What kind of computer do you use?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:30 pm

Thought it would be interesting to find out what kind of desktop computers members use. Your vote is secret.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:58 pm

Mine is a lap top. The only reason I purchased a computer was to send email on my boat from offshore. Now I'm stuck on this form. -od help me.

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:24 am

HP because I "trust" the brand, it's everywhere and Costco sells them for under $1,000.00, or used to. I also like it because HP sells scanners and printers so there is never a hardware hook-up problem.

-1bigsteve (o:

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:08 am

I get the computers Thayne used in his office. He upgrades often and I am happy to have the cast offs!

I am now using an Alienware Aurora. I like it. It is fast and has a lot of memory.

I have used HP's, Compaqs and Gateways in the past... I do not have a preference.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:19 am

I am an HP clone girl. The guy who builds my computers, uses HP parts.

Tracy...

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:26 am

I also use an HP, and I have an HP all-in-one to go with it. The computer works great, the all-in-one is not quite so impressive.

Smudgeman · Post by **Smudgeman** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 4:33 pm

I have had an IBM, HP, and now I have an E-Machine. The IBM is old and slow and a bit of a dinosaur, the HP bit the dust, and the E-Machine I am currently using. I don't really have a preference either.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:19 am

Mac Mac Mac Mac
IloveMac!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:18 am

Kat @ Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:19 am wrote:Mac Mac Mac Mac
IloveMac!

I originally wanted to go with a Mac some twenty years ago because it was "user friendly" but I found out that very little software was being made for it so I leaned toward the IBM clones. It wasn't untill six years ago that I bought my first computer, an HP.

What bugs me is that people call the IBM clones "PC's" and the Mac as a "Mac." There all PC's. What is a Mac, a washing machine? No, it's a PC, a "personal computer." That is one of my pet peeves. Maybe they ought to be referred to as "clones" and "Macs."

I would like to go with a Mac for my next computer to get away from Microopoly but it look's like they and Apple may be climbing into bed together. I hate Microoploy's "stone walling" tactics. They should admit they have problems with their OS, stop crushing the competition and pay the fines which Bill could easily do out of his piggy bank.

-1bigsteve (o:

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:09 pm

My computer started life as a Compaq, but, it come into my life as a bunch of cast-off parts from others. I've always called it my "Frankenputer", because it is so like Frankenstein's monster, made up of so many other parts. Despite not being the most attractive amalgamation of parts, it works, I have internet access, I am a happy girl!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:58 pm

My computer is getting tired blood after 3 1/2 years (HP Pavilion) and I am thinking about going with a "dual core processor" which I've been told has two chips instead of one. Does anyone have any ideas about these zippidy do da chips?

I just read that AMD is coming out with a "double dual core processor." Four chips instead of one. I'll bet that will fly!

I need to have enough speed and memory to trade stocks, check my email, do on-line research and talk with you folks all at the same time without the computer taking a nose-dive into the alfalfa patch.

Any thoughts or ideas?

-1bigsteve (o:

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:17 am

Micro$oft is scheduled to come out in the first quarter of 2007 with its new operating system, "Vista", which will replace XP on new PC computers. You can read up on its features here: http://tinyurl.com/d4r87

From what I can see it seems more directed to multimedia users, ie: movies, music, TV, 3D, games, etc. If you are heavily into that area it's something you want to consider. If you do buy a new computer with XP you may want to ask about the option of upgrading to Vista if you so desire and whether that's part of the sales package.

Even so, the XP operating system will be around for a long time and Micro$oft has not had a good record of getting new systems to function correctly the first time around. Just look at the number of patches made to XP.

Memory. memory, memory is the key to most computer problems. You simply can't have enough with today's applications.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:52 am

Although I still do and always will use Firefox for web browsing (I still owe Harry BIG time for recommending it!) the new IE7 beta is available and one of my sons downloaded it and it is nice-- sharp looking and does offer tab browsing which I do like. However-- Not nearly as much as Firefox!

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:52 am

Thanks Audrey for the info on IE7.

