Is there a market for custom built computers sold through an independent person, versus Dell or HP?
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posted by trogdole
on May 18, 2013 -
32 answers
Researchers, Writers, Grad Students, and Professors: Tell me about your technical setup (hardware and software). What do you use, and what couldn't you live without?
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posted by NotMyselfRightNow
on Nov 2, 2012 -
25 answers
How can I thoroughly test the Windows 7 desktop machine I built for my dad before I give it back to him? He lives 4.5 hours away so I won't be able to easily respond to problems once he has it.
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posted by decrescendo
on Dec 19, 2011 -
11 answers
Strange problem with iPhone while on calls; I sometimes can't be heard by the other party. Not sure if hardware or software.
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posted by tkolstee
on Oct 23, 2011 -
12 answers
Hacking around sound cancellation on Google+ and Skype: Two tier question here about a related problem. Firstly, a way to sidetrack the software audio limits of a Google+ Hangout. Secondly, a way to stop Skype from cancelling out audio from one half of a conversation.
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posted by 0bvious
on Oct 21, 2011 -
2 answers
I'm a proficient mac
user, but I think I'd like to know more about how my machine works. Where do I go to learn more?
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posted by Homo economicus
on Oct 19, 2011 -
12 answers
Please help me create awesome digital presentations for my professional portfolio! Am looking to create a series of slideshows for presentation on a tablet, and need some hardware/software recommendations.
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posted by zarq
on Jul 19, 2011 -
9 answers
What hardware and software would you use to assemble a lightweight music production kit for audio recording and/or sequencing using the iPad as the "hub?"
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posted by digitalprimate
on Nov 14, 2010 -
4 answers
Computer music MeFites! I need your help! Here is what I want to do: compose music on Finale, export the composition to a MIDI sequencing software, add beats that I'd also like to create myself, and then mix in real instruments including voice. What do I need?
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posted by The Pantless Wonder
on Oct 8, 2010 -
3 answers
I want to build some kind of simple hardware/software "thing" using
Phidgets or
Arduino, those systems that have RFID, sensors of various sorts (light, noise, etc.) , LEDs, and analog buttons, dials, GPS receivers, etc. I'm having trouble coming up with a somewhat simple, cool little experiment that is inspiring enough to spend the time doing. Got any ideas for me?
posted by drinkspiller
on Oct 7, 2010 -
4 answers
How do I make videos like the ones at
http://www.khanacademy.org/ (i.e., real-time voice and free-hand virtual blackboard with colors?) Windows suggestions and Mac suggestions and hardware suggestions, please! (I understand he's doing all sorts of analytics and javascript stuff, but I'm just interested in the screencasting workflow basics.)
posted by zeek321
on Apr 18, 2010 -
4 answers
Are there any blogs about open-source hardware/software products?
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posted by tmcw
on Mar 14, 2010 -
3 answers
I have a bunch of HDTV shows recorded on a HD DVR. How can I make a video compilation without knowing anything about video editing? Complication: Linux household.
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posted by halogen
on Sep 11, 2009 -
5 answers
Free or near-free configuration management tool that examines a system and outputs a report?
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posted by ostranenie
on Jun 19, 2009 -
5 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?
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posted by reenum
on Jun 2, 2009 -
31 answers
buzzing noise in Dragon Naturally Speaking, but not on other programs. Using VMWare fusion to run DNS on my Mac, and recording/listening through a Dinex USB headset with microphone. Any suggestions?
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posted by omnigut
on Feb 17, 2009 -
3 answers
My Nintendo DS has a mic-in and headphone jack. I want to be able to send a signal from my amp/mixer/etc. to the DS for processing in the DS audio homebrew I've downloaded and send the processed signal out to the mixer/amp/etc.
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posted by lekvar
on Aug 15, 2008 -
4 answers
Major crashes with OS X 10.4 (on a G5 iMac). Bad hardware?
It looks like I'll have to take it in for repairs, but maybe there's a software fix?
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posted by AmbroseChapel
on Jun 1, 2008 -
13 answers
Quite often when debugging hardware, such as a router, a recommended solution is to
downgrade the firmware to a version that is generally agreed to be the most "stable". What is it about firmware that often leads to the latest released firmware not being the best firmware?
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posted by hAndrew
on May 26, 2008 -
14 answers
Subtitles from DVD/VCD/Video Cassette Tapes into a computer text file ----- the fastest way ? Without typing or paying someone to transcribe? Any software or hardware that can do the job? I know of one VCR player made in the early 1990s that can do this but it has been discontinued and the manufacturer no longer around.
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posted by studentguru
on Mar 4, 2006 -
11 answers
I want to record my own music. I have no idea where to start.
What would be a fairly inexpensive and good beginner's setup hardware and software-wise?
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posted by petah
on Oct 14, 2005 -
23 answers
I have and Nvidia GeForce2 MX/Mx 400 64Mb video card and work a lot in AutoCAD and 3DSMax 6 in 3d.
I understand there is a software patch that allows you to trick the card into thinking it's a higher end card (Optima, I believe) and taking advantage of the 3ds-specific drivers made by Nvidia, without cracking the case, soldering anything, etc.
Does anybody have any experience doing this kind of thing? I am using XP Pro, 0.5 Gb, 1.5 Ghz.
posted by signal
on Sep 8, 2004 -
3 answers
I need suggestions on a good hardware/software combo that will allow me to transfer some stuff from VHS to DVD (along with any other advice).
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posted by RavinDave
on Apr 28, 2004 -
6 answers
My 48x CD-R drive is *really loud*. Is there any way to slow it down for basic tasks like audio CD playback? Googling finds me some brand-specific "control panel" apps, but this is a no-name model. Is there a generic utility out there?
posted by Aaorn
on Feb 22, 2004 -
3 answers
The HD on my Dell died recently. I bought a new one, and did a clean install of Win2K Pro. Now I have an operating comuter with no drivers for the hardware... How do I handle this?
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posted by o2b
on Feb 8, 2004 -
3 answers
I have a WinXp machine with three hard drives, each one holding 100GB. I'm researching backup alternatives, and there are tons these days (tape drives, external firewire drives, jazz drives, etc.). I'd like to find a solution that strikes a nice balance between ease of use, cost and durability. Any suggestions?
posted by grumblebee
on Jan 8, 2004 -
8 answers
I built a computer for a friend and he tells me that it hangs and freezes out of nowhere (XP Professional SP1). Anybody have any software recommendations to verify hardware integrity?
posted by Keyser Soze
on Jan 5, 2004 -
13 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
I'm thinking about doing a bit of home recording & have been pondering 4-tracks & the like for a few weeks. Lately, though, I've been thinking it'd make more sense to do it all digitally through my computer & not worry about tapes & stuff. Given the need for hardware and software, what can fellow MeFites recommend that might set me back less than, say, $300?
posted by zempf
on Dec 10, 2003 -
11 answers
