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I have the Win 95 CD and the Win 98SE upgrade. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
That ought to get me that 8x CD-R/RW ! ...and the mouse. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I have been thinking about making this a doner. There is another machine I can borrow while this one is in surgery. The sound card, 56K modum, floppy drive are salvageable. All less than 6 months old. And just live with this monitor temporarily. I'll get a new video card for sure, along with the rest of the main ingredients.
If I do find a used case, should I trust the power supply (if it happens to have that) or go ahead and get that new ?
This is a practice run, after all.
EDIT
Snarfll,
I didn't see you here on page two when I posted ! This is what I am looking for. Input and Experience to glean from. Thanks for watching and helping. Jump in here again when you see me heading for trouble.
Oh something I forgot https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ am I in trouble here with this COMPAQ printer, compatibility wise ? It's brand new. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-04-2000).]
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Ho boy, that was two cents worth Snarfll. That is a hands on how to finally be successful success story if we ever heard one. The Queen of Hearts and I are trying to keep from having things happen to us and eliminate problems before we start. Key word you used - research. That helps us knowing what you went through and your reccommendations are parallel to ours it looks like. Oops, pardon my manners, welcome. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Like my Visonerr 6100, reliable and dependable.
Good info - Keep it coming evryone - Thanks https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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My opinion on the used case/power supply? You might do with a "used" case, but NOT the power supply! Your trusting your whole system to the PS. And, the In Win A500 case "with" power supply is available at Allstar shop for 'bout 60.00(price of a power supply alone!)
Give it some thought https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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When in doubt,,pull the plug!!
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snarfll,
Well ! 60 bucks ? If that's all they are I'll have me a shinny new one for sure ! Thank you.
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Hi!,
Your Compaq printer should be ok if you have the install CD@drivers for it.
Just went to Allstar's site and the case i mentioned is 55.75 with 300Watt PS. Don't know where "your" at,but i live in Northern Oregon, and they are in Cal. U.P.S. ground to my address is 22.46 for a total of 78.21 . I ordered one of these 'bout 2 months ago, on a' tuesday afternoon and received it on the following Friday morn.
Would suggest("if" you choose them),to make your first order by phone(toll free).The sales reps. were very helpful to me. I had a "tech" question the rep. couldn't answer, and he had a Tech call me back(their nickle) within a half hour and all ended very well!
Good luck with your choices! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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When in doubt,,pull the plug!!
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Hi! I'm back!--after a little BIOS magic and switching cables around, then switching again, then reflashing the BIOS, then switching some jumpers, then chanting my "Secret Techie Cheer"...you get the point.
Great posts, snarfll! More like 10 bucks worth. Lots of good info (and quiz material...just kidding, guys...I won't subject you to that nonsense again... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/)
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WHEW these threads are great, brought me over from Win 95 forum, this is great - love it.
Have built at least a dozen systems - you will be so gratified once its built and your sitting there looking at it and say Damn I built this
I'm one of those with the VIA chip problem with USB. SoYo mobo great but the VIA chip, at least in this motherboard, will not support at least a Lexmark USB printer.
A lot of great advise and reading - so get started.
Pick your MOTHERBOARD - or FATHERBOARD FIRST - everything else is built around the flat board that resides in the bottom of the case.
My rules when I build one for a friend/relative etc.
1. Get a motherboard that can be upgraded tomorrow as technology changes overnight and your never satisfied.
2. COOLING, COOLING, COOLING - add a large CPU fan and a extra case fan.
3. Get a case that will have vacant slots, after you put everthing in, that way when they come out with that new fangled cd-rw/cdrom/DVD/TV you have a space to put it - remember your never satisfied.
4. Get and Use a wrist strap for STATIC. Memory chips are easy to fry with static, particularily if you built the puppy on the carpet.......
5. Get a good dictionary of the various forms of cuss words
6. Have a good flashlight handy when you drop that motherboard support leather/cork washer inside the case.
7. Drink three beers then go back at it with a clearer head.
HAVE FUN
Murf
http://www.vabch.com/jtmurphy/comp38.gif
My Win95 Help Page
Murphy's Law- It will go wrong, but we can fix it!!
