Building / buying a gaming desktop PC. [more inside]
posted on Jul 24, 2008 - 14 answers
Games PC CPUFilter: Is it worth upgrading from an Athlon64 3500+ Venice to a 4000+ San Diego? (plus a bonus question on 3GB RAM in XP and dual channel memory). [more inside]
posted on May 30, 2008 - 12 answers 
Why won't Norton Ghost make a recovery point for my C drive? [more inside]
posted on May 24, 2008 - 8 answers
What's my best option for finding a cheap-as-dirt computer in the Dallas area? [more inside]
posted on May 22, 2008 - 11 answers
I was working on a paper last night, basically half dead, and somehow I managed to change my toolbar. Here is a picture (Click on it for a close up with a helpful paint arrow). Instead of being a row of my windows, it now shows two of the windows open (icon only) with a scroll bar on the right side. I have Vista Home Premium 32. This is a major annoyance because I'm trying to write papers and I have about a billion windows open, so any help received, I'm grateful for.
posted on May 1, 2008 - 4 answers
How do I hook up a homebrew HTPC to an analog TV? [more inside]
posted on Apr 25, 2008 - 6 answers
2 used laptops: what to do with them? One will be new to me (from my wonderful girlfriend), one will be new to my grandma (from me) [more inside]
posted on Apr 8, 2008 - 14 answers
PC Help again again. I have an old pc with windows 2000 server installed on a 20gig SCSI drive. I am trying to install a 40 gig IDE drive that has xp on it. I don't need windows 2000 server anymore so I want the computer to boot into xp but it isn't happening for me. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted on Mar 22, 2008 - 11 answers
Why might my computer be rejecting my new video card? [more inside]
posted on Mar 4, 2008 - 19 answers
Can a media center function as my main computer as well? [more inside]
posted on Mar 4, 2008 - 7 answers
I'd like to build a new PC for use as a headless server to run Asterisk. I've got a few conflicting goals for building it, and I'd like to get the Hive Mind's help for balancing power, size, cost, and efficiency. [more inside]
posted on Feb 28, 2008 - 12 answers
I'm building a PC for the first time and need someone to check my work. [more inside]
posted on Feb 27, 2008 - 19 answers
My computer is sick. Please help (XP pro). [more inside]
posted on Feb 15, 2008 - 16 answers
I just got a relatively new PC secondhand. What should I upgrade first in order to most successfully play games? [more inside]
posted on Feb 9, 2008 - 18 answers
I've been a cartoonist for 30 years and have remained a firm Luddite, drawing everything by hand and submitting hard copy to my publishers. But, those days are now over, and I'm being asked to provide electronic files.
I would greatly appreciate help in terms of purchasing a simple-to-use, but still "semi-professional" electronic drawing tablet (sorry, don't even know the right term for this). Also, what PC software would you recommend that won't take months to learn?
thanks.
posted on Feb 3, 2008 - 37 answers
I want to build a PC and, while I'm not quite at the summit of ignorance, I'm high in the foothills and the air's getting thin. I need people who know more than me to tell me what to do. Please. Vastly longer explanation follows. [more inside]
posted on Jan 30, 2008 - 20 answers
Do I want an Asus Eee PC? [more inside]
posted on Jan 21, 2008 - 22 answers
It’s that time again – I need a new computer, as my old one struggles with Windows XP and Word and basic functions. However, with all the publicity the Green lobbyists have been getting, I was wondering just how green I can realistically make my new computer? [more inside]
posted on Jan 8, 2008 - 12 answers
I'm interested in buying a TV Tuner Card for my PC, but I don't know where to find good reviews. Does anyone have any recommendations for a cheap, decent-quality card that preferably comes with a remote? [more inside]
posted on Dec 27, 2007 - 9 answers
BSOD Filter: Help me pinpoint the cause. Dump file contents included. [more inside]
posted on Dec 7, 2007 - 6 answers
So I just got myself a 3M ergonomic mouse yesterday. Plugged it in, worked fine, no drivers required. Now today, it's not working so good. [more inside]
posted on Nov 9, 2007 - 2 answers
Please help me choose between mac or pc! I am planning to purchase a new pc. I found two that are within my price range and seem to be good choices. The problem is one is a PC and one is a Mac! Help me figure out which one is right for me. Here is a link to the PC and here is a link to the Mac. I am on a budget! [more inside]
posted on Nov 7, 2007 - 58 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 on Oct 29, 2007 - 9 answers
Does the US President have a "Personal Computer" in the same sense that I, and most of you do? What would/does he use it for? What kind of insane security must it have? The answer is probably "He is much too busy to own a computer," but any information whatsoever would help sate my curiosity.