Read somewhere that it was out but haven't had a chance to preview it. Hopefully they've closed most of the security holes.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:00 am

I just downloaded IE7. It's still in the Beta stage so it's not the final version.

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:02 am

Thank you Harry and Audrey.

I don't play movies or games on my computer but I would still like to have gobs of speed and memory. I hate having to shut all my open programs (2) in the middle of the day to restart and gain back the memory that leaks down. I can't afford to miss placing a vital stock order just because my computer takes a powder. I only have 256 megs of memory. I figured one of those new dual-core zippidy do da computers would give me all the speed and memory I need for stock trading and talking with you guys at the same time. My HP Pavilion is 3 1/2 years old and if I upgrade to 2 gigs of memory I will still have an old computer. I don't mind staying with XP.

I wanted to go with Firefox but my Spy Sweeper does not support it yet. IE7 is still in diapers. The two little TV icons on my task bar love to go black on me and the blue progress bar on the bottom of my IE6 browser just stops. It's like my internet connection just goes to sleep. This happens all the time now. I think I will go ahead and download Firefox and use it with Norton's Internet Security. I can always sweep my computer with Spy Sweeper afterward. It might help if I got off dial-up and went with DSL or whatever they got now.

I should buy a duplicate system as back up. Two identical super fast computers systems side by side, like twins. That should really honk.

Thanks again for the input. I think I'll go with a new XP dual-core. It's time I spent some money. I'm tired of living in the fifties.

-1bigsteve (o:

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:44 am

There are many free maintenance programs available to download for personal use.

A good list of some of them can be found here.

http://www.filehippo.com/

I highly recommend 'crap cleaner'. It does a great job keeping things you do not need from cluttering up your system and slowing it down.

They have spy sweep programs here as well-- and we run more than one of them as some seem to catch things others do not.

Harry once posted a link to a computer tip site where you can sign up for free daily tips and the one they sent today sounds good... They called it 'lunchtime shutdown'. Basically it tells you to totally shut your system down for a few moments, restart it and run a full virus scan. Do this when you are not needing your computer for some time, ie-- lunch time. It will run better for you when you come back.

Also defraging is important. I do it daily.

This is the site Harry shared and I visit a lot and have found some very helpful info here.

http://www.worldstart.com/tips/index.php

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:51 am

Thank you for the tips, Audrey. I'll give them a try and see how it goes. My poor computer needs all the help it can get.

Thanks again.

-1bigsteve (o:

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:32 pm

Me? Mac. Only. The Hatchet, LizzieAndrewBorden.com and this forum were all created on a mac. All the design work, art, and formatting is done on a mac.

I have owned a mac since 1985. I have never had a virus or a piece of spyware infecting my computer. Never. I have never seen the blue screen of death. When a program hangs up I simply force quit the program ---no rebooting of the computer itself. I don't have to defrag or whatever you call it. All the peripherals I buy are plug and play (camera, scanner, printer, video, etc.) I can even watch TV on my mac with eyeTV. There are thousands of programs for a mac, and all the ones I need are for mac.

1bigsteve, I hate to be a naysayer, but to me, a mac is NOT a pc. A PC in my mind is a computer that runs windows. A mac is the only machine that can run mac OS software. Now with the new dual processor macs, they can also run windows. But a PC will never be able to run Mac OS. It is proprietary.

PC is a term coined by IBM. Whenever you want to differentiate between a windows computer and a mac you call them a PC and an Apple. While technically you are correct, you will never get this mac user to call her beloved computer a PC!

joe · Post by **joe** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:50 pm

I had a Mac 128 and then a 512 back when most of you were still in diapers

and then I went with the IBM clones because I could make my own. I stuck with those (Gateway & Dell) from 1989 and then got my iMac G5 3 years ago. Just bought Boris, my MacBook Pro. I doubt if I'll ever go back to a Windoze product. Mac has no virus problems, and with the advent of a new app called Boot Camp, the Windoze operating system can be loaded on the Intel-based Mac. Mac all the way!
Joe

