Hello Techie heads

[Conster]

I'm getting more and more interested in Linux, with some trepidation.
I did a search for 'linux' and talk about a strange experience. It
equated the experience of that with a church going, God fearing
Christian quest and a good Christian would use only linux. I think the
webmaster potentially thought Bill Gates might be the anti-Christ or
something. I consider myself a Christian, but man.. this was out
there. I was going to save the URL and let you boys look at it.

That aside.. I was SHOCKED that they have Doom for Linux. One of my
old time favorites. I'm not so much into the Quake type games. The
older games are not so complex to play and ultimately run a little
faster on my 600 MhZ machine. Sounds like it's a whole lot more cost
effective too, to say the very least.

Dave you once mentioned that Linux is a box and referred to Windows as
such as well. Do you mean as in hardware, as I understood you to say
in one post. I know I installed software from DOS on up through the
ages to get to Windows ME.

Another really valid question I feel, is why, if the safety from
virus's and hackers is more secure, do hospital (I know this one from
fact) run almost completely Windows, while schools use Apple/Mac. BBCC
uses a windows OS on all it's Library college computers and I'm I know
they teach Windows applications in all their classes. IF Linux is
giving Windows a run for the money, why don't colleges give students a
choice. I might have something to do with Bill Gates giving the
college $100,000 ( a mere spit in the bottomless pit he calls an
income) for new computers. But government, Hospitals, Police
Departments and most all corps that run very sensitive, highly
confidential material should be more educated. Are we all brainwashed?

My first thought is that Windows is so "computer friendly" My parents
learned (kind of - they still call me for 'tech advice' and Dad pays
some kid $40 an hour to install little shit that I could have done in
10 minutes for free.

Didn't you mentioned the Linux doesn't have to be Defragged? If not,
why not. I'm assume you have a HD with Linux and when you do a lot of
d/l'ing and deleting of hard files I would think any HD would get
fragmented. Does Linux have a self fix thing going on.

Also, when you mentioned Doom, I play that over the Internet or direct
number to number. Currently I can't because whatever dolt built this
from a bare bones system put the 56K modem on IRQ 10 and com 5. We
have discussed this before I think. I know that most the older games
only recognize up to com 4. I thought maybe I would fix this through
CMOS, though I wasn't sure. You gave me all the possible commands to
break into CMOS given the makers of this machine have by-pass even the
memory count, which really drives me nuts.

Does one have to buy most of the products for Linux off the Internet?
Can you have cute little faces and things on your email or is every
thing text based?

As far as my technical ability. I learn very quickly. I had my
computer and never read the documentation, I might get a "Linux for
Dummies" book. I found that really handy when learning DOS, because I
started with Window 3.0 I think. Dana insisted I used DOS. I learned
to configure my BBS quickly and add interactive games and with the
help of one of the boys over there in Spokane.. I think it was Rocky,
but not sure, I managed to get many newsgroups on my BBS. I miss "The
Crisis Zone" as it challenged my computer skills every time I had to
learn something new. As far as Hardware, I'm really good at putting
something together, daisy-chaining power when needed. My biggest
problem is, RAM is no longer RAM -- I need to take a class just to get
my technical lingo up to snuff. I did look through a test on of my
class mates was taking who was completely computer illiterate and she
was bugged that I had never taken a class but knew quite a bit. Since
I got my first computer in 1992, when only a few of you geeks were far
into it by then, it seems very natural to me, much like Lego's for
whatever reason. This snaps there, don't plug this in backward. I'm a
quick learn, IF someone lets me do the typing and doesn't just do it
for me, but more walk me through it when I asked for help, if they
have the patience to let me think on it and stop me only if I do am
about to do something really damaging to my machine..Hell, I'm been
running Windows forever and I've never fried anything, and learned all
about Fdisk and fun stuff like that. :o)

I'm going to continue to learn before I take the plunge. Wouldn't you
just hate it if I found it easy :)) *joke*.. Seriously, I know what I
want in a computer.

I could also use some assistance and an ability to save some $$ while
getting ready to buy a new computer. My friend bought an awesome, cool
looking tower that has a clear window on the side and you can see the
guts with the blue lighting in the interior. The exterior is demonic
looking, but I'm going to look for a fun tower. I know they have a
"Preditor Tower". But his bare bones system was very inexpensive,
under $400 and including the fancy tower and he got a keyboard as
well.