posted on Oct 8, 2007 - 21 answers
Is there a relatively affordable way to connect my computer to both a monitor and plasma screen, having the ability to switch between the two seemlessly? [more inside]
posted on Sep 19, 2007 - 8 answers
Another what-kind-of-laptop-should-I-get question. [more inside]
posted on Aug 26, 2007 - 16 answers
Should I buy a new motherboard for my HP Pavillion Desktop? [more inside]
posted on Aug 25, 2007 - 11 answers
Help me build a really mediocre gaming PC! [more inside]
posted on Aug 24, 2007 - 11 answers
Neeerrrrrrrrdfilter: I want to play Bioshock. Help me find the most economical way to upgrade my video hardware so that it will run the game satisfactorily. [more inside]
posted on Aug 22, 2007 - 20 answers
What's a comparable replacement for this motherboard? [more inside]
posted on Jul 25, 2007 - 6 answers
What's the name of this computer game from the mid-late 1980s? [more inside]
posted on Jul 4, 2007 - 6 answers
Did I buy faulty memory? [more inside]
posted on Jun 30, 2007 - 11 answers
Overlocking-filter: I am building a new computer (my first attempt) and I wanted advice on overclocking my processor. I'm installing an Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 and I've heard it's great for overclocking, even with the stock cooler. Can anyone give me tips or a guide to doing this? [more inside]
posted on Jun 20, 2007 - 12 answers
Looking for a quality computer store in Brisbane, Australia that can provide a customized computer and great support. Difficulty: Currently living in Seattle. [more inside]
posted on Jun 12, 2007 - 4 answers
I am going to be buying/building a new computer soon to replace my Powerbook G4 and I am debating whether to get a Windozer or a new Mac. I thought I might be able to build my own X86 machine and install OSX on it using something like OSX86. Has anyone done something like this? [more inside]
posted on May 30, 2007 - 12 answers
I'm a power user, but I am NOT at all a gamer. Would I still benefit from buying a "gaming PC" (Dell XPS 710)?
Or, would I just be an idiot who wasted money on something they didn't need/won't use? [more inside]
posted on May 5, 2007 - 27 answers
Can you help me with my PC audio woes? This high-pitched whine isn't just coming from me... [more inside]
posted on Apr 29, 2007 - 9 answers
Considering opening a computer repair store. Input desperately needed. [more inside]
posted on Apr 5, 2007 - 22 answers
PC troubleshooting help: Is it the motherboard or the power supply? [more inside]
posted on Apr 5, 2007 - 6 answers
Can I fix a corrupted XP boot by copying the system files over from another installation drive? [more inside]
posted on Apr 5, 2007 - 11 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 on Mar 13, 2007 - 23 answers
Creative solutions for making a (shudder) Macro Express Macro run on a remote computer within restrictive group policy (all windows) (remote desktop or vnc type solutions are out since that would be too much of a disruption to the user of the remote machine) ... means of triggering the macro: keyboard input (hotkey), schedule (won't work in this case - needs on demand), or the appearance of a window on the screen - this is the most promising I think - but the obvious solutions are eluding me... how can I make a harmless window open on a remote computer? (I've tried msg and psexec to run a bat file, but the remote server bits are all off limits due to group policy.)