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:38 pm

Apple was my first choice back in '84 but when I found out I couldn't buy software for it I went with HP. I've been thinking about going with a Mac for my next computer. I'm getting so tired of Windows and all of it's problems. There are no bugs attacking the Mac because no one is writing them yet from what I've been hearing. Once the Mac gains a bigger share of the market I'll bet all the Kevin Poulsens of the world will be coming out of the wood work with their worms and bugs and whatever. Steve Jobs made a comment about that awhile back. I hope Apple is beefing up their OS to defeat the future problems. I have "Fire In The Valley" but haven't read it yet.

Does anyone know about "radius" monitors (if I spelled that right)? In "The Net" Sandra Bullock is using a Mac of some sort but the monitor is a "radius." Is that a good monitor? Is it only for Macs? How big do they get and where do I find them? In stock trading I need a fast, powerful computer that doesn't suffer heart attacks every 5 minutes with a monitor that is big enough so I can see my candlesticks. At least a 19 incher but a 21 would be better. When you are moving thousands of dollars in stocks you can't afford to have a computer that spends half of it's time on the toilet. Being stock savy is not the same as being tech savy. I'm learning though.

Thank's for the ideas Stefani and Joe and everyone. You've made my choice easier.

-1bigsteve (o:

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:47 pm

1bigsteve, you mentioned you were on dial-up.

No matter what machine you get nor how many processors it has, dial-up will severely limit you.

All that power and speed is great after you get the data on the stock market. But you have to get it first.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:51 pm

Yes...the need for speed is essential. I finally went to broadband after my dear sister Audrey beat the bloody hell out of me for continuing to use the "d" word...(shhh...it's "dial-up").

Tracy...

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:58 pm

Thank you, Harry. You just reminded me of a question I've been wanting to ask. With DSL or whatever super fast connection they have now, is it possible to disconnect your computer from the internet when not using it? I don't like the idea of someone back tracking into my computer with bugs and stuff. With dial-up I can shut it off. I would like to have a switch that I can use to kill the internet connection. I hate the idea of being "live" 24/7.

Thanks.

-1bigsteve (o:

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:03 am

I am not sure exactly how that part works. Harry is a good person to ask for sure. Maybe it depends on what type of "high-speed connection" you use ?

Tracy...

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:09 am

theebmonique @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:51 pm wrote:Yes...the need for speed is essential. I finally went to broadband after my dear sister Audrey beat the bloody hell out of me for continuing to use the "d" word...(shhh...it's "dial-up").

Tracy...

Thanks Tracy. I'm going to have to go with Broadband too. My stock trading buddies have been laughing at me for using dial-up. "You are using what?" Some of them are too young to even know what it is.

-1bigsteve (o:

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:09 am

Modems have an on/off switch. You can also turn off the computer and leave the modem on and no access can happen. That's the way I normally do it at night. When its stormy and there's lightning I turn everything off.

A good firewall prevents access as well.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:23 am

theebmonique @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:51 pm wrote:Yes...the need for speed is essential. I finally went to broadband after my dear sister Audrey beat the bloody hell out of me for continuing to use the "d" word...(shhh...it's "dial-up").

Tracy...

I feel the need to add that she was actually paying her ISP (AOL) AND for a separate phone line! MON DIEU!

Broadband can be had for the same money!

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:24 am

See...I knew Harry would know !

Tracy...

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:26 am

Thanks Harry. I've been wondering about that. My current computer has an internal modem that I can't touch but I guess an external type with my next computer should do the trick. I have a firewall that is so good it sometimes tells me that "lizzieandrewborden.c-o-m" is trying to "attack my computer." It gives me a laugh now and then.

I avoided computers for years because of all the hype and horror stories I heard about how "all the pornography out there" is going to come looking for me and jam up my hard drive and all that. I didn't know anything then about computers but I'm still a bit cautious about leaving my computer connected round the clock.

Thanks again.

-1bigsteve (o:

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:27 am

You can also attach a router which has another line of protection from hackers. We have 4 computers on the same connection.

