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Congratulations to Queen_of_Hearts for passing the initial quiz of "Bistro's Computer Demi-god Certification Course"!
Now...after all that, we've pretty much determined certain things:
1. You need a mid-tower, ATX-type case
(even if you don't have enough components/drives to fill it--you want room to expand).
2. You need an ATX (type or "form factor") motherboard that will support a 450 or better CPU and at least 128mb PC-100 RAM and supports ATA 66 (faster hard drives); and has an AGP slot for the video card. AND STAY AWAY FROM "BUILT-IN" VIDEO AND SOUND MOBOS!
3. You need to determine if your current sound card, modem and hard drive(s) are adequate enough to be able to wait on replacing/upgrading them (you can probably get away with using your current floppy drive). If not, check out the Soundblaster Live! sound card series--figure out which one you can afford (they're all good). Is your modem a 56K? Could probably wait and just use that one. Is the hard drive you're using now adequate? If not, get a 7200rpm ATA-66 hard drive 15 to 30 gig (15 is plenty for regular home use; word processing, games, etc.---30 gig if you need some archiving room for graphics, etc.)
4. New CD ROM? 10x or above, you might want to keep it until you can afford an upgrade. If yours is a 6-8x, might be time to replace it. Consider getting a 8x CD-R/RW or, if you're not interested in making CDs, perhaps a Kenwood 72x CD-ROM drive.
More to think of....("Oh, nooooooo...") https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Bistro, I have to confess, I'm B A D, 'cause I copied off of the Queen of Hearts.
B
A
D
https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Greengoose1, thank you for your honesty. It's refreshing to know that some of my students out there have enough character and intestinal fortitude to come forth with all honesty and truthfulness.....but I'm flunking you anyway for copying answers... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Pencil comes flying straight for my forehead...
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Hey...just a heads up....won't be able to post anything tonight--working on my system---having some minor problems with the BIOS (bad flash I think). So, if you have anything specifically to me, can't answer back until tomorrow---but Train, Mosaic1 or some other folks may be reading and be able to chime in with some good info. (I don't want this just to be "The Bistro Show". Lots of experienced people out there who have something to share).
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That's fine. Come to think of it, we haven't heard much from Mosaic lately 'cept when we start to drift (there is a difference between drift and drifty). And your right, all ideas from anyone and everyone sure helps getting a better product.
I keep forgetting to ask this. We have to buy an operating system for this unit do we not? Which adds a little more in cost.
And, is it feasible to tie in our present unit as a warehouse for info (more memory etc)? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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If all you have is a propietary "recovery" disk, then yes, you'll need to buy the OS. If you have a Win 95 CD, then all you need is the Win 98 SE Upgrade CD.
Not sure what you mean in your second question. If I understand correctly, you can take your old hard drive (if it's has sufficient space) and use it as a slave to the new one. Should be of sufficient size to put the swap file on it, and perhaps an image of the primary hd. If your current hard drive has a factory-installed OS, and you don't have a Win 98SE CD, DO NOT try to "clone" the old drive onto the new drive in an effort to save all your programs.. Won't work right. Better to do a clean install.
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I have two Compaq Restore Disks and the Win98SE that came with the computer and the 98SE won't completly install. Always stops 22 minutes into the disk. So I downloaded updates from MS updates to compensate.
On the unclear point. Is there a way to tie both computers together so you could have your backups on the old computer.
Just trying to keep a resource utilized.
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I'd go ahead and just get a full version of 98 in that case--save yourself some grief in the long run. Yes, you can network the two computers together; archiving one to the other, but that's a different project altogether.
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Hello,
I've been following your post(s) for quite some time now. And finally decided to give you my double penny's worth.
