pretty small. It's a tad bigger than the average song in mp3 format, for reference.

[Tweek]

Is an Intel 82865G Graphics Controller good enough to play a game like COD4 decently?
Minimum required is Nvidia GeForce 6600 or ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.

[Spastic]

No, not really Tweek. Although it may be, check out this site.

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/referrer/srtest

[Tweek]

Thanks man, that site helps a lot.
It looks like the video card fails me yet again.

[opn4bzns]

Thanks man, that site helps a lot.
It looks like the video card fails me yet again.

Probably because it's not a graphics card, it's a inbuilt chip on your motherboard.
If you want to really boost gaming performance (and what you can play), you could buy a dedicated video card. Assuming you have a free PCI-E slot you could get a decent card for under A$100, or a good one for a tad under a$200.

I'll go into more detail if you're actually considering buying one.

[Tweek]

I seriously have no fucking idea so I will get back to you on that one.

[cptlol]

Is there a program somewhere to speed up my fanns?
When playing games my PC overheats causing FPS-loss, so is there somehow I can speed them up?

And/or other tips to keep my Pc cooler?


I seriously have no fucking idea so I will get back to you on that one.

If you have found it out, I would recommend a geforce Nvidia 8800 gts. it's a cheap card, but it does the trick.

Although you should check if your current PC is worth it, sometimes it's better to overclock your current Pc and save up some money for a better Pc(that can handle all games) - Which'll cost around 800 euro, don't know how much dollar.

[Spastic]

Buy adequate case fans, and make sure your case has airflow through it, as in there is no jumbled up cords messing up the airflow. You apply some more thermal paste to your CPU if you are having a major heating problem, that will likely solve it. Also,

http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

[Beefynick]

I use a program called SpeedFan in which you can adjust the speed of your fans automatically or manually. It keeps my temperature down quite a bit when I am gaming on my laptop. Link above.

[cptlol]

Buy adequate case fans, and make sure your case has airflow through it, as in there is no jumbled up cords messing up the airflow. You apply some more thermal paste to your CPU if you are having a major heating problem, that will likely solve it. Also,

http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

Thanks:)

Will buy a new Pc after exams.
I've checked the inside of the PC recently for dust, at the time I didn't pay any attention to the cords - if I remember correctly there weren't any.

It's not a major heating problem, it's not yet fried :D but it's still somewhat unusual.

[CharlieH]

How do you soft reboot an XP computer? As in, restart windows, but not the computer.

[Spastic]

I don't think there is a way, unless you just log off your current user then log on, but that's as close to a soft reboot that I know of.

[CharlieH]

I know there is a way to do it. I've heard about people doing it before. I just don't know how.

And before any of you get the wrong idea (:heya:)

I want to know how to soft reboot my computer. Thanks.

[Desert]

I have a laptop and I need to connect to my desktop, but I don't remember the passphrase code to hook up my wireless internet connection. I went to 192.168.1.1 or w/e it was and I don't remember my password. It's not admin. (Going there shows your internet connection or something I guess) Is there a way I can find it out so i can connect?

[Mirrorman]

I have a laptop and I need to connect to my desktop, but I don't remember the passphrase code to hook up my wireless internet connection. I went to 192.168.1.1 or w/e it was and I don't remember my password. It's not admin. (Going there shows your internet connection or something I guess) Is there a way I can find it out so i can connect?

Well you can reset the wireless modem.
But then you would have to set up the wireless codes etc. all over again.

[BlackHood]

I know that the default Belkin is a blank password box if that help?

[Desert]

Well you can reset the wireless modem.
But then you would have to set up the wireless codes etc. all over again.

I found a program called Cain and Abel that shows all my passwords on my computer but thanks anyways.

[ilovebrownies]

I know there is a way to do it. I've heard about people doing it before. I just don't know how.

And before any of you get the wrong idea (:heya:)

I want to know how to soft reboot my computer. Thanks.

I don't know if this is what you're thinking of, but here goes:

1. Go to Task Manager by right clicking the taskbar or use ctrl + alt + del.

2. Go to Processes, select "explorer.exe" and click on End Process.

3. Yes :fmita:

4. Go to file > new task (run).

5. Type "explorer" and hit enter.

[opn4bzns]

How do you soft reboot an XP computer? As in, restart windows, but not the computer.

I don't think that's possible. You might be thinking of something else. Is there a particular reason you want to do it?

I can't really think of any reason you'd want to unless you really wanted to avoid waiting for your bios to load or something, either. :confused:

[junglebunny]

Not to be an attention whore, but I could still use some feedback on this:
Should I get a Sony or Samsung HDTV??
Same price, both 32", both 720p.

Also, I can't decide whether I should get a new laptop or desktop. I have a computer table in my room that has a laptop that doesn't work just lying desktops on it. I never took my laptop anywhere so it was basically just a desktop I could use on my couch. Are desktops better? I don't know shit about computers.

Also what should I get if I do, price range should be about $600-$800...

[Beefynick]

Personally I would go with the Samsung because their products tend to hold up well, but when it comes to HDTV's I am by no means an expert.

As for the desktop vs laptop issue if you never move it around I would suggest getting a desktop. You can get a desktop that has better features for much less than it would cost to get a laptop with the same features. In your price range you can get a decent desktop (lower high end) but you could only get an ok laptop (introductory to low end).