But if it ain't broke - "Break It" - So we can help fix it!
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I threw that dictionary away years ago...my dad taught me some real good ones https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
3 beers...a shot or two of Jack Daniels...5 espressos....they all work. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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jtmurphy ! Good to read you ! Thanks.
Hey....ya know, I'm thinking you are right about my handiwork. When it's sitting here in front of me all finished and purring, what do I need a case for...... if I'm gonna be admiring it all the time ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
bistro, tell us the chant ! Please?
swear words ! Oh, will I be using the one reserved for only when I catch my little toe on the leg of a chair ? Makes ya wince just thinking about it, don't it ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
snarfll, I do still have the drivers, and the CD https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-04-2000).]
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Great idea Mosaic!
I can start with one of the dust I saved from the other day! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Really, that is an excellent idea. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-04-2000).]
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I was sworn never to reveal the Secret Techie Chant back in the Monastery of the Sacred Ram Chip...if I were to reveal it or it's Mystic Powers over computers, The Initiated Ones would be obligated to seek me out to delete and fragment me...However, one of the "Lesser Chants" that was written in The Lost Annals of Techiedom, written in 1245 P.C., has NOT been forbidden. It goes like this:
"WhatInTheSamHillIsGoingOnWithThisGodForsakenComputer?C'monNowYouRottenPieceOfCrap!Work!
To be chanted in 4/4 time and with much grimacing
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Mosaic1
That is the one web site that I cannot upload to. After 16 attempts in 4 days I uninstalled their stuff. What a fix.
Static, best to wear cotton and strap.
synthetics will give you a bang you will dislike. From my two way radio days. [Deaf now].
Sure like the additional posts and links.
real nice leads..
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SMILE
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http://www.zing.com/picture/p7824011...5/ff3ff6cb.gif bistro,
I'll memorize it.
Hey Train !
I tried for two days and finally was able to do it. Buttons for uploading didn't work and it was also kinda difficult to figure out which page did what. But it's fine now. Maybe after I accepted a cookie ?
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-04-2000).]
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Remember resources and Ram are not the same crittters.
http://www.winmag.com/columns/explorer/2000/14.htm
PC 911
Windows Help
PC Forrest
That is my mistake so leave it alone https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
bistro
NOW that is a mouthful.
If'n I said that very fast I'd get my mouth washed out with soap. Guess, I'll fall back on the old Army words. Seemed to work before.
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SMILE
[This message has been edited by Train (edited 12-05-2000).]
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,I cain't go outta town for two three hours fur nuthing without all haeck brekin' loose. Gosh a mighty durn whut hes been happenin'? Sumepun git in the water or whut. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I see some good stuff here and the momentum is moving. Just when I think there are not any more ideas you all come up with more. I tell you what. The only way we won't be succesful, I believe is if we don't wear our static bracelets. (Can we get away with used on this or buy new.) Snarfll, JT murphy, Joi, and Mosaic - wow - more good info, but we have a sleeper here people, I do belive. I have detected it twice now. The posts today, added to what we have already gotten has pushed us way ahead of where I thought we would be. Yes, there has to be pictures. I do apologize for my test results though.
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Well, getting some "confirmations" of past postings in the 98 forum and from the "To All Computers" thread...VIA-based mobos seem to be having considerable problems.
Anyway, "Bedtime for Bistro" is coming on now...(I play as the chimp....).
I'll leave you with a special chant I use to help me go to sleep: The Olden Electric Dream Song:
Ooooohhhhhhhmmmmms
Voooooolllllttttts
Aaaaammmmmppppppps
Waaaaaatttttttttts
(well....it worked for Thomas Edison...)
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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bistro
That last matra is/was a nightmare for some folks. They just can't see the one formula.
[told them to make a cheat card and learn it well.]
Even at that they bomded the test some how??
0300 comes early https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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SMILE
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na na na na boo boo !
That'll teach ya greengoose ! Now quit cheatin' and do your homework ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
meggaaaahurtttttzzzz
'Night https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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One area we haven't touched on is what will be required for tools and/or test equipment to build these two units? Mornin' all https://discussions.virtualdr.com/.
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Probably use those same kinda screws like they do on burgular bars and jail cells.
