NationStates Jolt Archive

This thread is purely for personal computer problems.

If you have computer problems, post them here and I'll try and help.

I know very little about computers other then I can kill time on one.
So here goes.
I am having trouble with memory(I know this is a mind numbingly simple question)
Running slow and what not.
I run XP, keep in mind I know very little so dont skip over the obvious.
Suggestions?

I know very little about computers other then I can kill time on one.
So here goes.
I am having trouble with memory(I know this is a mind numbingly simple question)
Running slow and what not.
I run XP, keep in mind I know very little so dont skip over the obvious.
Suggestions?
OK, I can suggest any number of things. If you're having trouble with memory, it could be that you don't have enough actual physical memory - RAM (random access memory), the sticks of memory that are on the computer's motherboard near the CPU, which is the MAIN memory.

Now, then, your CPU could be a P3 or earlier, and if that is the case, the reason for the lag in memory would be because you are running an operating system on a machien that doesn't have the full capacity to operate XP.

Now, if it's running slow, it could also be because you haven't defragged your computer in a while. If this is indeed the case, it would speed up the read-write time of your computer.

If none of the previous suggestions apply or help, then there is my favourite - format your harddrive (using the WinXP CD - which is also the install CD). This will clear out all the clutter that is taking up space. Just remember, before you do this, make sure you have your computer key and you've backed up all your important data on CDs.

Myrth said no more "Ask a..." threads; maybe he'll allow this one, but I would ask first if I were you.

Myrth said no more "Ask a..." threads; maybe he'll allow this one, but I would ask first if I were you.

I believe he also allowed them again.

Sorry then... I wasn't here yesterday :D

That's ok. :D

What kind of qualification are you studying for?

What kind of qualification are you studying for?
I'm studying for a networking specialist qualification. I'm aiming for a Data Communications specialisation. I'm also going to try and my MCSE.

I'm studying for a networking specialist qualification. I'm aiming for a Data Communications specialisation. I'm also going to try and my MCSE.

What does MCSE stand for? What nationality is that qualification?

How do I install and play Alpha Centauri on XP? I can't even get the damn thing installed!! And I'm getting pretty tired of not being able to play some of my favorite games simply because of XP. I was told that windows update should install whatever is needed to fix that problem, but that hasn't worked for me so far.

Quick question. What are the major differences between the BSD kernel and filesystem versus Linux?

Oh good! I don't really have a real problem, just something that annoys the hell out of me. Usually when you doubleclick a folder, it opens up. On my computer this just opens the 'search' option. WHY???
(and how can I change that back? ;))

After running AOL Spyware killer, my Windows XP will no longer stay in Stand By mode. It will enter Stand By mode all right, but it will then just abruptly turn itself back on without being touched. I have subsequently restored everything Spyware killer had blocked and Removed the Spyware killer. Problem is not fixed.

Oh good! I don't really have a real problem, just something that annoys the hell out of me. Usually when you doubleclick a folder, it opens up. On my computer this just opens the 'search' option. WHY???
(and how can I change that back? ;))
It's possible you default it top do that. How you can change it back... Just fiddle with the view options in the edit/view menus in your windows exploroer window (not to be confused with Internet Explorer). This is one case when I would tell someone to play around with the computer setting. If it was the registry, I'd say no unless you want to fuck up your computer.

Quick question. What are the major differences between the BSD kernel and filesystem versus Linux?
Oh, so you're looking for an answer other than the obvious ;) such as one is Linux and the other isn't? ;) I'd have to say it has to do with the directory structure. The Linux (very similar) directory structure (since it not really a file system) is very strict and hierarchal. The shell in Linux comes in 3 different formats, Bourne, Kernal and C; and I think there is also the Bash shell...

I don't have much experience with BSD, but I'd have to say the structure of the directory and the make up of the kernal. Such as, Linux for operations that would change the overall perfomance of the system would spawn a subshell, whereas BSD wouldn't spawn one and would find another means.

Now then, BSD is a kernel belonging strictly to Unix the predecessor to Linux. This kernel has been redesigned with TCP/IP instead of the traditional DARPA, which is what Linux kernals use.

(I know, too much info)

How do I install and play Alpha Centauri on XP? I can't even get the damn thing installed!! And I'm getting pretty tired of not being able to play some of my favorite games simply because of XP. I was told that windows update should install whatever is needed to fix that problem, but that hasn't worked for me so far.
PC System Requirements: Windows 95/98, Pentium 133, 16megabytes of RAM

If you have XP, your sys requirements are most likely better than this.