[opn4bzns]

Also, I can't decide whether I should get a new laptop or desktop. I have a computer table in my room that has a laptop that doesn't work just lying desktops on it. I never took my laptop anywhere so it was basically just a desktop I could use on my couch. Are desktops better? I don't know shit about computers.

Also what should I get if I do, price range should be about $600-$800...

Basically for the same price you'll get a much better desktop, but a laptop is portable. If you care about it being portable, get a laptop. If you don't care at all, I'd go for a desktop.

[Mirrorman]

I would go with a laptop. Because if you ever should need to take it along, you can. But if you get a desktop thinking "I won't ever need to carry my computer around", and you do, you're fucked. Also these days the laptops are really good, so it's not that big of a difference.

[opn4bzns]

Also these days the laptops are really good, so it's not that big of a difference.

Yes and no. The gap between laptops and desktops may be smaller than it used to be, but it's still pretty large.

For example, for us$749 a standard Dell desktop comes with a 2.4ghz Intel Core2Quad and a 500gb hd, whereas a Dell laptop for $799 only has a 1.73ghz Dual Core and a 160gb hd.
The desktop also has a 19" lcd, whereas the laptop only has a 17" one.
Both come with 2gb of ram and both have integrated video, but there's a huge difference between the hard drives and processors.

[Mirrorman]

Yes and no. The gap between laptops and desktops may be smaller than it used to be, but it's still pretty large.

For example, for us$749 a standard Dell desktop comes with a 2.4ghz Intel Core2Quad and a 500gb hd, whereas a Dell laptop for $799 only has a 1.73ghz Dual Core and a 160gb hd.
The desktop also has a 19" lcd, whereas the laptop only has a 17" one.
Both come with 2gb of ram and both have integrated video, but there's a huge difference between the hard drives and processors.

Well yeah. It's pretty much up to jungle. If he wants to play games and download porn or whatever, he should go for the desktop. But if those things aren't really THAT important, atleast I'd go for the laptop because I like its portability. His decision though.

[junglebunny]

Porn is very important to me.

Also I don't play games on computers if that makes any difference.

[CharlieH]

To be honest, that makes all the difference. Get a low/mid range laptop, and you should be fine.

[Mirrorman]

Porn is very important to me.

Also I don't play games on computers if that makes any difference.

In that case I would buy the laptop, because if you won't be playing hardcore games on it, you won't need massive processors and RAM.

[MrDoctor]

Any help on how to get past school website blocks without a proxy.(all of them are blocked)I know theres a way to do it with a ms-dot prompt but i don't know how.

[Homemaster]

Why is my problem continually being deleted? I'm serious, I would like some help as nothing I can find with Google is aiding me.

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[Axidos]

How do you soft reboot an XP computer? As in, restart windows, but not the computer.
restart explorer.exe
Explorer.exe just handles the graphics and programs of the computer, it is not the operating system. The operating system is not a program, it is a kernel - something far, far greater than just a program. You'd have to restart at least a dozen other processes before Windows is forced to reboot itself and it would probably do a hard reboot.

CrashFace, unfortunately I can't answer your question, but at least I can point you away from a wrong answer. Windows XP and later versions do not provide a simple way to soft reboot. The information I can get my hands on is somewhat ambiguous from that point onwards: you either need a program to manage the soft rebooting process, or it is simply impossible.

Although I'm really not sure why you would need to soft reboot in the first place. The only difference between a hard reboot (the ordinary kind) and a soft reboot is that the power supply is uninterrupted.

[junglebunny]

Any help on how to get past school website blocks without a proxy.(all of them are blocked)I know theres a way to do it with a ms-dot prompt but i don't know how.

All proxies are blocked? That's hard to believe unless they're blocking the internet. Try www.atunnel.com and if that doesn't try www.btunnel.com and if that doesn't work try www.ctunnel.com... ect.

Only a couple letters don't work, I think there is like 20 of them.

[Mirrorman]

All proxies are blocked? That's hard to believe unless they're blocking the internet. Try www.atunnel.com and if that doesn't try www.btunnel.com and if that doesn't work try www.ctunnel.com... ect.

Only a couple letters don't work, I think there is like 20 of them.

Theres also http://proxy.org/ , where you can get a hold of 5872 proxys.

[Oofie]

This is probably really stupid but I don't care and it's really annoying me.

ControlC (http://controlc.com/) is this potentially really handy website that keeps a record of stuff you copy/paste, so if you need it later it's on your profile, but I never use it, and I don't particularly want a record of all the stuff I copy/paste on a profile. But I can't figure out how to get rid of it. I've checked the FAQ (all of which are about the forum as opposed to the program itself) and there's nothing about getting rid of it.

You have to download it, so I assumed it'd be in programs and I could uninstall it from there, but it's not, and I can't. Any suggestions?

[Spastic]

You can download a program like Your Uninstaller (http://www.download.com/Your-Uninstaller-2008/3000-2096_4-10143715.html) Aoife, install that and use it to uninstall instead of the Windows default.

[Oofie]

Thanks Spazzy, I still can't find the program though.

Even when I search my start menu nothing shows, but every time I turn on my computer this box pops up asking for my login and password, and even when I don't enter them, it logs everything on my profile until I tell it not to and exit it. And then it's gone again and it doesn't show until the next time I turn on the computer.

[Spastic]

Hmm, do you mean when you log into your computer you are hit with a password screen? Just type in your computer's name and leave the password blank, unless you have set up a password.

If you want to get rid of the login page try these steps.