*I would like 512 RAM (SR Dimms or whatever the hell they are called).
*At least 2.5 gig MhZ
*80 - 150 gig HD, a DVD, CD ROM W RW
*Minimum 17" flat thin monitor. (I've price the 19" and they have run
about $800 where I have looked on search)
*A flat bed scanner. I have one, but I believe it is a SCZI (I know..
the initials may be wrong, but it's a Scuzie
it's 5:12AM and I haven't been to bed, not tired again :).
*A top of the line Video Card
*A sound blaster BUFF or Sound Blaster compliant sound card - It seems
I've heard something about
16mb Sound cards?? This is the stuff, where I'm not up to date, I
have just learned that many games won't run on my current sound
card.
*3.5 Floppy disk drive
*At least 2 USB ports
*Network card (Question: My cable modem is working off my network card
-Ethernet-. Is it possible for me to use the card with the modem
and to have a LAN in my home, or would that require 2 network
cards?
*56K Built in modem on Motherboard
*Optional, front ports for auditory input and output et. al.
*The newest CPU and one of the best. I know there are Pentium 4's at
this point, but I'm not totally up to date on such things
*Intake and output fans for the machine. My current computer has no
intake fan to cool the guts and the tower is very hard to take
apart to blow out the dust. I'm surprised it hasn't bit it yet.
*A regular CD/DVD ROM so I don't have to copy to the HD,
then to the W or RW CD/DVD.


Stephanie and Leroy bought an E-machine, which I have always called a
disposable computer, but is buff and a very nice machine. I don't know
about the hardware. I have understood that E-machines cannot be
upgraded and some of the hardware isn't not repairable.

I'll hunt for my tower, but will take an ordinary one if I HAVE TO :)I

I have been told that my current tower (bought 10/2000) won't
accommodate the new motherboards they have now

I can pick up a good printer and Wal-mart so that is covered. I would
love a new color laser printer, but that'll be a few years, very
$$ at this time. I currently have a Okidata OL 400 laser printer,
circa 1992, but it's still working well. I have an Epison color
ink jet printer, but it's at the shop (Ron's work) to see if they
can get the black inker to work, otherwise it's okay. I wouldn't
mind one of those 'does everything' printer, but some of the work
I chose to scan is older pictures that wouldn't do well unless in
a flat bed.

Wow.. Techie boys.. can you give this old gal a hand or ideas on how
to get the most for my money. I would rather run ME, but Windows in
it's ultimate knowledge to take the most of your money have now made
many programs, even simple screen savers that require XP technology..

Thanks guys..
Conster the Wanna be Techinological Monster Robot Babe. I got the
metal knees, it's a start :)

War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength

From the book "1984"

[Dave Laird]

Good morning, Conster-techie-in-training...

Post by Conster
I'm getting more and more interested in Linux, with some trepidation.
I did a search for 'linux' and talk about a strange experience. It
equated the experience of that with a church going, God fearing
Christian quest and a good Christian would use only linux. I think the
webmaster potentially thought Bill Gates might be the anti-Christ or

<GASP!!!> You mean he's NOT?

Post by Conster
That aside.. I was SHOCKED that they have Doom for Linux. One of my
old time favorites. I'm not so much into the Quake type games. The
older games are not so complex to play and ultimately run a little
faster on my 600 MhZ machine. Sounds like it's a whole lot more cost
effective too, to say the very least.

Better than simply having and running Doom, the server I looked at briefly
last weekend appears to be pretty popular, based upon a survey I did of
two Linux gaming servers here in town.

Post by Conster
Dave you once mentioned that Linux is a box and referred to Windows as
such as well. Do you mean as in hardware, as I understood you to say
in one post. I know I installed software from DOS on up through the
ages to get to Windows ME.

I use the term more loosely than that, Conster. A Windows box (or boxen,
for plural) is any computer, regardless of its hardware, that runs Windows
or any variation thereof. By the same accord, a Linux box is any hardware
that runs Linux.

Post by Conster
Another really valid question I feel, is why, if the safety from
virus's and hackers is more secure, do hospital (I know this one from
fact) run almost completely Windows, while schools use Apple/Mac. BBCC

Huh? Sacred Heart, Spokane hides everything behind an cobbled selection of
HP-Unix and VMS servers running ASP Microsoft inside the firewall,
Freakiness (Deaconess) runs a wacked-out version of VMS on steroids and
again, Microsoft *inside* the firewall, and both hospitals run their
primary name and domain servers both run Linux from within Concentric's
secure hosts, but buttoned up tighter than Homeland Security. I don't know
what Valley Medical Center runs internally, but their web server is
distinctively Linux, but runs ASP pages beneath Apache.

