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Joined: Oct 03, 2005 Posts: 1595 Location: Marshall, MI
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject: Computer Questions
I am having difficulty keeping up. Ever ride a 350 when everyone else is riding a 750. That is the way I feel. Example: The Honda topic page (with all the pictures) takes 3-4 minutes to load on my computer before I can even begin to post replies. Pictures and videos take forever to view with my computer. Here are my specs" Dial up with 56K modem, old Compaq computer with 128 M Ram, who knows what else. What suggestions would you give me before I fall so far behind that I don't know which way you guys turned??
Joined: Jan 10, 2006 Posts: 158 Location: Green Oak, MI
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject:
This is a pretty intense forum by design. There's lots of animations and things like the IM in the left panel that reloads every second or so that consume alot of bandwidth when using dial-up.
There are some browser settings, like disabling images that would make your pages load alot faster, but of course, they deprive you of much of the experience...
Another forum I belong to actually offers a text-only version, that allows you to switch to the normal view if you want to see attachments and such...
In the end, it's a balance between limiting the size and scope of attachments and animations, and knowing your limitations... _________________ (1.) '75/'76 KZ400D - Commuter
(2.) '78 KZ750B3 Twin - Commuter
(3.) '78 KZ750B3 Twin - Commuter
(4.) '75 KZ400D - Winterized
Joined: Oct 11, 2005 Posts: 513 Location: San Diego CA
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject:
It used to be that the golden rule of buying a computer was to get the fastest thing your budget could handle but these days even the most budget systems will have more horsepower than the average person needs. The high-end systems are setup more for gaming, engineering workstations and video editing.
As was mentioned earlier you will want to have at least 512MB of RAM the newer operating systems will need that much just to run efficiently. 1GB is even better. RAM is so cheap these days that there is no reason not to put in 1GB
My guess you are still running a 14” or 15” tube type monitor. You might consider stepping up to one of the new 17” or 19” flat panel monitors. They are much easier on the eyes (especially if you wear glasses or already have vision problems) and the larger size allows you to run the higher screen resolutions that all of the websites are gearing themselves to these days without you having to have a microscope to read the screen. Fortunately the new flat panels are also going for give away prices. There are really only 2 things you need to consider when buying one. The response time and the contrast ratio. The response time is how fast the picture is updated. A slow response time can make videos look choppy. Look for something 8ms or less. The contrast ratio is how vivid the image will look. Try to get something 400:1 or higher.
If you live in an area that offers Cable or DSL, sign up for it. Pretty much everything on the Internet is geared for broadband these days. A faster computer will definitely speed things up but there is only so much you will get out of it if your Internet connection speed is slow.
I have seen a lot of people that were reluctant at first to make the switch from a modem to broadband but every single one of them that I have ever talked to would never go back to using a dial up modem and can’t understand why they didn’t make the switch sooner.
These days dial up modems are pretty much only useful for people with laptops when they are on the road to check email and do really basic things but even that is on the way out. People are switching to high-speed wireless.
Joined: Oct 03, 2005 Posts: 1595 Location: Marshall, MI
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:03 am Post subject: New Computer
Thanks guys. That is all I needed. Upgrade or buy new. BUY NEW!!! Sell some junk (as the wife calls it) and buy a new computer. Probably Best Buy. What do you guys think about a laptop. I was wanting to go wireless laptop so I can sit on the couch, watch the game and be on the net. I am dreaming, but that is where it starts. Thanks again, Steve. (Anybody want to buy a vintage 125cc Compaq)
Joined: Jan 16, 2007 Posts: 119 Location: Amston,CT
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:22 am Post subject: new computer suggestion
Steve; I would suggest a new laptop for you since you like to use a computer in different locations. They are more expensive than desktop models but you will be glad for the mobility. Most stores that sell computers and networking hardware, etc. offer installation services. They can also help you choose whatever hardware you need to connect high speed internet service wirelessly. It is worth it to pay the vendors to do this for you. They have to get it working correctly as part of the installation. As others have mentioned; your system is significantly short on horsepower and memory and it will only continue to frustrate you when trying to use today's applications.
Got to have the right tool for the job!
my two cents worth... Beth _________________ Beth Braun
Joined: Jan 16, 2007 Posts: 119 Location: Amston,CT
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:36 am Post subject: Windows Vista
"now the same complete system can be bought for $899 or so
this system is gonna be sold, and I will upgrade, this year to the windows vista"
WINDOWS VISTA REQUIRES 2BM OF MEMORY! You also have to consider whether or not your computer can handle an upgrade to 2M of memory.
The new computers are shipping with Vista and [[b]u]NOT 2M of memory[/u[/b]]. What kins of marketing is this? I see problems with new computer owners try and load on additional software that is memory-intensive. Any new computer I would buy, I would immediately add memory to it to bring it up to 2M and be sure the video card has plenty of memory too. _________________ Beth Braun
Joined: Jan 16, 2007 Posts: 119 Location: Amston,CT
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:50 am Post subject: Crap
Everyone's entitled to an opinion.
I run a business, manage several big web sites; do all kinds of graphics work; work from anywhere, etc. with my 3 year old CRAP
For someone in the market for a new computer; I would recommend onsulting a trusted source with credibility and discuss with them the desired features. _________________ Beth Braun
Joined: Feb 14, 2007 Posts: 142 Location: Charlotte, NC
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:
Steve, if $$ is limited (and when isn't it?) go for the broadband connection before considering a new PC. I work with networks and have my hands on all the latest stuff but I have to admit that my main PC is still a 7 year old PII with only 384M Ram. I have this thing so customized for what I do day to day that I just haven't taken the time to migrate to one of my faster machines. Video isn't the best, but with a broadband connection and a healthy albeit old PC nothing else on the net is a problem. Getting a new PC but remaining on dialup is like putting a dress on a pig.....
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