[4th attempt at post in 2 days] Ok, that sounds like a power supply problem, but could also be the other things I mentioned. I'd check into it, so you could have a 2nd PC laying around if one is ever needed.
Actually, technically, about 6 months and any current technology is obsolete! As far as *lasting*, that just depends on the sum of the PC parts themselves. They can last a decade or even more. I have some old PC's 10 years old that still work! I've learned to ignore technology getting obsolete because you'll drive yourself crazy with trying to keep up with that, and it's not necessary for typical PC use. If one is happy with a PC and it does everything they want fast enough, then that's all that matters. However if one is into extreme gaming, digital video, digital video editing, extensive image processing, multi-tasking, and the like, and wants to keep up with that, frequent (at least yearly) upgrades are necessary. I checked again and see the video is 32-64mb shared. I guess it "takes what it needs". The "digital" monitors are the LCD screen monitors that are only about 3" or so deep. Some are quasi digital that use the DB15 analog monitor connection, but you want the one with the DVI (digital video interface) connection if possible since they offer better quality than the ones that use the conventional analog connector. I doubt the Intel Extreme Graphics 2 is DVI, but it could be. At one part of the site it says the 3.06ghz is HT supported, and at another it says it's not! So, I don't know. You'd have to ask them to be sure. As far as a "slim" case, that in itself is not a mistake, however from the looks of it the motherboard has no PCI slots so that is going to limit your upgradability and it also appears to be proprietary in design (meaning that maybe only specific CD/CDRW drives can be used and nothing else added). So, I'd look into this. The bottom line is.....you want a PC that you can add a faster CPU to if ever needed, more memory to if ever needed, a better video card if ever needed (or if the integrated goes bad), faster CDRW drive if ever needed (or if it goes bad), you want to be able to add a CDROM drive so the CDRW drive won't "wear out faster", and add a DVD drive if the need arises, and be able to add any PCI cards should the need arise. Whether or not Corel Picture will work just depends on it's version. You'd have to check their website for that. A new PC with an OS will more than likely come with IE and OE, and not Netscape....but it's possible it may have NS on it. I'm not a NS person, I don't have it installed on my newest PC, so I can't tell you how to import/export with it. Another at the list will know, it's simple. Don't even ask for "Thoughts" on a browser at a list! LOL!! You either love IE or hate it, or love NS or hate it! For the most part, NS users trash IE, and IE users trash NS. I can be objective about it though...... For IE: IE has more features that NS. IE is supported by 99% of the websites you'll encounter and there are many more "compatibility issues" with NS that you will have with IE. IE understands most if not all website coding languages. IE is faster. IE has "security issues" but they can be patched with frequent updates. IE is bit less stable that NS. NS is more secure, rarely will you ever have any security issues with it or require patches. If you hate M$, then you use NS! ;-) Many websites will not act or display properly with NS. NS is more stable. I have used both and all versions of both, and I use IE because it's faster and has many more features I require. I've had perfect stability with it on XP Pro (and was also quite good on '98, but horrible on ME). I just have to get the frequent updates and since you must get them for XP anyway (or any windows OS), then there is no inconvenience there. I believe it was Ben that just said something to the effect of "don't install ISP software" or "you don't need ISP software". Rarely do you ever need it, and if you don't need it then do NOT install it. They usually slow your PC down, and in many cases incorporate some kind of spyware or trackware. (Going from memory) All you need to do is go to dial up networking and manually add your user and pa*sword and do that in the browser properties as well. On a cable or DSL modem, you don't even do the latter. I can't recall exactly since I've been on broadband for about 4 years now. -Clint God Bless Us All Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com ) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Helene" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi Clint. What I mean. is when I try to turn the computer on. The lite.. starts to go on.. But, then immediately goes off. Sometimes, It refuses to go on at all.. Other times, after about 8 tries, I get it to stay on..? So what is that. I've checked the power cord, the Belkin Surge Protector. IS. 5 years old.