I think the problem might be backward compatibility. But, if it won't install, check the CD to make sure it's not scratch and that it's not covered in grim. Old games will install even if they don't work after installation. Also, double check your error messages.

Now to be able to play, I suggest that you find the original exe file and go into properties. There is a tab called compabitility. Go in there and tell it ro run in compability mode for Win95, in 256 colours and in an earlier Window's resolution, as well as disable themes. Also, if you have it, disable any anti-aliasing you might have.

I had similar problems with trying to get Warcraft II to work on my XP machine. I just gave up because I'm a lazy ass.

Last, NEVER get Windows updates. My computer runs nicely and I've never installed a service pack. If you MUST, only get service pack 2.

After running AOL Spyware killer, my Windows XP will no longer stay in Stand By mode. It will enter Stand By mode all right, but it will then just abruptly turn itself back on without being touched. I have subsequently restored everything Spyware killer had blocked and Removed the Spyware killer. Problem is not fixed.
I suggest getting out your XP CD and running a repair option. This will overwrite any files that AOL fucked with when the spyware remover was run.

Next time you need a spyware killer, get wither Adaware or SPybot.

I had Ad Aware. It was amazingly proficient at doing absolutely nothing. I would run it, and nothing at all would change. It was great. If wasting 5-10 minutes of my life was a hobby, it'd be my favoritew toy. :)

As for that XP disc idea...Hm...I wonder where that is?

Oh, so you're looking for an answer other than the obvious ;) such as one is Linux and the other isn't? ;) I'd have to say it has to do with the directory structure. The Linux (very similar) directory structure (since it not really a file system) is very strict and hierarchal. The shell in Linux comes in 3 different formats, Bourne, Kernal and C; and I think there is also the Bash shell...

I don't have much experience with BSD, but I'd have to say the structure of the directory and the make up of the kernal. Such as, Linux for operations that would change the overall perfomance of the system would spawn a subshell, whereas BSD wouldn't spawn one and would find another means.

Now then, BSD is a kernel belonging strictly to Unix the predecessor to Linux. This kernel has been redesigned with TCP/IP instead of the traditional DARPA, which is what Linux kernals use.

(I know, too much info)

Not really, right now I'm reading Tenanbaum's "Modern Operating Systems 2nd edition." I just wanted to see what you knew.

using ie it has that function that asks if you want it to rember pw's i would like to use it but acidently checked the box saying not to ask aging how do i get it back

heres one for ya

i bought a pc2100 stick of 256mb ram for my computer, kingston
i put it in my computer, the thing crashes after i get past the login screen, or maybe before, i forget. this is only when my other ram is in the pc, however, if it is in it alone, it will boot up properly. also, when it is in the computer with other ram, the computer will recognize it in the system dianostics (or whatever that stuff is you can go to on boot up)

heres one for ya

i bought a pc2100 stick of 256mb ram for my computer, kingston
i put it in my computer, the thing crashes after i get past the login screen, or maybe before, i forget. this is only when my other ram is in the pc, however, if it is in it alone, it will boot up properly. also, when it is in the computer with other ram, the computer will recognize it in the system dianostics (or whatever that stuff is you can go to on boot up)
Before you boot up with the touchy RAM in your computer kingston, I suggest, stick in the RAM and go to the BIOS and see if it's recognizing it. If not, then that might be why it isn't booting. However, if it does and you stil get problems, it might be the type of RAM you have. Not all RAM works on all motherboards. If you have an older motherboard and you just bought RAM, chances are it won't work unless you bought the RAM designed for your motherboard.

using ie it has that function that asks if you want it to rember pw's i would like to use it but acidently checked the box saying not to ask aging how do i get it back
Reset IE, or better yet, get Mozilla Firefox, and if you tell it by accident NOT to remember your passwords, it's much easier to reset it than in IE.

My sister's computer keeps shutting off and she doesn't know what to do with it. She's running Windows XP.

My sister's computer keeps shutting off and she doesn't know what to do with it. She's running Windows XP.
How frequently does it shut off?

How frequently does it shut off?

I don't know, a few times a day, I guess.

Whenever my friend tries to run a virus scan or disk cleanup her Compaq gives an "Eroor" message and shuts down.

It also likes to shut down whenever you try to save or print anything.

ok fixed my ie problem
but i have a hp laptop that was in for survice but it came bake and now the speekers dont work
if i tap the area next to the little touch/mouse pad the work and then cut out