How do I keep my new laptop new for as long as possible? [more inside]
posted by wet-raspberry on Dec 13, 2009 - 16 answers

Is there a Mac equivalent to CDR Media Code Identifier. This could be run in Parallels, but I'm not sure it'll be able to get what it needs out of the DVD drive. And of course, it'd be nice to not have to run Parallels.
posted by ignignokt on Sep 15, 2009 - 4 answers

I have two drives, and each folder has some overlapping music, some music that isn't in the other folder, and some corrupted files (due to fire damage), which is why I cannot just merge the two together and let the duplicates of one overwrite the other - I don't want to overwrite a 'good' song with a corrupted, unplayable version. [more inside]
posted by kristin on Aug 8, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm in the market for a new laptop. Should I get a PC or Mac? What specs are important for me to look at when making a decision? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Jun 2, 2009 - 31 answers

Can you recommend software for managing Flip videos on a PC? [more inside]
posted by muckster on May 5, 2009 - 1 answer

Can someone suggest a robust, antiviral program for a pc's? Preferably free. [more inside]
posted by tangyraspberry on Apr 22, 2009 - 19 answers

Microsoft Word crashing shortly after start-up. Tried common solutions with no success - other ideas? [more inside]
posted by Pontius Pilate on Apr 22, 2009 - 11 answers

What Is The Best PC Anti-Virus Software? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian on Feb 14, 2009 - 45 answers

What is the easiest, most foolproof way to move files and programs from an old PC computer (XP) to a new one (presumably Vista, sigh). [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham on Oct 24, 2008 - 14 answers

Can a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop with High Definition Audio 2.0 sound card perform 16-bit recording, which is supposed to be required for Dragon Naturally Speaking? [more inside]
posted by eebs on Sep 16, 2008 - 3 answers

What options do I have for a good web- (preferred) or desktop(Windows)-based RSS reader that has good options for managing older posts within feeds? [more inside]
posted by fsmontenegro on Sep 5, 2008 - 4 answers

recommendations for good system back-up software programs? [more inside]
posted by violetk on May 12, 2008 - 7 answers

Is there software to automatically manage podcasts on my Rio Carbon Pearl? I'm looking for something that will function like iTunes for an iPod or Zune for a Zune -- keep only unplayed shows on my player, download new shows when I run the software, etc. Are there any iTunes alternatives which will handle this on my Rio Carbon? I'm running XP.
posted by YoungAmerican on Apr 17, 2008 - 7 answers

I need help finding a mac-friendly budgeting software to assist in getting my act together! (I've tried mvelopes and iBank!) More details inside... [more inside]
posted by nataliecay on Mar 19, 2008 - 8 answers

I can use document properties to make a pdf file open at 100% on my mac, but its all blown up and wonky in reader on PCs. Anyone know how to make 72dpi pdf files open with a 1-1 px ratio on a PC?
posted by muscat on Jan 17, 2008 - 1 answer

I need to install new software on an older Macbook with a broken CD/DVD drive; can I do this by putting the CD or DVD into a windows pc and sharing it; or can I put a disc image on a USB drive? [more inside]
posted by troybob on Jan 3, 2008 - 7 answers

How can I a) crop off the whole bottom half of a video, b) zoom in on my subject after I've already made the video, or c) hide the face of someone in the video? While I'm asking, how about taking a video made on a Canon (designed for stills, so their video actual size is small, which means it pixilates horribly when you put it on youtube) and making it stay actual size when placed on the web? I'm on a windows notebook and hoping any of this is even possible. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by thewhynotgirl on Dec 12, 2007 - 5 answers

Using a no-frills but decent PC, what (cheapish) sound card and what software should I buy for my father so he can record his guitar playing and singing as well as do basic mixing and editing? [more inside]
posted by ztdavis on Nov 15, 2007 - 6 answers

What is the PC equivalent to Mac's Little Snitch, preferably freeware, and not an all-out firewall? [more inside]
posted by dnthomps on Nov 4, 2007 - 3 answers

MS Excel Problem: CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP? I am a very average PC user having unable to open spreadsheets. I borrowed a copy of MS Office Professional from a friend, but it did not install Excel properly. I no longer have access to those installation CDs. Whenever I try to open a spreadsheet, it prompts me for the CD's. So I bought Excel 97, installed it fine, but still when I try o open a spreadsheet it automatically tries to open it with the XP Professional version... How so I get around this to just use the Excel 97 version now on my computer??
posted by writingjulie on Oct 29, 2007 - 9 answers