1. Click START > RUN

2. Type "control userpasswords2" (without quotations).

3. Uncheck the box that says Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.

Then restart and check if it's working.

[CharlieH]

All proxies are blocked? That's hard to believe unless they're blocking the internet. Try www.atunnel.com and if that doesn't try www.btunnel.com and if that doesn't work try www.ctunnel.com... ect.

Only a couple letters don't work, I think there is like 20 of them.

Theres also http://proxy.org/ , where you can get a hold of 5872 proxys.

Any help on how to get past school website blocks without a proxy.(all of them are blocked)I know theres a way to do it with a ms-dot prompt but i don't know how.

I understand what he means. Especially you, mirrorman. any sites with proxy in the name are blocked. You can't get to the sites which will poroxy for you. What you need is a program like autotunnel GG (google it) however,chances are you can't install it on your school computers. sorry man.

Actually, in an interesting side story, a few people at my college started using a program called "Autosurf" which they brought in on USB sticks, to get round our proxies.

[MrDoctor]

Yeah my school uses Websense which has almost every web page blocked. And they constantly check what proxy sites kids use and block them too. So no one knows how to use the ms dot prompt to get past the filter?? I know there is a way cause a nerdy kid started to show me how to but never finished.(ps, the os for my schools computers are windows 95 if that helps)

[Axidos]

Yeah my school uses Websense which has almost every web page blocked. And they constantly check what proxy sites kids use and block them too. So no one knows how to use the ms dot prompt to get past the filter?? I know there is a way cause a nerdy kid started to show me how to but never finished.(ps, the os for my schools computers are windows 95 if that helps)

MrDoctor, you can use what I refer to as 8shanghai. It is a vast array of domains, all containing the same proxy, all identical except for the domain name, and they create new domains constantly (I think they create a new one every few hours) so as to make it almost impossible to keep it blocked. They move too fast for most content filters. Here's one of their more recent domains:

https://gf.heker.info/

You will have to accept the security warning and site certificate etc. And if you're typing it out from memory don't forget they use https:// not http://.

I call them the 8shanghai network because that's the name of their first domain I stumbled upon.

[CharlieH]

I've got a funny feeling that using that site may well contravene computer laws.

This proxy, Ultrasurf (http://tec-updates.blogspot.com/2008/01/ultrasurf-v88-0-bypass-all-internet.html) started being used at my school, and we were told that using it is breaking the Computer Misuse Act, because it bypasses government controlled filters.

The fact that I had to approve Firefox to connect to 8shangai (which I didn't) makes me think it's trying to hide something.

[SODA]

I've got a funny feeling that using that site may well contravene computer laws.

This proxy, Ultrasurf (http://tec-updates.blogspot.com/2008/01/ultrasurf-v88-0-bypass-all-internet.html) started being used at my school, and we were told that using it is breaking the Computer Misuse Act, because it bypasses government controlled filters.

The fact that I had to approve Firefox to connect to 8shangai (which I didn't) makes me think it's trying to hide something.

All you could possibly be doing is bypassing what stupid restrictions your school has in place, there's no "laws" you are breaking.

And it is trying to hide something numbnuts, the site you are trying to visit.

[Spastic]

Proxies are by no means illegal at all.

[opn4bzns]

The fact that I had to approve Firefox to connect to 8shangai (which I didn't) makes me think it's trying to hide something.

You have to approve it because it's a secure connection, which is the whole point, that it hides the real site you're visiting from whoever is blocking your access to said site.

[Church]

So my mom has a laptop computer ( HP Pavilion dv1000 ) and it got a virus so I reformatted it and after It couldn't connect to the internet or hear sound. So I fixed the internet by getting the driver and I got the sound driver also but it still doesn't work. I've tried re-installing a few times and still nothing. I could definitely use some help.

[Axidos]

So my mom has a laptop computer ( HP Pavilion dv1000 ) and it got a virus so I reformatted it and after It couldn't connect to the internet or hear sound. So I fixed the internet by getting the driver and I got the sound driver also but it still doesn't work. I've tried re-installing a few times and still nothing. I could definitely use some help.
Does the laptop have 2000 or XP installed? You should always state your operating system in a computer tech support question for a multitude of reasons.

EDIT: Church, I visited the page for your HP dv1000 Notebook (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=435618&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&lang=&cc=us) and went to the Solve a Problem (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/solveCategory?lc=en&cc=us&lang=&dlc=&product=435618) page. The first FAQ in there provides a solution to your problem: "HP Notebook PCs - No Sound or Audio is Heard in Microsoft Windows XP, Win98, and ME" (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00035555&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=435618&lang=)
It will guide you through all the steps necessary to fixing the problem.

Try each method out in order and test after each one to see if your sound is working again.

Also, make sure it's the dv1000 you have, because there are two other versions: the dv1000 CTO and the dv1000t. If you have either of those, move on to OoooF4LiFe's post below.

[opn4bzns]

Does the laptop have 2000 or XP installed? You should always state your operating system in a computer tech support question for a multitude of reasons...
That looks helpful but you might want to factor Vista in, it's a lot more likely the laptop uses that than 2000.

[Axidos]

I've got a funny feeling that using that site may well contravene computer laws.

I'm afraid using a proxy to access blocked sites at any computer is illegal - there's no two ways about it. I doubt you'll get in trouble unless you do something serious (though at my old school you had your internet access disabled for a while) but be fully aware of this.

The law in question is known in the USA as the The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (http://www.panix.com/~eck/computer-fraud-act.html), and in most other countries as the Computer Misuse Act of 1990 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900018_en_1.htm).