All three of these hospitals run *extremely* secure servers facing the
Internet, running one or more versions of VMS/Linux/Unix. As far as I can
tell from hammering on their servers, they do not have a single Microsoft
server facing the world, but nearly their entire infrastructure inside is
Microsoft.

Post by Conster
uses a windows OS on all it's Library college computers and I'm I know
they teach Windows applications in all their classes. IF Linux is

Right now, according to CERT, college and Universities are the most likely
to be hacked of all Internet infrastructure, and therefore are considered
to be marginally-secure. Heck, if they can hack Gonzaga's entire network
(last month), they wouldn't have a problem hacking a smaller university,
at least as I see it.

Post by Conster
giving Windows a run for the money, why don't colleges give students a
choice. I might have something to do with Bill Gates giving the
college $100,000 ( a mere spit in the bottomless pit he calls an
income) for new computers. But government, Hospitals, Police
Departments and most all corps that run very sensitive, highly
confidential material should be more educated. Are we all brainwashed?

Spokane Police run firewalled federally-approved Unix. (not Linux),
however the Renton Police Department runs 100% Linux servers. Go figure.
OTOH, if I were to build a Microsoft network on Kharma as secure as what I
already possess, I'd have to spend in excess of $40,000 to do so. Oh, and
BTW, all mail to/from spokesman-review.com this morning seems to be having
problems. 8-| They run a strange breed of Microsoft cross-bred to VMS or
Unix, and it changes from day-to-day, or so I'm told.

Post by Conster
My first thought is that Windows is so "computer friendly" My parents
learned (kind of - they still call me for 'tech advice' and Dad pays
some kid $40 an hour to install little shit that I could have done in
10 minutes for free.

The unfortunate part of it is that Microsoft, until recently, was
altogether "too friendly", i.e., insecure, allowing ports to be opened and
connections made to local workstations that are *dangerous*. Until *very*
recently (it's fixed, right?) the default firewall on XP/all and most 2000
servers defaulted to an OPEN state, which meant unless you were very, very
cautious, anyone from anywhere in the world could be your friend.

Post by Conster
Didn't you mentioned the Linux doesn't have to be Defragged? If not,
why not. I'm assume you have a HD with Linux and when you do a lot of
d/l'ing and deleting of hard files I would think any HD would get
fragmented. Does Linux have a self fix thing going on.

Nope, it does not. As Suzie pointed out today, her workstation has sat
there for over 15 days and hasn't needed a thing, other than for her to
occasionally bang on the keyboard so it feels wanted. No, the disk
operating system of Linux doesn't require defragmentation.

Post by Conster
Also, when you mentioned Doom, I play that over the Internet or direct
number to number. Currently I can't because whatever dolt built this
from a bare bones system put the 56K modem on IRQ 10 and com 5. We
have discussed this before I think. I know that most the older games
only recognize up to com 4. I thought maybe I would fix this through
CMOS, though I wasn't sure. You gave me all the possible commands to
break into CMOS given the makers of this machine have by-pass even the
memory count, which really drives me nuts.

ARGHH! What you need is a ball-peen hammer to:

1. Use it on the forehead of the guy who built the hardware.
2. Failing that, use it on the two CMOS chips on the motherboard
3. Absolutely failing at all other possibilities, use the hammer on the
computer and salvage the spare parts.

Post by Conster
Does one have to buy most of the products for Linux off the Internet?
Can you have cute little faces and things on your email or is every
thing text based?

Oh, nonononono. One only very *rarely* BUYS anything for Linux. Take a
look at Kharma. All the software is free, in the public domain and was
downloaded from various sites. All my workstations, with the exception of
the single Windoze box, run free open source software, including the mail,
news, games and all other applications. Come to think of it, I did *once*
buy a license for $24 to use Star Office 7.0, but Sun always has had a
problem understanding the open source community, given the way they are
trying to make *their* version of Java the default. (Linux has an open
source version that runs fine, thank you.) 8-)

Post by Conster
As far as my technical ability. I learn very quickly. I had my
computer and never read the documentation, I might get a "Linux for

Nah. When I get some time to actually sit down and do such things, I'll
get you a list of books to buy. That is, providing Jack in the Cave
doesn't rumble through here and offer his insight, too.

