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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 501
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:38 pm: | 
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It's got windows 98 on it. I think it's just a Pentium II. Is there a way to make it a good computer? We're adding an "office" and will have room for the old computer. I'll probably need to install something to make it wireless capable, right? |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1752
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:43 pm: |
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Well... you can give it a shot, but have you looked at prices of new computers lately? Even if you are a minimal-needs user a PII on W98 is not going to give you a very satisfying experience. You can purchase a fairly low-end system (by today's standards) for $400 or so... and it will blow your PII away in terms of performance and ease of use.
You should be able to add a decent wireless adapter to a computer for around $30 or $40; you can go cheaper but I would not recommend it.
I would really give some thought to a new computer, though.
PS - you typically don't get wireless connectivity on a new desktop, so you can flip through these choices:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Order=REVIEWS&Page=1&N=2050410031&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=31
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 503
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:51 pm: |
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I just feel bad about ditching the one we have from an ecological standpoint. I hate planned obsolescence. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1753
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:54 pm: |
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Well... I'm sure that whoever built that computer 7 or 8 years ago would be impressed that you are still using it! All kidding aside, you can drop it off at the recycling center in Maplewood and it'll be taken care of.
If you are hell-bent on using this computer, drop me a PL and we can discuss. |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 505
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 3:09 pm: |
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Thanks Case! I'll mull it over... |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2436
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 3:17 pm: |
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Shanabana we use and old Pen II at home. All of our machines are wireless with except for that one, it's wired to the router. We connected the printer to that machine so that we can share it and print from anywhere
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wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 398
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 3:33 pm: |
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Max out the memory, as much as it will take, and do a complete reinstall of the OS getting rid of any software not absolutely necessary to your current needs. I would recommend Windows 2000 Professional as the best Windows-based OS for that machine. Add Avast! Antivirus (free), Spybot S&D (free), Ad-Aware (free). Firefox if you're so inclined. Add a wireless card to get to the network unless you have the router in close proximity (find a used wireless-B card for cheap). Don't store anything important on that machine without backing it up regularly!
Should be perfectly fine for all "normal purposes."
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Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1085
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 4:46 pm: |
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I have a Pentium II computer sitting next to me right now...It's been the same way for about 3-5 years. You don't need to max memory or anything. I am running it on 768mb of ram and I run many games and applications just fine (this coming from an avid gamer..with the exception of boot-up time..its pretty darn fast for a 7-8 year old tower). Just load it up with Windows XP professional...make sure it has all the necessary service packs. You can get a wireless adapter that plugs right into the ethernet port. You may want to put a CD burner in it or connect one to it...a zip drive is also a decent option..for the purpose of backing data up ...because 3 and 1/2 floppys are way too unreliable and flash ddrives are generally not designed for mass data backup.
You're going to want to use spybot search and destroy to clean it...assuming you DONT wipe the harddrive ...which would be preferrable when starting from scratch.
P/L me if you have questions. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14621
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 5:23 pm: |
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If you're happy with it, keep using it. But pimping it up will not give satisfactory results nor be an efficient use of money. Don't do it!
Planned obsolescence is annoying, but the market is demanding rapid improvements. What can you do? The hardware improvements are at a rate of doubling every 18 months. The software is written with the assumption that you have fairly recent hardware. This means if you want modern software (and neato things like wireless), you need modern hardware.
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 507
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:31 pm: |
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Thanks, all! This has been very informative. I guess if I put the Pent II where the Pent IV is and clean stuff up, I could do wireless with the newer machine. Right-o! Truth is, I don't even know if the thing still works--it's been sitting in a box since September '05. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 581
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 1:25 am: |
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I swear I saw a sign in a store the other day that said they recycled computers, and now I can't remember what store it was!
I think as long as you're not trying to do the heavyweight media stuff that's been developed in the last few years, and as long as you back it up A LOT, that'll be a fine computer to work on. Sometimes I wish I still had W98.
And if you find yourself wanting to upgrade soon - Vista, the latest Windows OS is going to start being loaded onto computers in January. You probably can't put that on your machine, but should you want to buy a new computer, you have the choice of waiting for that overhaul...
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Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3519
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 2:18 am: |
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I bet Vista gets pushed back yet again, and for good reason |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 585
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 3:48 pm: |
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Monster, do you think? I HAVE to buy a computer soon, because I'm in school and I'm working on a horrible Vaio running ME (and it's beyond its last leg, lemme tell you...)
I have been trying for the past few weeks to make the decision of whether to just buy one, or wait for Vista. I really want to wait for Vista, but I don't think my schoolwork can take it.