Using a computer to do things you don't have permission to do (such as access blocked websites) is in direct violation of this law. As the laws state, doing so "exceeds authorization".

It violates section A, clause 2 of the USA version and section 1, clause 1A of UK and other countries' version.

That looks helpful but you might want to factor Vista in, it's a lot more likely the laptop uses that than 2000.

That model laptop most commonly comes with XP. When you go to download drivers (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=435618&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&lang=&cc=us) for the dv1000, it does not even list Vista as a choice of operating system; it isn't supported. He managed to find working ethernet drivers for it so it must have either XP or 2000.

[OoooF4LiFe]

Well the dv1000 doesn't come with vista on it. The CTO and 1000t do though. So Axidos post will cover the dv1000. If his happens not to be the dv1000, then here's the link to the other two.

Pavilion dv1000 CTO (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=500515&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us)
Pavilion dv1000t (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=1832437&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us)

Main thing is to just make sure which of the three (or maybe even something else) you have, and pick out the right OS. Pick out the driver and install it. Go into your device manager and double check that your hardware is using the driver that you just installed (had this happen to me once, and another time it was grabbing the wrong codec's).


See if that works. And if it doesn't, at least then we can rule out the driver as the problem.

[CasinoCloudz]

In photoshop whenever i drag a photo in the canvas it turns black and white and i have to change the scaling to rgb color again. Does anyone know how to make it permanent so i dont have to do it every time?

[CharlieH]

I'm afraid using a proxy to access blocked sites at any computer is illegal - there's no two ways about it. I doubt you'll get in trouble unless you do something serious (though at my old school you had your internet access disabled for a while) but be fully aware of this.

The law in question is known in the USA as the The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (http://www.panix.com/~eck/computer-fraud-act.html), and in most other countries as the Computer Misuse Act of 1990 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900018_en_1.htm).

Using a computer to do things you don't have permission to do (such as access blocked websites) is in direct violation of this law. As the laws state, doing so "exceeds authorization".

It violates section A, clause 2 of the USA version and section 1, clause 1A of UK and other countries' version.


I fucking knew it. I won't give everyone an "I told you so" speech, but it proves that I do kinda know what i'm talking about, and won't saying anything that i don't believe to be true.

Anyway, In response to my question earlier on in the thread about soft rebooting windows/my laptop, I think I might be thinking that this could be done on earlier versions of windows, but not XP onwards?

[Spastic]

Proxies themselves are not illegal, linking to them are fine, shut up about it.

[opn4bzns]

I fucking knew it. I won't give everyone an "I told you so" speech, but it proves that I do kinda know what i'm talking about, and won't saying anything that i don't believe to be true.

Technically you might be right about cases in the US, but if you can find a single case where a kid has been arrested for using a proxy to go on myspace or a game or whatever I will be very surprised. It may technically be illegal under a vague computer misuse law, but really, you aren't going to get arrested for circumventing your school or work's filters to access anything legal.

As for the soft reboot thing, Wikipedia notes that some linux distros and very old IBMs can do it, but makes no mention of any version of Windows.

[Axidos]

In photoshop whenever i drag a photo in the canvas it turns black and white and i have to change the scaling to rgb color again. Does anyone know how to make it permanent so i dont have to do it every time?
CasinoCloudz, go to File > New. Check the Color Mode dropdown box and make sure you're creating your canvases in RGB - not Grayscale, CMYK, bitmap or lab colour.
CMYK shows colour too, but in a different way (it uses different base colours) so you might as well stick with RGB.

oh fuck proxies etc

Anyway, In response to my question earlier on in the thread about soft rebooting windows/my laptop, I think I might be thinking that this could be done on earlier versions of windows, but not XP onwards?
Don't freak out about proxies. I've used them countless times and barely gotten in trouble. You're not going to be arrested.

A soft reboot used to be possible on Windows 95, 98 and Me systems (source (http://cygwin.com/ml/cygwin/2006-10/msg01055.html)) by holding shift during the restart process. Later versions (NT, XP, Vista) cannot soft reboot, as the NT framework has removed this functionality.

opn4bzns, don't forget about Google. Wikipedia isn't 100% reliable (though it might be pretty damn close).

In the source I linked to, the user goes on to say they believe you can soft-reboot Windows by forcing explorer.exe to close. This is not how it works - Windows is a kernel, something that the programs run inside. Explorer.exe is not Windows. It is a program which handles Window's GUI and Windows Explorer, and closing it would only affect other programs and not the kernel (Windows).

Some webpages I've read seem to hint at soft reboot capability in Vista and XP, but I can't find anything solid on this.

[Chips]

My question is kind of stupid, but I recently got a new computer and its great but when the CD Drive is loading a disk, it is really loud. Like, a whirring noise but louder than usual. Loud enough for me to go "What the fuck".

Is there any reason it's doing this? The only thing I could think of was maybe something was a little loose or something. Thanks in advance.

[CharlieH]

My laptop one is really loud too. I don't think there is much you can do about it tbh, besides get a new one, but thats silly.

[Beefynick]

My question is kind of stupid, but I recently got a new computer and its great but when the CD Drive is loading a disk, it is really loud. Like, a whirring noise but louder than usual. Loud enough for me to go "What the fuck".

Is there any reason it's doing this? The only thing I could think of was maybe something was a little loose or something. Thanks in advance.