I think you can use a router for even one computer.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:05 am

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/W ... &nclm=iMac

Here are big screens.

Also, I looked up "Radius" and it seems like a carrying case?

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 10:35 am

I looked up Radius this morning and they have more info than the last time I Googled.

It is a Monitor that is made by KDS. I don't know if it is just for Mac PC's or if it can run with Clone PC's or how good they are or anything else. I never see them at stores or flea markets or yard sales (that should tell me something). One was running connected to a Mac in the Film "The Net." Apple PC's were used exclusively in the film according to the credits and what I've read about the making of the movie.

When I get a new computer I'm thinking of going with a Mac and get a huge flat screen monitor like a View Sonic or something. I just don't know if Radius monitors are any good, top of the line stuff.

-1bigsteve (o:

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:30 pm

1bigsteve @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:58 pm wrote:Thank you, Harry. You just reminded me of a question I've been wanting to ask. With DSL or whatever super fast connection they have now, is it possible to disconnect your computer from the internet when not using it? I don't like the idea of someone back tracking into my computer with bugs and stuff. With dial-up I can shut it off. I would like to have a switch that I can use to kill the internet connection. I hate the idea of being "live" 24/7.

Thanks.

-1bigsteve (o:

I've read that you need a good Firewall (to prevent intruders) and this must be updated weekly.
The bozos who designed this assumed you would never meet anyone with malevolent designs.

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:47 pm

theebmonique @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:24 pm wrote:See...I knew Harry would know !

Tracy...

It's amazing how much knowledge Harry has about stuff. He seems to have an answer to everything. What makes it even more amazing is that Harry is only 16! I mean these young kids are just getting smarter every day, aren't they?!!

-1bigsteve (o:

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 12:09 pm

I'm thinking of getting a new computer, possibly a Gateway. I notice that Gateways only had one vote in the poll.

Has anyone had a bad experience with a Gateway or know of any problems associated with them? I'd be interested in hearing any opinions, pro or con.

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:54 am

Harry @ Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:09 am wrote:I'm thinking of getting a new computer, possibly a Gateway. I notice that Gateways only had one vote in the poll.

Has anyone had a bad experience with a Gateway or know of any problems associated with them? I'd be interested in hearing any opinions, pro or con.

I don't know much about Gateway, Harry. I've heard they are about as good/bad as any other top name computer.

I just bought an HP Pavilion "m7680n" last week and boy does this baby fly!! It's a "Core 2 Duo" with 2 Gigs of RAM and expandable to 8 Gigs. It is a Media Center 2005 computer so I can watch TV, record DVD's, listen to music, the whole shmear. The programs open up so fast it hits me in the bottom lip and I'm only half kidding. The programs close instantly and I can bring them back up a split second later. The 56K modem is twice as fast as the old 56K modem. I bought a Samsung 204B 20.1" monitor that is so big I can't open my windows at full screen size. It is like looking at a football field standing on edge. I have to move my head side to side to take in the entire screen. The color and image quality is out of this world. Today I bought Logitech's Z4 speakers (2.1) with a subwoofer and Shirley Bassey, Judy Henske and Georgia Brown never sounded so good! It is like they are right there in the room with me. I was holding out for the Logitech's Z-2300 speakers but I'm glad I didn't. These Z4's put out more power that I will ever need. They blow me out of the room at half-power.

Total outlay was $1,890.00 (all from Circuit City) and it was worth every penny. This outfit is a total dream. The hard drive is so quite I don't even notice it is running and I'm 2 feet from it. I feel I went from a Model T Ford to a Rolls Royce. My Sister want's my old 256MB clunker. Rather than punish her with that piece of junk I think I'll buy her a new one.

I don't know much about Gateway but this HP is one sweet dream. I can't get over it.

-1bigsteve (o:

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 3:31 am

I'm not sure about what you said, but it's nice to have you back BigSteve!

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 7:47 am

Thanks for the input, Steve.