posted on Mar 1, 2007 - 8 answers
Can Vista Laptops Have the equivalent of both Windows XP Tablet edition and Media Center Edition on one system without having to boot into separate partitions? [more inside]
posted on Feb 28, 2007 - 4 answers
Can I allow users on a Windows computer to access only one website in one program (IE Explorer or Firefox) and nothing else on that computer? [more inside]
posted on Feb 26, 2007 - 8 answers
Where has my Outlook New Mail notification on the taskbar gone? [more inside]
posted on Feb 22, 2007 - 5 answers
One of my PCs running Windows 2000 Professional has been a stable workhorse for several years. However, beginning a few days ago, it has not been booting properly - it heads to the CMOS/BIOS set up menu after the memory test rather than log in. [more inside]
posted on Feb 18, 2007 - 12 answers
Looking for another game in the same vein as Seven Kingdoms or, failing that, Netstorm. [more inside]
posted on Jan 27, 2007 - 4 answers
What can I do to make a VGA input on an LCD monitor work? [more inside]
posted on Dec 3, 2006 - 7 answers
Is there a way to switch the display on my Mac G4 to an external projector? [more inside]
posted on Nov 27, 2006 - 2 answers
What's the next upgrade I should perform on my PC? [more inside]
posted on Nov 14, 2006 - 13 answers
COMBINING Hard Drives. Roommate has fast, great computer. I have slow, antiquated one with (among other upgraded parts I've procured) a fast new hard drive (personally installed). Want to install my current drive in her current machine so that all roommates can use one system and still keep my files/ preferences. [more inside]
posted on Aug 28, 2006 - 20 answers
HDD disaster! Almost all the data I own in the world was on a HDD that got dropped on the floor while spinning (the drive was spinning, not me). [more inside]
posted on Aug 24, 2006 - 9 answers
My dad's Internet Explorer has gone crazy! Fortunately, Mozilla runs fine.... [more inside]
posted on Jul 31, 2006 - 6 answers
I just put together a pc from new parts. It won't post-- fans turn on, but that's it. No video signal, no power light, no beeps, cd trays won't open. Power supply is 400w and tested in another machine. What should my next steps be? [more inside]
posted on Jul 19, 2006 - 14 answers
How do you secure a plug so that even if someone yanks on the chord, it doesn't come out of an outlet? It does need to be POSSIBLE to get the plug out sometimes, and it won't work to glue/staple the chord to the wall, because sometimes equipment needs to be moved to another room. [more inside]
posted on Jul 14, 2006 - 23 answers
My little brother wants some new pc games to play, any suggestions? [more inside]
posted on Jul 11, 2006 - 23 answers
Looking for simple, cute, 2-d and mostly long-lasting and chick looking ways to decorate my laptop. There's [more inside]
posted on Jul 2, 2006 - 11 answers
How can I trouble a system that intermittently hangs before the POST? [more inside]
posted on Jun 16, 2006 - 10 answers
How much copper is there inside an average PC? [more inside]
posted on May 18, 2006 - 11 answers
My brother is going away to college this upcoming fall, and for a high school graduation present, my mom is getting him a laptop to take with him. He is interested in trying a Mac. We are both life-long PC users. I am the most technologically-inclined in my family. My brother knows the basics and has no trouble with them, but anything more is my job.
[more inside]
posted on May 10, 2006 - 37 answers
[Relatively] cheap alternative to PC? My parents are moving... [more inside]
posted on Apr 15, 2006 - 14 answers
What are the strange noises coming from my computer? [more inside]
posted on Apr 8, 2006 - 16 answers
Is there a simple solution for keeping everything the same on my home PC and my laptop? I don't have the time at this point to mess with learning how to network the two. [more inside]
posted on Mar 1, 2006 - 13 answers
Knowing Explorer is no longer being upgraded for macs, how can I best assure browser compatibility across platforms (from a previewing standpoint)? [more inside]
posted on Feb 24, 2006 - 11 answers
I need advice about taking my side business to the next level. [more inside]
posted on Feb 16, 2006 - 4 answers
I recently purchased a new Dell Dimension 9150, I plan to wipe the Dell partition and install a fresh copy of XP Pro (I already have a full copy). Any problems/hiccups I should know about before I destroy the Dell partition?