Isn't Vista going to be much much better for music/photo stuff? A friend of mine had some input into the new WMP, and so I got a bit of an idea about it.
Please explain your "for good reason" and maybe some pros, cons and advice? Thanks! |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1105
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |
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If you're in school. Get a mac. The cheaper laptops with intel processors just came out. Nab one of them. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 586
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 3:59 pm: |
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I'm far more comfortable working on a PC. I like macs as well, and someone gave me their old G3, in great condition, so once I get a monitor (also need a modem and usb 2 port, neither of which I've been able to find) for it, I have that to use as a mac. I need to purchase a PC laptop. But thanks for the recommendation.
Also, what do you mean by cheaper laptops with intel? When they came out, I looked at them and they were very expensive - have newer mac book pros come out? Just curious. |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1106
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 4:00 pm: |
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No the MacBook came out. The MacBook is like the Ibook was. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 587
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
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Trust me though, if I were going to buy a mac, I'd do it now, they're giving away free nanos with 'em. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1760
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
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You don't have to wait for Vista to buy a new PC - buy it with XP and use it, be happy... if you like PCs, that is... and upgrade whenever Vista decides to show up. You'd need to buy a somewhat 'heavier' machine if you are set on vista, but it shouldn't be all that expensive.
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14647
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 9:27 pm: |
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Macs definitely cost more. If you can afford one, you will get at least your money's worth, in many ways. You get more bundled software. It's more reliable in crash-proof-ness and less vulnerability to malware. The user interface is better designed. The whole experience is more pleasant. My guess is that the difficulty you have is unfamiliarity, which wouldn't take long at all to overcome. Overall, I think you get more for your money with a Mac.
However, if purchase price is important, you can't beat a Windows system.
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flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 590
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 10:40 pm: |
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Nah, that's not it. Well, it is to a degree, I'm more comfy on PCs, but I'm very familiar with Macs. At times they're too stupid-friendly for me, though. Like when they format things without checking with the user. I do agree they're less vulnerable, but definitely disagree with the crash-proof-ness. I like them for more creative stuff.
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Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1108
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 11:56 pm: |
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I have yet to encounter a crash on my powerbook. And I run this thing for weeks without rebooting. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3538
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 3:16 am: |
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Microsoft says themselves that Vista won't be out until June of next year, which most likely means that it won't be out until after that.
You have to ask yourself what platform at the present time is the best for you, and buy accordingly.
If you can't figure that out, than ask more questions
Quote:At times they're too stupid-friendly for me, though. Like when they format things without checking with the user.
If your Mac is formating things without you knowing it than you must be high.... |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 547
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 4:23 pm: |
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Uh, Monster, that's "then", not "than."
(sorry) |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3543
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 5:40 pm: |
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You are right Shanabana, but look at what time I made that post, and the condition I was in after having spent the night at the What Exit event, which by the way, was most excellent. |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 548
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 5:48 pm: |
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Ah, yes. I see. It was the equivalent of the drunken slur, only typed. Party on, my friend. Party on. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 594
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 7:00 pm: |
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Hm... so the drunk one called me high ... and the truth is revealed!
Macs often perform tasks without the user knowing, when using "stupid-friendly" programs like iTunes and iMovie... not with things like Final Cut Pro or Cad...
Glock 17, very happy there've been no crashes, but that isn't the case with all macs... and I know plenty of PCs that can be on for weeks at a time wo/ crashing... it is a myth that PCs crash more than macs, the difference is that macs give you the little rainbow wheel of death, and PCs, the blue screen.
Hehe, thanks for steppin in there Shanabana |
Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1109
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 9:41 pm: |
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They perform actuons like that with itunes and imovie because people don't know what they are doing. I have yet to experience what you are talking about. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 595
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 9:59 pm: |
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and that's exactly what I'm saying... I know what I'm doing, and want to be able to control more than macs let me a lot of the time. If you think you haven't experienced it, perhaps you just haven't noticed. I like macs too, quit jumping on me. |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 194
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 11:20 pm: |
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flugermongers,
I'm with Glock. I've used Macs for decades, and am especially fond of OS X's UNIX underpinnings. My own experience is that Windows does things I don't want it to do (stupid work computer). I don't really understand the "stupid smart" comment. |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 408
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 12:39 am: |
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I believe the "stupid smart" comment is referring to a degree of automation present in the Mac OS which is meant to be convenient but might be annoying to someone who doesn't want that convenience. A bad analogy but the best I can come up with right now might be an automatic transmission in a car. Most people either like automatic transmissions or don't care, but some people actively dislike them.
It's a bad analogy, so please don't pick it up and run with it.
I still see no justification for buying a new machine. You have not mentioned anything you want to do that would actually require newer hardware than what you have here. To me, it's a waste of money.
