THE COMPUTER THREAD

[Chaos]

One article I read had to do with research by one of the turbine management companies in California, looking into some sort of sonic barrier system. Like a warding system of sound to disrupt the bats so they wouldn't try to fly through the area or roost there. Theoretically it wouldn't suck much power from the grid to run something like that, because you would only need to run it for a few hours at dusk (when they do their migratory flight), and a few more right before dawn (when they are looking for a roost for the day). The whole thing could be automated on light sensors and run off of the energy already being produced by the turbines. Seems like the most logical answer to me.

[gbeenie]

So, I'm planning our next computer, and, even as cheap as components are, it might be more cost-effective just to buy an off-the-shelf one, and jazz it up as needed.

[RVR II]

So, I'm planning our next computer, and, even as cheap as components are, it might be more cost-effective just to buy an off-the-shelf one, and jazz it up as needed.

I Assume you're stickin with something XP pro or something non Mac & non Vista correct?

I've got 2 spare desktop systems that I'm letting go for $300 With XP Pro already installed.. Not that I'm trying to sell you one of mine er aything.. Just posting that info

[gbeenie]

What are the processors?

[RVR II]

What are the processors?

1 Socket 478 & 1 Socket 775 Celeron D 2.53 gb (both)

Along with 80 gb hard drive, 1 gb of DDR ram in each

[gbeenie]

Thanks anyway. This time I'm trying to at least keep up with what's current. So, probably at least a Dual-Core Duo for me (I want Laurie to have a machine for gaming).

[RVR II]

Thanks anyway. This time I'm trying to at least keep up with what's current. So, probably at least a Dual-Core Duo for me (I want Laurie to have a machine for gaming).

That's cool. I completely understand..

I upgraded a couple of mine for the upcoming tax season recently for better efficiency and these are the old setups.

[gbeenie]

So, my Xmas present for Laurie is a new computer. I've got most of the components picked out, but I have a couple questions I could use some input on:

First, about Windows: I've used XP Pro since I went to XP, and had virtually none of the problems that people I knew with XP Home had. As I understand it, that was largely because the two OSes had different basic architecture. Now, with Service Pack 3 out there, I have to wonder: are the differences between the two still considerable (I almost never hear about problems with XP Home nowadays)?

Then, regarding hard drives: I'm looking at drives from Samsung and Western Digital. I usually go by price on these things, but drives are so cheap now that that's not so much a factor. So, what do people think is the better of those two brands?

[RVR II]

I am not aware of any issues w/ SP3 on either Home or Pro, but I use only Pro on all my systems..

As for hard drives; I use Seagate  and Western Digital hard drives in All my systems, but if I had to choose, I'd go with Western Digital for their reliability and customer support (personal experience).. Never used Samsung before..

[RVR II]

So... Now that Vista has been confirmed a 'FLOP', what will Windows 7 be like??

Here's a bit of insite.. I guess..
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/08/microsoft.ballmer/index.html

[Tripe]

Cool, so if I hold out a little longer I can avoid Vista entirely.

[RVR II]

Cool, so if I hold out a little longer I can avoid Vista entirely.

That's what I'm doing..

In fact, I got a couple people lined up to go back to XP this coming week

[RoninFox]

I know a friend who's been testing it, says its a LOT less annoying so far compared to Vista.  I don't understand a lot of what he says when it comes to computers (he's many many times the tech head that I am, it is his career after all) but it does have me curious.

[RVR II]

I know a friend who's been testing it, says its a LOT less annoying so far compared to Vista.  I don't understand a lot of what he says when it comes to computers (he's many many times the tech head that I am, it is his career after all) but it does have me curious.

I'll still wait at least a year or more before I give it a go..

A buddy of mine has this super powerful Mac ($6500.00; 8 core and more..) that he uses Pro Tools on, and he Loves Mac!
But for my line of work (income tax preperation), XP is good enough for me

[RVR II]

Did I miss the "official declaration" that Vista is no good?

I've been using it for 2 years now, with zero problems.

I've been reading about it for that long to know I won't use it, and now with more articles about Windows 7's early release, that pretty much sums it up; official or not