HP's keyboards are also changing configurations now. Good examples are the envy line and the tm2 tablet.
I always liked the thinkpad series, back when IBM ran it. Apparently I'm in a minority though, even among IT crowds. Also I'm not much of an AMD fan, after having issues with their processors years back. Bad blood mostly now.
Intel graphics aren't always that great though, ATI is better (but of course, owned by AMD... such quandaries). I honestly don't know what I have against HP laptops, other than they're horribly over popular (99% of my family/friends laptops are HPs). Given they have a good shot at being my next employer though, you'd think I'd be biased in their favor.
All things aside, if you held a gun to my head and told me to choose between only those two laptops, I'd go with the Lenovo, simply for the processor, not so much the manufacturer.
see and i've always found that the performance/price ratio is better for amd chips. the only intel chips we've got in the house are in my development mac and my "portable desktop", the 18" hp "laptop" i bought a couple months ago. of course that sucker is a quad core hyperthreaded unit so it looks like 8 cpus. very nice indeed.
Thanks Ice, I have someone that is gonna help with 2 of them.
The other has a connection problem, ie: cord plugging in poorly to the laptop. Computer fix it store claims over $200 with no guarantee of the connection without paying their $100 testing the computer fee.
I'd charge 20 bucks plus the cost of the part (which is probably around 10 bucks on ebay). A guarantee at that point is almost pointless, but granted the connector actually being the problem, I can't see why it'd need a guarantee anyway.
Looking for help my PC is giving me fits lately and I'm not sure what to do to fix the issues.
So this is what it is doing. Freezing up a lot or just refusing to open webpages. There are certain website's IT NEVER will open certain pages within them but I can open them just fine on the mac (so I know it's not the website thats having issues)....The kids Webkinz games are a constant hassle but I'm noticing many other sites causing me issues too now. Then when I restart OMG it's like I'm back in the stone ages I can make a 5 course meal before it reboots ok maybe not that long but it's taking FOREVER.
So whats your suggestion to make it run more efficiently? It's been years since I've really had to think about stuff like this and everything is different now. I did a disc clean up and cleaned out my web browser stuff's. I use Norton Anti Virus for the past 6 months.
For one thing, if you're using IE, definitely choose another web browser. If you're not into customizing and add ons, I would suggest google Chrome, it is fairly fast and easy to use. Plus the interface is very simple and looks good :smile:
Antivirus is always tricky. I like one that does it's thing in the background and doesn't hog resources. Less antivirus and more educated browsing is the best way to go (ie don't open "cute" email attachments, use caution when going to unfamiliar websites, etc).
How old is the system? In my experience, if you've been running windows for more than a few years, it seems to slow down due to updates, software installs, etc. It might be a good idea to back up your data (that's ALWAYS a good idea anyway, hard drives will go bad from time to time, and think of what you'd lose if the computer suddenly died) and run a system restore. That alone I'm betting will provide the biggest and cheapest speed boost.
Beyond that, if you right click on "my computer" and select Properties, you should be able to find your processor information and the amount of Ram your system has. If you have XP (I assume if your computer is older it will be) and you have less than 256mbs of ram, it might be a good idea to upgrade. Don't opt for more than an extra gigabyte (most likely the hardware in the device won't support more than that anyways). You won't be able to do much about the processor unless you buy a new computer.
If it really is as slow as you're stating, any disc cleanup or cache clearing or cookie deleting won't really help. Honestly the best course of action is to reformat and run a system restore. Obviously don't do that until your data is backed up and you've verified that you have restore disks. If you do go that route, a restore disk should be pretty simple to do (they're designed for end users anyway).
Ok I have 3G of RAM and I swear we upgraded to XP a while back but I guess I'm running Vista. I'm positive I have no restore disks that in mind anything I can do? I can check with Mike to see if he has them in his stuff but he's in the process of Moving so who knows what he'll be able to find IF he has it.
That version of windows is probably one of the worst. You might want to try getting a windows 7 upgrade if you can afford it and your processor is fast enough. The ram sounds like it shouldn't be a problem.
I know Vista sucks and honestly I thought I had upgraded to XP a while back, so I'm really confused....Anyways I've had an offer of a "borrowing" a Window 7 CD This is my computer is it good enough for Windows 7?
If I do the upgrade do I have to get everything backed up (most of whats most important is already backed up but there are a few folders that aren't.)I bought an external hard drive that I've been saving everything to.
Well the "Borrow" thing concerns me, but that's up to you if you and this friend think it will work.