It is loud, usually, because the disk inserted is off balance when spinning. It is not harmful in any way, but some of the drives that read at high speeds tend to be loud since they have to spin the disk quickly to read everything.

There is a program I have on my laptop called CD/DVD Acoustic Silencer. It is for Toshiba products, but if you look around I am sure there is a program like this from a third party that works on all computers.

[Chips]

Ah ok. I think I'll give that a go.

One more question I had. My computer had been freezing up a lot while playing games (Dawn Of War: Soulstorm in this example) and after a while of playing it would just stop responding. My friend told me that maybe the graphics card or something isn't being cooled down properly considering it only happens while running graphic intensive programs. I opened my computer up and the fans are running fine.

Is there a way for me to help it cool down without resorting to complicated things like installing liquid nitrogen tubes/water etc?

My room isn't that cool either because at the moment it's quite small and not well ventilated since I temporarily moved back home with my folks till I find a new place and the only room available was tiny as.

Oh, I also got an error once while booting up about a fan error, presumably it failing or something. This would also most likely contribute to the problem but it seems to be fine at the moment.

[Beefynick]

You can use water cooling, but most of the time that is not practical on a computer unless it is extremely powerful. Most of the general use computers do not need water cooling.

You may want to check the ventilation around the computer. The back should not be against a wall. There should be at least a 6 inch space between the back of a computer and the wall (more room is better though).

The fan error may cause a problem, but it could just be a bug at startup and when you restart it work fine. I would suggest downloading Speedfan (the link is in one of the previous posts or look it up on google). It is a program to help regulate fan speed. It helps me quite a bit and is at least worth a try.

[Tener]

Can i mount a virtual dvd with some program, if i don't have a dvd reader?

[Spastic]

You can mount them with Virtual Discs. Such as .ISO files, .bin and .cue files can also be mounted.

[Blackflash]

can i hack a chnage machine?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: I love you.

[opn4bzns]

Can i mount a virtual dvd with some program, if i don't have a dvd reader?

If you're on XP microsoft make a nice little tool for doing this. Link (http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/620/xp_small_free_way_to_use_and_mount_images_iso_file s_without_burning_them).
It works in Vista, too, but not so well, it has some issues with admin privileges. Daemon Tools works too, but I prefer the microsoft tool because it's so simple.

[Tener]

Do regular desktop graphics card fit into laptops?
I'm looking for one what costs around 180-210 $.
What's the best card for that price?

[CharlieH]

No. Also, you cannot change the Graphics card in a laptop without taking the entire thing to bits. (Voiding your warrenty).

[opn4bzns]

Do regular desktop graphics card fit into laptops?
I'm looking for one what costs around 180-210 $.
What's the best card for that price?

No, you'll have to get one specifically designed for laptops. Nvidia have a Geforce GO series, and I think ATI have something similar.

[Desert]

I'm too lazy to drive to a store and get Team Fortress 2, so I'm going to downloading it off of Steam. Would it take longer to download from a CD or from Steam? I have 3.25 GB of RAM if that even matters here.

[Spastic]

Steam downloads it pretty fast, I have never bought a CD version of a Steam game though, so I don't know what to compare it with. If you buy it off Steam it will take a couple of hours to update.

[Desert]

Wouldn't I have to update it if I get the CD version anyways, since they don't update their CDs?

[Spastic]

Yeah, but it may be a tad faster actually installing the game from CD. Depending on your internet speed. Like I said I have no complaints about the Steam downloader, and if you don't want to go to the store it's a good alternative.

[Desert]

My internet is pretty fast so I'll just get it from Steam. Thanks

[poematik14]

My question is kind of stupid, but I recently got a new computer and its great but when the CD Drive is loading a disk, it is really loud. Like, a whirring noise but louder than usual. Loud enough for me to go "What the fuck".

Is there any reason it's doing this? The only thing I could think of was maybe something was a little loose or something. Thanks in advance.

If you can give us the model of the drive, or the computer model, we can help you better.

Other than that, you may just have a really loud drive. Some are louder than others.

[Tener]

Is it worth buying an used computer?
It is in a shop and it has 6 months or guarantee.

Intel Core2 Q6600/ 2x300GB HDD RAID/ Nvidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB/ 3GB DDR2 RAM/ 700W toide/DVD-RW kirjutaja/ Sound/ GBit Lan/ 8xUSB 2.0

It only costs 700$.

[Spastic]

Since it has the warranty and all, I would do it Tener.

[CharlieH]

With specs like that, you be a fool not to, really.

[Tener]

I really want to myself but my mom has doubts because it's used...
Pc-s with same specifications in Estonia cost like 1000$ or more.
Any tips how I should convince her?

[Spastic]

Tell her it's under warranty, so if anything goes wrong you won't be fucked. Also tell her it's a steal at that price, and if you were to buy one new it would cost double that.

[Beefynick]

I would show her a computer that has comparable specifications and show her what the cost for that is. That way you can show her that you are getting a deal.

[HappinessMan]

My iPod (About 3 years old) has been starting to "die" on me lately. It started when I restored it so my iPod could work on my 360 again. During syncing, it started freaking out, giving me error -69, or losing data that was just syncing. I've restored it many a time since then, I've used Apple's support page advice, but its still there. Has anyone else got this error before?

[potolife]

Lately, when my laptop's plugged in, it takes forever to shut down. It gets to the point where it says it's shutting down (you know, blueish/greenish screen in vista) and just stays there. Once I sat with it for about 45 minutes waiting for it to shut all the way down (where the computer is turned off) but it never happened. Usually, I just get sick of waiting and press the power button to turn it off. This is only happening when the laptop's not running on solely its battery.