A good screwdriver, preferably with interchangeable flat and Phillips bits.
Needle-nose pliers.
Wire snips.
A small flashlight, for peeking inside the case and looking under things.
A 3/16" hexagonal nut driver. This is the size of nut used for mounting the motherboard into the case, and for mounting the serial and parallel connectors to the case (for AT form factor systems).
BANDAIDS
Been doin' MY homework. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-05-2000).]
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Might be good to start a new thread on that subject; referencing back to here--Toolbox is reading (I think) and perhaps can close this one up to prevent confusion/more posts.
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You forgot the jackhammer, acetylene torch and 2 bottles of Liquid Plumber...also earplugs for the kids for when you start cussing...
Make sure those tools are non-magnetic (and can't be inadvertently magnetized)! Get a slightly magnetized screwdriver near a memory chip and Holy Amnesia, Batman! Computer stores sell those tools in kits---fairly inexpensive; worth getting.
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Now, see there ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ How would we have known about the magnitism, bistrO ?
As for the torches, Liquid plumber ,jack hammer and earplugs, isn't that S.O.P. ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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As far as that stuff goes, recommend the following:
1. Computer tool kit as mentioned above--you don't need the "Godzilla" Extra-Nifty version, just the basic kit with interchangeable screw/nut driver, grabber gadget (lots of fun to play with),etc.
2. A packet or two of assorted computer screws--including mobo offset and port screws.
3. I like those knurled plastic screws for attaching the case sides in the back---saves time when you have to remove the side panels---can unscrew by hand, rather than having to use a screwdriver--also in most good computer shops.
4. A small tube of thermal paste--no...they don't come in minty-fresh flavors...you'll may need it when installing the CPU and heat sink (depends on what type CPU you install).
All the above would be a basic start--everybody has their own preferences for "gizmos" and (hopefully) they'll chime in with more suggestions.
[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 12-05-2000).]
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Ok first, is there a supply house for these computer tools and accessories, or are they going to have this stuff at Best Buy or Circuit City ?
Second, unrelated, and should be up above this is : The Operating System, Windows 98, does it have DOS included with it or will that be programed into the processor already, from the factory ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ (quit laughing bistro.... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ )
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-05-2000).]
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Well, before I saw your post Mosaic I had headed out that way just to see. (Oh, those are already on my list https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ I usually do ask for tools.)
But on the way I remembered this new place called ECU Computers and More. So I whipped in there. It was like a gigantic Radio Shack !
Doo dads and gizmos and thingamajigs all over the place. Rows and rows of them. They build them also. All the innards were right there on display. Mostly new but some
used stuff from systems they had upgraded for people. Right there for you
to touch (or for any kid to bend or break off the wires ! )
I saw tools individually (they're definitely proud of those buggers) but no kits
and no de-magnetized ones. I asked the dude behind the counter if they had any and he said (and I am not kidding) "Huh ?" I asked again, and he said, "We don't use 'um. Just a regular old phillips head screwdriver, for the ones we build."
Oh please ......build mine ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
And had I not known what you guys have taught me......
I might have let um ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Thanks again. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I did get to see what some prices were, tho, on componants.
Just wanted to get an idea.
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-05-2000).]
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In looking at the posts this afternoon, my opinion is that everything from start to finished product should be in a series of threads as we have started, Bistro. For instance, the subject of magnetism would not have come if the subject of tools had not come up. I never thought about the effects of magnetism because I don't have any knowledge about it with regards to these components. You guys know it, but the Queen of Hearts and I do not. Just like the subject of static electricity. We sure don't want to build a unit that is cratered before it gets off the ground 'cause of something dumb we did to it that we were unaware of. And how many people that read these threads are in the same boat as we are. Oops, better quit. Later https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Q_O_H: Oh yeah...you can use a regular Phillips head, but it's not recommended. Better safe than sorry. I believe you can pick those up in the computer dept. at Best Buy--don't buy them individually from that shop (probably overpriced). (That shop sounds like a decent place for needed parts and doo-dads though). Belkin and other companies make the computer tool kits that are relatively inexpensive and will do.