Post by Conster
help of one of the boys over there in Spokane.. I think it was Rocky,

It was Rocky Seelbach, and yes, that was who helped you. 8-)

Post by Conster
problem is, RAM is no longer RAM -- I need to take a class just to get
my technical lingo up to snuff. I did look through a test on of my

Nah. It's the only justification I've seen, thus far, for running NEW
hardware, since they all use the new SDRAM stuff. That saves knowing what
the also-ran systems use, either DRAM, DIMMS or other.

Post by Conster
class mates was taking who was completely computer illiterate and she
was bugged that I had never taken a class but knew quite a bit. Since
I got my first computer in 1992, when only a few of you geeks were far
into it by then, it seems very natural to me, much like Lego's for

Uh, my first computer, an 8088-A in 1986. My *very* first computer, a
1400-Series IBM and a 360 Cobal mainframe, in 1965. <grin>

Post by Conster
have the patience to let me think on it and stop me only if I do am
about to do something really damaging to my machine..Hell, I'm been
running Windows forever and I've never fried anything, and learned all
about Fdisk and fun stuff like that. :o)

The easiest way is simply not give you the root password until you've
learned enough to avoid such problems. 8-)

Post by Conster
I'm going to continue to learn before I take the plunge. Wouldn't you
just hate it if I found it easy :)) *joke*.. Seriously, I know what I
want in a computer.

I'll get you a list of books to read. However, as I said before, there is
a *LOT* of the information you need, if not all of it, available on the
web.

Post by Conster
I could also use some assistance and an ability to save some $$ while
getting ready to buy a new computer. My friend bought an awesome, cool
looking tower that has a clear window on the side and you can see the
guts with the blue lighting in the interior. The exterior is demonic
looking, but I'm going to look for a fun tower. I know they have a

The case is available both wholesale and retail. Ask Jack in the Cave
where he bought his case. It has TONS of lights and is made entirely of
plastic. Talk about an eye-opener!

Post by Conster
*I would like 512 RAM (SR Dimms or whatever the hell they are called).

Nah. Go for broke and order 1 gig of SDRAM.

Post by Conster
*At least 2.5 gig MhZ

Way too much processor for the likes of Linux, but on the other hand, it
makes those games really work NICELY!

Post by Conster
*80 - 150 gig HD, a DVD, CD ROM W RW

Two drives, one a 40 g, and one a 120 gig. The O/S goes on the forty,
along with all the spool stuff. The 120 is for all those .JPG's you've
been promising to send us.

Post by Conster
*Minimum 17" flat thin monitor. (I've price the 19" and they have run
about $800 where I have looked on search)

Oooh. Nice choice. I'm lucky I can afford a 19" monitor, let alone the
fancy hardware you're describing. 8-)

Post by Conster
*A flat bed scanner. I have one, but I believe it is a SCZI (I know..
the initials may be wrong, but it's a Scuzie

SCSI works *great* under Linux. Don't throw something away if it still
works. Tell me more about it, such as the manufacturer, do you have a SCSI
card inside your case, and if so, who made it? You may already have one of
the fastest flat-bed scanners available and not even know it.

Post by Conster
*A top of the line Video Card

OOOH, YESSS! Just double-check that it is supported by Linux. Some are NOT.

Post by Conster
*A sound blaster BUFF or Sound Blaster compliant sound card - It seems

Buy the fully-supported Soundblaster 128 or 640 cards. They'll blow you
away, right from the start, especially if I show you the little trick to
connecting them to a regular stereo amplifier. 8-)

Post by Conster
*3.5 Floppy disk drive

Yah sure. 8-) A 250 Zip drive is nice, too.

Post by Conster
*At least 2 USB ports

Most decent motherboards come with two, and in some cases, four.

Post by Conster
*Network card (Question: My cable modem is working off my network card
-Ethernet-. Is it possible for me to use the card with the modem
and to have a LAN in my home, or would that require 2 network
cards?

It might be nice to have two network cards, but to be honest, I don't know
squat about how your cable supplier provisions things. They may prohibit
you from networking, but if they don't mind, I'll be glad to show you how
to do so by adding the second network card. Also, most motherboard
manufacturers these days put the first ethernet interface right on the
motherboard. Most work, too. 8-)

Post by Conster
*56K Built in modem on Motherboard

Uh, why?

Post by Conster
*Intake and output fans for the machine. My current computer has no

Good thinking, Conster!!!!! Also, get a heavy-duty 450 Watt power supply
*minimum* if the computer will be on 24/7. Add two fans for dual hard
drives, as well. (total 3 fans)

Post by Conster
Stephanie and Leroy bought an E-machine, which I have always called a
disposable computer, but is buff and a very nice machine. I don't know
about the hardware. I have understood that E-machines cannot be
upgraded and some of the hardware isn't not repairable.