It's sounds like you have a great system. Enjoy! The 2gb RAM should cover just about anything you want to do.

I have a HP now and they send me catalogs regularly. I'm not too much into the multi-media aspect but that's just me. It's good to have the options though. HP has Light-scribe which I would like to try.

Haven't made up my mind yet and will see what's available over the holidays unless something comes along sooner.

Welcome back, btw.

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:09 pm

Audrey @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:23 pm wrote:
theebmonique @ Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:51 pm wrote:Yes...the need for speed is essential. I finally went to broadband after my dear sister Audrey beat the bloody hell out of me for continuing to use the "d" word...(shhh...it's "dial-up").
Tracy...
I feel the need to add that she was actually paying her ISP (AOL) AND for a separate phone line! MON DIEU!
Broadband can be had for the same money!

We now know the truth about one of them.

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:12 pm

Harry @ Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:09 am wrote:I'm thinking of getting a new computer, possibly a Gateway. I notice that Gateways only had one vote in the poll.

Has anyone had a bad experience with a Gateway or know of any problems associated with them? I'd be interested in hearing any opinions, pro or con.

I would imagine that computers are like cars. They are as good/bad as the parts that go into them. The low-cost bidder wins?
Just as two cars w/ same marque can be different off the assembly line, so too a computer (which is simpler and not operated in rough conditions).
I would recommend a local dealer who will take it back if there is any trouble in 30 days. Local clone manufacturers are best for this. IMO

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:23 pm

The 56K modem is twice as fast as the old 56K modem.

The "56K" is the advertised speed. The fine print says "53K is the limit for downloading". Uploading is usually at 33.6 tops. As I remember it, see a reference book. It could be that a seller puts in the bargain version. Or there is some problem w/ the card. There used to be a utility program that would test modems, but you needed a special cable for this.

The top rate is only possible if you are within 3 to 5 miles from the telephone station. Else 28.8K is the top rate. It has to do with line noise.

Many people don't know that the parts manufactured for a supplier may be less than the regular over-the-counter parts sold in store.
Example: a "sound smasher" made for an OEM low price may have features omitted, allowing a lower price, and a seller to skate on the name. I've bought 1 or 2 such items and find they don't have the features of the regular product. But they do the job w/o needing driver disks.
PS
Some early 56K modems were X2 (Hayes) or K2 (Rockwell). They were not compatible. Your Internet server would work IF they supported that protocol, else no more than 28.8K.
V.92 is widely supported.

snokkums · Post by **snokkums** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:50 pm

I am a Dell person.

twinsrwe · Post by **twinsrwe** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:09 am

Welcome back 1bigsteve - You have been greatly missed!

I have an E-Machine, which, so far, works very well for my needs.

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:09 am

Thank you Kat, Harry, Judy and the gang. It feels good to be back online. I missed you guys!

I've spent the last 2 weeks pulling my hair out trying to figure out why the fonts in so many of the windows were so small and how I could make them bigger. I could make the desktop icons bigger by increasing the DPI but all these little program boxes were still so tiny I could hardly see them. Then Tinker Bell hit me upside the head and said, "check the screen resolution, stupid." So I moved it from 1600 X 1200 down to 1152 X 864 and bingo!

My old computer was getting so bad that half the time I couldn't open a browser. It would just sit there. Everytime I downloaded Window's fix-it patch for the Outlook Express my computer would freeze up everytime I checked my mail. The fix-it was actually causing the problem. My old modem was creeping along at 28 kbps and the new one is zipping along at 53kbps. With 2 gigs of RAM and the core two duo chip, programs open and close so fast I still can't get used to it. Two hard drives and all kinds do-dads. This thing will do everything but blow my nose. I hate to admit it but I think the 20" monitor is a little too big. Everything is crystal clear but I move my head side to side. I've had to back up to the point where I can barly reach the key board. The candlesticks are huge, like telephone poles and that's on a zoom 3. I couldn't even see them at zoom 3 on my old 17" CRT. This computer is more than I will ever need.

-1bigsteve (o:

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