I wouldn't recommend upgrading via installing over your existing OS. I would load the install disc and wipe out the current drive. In which case, Yes, you would need to back up everything. Kudos for already having an external hard drive to use, it's always a good idea to have 2 or 3 backup copies of important files. Keeping one offsite in case of a fire is better yet.
From your specs, I would say upgrading to windows 7 would be fine. It should run way better than vista. You can probably go with the 64 bit edition, as your processor will work for that.
And just FYI, XP is older than Vista. Windows versions go chronologically in this order.
Ok so if I wanted to actually buy the software you are saying that I should buy the full version not the upgrade is that what you are saying by not going over the current operating system?
You could buy the upgrade no problem and then use it for a clean install. You can still use it for a clean install as long as there is an upgradeable version of windows on it. If you do get a full version, get an oem version from a place like micro center cuz it's cheaper.
oem = the companies that build computers. they call it a "system builder" version there. its cheaper than what is known as the retail version, what you'd buy at office max or best buy.
so when you say micro center are you talking about someplace like General Nano systems? (I think thats what it;s called) Mike had a computer made there once.
Slightly off topic here, but assuming I do choose to not renew my forum membership here. I'm wondering if I should start a technical support group/forum/whatever on facebook. I think I could facilitate an ok one using a fan page (or whatever facebook chooses to call it these days). What I don't know is some of the logistics like if you need to be a fan of said tech support page in order to post to it to ask a question. That would seem rather pointless.
It would just be some place to offer free advice to those needing it.
I don't know much, but my son-in-law does. He's the reason I keep up and running on this old computer. He suggested I install Advanced System Care and run it every day or when my computer starts to bog down. It works! Best part, there's a free version. Just a suggestion.
Windows Vista is a cripplingy-BAD operating system, even when it works right. Upgrading to Windows 7 or erasing and doing a clean install of Windows XP would be an improvement.
Note: One application we had to do with a Vista computer at work was right-click on the application icon, choose 'Run As Administrator' and start it up in that mode. The 'standard' startup mode absolutely refused to work correctly - try playing with that on your browser and see if it helps.
Mac help I want to send a jpg file to bear but when I attach it to the e mail it imbeds it and no one seems to be able to get the file off the e mail on to there PC's. Im stumped guess their wont be an add in the paper after all.
I have to deal with that Mac jpg problem all the time - the only way a jpg can work to fool the e-mail server filters is to open it in photoshop, and 'Save as Web Document' like a low-res website jpg. It's complete B.S. and none of the I.T. guys have any clue why it happens. I usually just change everything to a PDF because windows forces the attachment to go into Adobe Acrobat Reader and bypass whatever e-mail link failure Outlook has for JPG attachments.
Question here. My son-in-law gave me a new computer last weekend and he's got me using IE. Previously he had hooked me up with Firefox and I prefer Firefox. I don't want to ask him about this because he's helped me so much in the past by getting me up and running again and I don't want to hurt his feelings.
So, can I just download Firefox myself without doing something about the IE that I'm currently using? Can you have both running at the same time? If it's an easy fix I'll do it, but if it means I have to uninstall IE first I'll skip it.
What everyone else says.. the only issue you'll run into is what your default browser is (when you click on a webpage link from email, or otherwise open a web link from your computer, not in the browser, the default browser is the one that opens up that link).
ok got my PC working now I have a question about my MAC laptop. I've noticed for some time now that it seems to be getting Exceptionally hot. I can't remember if it's always done this or if it is something new(er). Could there be a problem with the fan? When I use my laptop (on my lap) I always have to put something on my lap under it because it burns my legs. I don't hear it getting super loud or anything odd just super hot.
I always liked the thinkpad series, back when IBM ran it. Apparently I'm in a minority though, even among IT crowds. Also I'm not much of an AMD fan, after having issues with their processors years back. Bad blood mostly now.
Intel graphics aren't always that great though, ATI is better (but of course, owned by AMD... such quandaries). I honestly don't know what I have against HP laptops, other than they're horribly over popular (99% of my family/friends laptops are HPs). Given they have a good shot at being my next employer though, you'd think I'd be biased in their favor.
All things aside, if you held a gun to my head and told me to choose between only those two laptops, I'd go with the Lenovo, simply for the processor, not so much the manufacturer.
Thanks for the laugh KC.
Sarah is tying to purchase that HP.
I'm eyeing a Lenova for my next computer. That is a ways off though.
I'm still trying to get my other 3 laptops working right again.
Both of my HP laptop drives have died the first year I have had them. wtf!
I'd prefer western digital myself for a hard drive, but it's rare to see them offered stock in a computer.