E-machines=JUNK. Dispose of when they break.

Post by Conster
I'll hunt for my tower, but will take an ordinary one if I HAVE TO :)I

Buy the tower separately. Save money. Order motherboard separately, but
with a processor and memory already configured and installed. Build
computer. Buy more parts. Sorry, I'm running out of time here.

Post by Conster
I have been told that my current tower (bought 10/2000) won't
accommodate the new motherboards they have now

I'd had to see it, but I think it probably would.

Post by Conster
can get the black inker to work, otherwise it's okay. I wouldn't
mind one of those 'does everything' printer, but some of the work
I chose to scan is older pictures that wouldn't do well unless in
a flat bed.

Ask Jack in the Cave about his experience with HP's All-in-One. 8-)

Post by Conster
Wow.. Techie boys.. can you give this old gal a hand or ideas on how
to get the most for my money. I would rather run ME, but Windows in
it's ultimate knowledge to take the most of your money have now made
many programs, even simple screen savers that require XP technology..

Get Linux screensavers. Don't run XP. 8-)

Post by Conster
Thanks guys..
Conster the Wanna be Techinological Monster Robot Babe. I got the
metal knees, it's a start :)

I like it, I like it. Conster the Robotics Monster. That makes me weak in
the knees. 8-)

Dave

[Jack Garrett]

Post by Dave Laird
Good morning, Conster-techie-in-training...

Post by Conster
I'm getting more and more interested in Linux, with some trepidation.
I did a search for 'linux' and talk about a strange experience. It
equated the experience of that with a church going, God fearing
Christian quest and a good Christian would use only linux. I think the
webmaster potentially thought Bill Gates might be the anti-Christ or

<GASP!!!> You mean he's NOT?

Post by Conster
That aside.. I was SHOCKED that they have Doom for Linux. One of my
old time favorites. I'm not so much into the Quake type games. The
older games are not so complex to play and ultimately run a little
faster on my 600 MhZ machine. Sounds like it's a whole lot more cost
effective too, to say the very least.

Better than simply having and running Doom, the server I looked at briefly
last weekend appears to be pretty popular, based upon a survey I did of
two Linux gaming servers here in town.

Post by Conster
Dave you once mentioned that Linux is a box and referred to Windows as
such as well. Do you mean as in hardware, as I understood you to say
in one post. I know I installed software from DOS on up through the
ages to get to Windows ME.

I use the term more loosely than that, Conster. A Windows box (or boxen,
for plural) is any computer, regardless of its hardware, that runs Windows
or any variation thereof. By the same accord, a Linux box is any hardware
that runs Linux.

Post by Conster
Another really valid question I feel, is why, if the safety from
virus's and hackers is more secure, do hospital (I know this one from
fact) run almost completely Windows, while schools use Apple/Mac. BBCC

Huh? Sacred Heart, Spokane hides everything behind an cobbled selection of
HP-Unix and VMS servers running ASP Microsoft inside the firewall,
Freakiness (Deaconess) runs a wacked-out version of VMS on steroids and
again, Microsoft *inside* the firewall, and both hospitals run their
primary name and domain servers both run Linux from within Concentric's
secure hosts, but buttoned up tighter than Homeland Security. I don't know
what Valley Medical Center runs internally, but their web server is
distinctively Linux, but runs ASP pages beneath Apache.
All three of these hospitals run *extremely* secure servers facing the
Internet, running one or more versions of VMS/Linux/Unix. As far as I can
tell from hammering on their servers, they do not have a single Microsoft
server facing the world, but nearly their entire infrastructure inside is
Microsoft.

Post by Conster
uses a windows OS on all it's Library college computers and I'm I know
they teach Windows applications in all their classes. IF Linux is

Right now, according to CERT, college and Universities are the most likely
to be hacked of all Internet infrastructure, and therefore are considered
to be marginally-secure. Heck, if they can hack Gonzaga's entire network
(last month), they wouldn't have a problem hacking a smaller university,
at least as I see it.

Post by Conster
giving Windows a run for the money, why don't colleges give students a
choice. I might have something to do with Bill Gates giving the
college $100,000 ( a mere spit in the bottomless pit he calls an
income) for new computers. But government, Hospitals, Police
Departments and most all corps that run very sensitive, highly
confidential material should be more educated. Are we all brainwashed?