Anyone recommend PC tuneup software, installable to a portable drive or USB stick? Something for tuneups/cleanups, kind of like System Mechanic Portable Toolkit used to do. [more inside]
posted by bartleby on Apr 26, 2007 - 8 answers

I want to keep an eye on out of hours printer usage. [more inside]
posted by tomble on Mar 22, 2007 - 5 answers

I'm going to visit my grandparents, who want me to look at their slow-running PC. What software should I bring with me? [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Mar 13, 2007 - 23 answers

What would be a good software audio PVR to record an internet stream or line-in on a PC? [more inside]
posted by phirleh on Dec 1, 2006 - 6 answers

I want to monitor activity on my computer, but I'm totally at a loss. Can you recommend any software? [more inside]
posted by damnjezebel on Oct 21, 2006 - 10 answers

Does anyone know a decent real-time MPEG-2 capture program for the PC? One that produces high-quality output (as good as a standard DVD recorder), produces DVD compliant MPEG2 files, and is preferably free (or cheap). [more inside]
posted by ascullion on Sep 10, 2006 - 2 answers

Number-crunchingFilter: What's the best small-business accounting software for a non-accountant? [more inside]
posted by YoungAmerican on Sep 3, 2006 - 9 answers

What programs have you found that helped you improve productivity working with a Tablet PC? Primarily, what programs are best for entering text when in tablet mode? [more inside]
posted by JeNeSaisQuoi on Apr 6, 2006 - 5 answers

Back in the '90's, I had a game for the Mac called "Mission: Thunderbolt". I heard it was moved to PC format. 1) Was it? 2) If so, where could I get it? 3) Are there any more like it?
posted by Pedagogue on Aug 1, 2005 - 4 answers

I like watching DVDs on my PC. What program should I use for greatest enjoyment? [more inside]
posted by selfnoise on Jul 7, 2005 - 10 answers

Years ago, I had occasion to use a very cool, interactive, drag-and-drop, graphical modeling application for Macs called 'Stella.' It was good for non-coders, like myself, to model systems and learn about their interactions and regulatory mechanisms. Does Stella still exist? Is there a similar application for Windows PCs?
posted by kittyoneil on Apr 3, 2005 - 4 answers

I recently purchased an ATI Radeon 9600 AGP graphics card to replace the old AGP card in a Dell Dimension 4100. The new card doesn't work. I know I need drivers for both the card and the Intel motherboard, and I'm having trouble finding the motherboard drivers. [MI] [more inside]
posted by Roach on Jan 26, 2005 - 7 answers

Laptop Clean XP Install:
1] My (on board?) sound card is unrecognised. How do I find out what drivers to use?

2] What programs do you really think I need? I already have VNC, VLC, Firefox, Thunderbird and AVG installed. What else should I add? (Freeware/OS appriciated but not needed.) [more inside]
posted by twine42 on Dec 16, 2004 - 8 answers

What's the best solution for videoconferencing between a Mac with iSight and a PC with an USB webcam? [more inside]
posted by rubin421 on Dec 8, 2004 - 4 answers

In iTunes, why do songs I uncheck not play during shuffled playback? I just want to uncheck songs I don't want on the iPod and let 'em play normally in the library. It's easier than making a playlist for the iPod each time I add new albums. Alternatively, how do you manage your library when it exceeds the size of your iPod?
posted by riffola on Sep 12, 2004 - 12 answers

Playing PS2 on PC? I'd like to be able to see my ps2 games on my swanky monitor. Would a tv card with s-video in do it? Also, if I pick up a tv card, what do people recommend as a good show recorder (I have a good pc)?
posted by Mossy on Jun 20, 2004 - 13 answers

What's the best Pocket PC 2003 software out there that will let me sync my Lotus Notes email/contacts/calendar with my Dell Axim X3i?? [more inside]
posted by PWA_BadBoy on Jun 3, 2004 - 4 answers

DVD authoring software? [more inside]
posted by muckster on May 4, 2004 - 7 answers

windows media player attack !
I cant change the brightness settings etc when i play a dvd. [more inside]
posted by sgt.serenity on Feb 5, 2004 - 1 answer

Is there any software that enables me to send photos from my pc to a camera cell phone?
posted by the cuban on Jan 20, 2004 - 4 answers

I used to use winVNC to access my home PC from any web enabled computer. [more...] [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Jan 3, 2004 - 13 answers