posted on Feb 15, 2006 - 14 answers
I received a decent tax refund and I'm thinking about doing a computer upgrade. The last time I rebuilt my system was in 2003. I don't need to be able to play the hottest new FPS (although I do game occasionally), but I want to be able to comfortably run Windows Vista when it's released. Here are my current specs: [more inside]
posted on Feb 11, 2006 - 16 answers
My computer occasionally locks up, and sometimes completely fails to boot when I press the power button. Linux's "sensors" reports out-of-range voltage values. [more inside]
posted on Feb 6, 2006 - 6 answers
New PC system build, nearly new builder seeks the Volvo 240 of machines. [more inside]
posted on Jan 18, 2006 - 13 answers
How can I access my hidden external Hard Drive data? PLEASE HELP or I might have to cry my ass off, and that's harder than it sounds [more inside]
posted on Jan 12, 2006 - 14 answers
I'm looking for the name of a specific PC fighting game from the 90s. [more inside]
posted on Dec 31, 2005 - 6 answers
My computer is making a funny noise and overheating. Can you help me fix it? [more inside]
posted on Dec 29, 2005 - 17 answers
I have an old pc. Celeron 600mhz processor, 376mb ram. The ram is maxed out (I believe) and the overhead of microsoft's anti-spyware combined with AVG antivrus, along with XP sp2, have slowed the machine to a crawl.
Is there a way to speed things up that is compatible with quicken 2004 and will leave me protected from net nasties?
I thank you, hive-mind. [more inside]
posted on Dec 20, 2005 - 23 answers
i have a dell pc at home. How come i cant use the the little joypad ive bought on games ive bought like Splinter cell and rainbow six? I know it works cos i checked it out on hardware settings.
posted on Nov 17, 2005 - 6 answers
DVD-RWFilter: I burned a DVD ages ago, and on attempt to re-read, wimdows thinks it's blank. [more inside]
posted on Nov 8, 2005 - 8 answers
Webcam frustration: I have a Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000, and it's driving me up the wall.
When it's not in use, the 'active' light is always on, but when I try to use it with any application, it goes off and the camera does nothing.
I've done all the logical stuff I can think of - checked the Logitech site, Googled for this error, uninstalled and reinstalled software and hardware, changed USB ports and toyed with finding a major religion to cling to, but so far nothing makes any difference... so please help me, MetaFilter friends, or Mr WebCam will become surprisingly intimate with Mr Hammer... thanks!
posted on Oct 15, 2005 - 2 answers
Help me select a laptop. (Be gentle, its my first time...) [more inside]
posted on Oct 11, 2005 - 41 answers
I have my eye on a new computer. I have the choice between including a 256Mb GeForce 6600 or a 256Mb Radeon X700. For an avid gamer, I have no idea if the latter is worth the extra £50. Is it?
posted on Sep 4, 2005 - 19 answers
What's the score with Pentium Ds? If I'm buying a new desktop computer, should I make sure I have this processor?
posted on Aug 26, 2005 - 9 answers
I, like a lot of geeks, seem to just have a few spare motherboards and hard drives kicking around. I'd like to put these to good use, but the question is how?
I'm interested in building a machine into a piece of furniture of even a wall or ceiling (renovating the basement now so timing is good for this), but I can't think of any reason to actually do this other than a digital picture frame with an LCD screen on the wall.
This PC is already running without a case, so its in pieces and can stay that way.
What practical (or slightly impractical) use can I get from an extra PC like this? I don't just need a simple server, already have one of those, and a client machine would be great, but I want this machine hidden if possible which makes the logistics of getting a monitor and keyboard somewhere useful a little more difficult.
posted on Aug 24, 2005 - 11 answers
I am in the process of building an AMD Sempron 2400+ based file storage machine. I am seeking recommendation for how big a power supply I need.
I am planning on 4 to 5 (may be 6 in future) 250GB Seagates, 2x320GB WD Sata drives, 1 DVD writer, Geforce FX 5500 video card.
The $50 case has a stock 480W PSU. I am wondering if I need more juice and possibly something by a well known brand ?