Spokane Police run firewalled federally-approved Unix. (not Linux),
however the Renton Police Department runs 100% Linux servers. Go figure.
OTOH, if I were to build a Microsoft network on Kharma as secure as what I
already possess, I'd have to spend in excess of $40,000 to do so. Oh, and
BTW, all mail to/from spokesman-review.com this morning seems to be having
problems. 8-| They run a strange breed of Microsoft cross-bred to VMS or
Unix, and it changes from day-to-day, or so I'm told.

Post by Conster
My first thought is that Windows is so "computer friendly" My parents
learned (kind of - they still call me for 'tech advice' and Dad pays
some kid $40 an hour to install little shit that I could have done in
10 minutes for free.

The unfortunate part of it is that Microsoft, until recently, was
altogether "too friendly", i.e., insecure, allowing ports to be opened and
connections made to local workstations that are *dangerous*. Until *very*
recently (it's fixed, right?) the default firewall on XP/all and most 2000
servers defaulted to an OPEN state, which meant unless you were very, very
cautious, anyone from anywhere in the world could be your friend.

Post by Conster
Didn't you mentioned the Linux doesn't have to be Defragged? If not,
why not. I'm assume you have a HD with Linux and when you do a lot of
d/l'ing and deleting of hard files I would think any HD would get
fragmented. Does Linux have a self fix thing going on.

Nope, it does not. As Suzie pointed out today, her workstation has sat
there for over 15 days and hasn't needed a thing, other than for her to
occasionally bang on the keyboard so it feels wanted. No, the disk
operating system of Linux doesn't require defragmentation.

Post by Conster
Also, when you mentioned Doom, I play that over the Internet or direct
number to number. Currently I can't because whatever dolt built this
from a bare bones system put the 56K modem on IRQ 10 and com 5. We
have discussed this before I think. I know that most the older games
only recognize up to com 4. I thought maybe I would fix this through
CMOS, though I wasn't sure. You gave me all the possible commands to
break into CMOS given the makers of this machine have by-pass even the
memory count, which really drives me nuts.

1. Use it on the forehead of the guy who built the hardware.
2. Failing that, use it on the two CMOS chips on the motherboard
3. Absolutely failing at all other possibilities, use the hammer on the
computer and salvage the spare parts.

Post by Conster
Does one have to buy most of the products for Linux off the Internet?
Can you have cute little faces and things on your email or is every
thing text based?

Oh, nonononono. One only very *rarely* BUYS anything for Linux. Take a
look at Kharma. All the software is free, in the public domain and was
downloaded from various sites. All my workstations, with the exception of
the single Windoze box, run free open source software, including the mail,
news, games and all other applications. Come to think of it, I did *once*
buy a license for $24 to use Star Office 7.0, but Sun always has had a
problem understanding the open source community, given the way they are
trying to make *their* version of Java the default. (Linux has an open
source version that runs fine, thank you.) 8-)

Post by Conster
As far as my technical ability. I learn very quickly. I had my
computer and never read the documentation, I might get a "Linux for

Nah. When I get some time to actually sit down and do such things, I'll
get you a list of books to buy. That is, providing Jack in the Cave
doesn't rumble through here and offer his insight, too.

Post by Conster
help of one of the boys over there in Spokane.. I think it was Rocky,

It was Rocky Seelbach, and yes, that was who helped you. 8-)

Post by Conster
problem is, RAM is no longer RAM -- I need to take a class just to get
my technical lingo up to snuff. I did look through a test on of my

Nah. It's the only justification I've seen, thus far, for running NEW
hardware, since they all use the new SDRAM stuff. That saves knowing what
the also-ran systems use, either DRAM, DIMMS or other.

Post by Conster
class mates was taking who was completely computer illiterate and she
was bugged that I had never taken a class but knew quite a bit. Since
I got my first computer in 1992, when only a few of you geeks were far
into it by then, it seems very natural to me, much like Lego's for

Uh, my first computer, an 8088-A in 1986. My *very* first computer, a
1400-Series IBM and a 360 Cobal mainframe, in 1965. <grin>

Post by Conster
have the patience to let me think on it and stop me only if I do am
about to do something really damaging to my machine..Hell, I'm been
running Windows forever and I've never fried anything, and learned all
about Fdisk and fun stuff like that. :o)

The easiest way is simply not give you the root password until you've
learned enough to avoid such problems. 8-)

Post by Conster
I'm going to continue to learn before I take the plunge. Wouldn't you
just hate it if I found it easy :)) *joke*.. Seriously, I know what I
want in a computer.