Laptop: Gateway MT6705
OS: Vista

[opn4bzns]

My iPod (About 3 years old) has been starting to "die" on me lately. It started when I restored it so my iPod could work on my 360 again. During syncing, it started freaking out, giving me error -69, or losing data that was just syncing. I've restored it many a time since then, I've used Apple's support page advice, but its still there. Has anyone else got this error before?

Maybe you'll be lucky, but I can think of four people I know whose iPods have begun to have errors not solved by restoring them. They've all just deteriorated until becoming pretty much unusable. Not much comfort, I know, but you may just have to buy a new one if you have the money.

[PyroOwned]

Ok, here's a Question for you. The time on my computer keeps staying behind by half an hour. I have Vista, by the way. I changed the time back to normal a few times but it slowly delays all the time, gradually making it back to being half an hour behind. Is every other Vista user getting this, or is it just me? And if so, how can I fix it?

[Beefynick]

I have Vista and the clock is on time for me. You might want to check what time server your clock is synchronizing with. My guess is that the server is not working.

[Desert]

Okay, I'm in love with my iPod, so I'm always getting album covers for the songs, but I've been getting lazier lately. Is there a program (not a free trial) that will do it automatically? I don't have a credit card to make an account for iTunes to do that 'Auto Art' thing.

[bizzle]

Quick question because I dont know, is there any possible way to have multiple items on your clip board? Like entry one and two and three and four? So you can collect a bunch of things on your clipboard and paste them separately? Is there any way to accomplish this? It would be really cool and helpful to know with this project.

[Beefynick]

Quick question because I dont know, is there any possible way to have multiple items on your clip board? Like entry one and two and three and four? So you can collect a bunch of things on your clipboard and paste them separately? Is there any way to accomplish this? It would be really cool and helpful to know with this project.

Yes and no. The standard clipboard does not allow for more than one entry to be copied and pasted at once. Microsoft Office 2003 and up allow for more than one entry to be copied and pasted.

Your best bet would be to open wordpad and copy and paste everything you are going to be using repeatedly and then copy and paste from wordpad when you need the entry (assuming you are not working with Office 2003 or Office 2007.)

[Exodus]

So, after discovering crystal castle, I really want to start making my own techno music. Do any of you know any good programs for a beginner?

[TheHighwaySong]

So, after discovering crystal castle, I really want to start making my own techno music. Do any of you know any good programs for a beginner?
There are a lot of good basic programs that will allow you to mix music, the most notable one is Fruity Loops. Sony ACID Pro, Reaper, Cakewalk, and Cubase can be good sometimes too, but Fruity Loops comes with a drum machine (only other one I've tried are Reaper and Acid Pro) as well as a lot of other neat things. But if you're looking for something free, then that's pretty impossible. You have to buy most music making programs.

[Hunnter]

Quick question because I dont know, is there any possible way to have multiple items on your clip board? Like entry one and two and three and four? So you can collect a bunch of things on your clipboard and paste them separately? Is there any way to accomplish this? It would be really cool and helpful to know with this project.

You'll need a multi-clipboard for that.

There are several free and paid versions around the net.

My personal favorite is WinM8. (which is no longer in development, the newer version has taken over for it, but i still prefer WinM8, won't matter anyway, coding my own)
Such a simple interface, drag and drop, new shortcut keys to paste things (ctrl 1-9 paste last 9 items, 0 clears it, alt+[a-z] to paste saved items in each clipboard library) and so much more.

[TheHighwaySong]

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/img/2007/04/novatelusb720.jpg

Currently this is how I get my internet. It's $65 a month, and it enables me to take my laptop virtually anywhere there is a signal to get internet. It's not bad really, but I don't really take my laptop anywhere else and I'm really looking into getting Xbox Live and this just won't cut it. So I'm considering switching to Fios internet, no phone/TV bundle, just internet. Some of my friends tell me it's totally worth it, even with the long installation and the digging to put a cable underground. A couple of others say it lags on them and generally sucks.

So what determines if Fios is worth it, what's is you guys' experience with it? Is it worth it?

[Tener]

When i try to play UEFA EURO 2008 with my friends over LAN, i get a connection problem. The game loads up ok, but when the match should begin it gives the error.
What may be the problem?

[Beefynick]

It sounds like a network card problem. Do you connect to the internet through a LAN and if you do do you have problems with your connection?

[Tener]

It sounds like a network card problem. Do you connect to the internet through a LAN and if you do do you have problems with your connection?

Never mind. Problem solved. I think.

[MrDoctor]

Anyone have a good place to buy Graphic Cards and a good suggestion for one I should get. I don't need a crazy and expensive one. Just one good enough to play Spore with. If it helps I have Windows XP and a Intel Pentium 4 running at 2.66ghz and a gig of ram. Also I'm on a Dell.

[CreamScreamer]

Can anybody recommend me a good headset for PC gaming? I've looked at some but since the vast majority of you guys play games, I want to hear what you guys have or would recommend.

[SODA]

I use these: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Premium-Headset-Noise-Canceling-Microphone/dp/B0007N33IQ/ref=pd_sim_e_img_7

And I am pretty sure they sound fantastic. You would have to ask the people that hear me though.