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I know the plastic, and nonferrous [no steel or iron in them] ones will work. Got mine 20 years ago and today they probably cost a bundle. Had use them when tuning radios and now use them on computers.
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SMILE
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I'll sneak by Best Buy and look.
It was kinda nice to know what I was looking at and for. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Looked like the motherboards were anywhere from 75.00 to 150.00. I didn't have time to write anything down but when I make my final list of what is decided upon, I'll check that place out to compare prices.
I did see an odd looking scanner. Not much bigger than a half empty roll of paper towels. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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That was a half-empty roll of paper towels...the scanner was that big thing next to it...
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Portable origanally for use with laptops.
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SMILE
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As I live in the sticks and Train said there were techs in Wichita Falls, TX so there must be a store like you're talking about, (55-60miles), how would a person work this situation. Would it be worth it to take the time to explore or just work the internet for prices and buy long distance using the mail. I've been in the Office Depot there, but from how you all are talking, it doesn't sound like it qualifies for a "computer store". I've looked at the Best Buy and CC ads and they looked promising 'till what was said here.
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Thank you Train https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Never seen a plastic screwdriver. 20 years !
When I say I've had something for 20 years it amazes me !
BistrO https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ So what about the DOS ? Or was that too dumb of a question ?
greengoose,
I've been in Office Depot. It's nothing like this place. Nothing but computer stuff. Mostly parts. Not even many computers for sale.
I'll probably buy on line, too. I just wanted to look and get an idea of how much. Still didn't accomplish that (the how much), because I'm not ready yet. It was amazing, though, like an Ace Hardware only for computers.
[This message has been edited by Queen_of_Hearts (edited 12-05-2000).]
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greengoose1
Kind of set up a reference listing.
Lots of sites on the web. Given
411 for example is type of locater.
I would start with yellow pages
enter the city
[may need to try different words as to subject]
and see what it finds.
You can try this from any site that has yellow pages.
I have used this basic technique to find businesses in Nashville, Tenn. Louisville,Ky
and several other cities in a number of states. Do not try computer sales in Seattle as you will wake me up when you scream. It is a local call for us.
Note business, speculative product and price.
the shipping cost, etc.
vs. what you can get it from somewhere else.
Hope it makes sense, just a idea.
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SMILE
[This message has been edited by Train (edited 12-05-2000).]
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Whoops! Sorry! Missed that one. No, there are no "dumb" questions here...I remember all too well being in the same position years back. Ask away.
Win 98 SE is in effect it's "own" operating system--no DOS base. The "DOS" you see in Windows is really a DOS emulator. "TRUE" DOS is only accessed at boot-up from a boot disk.
(The CPU chip or processor is the "brain"--the operating system, such as Windows or DOS, doesn't reside in the processor, but the hard drive).
Does this clarify, or only muddy the waters more?
If you decide to install a new hard drive, you will have to install the operating system (OS) I.E.: Windows. They don't come with it pre-installed like store-bought ready-made computers such as Gateway, Dell, and the like.
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I get it. I think.
I will be getting a new hard drive, so will it come with the boot disk ?
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Queen_of_Hearts
I retire 1 nov 1982 from the US Army so, you see I ain't to young.
Working with radios and when you tune them right away you find out metal of any kind is hazardous to your health as they are powered up. Hence the diddle sticks. Various, screwdrivers, allen wrenchs, and a laundry list of more Items. As there were tubes involved the voltages were a lot higher than what is in pcs. Highest seen was 150,000 volts. No metal in or on clothing period.
oh, well ancient history. Still have my general band receiver though.
Now do make your comparison list.
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SMILE
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That is what you present computer needs to contribute.
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SMILE
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Sitting here thinking about this. Years ago, my brother-in-law described it to me like this:
Processor or CPU chip: the brain, processes the info, but has no info on it's own; the bigger the brain, the faster it can process the info, but it relies on the...
Hard Drive: Where the info resides--the Tasks, Programs that the "brain" needs to process i.e. the operating system such as Windows.
RAM: extra memory for the brain so it can process faster and more efficient
BIOS: the jump-starter for the brain--processes the basic commands, then turns the system over to Windows--that info resides on the BIOS chip on the motherboard.
Hope this helps a bit.