(and I'm going to get a new one. when I get the new computer) though, I'll get it locally from Staples.. (as they're cheaper, I'm pretty sure). The reason my friend said, I'm probably "out of Ram". is that the computer IS 5 years old. and I'm on it daily. and he said, Ram - doesn't "last forever" and "IF" it were only that problem. Then I'd just buy additonal Ram. and have that installed,, But being I've had so many other problems.. and now this. with the computer not starting.. It was time, to get a new PC.. Also, how long "should" a PC last. .I've been told. after 3-5 years.. consider then "ancient" and time to either upgrade or buy new?? Is that true.. If so,, it was 5 years in Aug. and maybe its just "served it's purpose I have already ordered the PC. last nite, but I'm sure I could change things.. if you feel I should. As far as the video card, this is what they were offering. As far as the monitor. I went for the digital. not the regular flat screen, as I was told digital is so much clearer and though even though it was a bit more expensive,, in the long run, I think I'll be happier with it(digital vs. regular flat screen).??? I'm going to call Dell. to see if they can tell me - which Monitor this is. and whether it's "True Digital.".. Thanks.. This tower, is very sleek and slim lined. So thats why they can't fit a floppy into it. I have plenty of space.. so a small floppy drive, wont' interfer on my desk.. Though I opted for this new sleek tower, instead of the regular one. I'm wondering. if thats a mistake.??? Have you ever seen them. and if so. Whats your opinion on that?? The CDRW drive is fine for me. cause I have no intention of even copying CD"s.. I dont' even listen to the ones I already own.. :-) I wouldve just gotten a regular CD drive, but they were offering this "free- as an upgrade.. so for free. I got it.." The CPU does have hyperthreading Technology.. Its a Pentium 4 Processor , 3.06 GHZ with MHz front side bus/HT Technology.. (thats from what I printed out. from the Dell site). As far as adding more memory. when the time comes.. It'll probably be - like now. .I had this machine for 5 years.. I used "up my ram" so to speak. and instead of adding Ram.(to this Gateway). I bought a Dell.. I have no expertise in adding Ram.. or anything of that nature. My computer is for me only.. home use. emails,, surfing, doing surveys.. (freebie lists) etc.. So I dont' play games, I dont' download much of anything.. Though I will have to re-install Norton System Works 2003.. which I have the disc for.. Also will have to re-install.. Ad-aware and Adobe,, I think thats about it. Oh, on my moms machine,(I had borrowed the disc) and installed it on my own. I have something called. Corel Picture... Do you know if I can install it on this computer, with XP.. On mine now, I have Windows 98 - Moms is windows 98 SE.. Also, I use Netscape. Okay, bad word here.. LOL.. I've had more problems with it. than it's worth. but it's something I started with years ago, and haven't been able to "give up". I had "tried" to download the netscape 7.l.. (and had to do a G0-Back, cause it refused to import/export my bookmarks, and my address book, emails. Okay, question,, I'm "thinking" about when this new computer comes in. I will switch to Internet Explorer. and then use Outlook for my email. Should I "NOW".. start putting my emails and address book, etc. in Outlook, and configure that. so I can just take it off - to a floppy. and then reload it to a new computer. Cause, when I've tried to put my address book, on a floppy, I can't seem to do it.. If you have any suggestions, on that. or how to do it. I'd love that. Also, your thoughts on using IE. and Outlook,, Vs. Netscape.. One more thing, and I promise - I'll stop asking questions. LOL :-) I have Earthlink.. They sent me a disk to install the latest version of Earthlink, But it doesnt' work with Netscape.. Only with IE.. So when I get my new machine, Should I just install the latest Earthlink - and then use IE..?? Thanks so much.. for all your help/advice, and bearing with me.. I hate "new" and I'm so afraid of change.(as in, I hate electronics.. HONEST).. LOL.. But I'm going to try to deal with this. as a "new experience, and that I'm going to love my NEW - FASTER - COMPUTER.. :-) Thanks again, Helene ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