I'll get you a list of books to read. However, as I said before, there is
a *LOT* of the information you need, if not all of it, available on the
web.

Post by Conster
I could also use some assistance and an ability to save some $$ while
getting ready to buy a new computer. My friend bought an awesome, cool
looking tower that has a clear window on the side and you can see the
guts with the blue lighting in the interior. The exterior is demonic
looking, but I'm going to look for a fun tower. I know they have a

The case is available both wholesale and retail. Ask Jack in the Cave
where he bought his case. It has TONS of lights and is made entirely of
plastic. Talk about an eye-opener!

Post by Conster
*I would like 512 RAM (SR Dimms or whatever the hell they are called).

Nah. Go for broke and order 1 gig of SDRAM.

Post by Conster
*At least 2.5 gig MhZ

Way too much processor for the likes of Linux, but on the other hand, it
makes those games really work NICELY!

Post by Conster
*80 - 150 gig HD, a DVD, CD ROM W RW

Two drives, one a 40 g, and one a 120 gig. The O/S goes on the forty,
along with all the spool stuff. The 120 is for all those .JPG's you've
been promising to send us.

Post by Conster
*Minimum 17" flat thin monitor. (I've price the 19" and they have run
about $800 where I have looked on search)

Oooh. Nice choice. I'm lucky I can afford a 19" monitor, let alone the
fancy hardware you're describing. 8-)

Post by Conster
*A flat bed scanner. I have one, but I believe it is a SCZI (I know..
the initials may be wrong, but it's a Scuzie

SCSI works *great* under Linux. Don't throw something away if it still
works. Tell me more about it, such as the manufacturer, do you have a SCSI
card inside your case, and if so, who made it? You may already have one of
the fastest flat-bed scanners available and not even know it.

Post by Conster
*A top of the line Video Card

OOOH, YESSS! Just double-check that it is supported by Linux. Some are NOT.

Post by Conster
*A sound blaster BUFF or Sound Blaster compliant sound card - It seems

Buy the fully-supported Soundblaster 128 or 640 cards. They'll blow you
away, right from the start, especially if I show you the little trick to
connecting them to a regular stereo amplifier. 8-)

Post by Conster
*3.5 Floppy disk drive

Yah sure. 8-) A 250 Zip drive is nice, too.

Post by Conster
*At least 2 USB ports

Most decent motherboards come with two, and in some cases, four.

Post by Conster
*Network card (Question: My cable modem is working off my network card
-Ethernet-. Is it possible for me to use the card with the modem
and to have a LAN in my home, or would that require 2 network
cards?

It might be nice to have two network cards, but to be honest, I don't know
squat about how your cable supplier provisions things. They may prohibit
you from networking, but if they don't mind, I'll be glad to show you how
to do so by adding the second network card. Also, most motherboard
manufacturers these days put the first ethernet interface right on the
motherboard. Most work, too. 8-)

Post by Conster
*56K Built in modem on Motherboard

Uh, why?

Post by Conster
*Intake and output fans for the machine. My current computer has no

Good thinking, Conster!!!!! Also, get a heavy-duty 450 Watt power supply
*minimum* if the computer will be on 24/7. Add two fans for dual hard
drives, as well. (total 3 fans)

Post by Conster
Stephanie and Leroy bought an E-machine, which I have always called a
disposable computer, but is buff and a very nice machine. I don't know
about the hardware. I have understood that E-machines cannot be
upgraded and some of the hardware isn't not repairable.

E-machines=JUNK. Dispose of when they break.

Post by Conster
I'll hunt for my tower, but will take an ordinary one if I HAVE TO :)I

Buy the tower separately. Save money. Order motherboard separately, but
with a processor and memory already configured and installed. Build
computer. Buy more parts. Sorry, I'm running out of time here.

Post by Conster
I have been told that my current tower (bought 10/2000) won't
accommodate the new motherboards they have now

I'd had to see it, but I think it probably would.

Post by Conster
can get the black inker to work, otherwise it's okay. I wouldn't
mind one of those 'does everything' printer, but some of the work
I chose to scan is older pictures that wouldn't do well unless in
a flat bed.

Ask Jack in the Cave about his experience with HP's All-in-One. 8-)

Post by Conster
Wow.. Techie boys.. can you give this old gal a hand or ideas on how
to get the most for my money. I would rather run ME, but Windows in
it's ultimate knowledge to take the most of your money have now made
many programs, even simple screen savers that require XP technology..