[Spastic]

Anyone have a good place to buy Graphic Cards and a good suggestion for one I should get. I don't need a crazy and expensive one. Just one good enough to play Spore with. If it helps I have Windows XP and a Intel Pentium 4 running at 2.66ghz and a gig of ram. Also I'm on a Dell.

What type of graphics card does your motherboard take?

[Axidos]

Can anybody recommend me a good headset for PC gaming? I've looked at some but since the vast majority of you guys play games, I want to hear what you guys have or would recommend.

Sennheiser is a fantastic brand for headphones. I use the Sennheiser PC151 (http://www.velvetsystems.com/Sennheiser.PC151.Headphones.cfm) which is, apparently, optimized for gaming. They cost a bit but they're worth it. The microphone is good and they've even got a bit of a subwoofer inside them.

To my knowledge, all Sennheiser headphones have a rating system on the box telling you what they're optimised for.

[opn4bzns]

Anyone have a good place to buy Graphic Cards and a good suggestion for one I should get. I don't need a crazy and expensive one. Just one good enough to play Spore with. If it helps I have Windows XP and a Intel Pentium 4 running at 2.66ghz and a gig of ram. Also I'm on a Dell.

Depends where you live. If you're American, Newegg (newegg.com) is a pretty good online store.

[MrDoctor]

What type of graphics card does your motherboard take?

I'm pretty much shit with computers so I don't know if you know a way I could find out tell me and ill check and get back with you.

[Ercoledi]

I'm not sure if this is what Spastic meant, but right click on My Computer, and go to Properties. Click the Hardware Tab, and then the Device Manager button. Then expand the option for 'Display adapters'. That's your graphics card.

[Beefynick]

I'm pretty much shit with computers so I don't know if you know a way I could find out tell me and ill check and get back with you.

Find out what motherboard you have and look up the specs online. Some boards will not take certain cards (for example mine will not handle a card above 256MB because it would take too much power presumably to have a larer one). It depends on what socket you have on your board and what it can handle.

[MrDoctor]

Find out what motherboard you have and look up the specs online. Some boards will not take certain cards (for example mine will not handle a card above 256MB because it would take too much power presumably to have a larer one). It depends on what socket you have on your board and what it can handle.

Hmmm, how do I find out what kind of motherboard I have.

[Spastic]

If you don't know how to do any of this I would recommend bringing your PC into some shop and getting it checked out there, and having the video card installed there as well. Just opening up your PC without any kind of knowledge about it is not usually a good idea.

[MrDoctor]

Nah, I would just get my brother to install it since he's a computer freak. He's not home right now so I can't get him to figure out what kind of motherboard I have.

[Spastic]

I would ask your brother about it then, it would probably be less of a hassle for you if you did.

[MrDoctor]

My computer screen keeps freezing and turning off. Or it will all the sudden say no video input and goes into sleep mode. Do you guys have a guess as what would be wrong. I think I may need a new graphics card but I'm not too good with computers.

[opn4bzns]

My computer screen keeps freezing and turning off. Or it will all the sudden say no video input and goes into sleep mode. Do you guys have a guess as what would be wrong. I think I may need a new graphics card but I'm not too good with computers.

Check your input plugs are in tightly. At the back of your monitor there will be a power cord and an input cord that looks like this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/DVI_Connector.jpg/300px-DVI_Connector.jpg
or this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/VGA_Stecker.jpg/300px-VGA_Stecker.jpg.
Push them in tighter if possible at both ends.

[tunacake]

Simple yes or no for the tech retard.

If I were to buy this (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10077799&catid=), I could use it with my iPod, right?

[CharlieH]

Provided it had a headphone jack, yes. It doesn't actually specify.

[Mirrorman]

Provided it had a headphone jack, yes. It doesn't actually specify.

It's a speaker system, what use would it be without that :indiff:?
Although it is 5.1, so to use it with your ipod, you would need some middle piece to make the 3 cables 1

[opn4bzns]

It's a speaker system, what use would it be without that :indiff:?

Proper hifi speakers don't have headphone jacks, just ones designed for computers and ipods do. It's quite likely they wouldn't work with an iPod without a stereo in between them.

Edit: could a mod change the 'thead' in the thread's title to 'thread' please?

[Mirrorman]

Oh, I get where you getting at. My bad.

[Tener]

I'm planning on buying a laptop. Not sure about it yet.
Anyway, is it possible to have mac OS X, windows vista and windows XP booted at the same time?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107018

For that price it's hard to find a better one too...

And does newegg ship to Estonia?

Edit:
I found a better one... I think.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3600764&sku=G153-M1617
And that ships to Estonia.

Which is better?

[bono]

Im not very PC inclined but I do have one and it worked really well until a little while ago. When I switch it on first of all it wouldnt switch on at all (the fans came on the lights came on but nothing on the screen) so a friend of mine got it running again and it worked for a whole two days and then did the same thing. I then took out one of the Ram cards (I had 2 x 256 cards) and that worked too for a while. Now when I switch on it is very slow (if it boots up) otherwise it comes up with a screen that asks if you want to start up in safe mode, normally or the last time your computer was working. That doesnt work either. Do I need to give my computer a beer? Or maybe a hammer?

[bono]

Sorry, I ment to include above- how do I know what ram my pc will run? The reason I ask is because a gig is so cheap right now and maybe that might be the solution?

[CharlieH]

Tener:

1) No, it isn't. You can run both the windows at the same time, but not the Mac OS too.

2) Go for the second one.

