PartitionFilter: I just got a new machine with Windows Vista with a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out. I'm planning on doing a fresh installation of Windows 7 when I get it, but in the meantime I'd like to get settled in Windows Vista. Is there a good strategy to partitioning the 640GB HD so I can migrate with ease? Was thinking of having two partitions, one for OS, one for Program Data / Storage, and then wiping the OS partition when Windows 7 comes through. Advice?
posted by miasma on Oct 7, 2009 - 7 answers

What's the best way to configure my PC as an internet television hub? [more inside]
posted by superbird on Jul 15, 2009 - 6 answers

Recommendations for an Operating system for Kids ages 3-6 [more inside]
posted by Mr_Chips on May 11, 2009 - 14 answers

What filesystem should I use on my new USB 2.0 external hard drive? It'll mostly stay attached to an Ubuntu box and be used to store large video files for streaming to playback devices on my network, but I'd also like to be able to take it to a friend's house and plug it into whatever computer they happen to have. [more inside]
posted by contraption on May 2, 2009 - 12 answers

What OS should I put on my aging laptop? How do I do it? [more inside]
posted by SuperErin on Apr 7, 2009 - 23 answers

What's the best way to erase my hard drive for resale if I don't have original OS reinstall CDs to work with? [more inside]
posted by rhoticity on Feb 29, 2008 - 13 answers

How can I tell which of these damn Firefox tabs is making a sound? [more inside]
posted by k7lim on Dec 31, 2007 - 7 answers

I just got a new laptop with decent specs and I want to take this chance at starting fresh. I want a machine that runs smoothly and doesn't have a lot of extraneous crap installed on it. I need advice about getting this set up the way I want it. [more inside]
posted by Caper's Ghost on Nov 26, 2007 - 19 answers

Help me learn to live with Vista. Tips, modifications, downloads sought. [more inside]
posted by Mozzie on Sep 13, 2007 - 11 answers

Windows Vista: Should I get it right when it comes out or will an upgraded & updated version be released later on? [more inside]
posted by HotPatatta on Nov 28, 2006 - 18 answers

What are some books and resources that can help a Windows expert make the transition to Linux for good? [more inside]
posted by sprocket87 on Jul 7, 2006 - 13 answers

Need a tinker-free Linux/MySql install for Ruby On Rails. Also, seeking advice for getting started in RoR. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Jun 27, 2006 - 19 answers

Knoppix won't let me delete or move files [MI] [more inside]
posted by Heminator on Jun 1, 2006 - 7 answers

WinDoze: You're setting up your new machine. Which freely available utilities, gizmos and doodads ALWAYS have a place on your computer? WinAmp? WinZip? WinRAR? Acrobat Reader? ICQ (or variants)? For me, on a WinDoze system I can't live without IrfanView or DCEnhance.
posted by RavinDave on Sep 2, 2004 - 23 answers

Here's a hard one: why can’t I copy my files? [More griping inside] [more inside]
posted by Termite on Jun 28, 2004 - 7 answers

Duh question: On OSX is there any neat way of interrupting that annoying, multicoloured spinning fan that tells you it's still trying to load a page, short of just rebooting? You know, to tell your computer you're no longer interested and would prefer to move on. Many thanks for any tips!
posted by MiguelCardoso on May 11, 2004 - 26 answers

I'm considering upgrading the processor (and possibly the motherboard) on an older PC. Am I going to have to reformat the HD? Obviously, I'll back up all the data just in case, but I was under the impression that the OS would just find the new hardware upon booting up for the first time. The 14 year-old at the local CompUSA claims otherwise--that I'll have to rebuild the OS once I put the new processor in place. So which is it?
posted by jpoulos on Dec 30, 2003 - 8 answers