COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

[4under4]

Nope. Both USBs are like one unit, and it's the whole unit that seems to be shifting. I had read that before about replacing the motherboard when the plastic thingy inside the top one broke. My laptop's not under warranty anymore, so any ideas on how much it would cost to replace it? Like I said, I was looking to replace my notebook in December or so anyhow, so I'm just trying to determine if this is worth fixing or if I should speed up my efforts to get a new laptop now.

[Grandma]

One unit? Well, I think it would cost more to replace the motherboard than the notebook is worth, depending on how old it is. I wouldn't know the cost for a new motherboard without knowing the specs of your notebook. You would have to look it up on the web using your model and serial number. Sorry!


3under3, have you checked your PMs?

[brandiphil]

Isaw you were talking about Auto Correct. Do you happen to know any way to transfer from WordPerfect to Word?


I've been working in WordPerfect for over year and now have to work in Word as well. I have WordPerfect set up so nicely, it would take hours to set up Word the same way.

[Grandma]

I'm sorry. I don't know of any way to do that at all. If anyone else knowshow you might be able to do that, please feel free to jump in, but I'm thinking this cannot be done. Sorry!

[dcampbell516]

This website is a great place to shop for computers, laptops, peripherals, parts, and accessories...at pretty good prices: www.tigerdirect.com


My husband built our desktop from "scratch," and bought everything through tiger direct. Cost us a heck of a lot less to build it, with top of the line everything, than it does to buy a less powerful computer in the stores.


I wish he knew how to build laptops....[img]smileys/smiley36.gif[/img].


Another great website to search is www.pricewatch.com You put in your search criteria, and they will point you to the company that has it for the least expensive price.


Just as an FYI..HTH.

[WorkAtHomeSpace]

Instead of Outlook Express, you may want to try Thunderbird. Overall the Mozilla products are just better than Bill Gates' IMHO. [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

BTW, I use McAfee and have absolutely no problems with any of my software. I also use Ad-Aware SE, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D, CWShredder and Crap Cleaner along with Zone Alarm (free). You can also do free online scans etc. at Trendmicro.

[img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]



Edited by: Mystique

[lissaleone]

Grandma, while I do agree with some of your tips, Istrongly disagree with unchecking everything at Start > Run > msconfig > Startup. There are lots of programs you might need/want running. Personally, I've left about 25 running and have only 7 unchecked.


Here's a site that will explain all the commands you might find in your startup configuration. It will explain what eachis and whether or not it's essential, and those that are user preference.


http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php


When opening the site, it's helpful to drag the window so it only takes up about half of the desktop, then have the System Config. Utility window on the other half. That way you can easliy view both while yousearch each command.


If you don't understand what one is, it's best to leave it alone and do more research.

[Grandma]

Well, I guess it all depends on each one's programs. I don't have anything checked in my startup, and my computer runs great. I guess it's best to have each person do whatever is best for the programs they have.


All I know is you don't have to have ANY programs running in the background at startup, unless, of course, that's what you want.


Thanks for your input. [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

[kerrinne]

I love buying my computer parts from newegg.com. I've been buying parts from there for years. Excellent prices, excellent delivery (even when I check 2 day, I get it next day), excellent quality. I've never been disappointed with anything from newegg over the last five years.

[4under4]

Okay, Grandma and anyone else with computer knowledge...


This isn't really about maintenance, but I need advice on configuring a new laptop. Not only are my USB ports shot, but I am missing a key and the screen went out on my current one, so I definitely need to replace it ASAP. It's a Dell, and it's only 1.5 years old, so needless to say, I am not pleased and am pretty adamant against purchasing another through them.


I've been looking at the HP dv6000z series, but I am getting overwhelmed with all of these choices. What is a "must-have," and what is "nice-to-have?" What about Windows XP Home versus Pro? I do already have Office 2003, so that saves me a bit of cash.


My Dad, Mom and Grandma have all offered to contribute $300 each, and I can probably add about $300-$400 to that, but obviously if I don't NEED to spend that much, all the better. DH says I need to make this one last at least 3 years, so I need something that can go the distance.


I appreciate any guidance you can give me. Thank you so much!