My history with 'puters only began a short two years ago. After much naggin' from my daughter to join the "computer age", i decided to give it a go. I had "no" idea where to start. After much research, i decided that i did "not" want an "off the rack" unit.(too proprietary). My daughter gave me a list of what she thought would be good for a starter unit and i hit the local computer shops. Then the "learning" really began!! If there ever was a line of merchandise that the words "caveot emptor" applied to,computors are IT!! I won't go into detail with what i wound-up with, but as it turned out, i paid top dollar for a unit that was ok, but, the internal components were on the verge of being outdated. I realize(now), this is not
unusual as fast as things change in the computer industry. But "then" it hit home pretty hard as i began to learn what it was going to take to catch-up and have a decent machine that would do what i wanted,and be upgradeable with a limited budget.
I think enough has been said about cleanliness and being aware of static discharge and the careful handling of components. So, onward and upward into the fray!
I must say that my past history includes auto repair experience concerning electrical components as well as re-building carburetors and such. So, i am not a stranger when it comes to cleanliness and paying attention to details.
My interest was also bolstered by the fact that i am now disabled and can no longer do my regular work. But, there is nothing wrong with my dexterity or mind and repairing/building 'puters has been a godsend to keep from "climbin'the walls" https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
To shorten this up a' bit, let me just say that i eventually swapped-out all the components on that first box with upgrades a step at a time until i was comfortable with what i was doing. A key word to remember is "research". Not only for the "how-to", but also, where to buy and how to find the best components at the best prices and from re-sellers that you can trust. And, after gettin' screwed a' couple of times, i can't stress this point enough!
So, over the past year and a half, i've built 12 units for friends and relatives and "their" friends an' relatives. And now,(finally https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ ),here is my recommendation for a unit that will do all you ask for, and "will" be upgradeable for quite awhile with no major changes.
The "box"= In Win A500 ATX midtower with 300watt(powerman)power supply(this box also has a slide-out Motherboard rack for easy mobo and AGP/PCI card installation).
The Motherboard= ASUS A7V Vers.1.02(without onboard sound)supports "socket A" CPU's(AMD). I've come to realize this is the form factor that will be around for quite awhile and "i" prefer AMD to Intel for several reasons(too lengthy to go into here,but,do your homework)(AMD Duron's 600to750Mhz are my choice for this board,and can be upgraded to the T-Bird 1.2GIG CPU later on)It's an overclocker's dream board,but,also very stable and rates right up there with Abit and the rest.
Video card= ATI All-in-Wonder 128 PRO 32MB.( a very good choice with TV,Video chips to run your DVD player without a seperate add-on card).
Sound card= Creative Sound Blaster Live! Value 1024 PCI will do nicely.
Hard Drive= Western digital and IBM are good choices at 20to30GIG's. Just be sure to get the 7200Rpm drive.
DVD player=My choice has to be the Hitachi 12X internal Atapi IDE drive
CD R-W Drive= Gotta' go with the best here. Plextor 8X4X32. The 12X8X32 is on the market now,but fairly pricey as yet and the 8X4X32 is an excellent unit.
Floppy= not much to say,just go with a good brand name.
Peripherals= Your choice,but shop carefully and my suggestions would be Epson(740) for a printer and Visioneer(one touch 7600) for a scanner.
OS= I prefer to use Win98FE with upgrades from Micro$oft. But, if you have to purchase "now",Win98SE.(but, watch very closely for "whistler" which will be out in 2001.
Oh yeah,don't forget a "good" case fan(3 wire model can be attached to Asus Mobo for monitoring by Asus Probe)One more thing. Be sure and get a "good" surge protector(NOT a 9.95 special)It pays to protect your investment!
Well, this was a lot more than two pennies worth https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ ,but hope it helps in making your choices. A couple of reliable places to shop: www.allstarshop.com www.egghead.com and be sure to check-out "whoever" you want to buy from at www.resellerratings.com
Onward and upward my friends!!
'Nuther "edit" https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ as to "RAM", go with a good brand, 128Megs of PC133(prices are excellent right now)
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When in doubt,,pull the plug!!
[This message has been edited by snarfll (edited 12-04-2000).]
[This message has been edited by snarfll (edited 12-04-2000).]
[This message has been edited by snarfll (edited 12-04-2000).]
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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!!