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Glock 17
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1110
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 1:31 am: |
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I'm not "jumping on you". I've been using windows since 3.0...probably around when I was in 1st or second grade. I just started using Mac about a year ago and have found the transistion to be seamless. (minus the loss of my beloved Mirc)
Oh yeah and I still own and use both. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 596
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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Haha mirc. I remember that. Yes wnb, that's exactly what I'm saying. As for the crashes, most of the macs I've edited film on usually crash at least once per day. My mother is uses a mac for pro. purposes also, and it crashes a lot. I've also just been on a website on a mac and had it crash. I think their crashes are equal. I like using macs for editing and certain musical aspects, but not for itunes and photo work. Everyone has their different preferences of ways to work.
Glock, that's funny, 'cause I learned computers on macs (or, apples, back then), and then switched to PCs (ah I miss that 386). |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 195
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 11:36 am: |
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wnb,
I think I understand the analogy, but would like an example. As a long-time Mac user, I know I can take for granted features of the OS, so I'd be interested to hear what these ones are. |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 197
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 11:45 am: |
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flugermongers,
Your Mac shouldn't be crashing that often, even for pro uses. Get it checked out.
What version of the OS? How much RAM? What model? |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 599
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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You're misunderstanding... not my mac - I haven't gotten to use my mac yet because it was just given to me (an old G3) with no monitor.
I am talking about the macs I've worked on (some in my school's film dept, some are people's personal), and my mom's that I was referencing is her office computer, and it's a G5. There is nothing irregular about these computers, macs crash, PCs crash... lol I'm sorry there are no stats... but I've worked on just as many macs as I have PCs, so this is my little pool of research. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3552
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 6:11 pm: |
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With proper OS maintenance, plenty of memory, not attempting to use certain applications that are meant for more powerful machines or a newer OS, keeping your OS updated and applications updated (being careful not to update first, let others test it out, unless you of course have a test setup), etc....
If the hardware is in good shape, including that PRAM battery on your Mac, CMOS on pc, then the problem is software related.
I'll guess that the Macs you reference are running a version of OS X, hopefully not OS 10.0 or 10.1.X, I would guess the G5 may be running Tiger, updated to OS 10.4.6.
Hopefully the tech guys at your school have an inkling as to what they are doing, as well as whomever takes care of your Mom's G5, particularly as far as knowing how to insure that certain maintenance routines (CRON jobs) are taken care of, permissions repaired before and after updates and app installations, temp files and log files deleted, how to prebind apps, how to read crash log files, etc. etc.
Of course sometimes it's just a botched install of the OS and you need to start fresh, or at least try an archive and install of the OS (that way you don't have to reinstall all of your apps and everything else if it works. I recommend that major OS upgrades always be downloaded from Apple (combined install packages, or Combo Updater) and installed, instead of using Apples Software Update application.
Make sure that the apps giving you problems are working well with others on the computer, sometimes it's just that there is something else installed that is causing conflicts (especially if it's being used at the same time, but that's no always the case), for instance, the use of Digidesign hardware (such as the Mbox) can cause problems when connected and used at the same time as some Apple apps in 10.3.9, of course sometimes this just depends on the particular configurations one has.
Okay, enough for now, I need something to eat.... |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 198
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 12:16 am: |
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I'm with Monster on this. If a Mac is crashing once a day, something is wrong, either bad RAM or something nasty installed. I keep up on the big Mac sites, and I haven't heard this being reported. I wonder whether they've got Norton installed at the school or workplace.
I've worked mainly on and with Macs, and I've not seen recent versions of OS X crash at anything like this rate. The little iBook I'm on right now has been up, let's see, 7 days, and the last restart was due to a system upgrade, not a crash. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3561
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 12:50 am: |
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yeah, Norton is nasty-nasty-nasty, and doesn't belong anywhere around OS X
if you want AV protection, use ClamXav, I use it because I download windows related items on my mac a lot, and to check my email in case I forward something along. |
wnb
Citizen
Username: Wnb
Post Number: 412
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 2:13 pm: |
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Eponymous, the analogy is mine, not the complaints. I haven't touched a Mac since the 68040 days.
This is, BTW, amazing thread drift. There are few other subjects which immediately turn to "buy a new one" than computers.
The existing machine is fine. The question of how frequently Macs crash, or why, or how the people whose Macs crash don't know what they're doing (which sounds a lot like the old complaints about PCs and it used to be the Mac people didn't need to know what they were doing to keep a stable machine but I digress), is all completely irrelevant to the question of how to take the existing machine, a perfectly adequate machine, and give it a workable makeover.
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