Bono:

What OS are you using? Or rather, attempting to use?

[bono]

Tener:

1) No, it isn't. You can run both the windows at the same time, but not the Mac OS too.

2) Go for the second one.

Bono:

What OS are you using? Or rather, attempting to use?

Windows XP. I have had my computer for about a year and a half now and its always worked perfectly until now.

[CharlieH]

www.crucial.com

Provided you brought the computer, you can find the make and model number, tell it what you have already, and then it will point out a range of compatible upgrades. 512Mb is enough, but not practically.

[MrDoctor]

What do you guys suggest as a good monitor to buy since my one is kinda small. Mine is a 17" so I want to get somewhere around 20".

[bono]

www.crucial.com

Provided you brought the computer, you can find the make and model number, tell it what you have already, and then it will point out a range of compatible upgrades. 512Mb is enough, but not practically.

Thanks very much, I appreciate your help. I have no clue what I have but I remember seeing the name etc on the motherboard. Will check. I am only running 256 at the moment because for some reason two wont run. One question though (if you dont mind) would the ram cause the problems above if the card is faulty or could it be something else completely?

[CharlieH]

If the RAM is faulty, or not pushed in properly, or anything else, it will interrupt the data flow, and cause massive problems.

What do you guys suggest as a good monitor to buy since my one is kinda small. Mine is a 17" so I want to get somewhere around 20".

How much you to got spend?

EDIT: Assuming your in america, these two seach results seem pretty reasonable. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=computer+monitors+20%22&x=14&y=28

[bono]

Thanks again CrashFace. The RAM is in properly but I reckon its faulty. That site you gave me should sort it out and I will just buy bigger and better RAm then. Much appreciated.

[MrDoctor]

How much you to got spend?

EDIT: Assuming your in america, these two seach results seem pretty reasonable. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=computer+monitors+20%22&x=14&y=28

That seems around right a little more expensive then I thought but hey, computer shit is expensive nowadays.

[CharlieH]

Ebay is your friend.

[Tener]

Tener:

1) No, it isn't. You can run both the windows at the same time, but not the Mac OS too.


I know I could dual boot XP & Vista or XP/Vista & Mac OS X.
I don't like vista, just tought I might need it for some stuff. You'll never know, right? If I can't have all three, I will go for XP & Mac OS X.

[Ercoledi]

I'm interested in using dual monitors, and I was wondering whether I could plug my laptop into my tower and use the laptop's LCD screen as the second monitor?

[Tener]

I'm interested in using dual monitors, and I was wondering whether I could plug my laptop into my tower and use the laptop's LCD screen as the second monitor?

First of all: Google is your friend.
The VGA port on the back of your laptop is for video OUT from the laptop, not video IN to the laptop. The only way for your LCD screen to get input is from the laptop itself.

If you have network cards in both the laptop and the desktop, you could connect the two directly with a network crossover cable. Then, if your desktop is running XP, you could have your laptop make a Remote connection your desktop. From there, simply run your desktop programs on your laptop -- including the TV programs -- and you will effectively be running your desktop from your laptop.

Edit:
http://blogs.msdn.com/jonathanh/archive/2004/03/07/using-your-laptop-as-a-second-screen.aspx

[Tener]

Sorry for double post.
I did a restart and now the sound is all gone.
It says I don't have drivers or something.
My motherboard is Abit SG-71 and i have onboard audio.
Please help quick!
What to do?

[Ice_Mel]

Sooooo. The right click > View Image command isn't working after downloading and installing Firefox 3. I don't know if this is even fixable but is there anything I could try?

[MrDoctor]

Sooooo. The right click > View Image command isn't working after downloading and installing Firefox 3. I don't know if this is even fixable but is there anything I could try?

Try reinstalling firefox.

[Graft]

Not a real tech question, but does anyone know where to, or even if you can, get a free ".com" site, ie www .website.com, not just one like www. freewebs.website.com?

[Beefynick]

I do not think you can. The only way you could would be hosting the site on your own server. Since the .com site is on a server I do not know of anyone that will let you use their bandwidth for free (besides tripod, ect.).

[Oofie]

My 3 month trial of Norton is about to run out. I now have a choice between Sophos (which I get free from college) or any of the free antivirus programmes (avast, avg, whatever) you tech savvy people know about.

I'd tend to lean towards Sophos because I have this belief that software that you pay for (though technically I won't be the one paying for it) is probably better than free stuff. But I'm a newb. Would I be better with one of the free programmes I've heard so many great things about? If so, which one?

Advice would be nice :)

[Graft]

I had alot of trouble when I used sophos, but it could have been just a freak thing.

[Beefynick]

Sophos is better than Norton. We use it at work and it seems to work well. I would get Sophos since it is free and see how you like it. For the free programs I would choose AVG. It is one of my favorite free antivirus programs.

[Prawnatron]

This always puzzled me: What's an Unregistered Hypercam?


I know, newby question.

[Mirrorman]

This always puzzled me: What's an Unregistered Hypercam?


I know, newby question.

Its a program that record what youre doing on your computer as a video.
HyperCam captures the action from your Windows screen and saves it to AVI (Audio-Video Interleaved) movie file. Sound from your system microphone is also recorded.

[Prawnatron]

I have a macbook could it work on Mac OS X?

[Axidos]

I have a macbook could it work on Mac OS X?

No, Hypercam is only made for Windows.

[Ercoledi]

Will switching themes from Windows XP to Windows Classic make my old craptop run any better?