I recently built an Athlon box with Seasonic 430 PSU. Seems pretty quiet. Not sure if I should get another of those.
posted on Jul 31, 2005 - 13 answers
HELP! My computer is having some strange problems that look to be pretty serious! I've got a Presario running XP. [more inside]
posted on Jul 14, 2005 - 5 answers
What are some of the coolest, oddest, or most unusual uses you've come up with for your personal computer?
posted on Jul 8, 2005 - 10 answers
Looking for good ways to clean out a PC storage before donating. I have some old PCs that I would rather donate than trashing them. What are good procedures and tools to use to clean out disks? Should I leave the OS on ? There may be questionable and personal content lurking around that I would prefer to wipe out. etc. etc.
posted on Jul 7, 2005 - 6 answers
I'd like to buy/build a PC with the form factor of a Mac Mini. Suggestions/references?
posted on Jun 23, 2005 - 10 answers
You know those circular screens they use at concerts that always have some kind of animation projected onto them? Can I replicate that on my PC? [more inside]
posted on Jun 14, 2005 - 3 answers
Looking to pick up a new laptop.
Where is the best place online to find reviews of laptops to compare specs, pricing etc.? Looking for a PC OS, not an Apple one.
posted on May 16, 2005 - 6 answers
My monitor is finally dying on me. I'd like to spend up to $300 max for a decent flat screen monitor. I do some graphic work in Photoshop and play some video games on my PC. Any recommendations for that price (less would be preferable). Any advice on where to buy? Is Ebay ok?
posted on Apr 11, 2005 - 9 answers
I'm looking to record on my PC ( I have adequate Hardware) some music using guitars, bass, vocals, and some other instruments. I need suggestions for a good software program to use (money is not a problem) for the basic recording/tracking and a good program to create drum tracks from scratch. Please see extended explanation for more details. [more inside]
posted on Mar 18, 2005 - 11 answers
I know they are throw away items these days, but I have a pretty new CDRW drive that just ejects the CD as soon as it closes....is there a way to repair this or should I just order a new one?
posted on Feb 23, 2005 - 5 answers
I need help selecting a new wireless card for my PC [more inside, obviously]
posted on Jan 25, 2005 - 5 answers
I grimace to think of the possibility that this has been asked before, but I can't find it. I would like to buy a custom built, OS-less PC online. What are the best/most reputable dealers?
posted on Dec 30, 2004 - 13 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.)
posted on Dec 16, 2004 - 9 answers
My PC is having intermittent freezes. More inside.
posted on Dec 10, 2004 - 12 answers
Who makes sweet-ass PC cases? Note: I don't want anything neon green with gills and a tail, or an aquarium built-in. I am building a media center PC and can't find a slim, tasteful case that will look good in the living room. I prefer horizontally-oriented and absolutely require two 5.25" bays in front (behind a door is okay). Silent-running features are a plus. Any suggestions?
posted on Nov 15, 2004 - 15 answers
Computer fixing frustrations - what to do when you've replaced (pretty much) every part and the problem continues? (more inside)
posted on Sep 15, 2004 - 10 answers
What application do you use to record TV on your pc? (More Inside)
posted on Jul 12, 2004 - 13 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 on Jun 20, 2004 - 13 answers
I have one hard drive installed in my computer, and it shows up as E: . There is no C:. How can I tell the computer that the installed hard drive E: should be C:?
posted on Jun 1, 2004 - 13 answers
I think my PC's power supply might be acting up. What are your thoughts?
posted on Apr 4, 2004 - 14 answers
Am I facing possible computer death? I have a five year old PC with Windows 98. It started acting buggy a few weeks ago and now freezes a few minutes after startup or even during startup.... more inside.
posted on Mar 11, 2004 - 12 answers
I just built a new PC. Having noise/thermal problems, need advice thanks! {more inside} of course
posted on Feb 22, 2004 - 16 answers
Is VirtualPC less secure than an actual PC? [more inside]
posted on Jan 30, 2004 - 5 answers
Why were computers, Apple and IBM compatibles, from a few years back available in beige and well just beige? Is there a reason why beige was the defacto colour of computing hardware?
posted on Dec 31, 2003 - 13 answers
Computer hardware: As part of her Christmas present, I want to buy my wife a video card for her PC (she's a serious geek). What's a good one? [more]
posted on Dec 23, 2003 - 12 answers