I know a few People Looking for one and I know lots of people that can FIX them for ya!
The other has a connection problem, ie: cord plugging in poorly to the laptop. Computer fix it store claims over $200 with no guarantee of the connection without paying their $100 testing the computer fee.
I'd charge 20 bucks plus the cost of the part (which is probably around 10 bucks on ebay). A guarantee at that point is almost pointless, but granted the connector actually being the problem, I can't see why it'd need a guarantee anyway.
To me I am not wasting my breath on telling many people much anymore!
So this is what it is doing. Freezing up a lot or just refusing to open webpages. There are certain website's IT NEVER will open certain pages within them but I can open them just fine on the mac (so I know it's not the website thats having issues)....The kids Webkinz games are a constant hassle but I'm noticing many other sites causing me issues too now. Then when I restart OMG it's like I'm back in the stone ages I can make a 5 course meal before it reboots ok maybe not that long but it's taking FOREVER.
So whats your suggestion to make it run more efficiently? It's been years since I've really had to think about stuff like this and everything is different now. I did a disc clean up and cleaned out my web browser stuff's. I use Norton Anti Virus for the past 6 months.
Antivirus is always tricky. I like one that does it's thing in the background and doesn't hog resources. Less antivirus and more educated browsing is the best way to go (ie don't open "cute" email attachments, use caution when going to unfamiliar websites, etc).
How old is the system? In my experience, if you've been running windows for more than a few years, it seems to slow down due to updates, software installs, etc. It might be a good idea to back up your data (that's ALWAYS a good idea anyway, hard drives will go bad from time to time, and think of what you'd lose if the computer suddenly died) and run a system restore. That alone I'm betting will provide the biggest and cheapest speed boost.
Beyond that, if you right click on "my computer" and select Properties, you should be able to find your processor information and the amount of Ram your system has. If you have XP (I assume if your computer is older it will be) and you have less than 256mbs of ram, it might be a good idea to upgrade. Don't opt for more than an extra gigabyte (most likely the hardware in the device won't support more than that anyways). You won't be able to do much about the processor unless you buy a new computer.
If it really is as slow as you're stating, any disc cleanup or cache clearing or cookie deleting won't really help. Honestly the best course of action is to reformat and run a system restore. Obviously don't do that until your data is backed up and you've verified that you have restore disks. If you do go that route, a restore disk should be pretty simple to do (they're designed for end users anyway).
I'm deeply sorry for you.
That version of windows is probably one of the worst. You might want to try getting a windows 7 upgrade if you can afford it and your processor is fast enough. The ram sounds like it shouldn't be a problem.
Processor: AMD Athalon(tm) 64x2 Dual Core Processor 4200 + 2.20 GHz
System Type: 32 Bit Operating System
RAM 3.0GB
If I do the upgrade do I have to get everything backed up (most of whats most important is already backed up but there are a few folders that aren't.)I bought an external hard drive that I've been saving everything to.
I wouldn't recommend upgrading via installing over your existing OS. I would load the install disc and wipe out the current drive. In which case, Yes, you would need to back up everything. Kudos for already having an external hard drive to use, it's always a good idea to have 2 or 3 backup copies of important files. Keeping one offsite in case of a fire is better yet.
From your specs, I would say upgrading to windows 7 would be fine. It should run way better than vista. You can probably go with the 64 bit edition, as your processor will work for that.
And just FYI, XP is older than Vista. Windows versions go chronologically in this order.
Windows 3.1
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Home premium would run 120.
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-7-Home-Premium-Upgrade/product/B0F9E641
Unless you work out a deal with some other people wanting to upgrade. They sell a "family pack" with 3 licenses for 150 bucks.
It would just be some place to offer free advice to those needing it.
http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html
Note: One application we had to do with a Vista computer at work was right-click on the application icon, choose 'Run As Administrator' and start it up in that mode. The 'standard' startup mode absolutely refused to work correctly - try playing with that on your browser and see if it helps.
 http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?part=dl-6271865&subj=dl&tag=button
works great with running avast and also Thanks to 3M Malwarebites!
I have found that these 3 things help A computer run great and Smooth!!
anyone that can give the quick fix on this?
So, can I just download Firefox myself without doing something about the IE that I'm currently using? Can you have both running at the same time? If it's an easy fix I'll do it, but if it means I have to uninstall IE first I'll skip it.
4 GB memory / 64 bit operating system / Intel Pentium
It doesn't have Microsoft Excel or Word though
I don't know if any computers that just come with that.
Thanks for all your feed back and help
I'm glad she went with Dell after all the trouble we had with HP.