Get Linux screensavers. Don't run XP. 8-)

Post by Conster
Thanks guys..
Conster the Wanna be Techinological Monster Robot Babe. I got the
metal knees, it's a start :)

I like it, I like it. Conster the Robotics Monster. That makes me weak in
the knees. 8-)
Dave

So far Linux has been a great OS for me. Dave made a coment about my
all-in-one printer. It is an HP PSC 2410 (Linux calls it a 2400) any way
its a great printer you can do pictures from camera memary sticks and
faxing with out the use of a PC. I think I have found the programs to get
the scanner going, then I will be happy...
Jack

[Conster]

Good evening and hello Jack :)

On Mon, 30 Aug 2004 15:02:22 -0700, Jack Garrett

Post by Jack Garrett
So far Linux has been a great OS for me. Dave made a coment about my
all-in-one printer. It is an HP PSC 2410 (Linux calls it a 2400) any way
its a great printer you can do pictures from camera memary sticks and
faxing with out the use of a PC. I think I have found the programs to get
the scanner going, then I will be happy...
Jack

Sounds awesome.. I knew I was forgetting something for my MS OS
computer, media card input, dig. camera card input and one other that
I saw on my kid's machine, but don't know what it is for, but when
I'll need it at least I'll have it ;)

Conster

War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength

From the book "1984"

[Conster]

Hello Dave,

Post by Dave Laird
Good morning, Conster-techie-in-training...

The computer I was referring to in this request for help, is the MS
run computer that I'm buying in about a month. The computer I'm
currently on is my 600 Mhz, 20Gig HD, clunker.

Post by Dave Laird
The case is available both wholesale and retail. Ask Jack in the Cave
where he bought his case. It has TONS of lights and is made entirely of
plastic. Talk about an eye-opener!

Post by Conster
*I would like 512 RAM (SR Dimms or whatever the hell they are called).

Nah. Go for broke and order 1 gig of SDRAM.

Are we talking big bucks? I didn't even know there was such a thing
and if it would work with a standard computer.. Standard being the
newest thing on the market

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*At least 2.5 gig MhZ

Way too much processor for the likes of Linux, but on the other hand, it
makes those games really work NICELY!

Post by Conster
*80 - 150 gig HD, a DVD, CD ROM W RW

Two drives, one a 40 g, and one a 120 gig. The O/S goes on the forty,
along with all the spool stuff. The 120 is for all those .JPG's you've
been promising to send us.

Post by Conster
*Minimum 17" flat thin monitor. (I've price the 19" and they have run
about $800 where I have looked on search)

Oooh. Nice choice. I'm lucky I can afford a 19" monitor, let alone the
fancy hardware you're describing. 8-)

If I wanted to forego the down payment on a better car, I would have
one. But there is always quarter's school money :-))))

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*A flat bed scanner. I have one, but I believe it is a SCZI (I know..
the initials may be wrong, but it's a Scuzie

SCSI works *great* under Linux. Don't throw something away if it still
works. Tell me more about it, such as the manufacturer, do you have a SCSI
card inside your case, and if so, who made it? You may already have one of
the fastest flat-bed scanners available and not even know it.

Along the line of parting out computers I apparently removed the SCSI
card. I have the scanner. I'd have to pull it out of the closet, I
think it's an ACE something, but I'll check. I have the software and
it's a very good machine.. does all that I want when I finally get the
color printer back, or buy another. They are getting so inexpensive.

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*A top of the line Video Card

That's good to know for when I get around to converting this computer
to Linux.

Post by Dave Laird
OOOH, YESSS! Just double-check that it is supported by Linux. Some are NOT.

Post by Conster
*A sound blaster BUFF or Sound Blaster compliant sound card - It seems

Buy the fully-supported Soundblaster 128 or 640 cards. They'll blow you
away, right from the start, especially if I show you the little trick to
connecting them to a regular stereo amplifier. 8-)

I thought about doing that since we have a surround sound system for
the Big Screen TV, we don't use the stereo in there anymore.

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*3.5 Floppy disk drive

Yah sure. 8-) A 250 Zip drive is nice, too.

But does a Zip drive hold enough data. I had one years and years ago
and it of course was like 20 mb if I remember... if that.

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*At least 2 USB ports

Most decent motherboards come with two, and in some cases, four.

Cool This old bird came with one. In fact, I think I bought and
installed it. But I could be confused, I have Chinese Food on the
brain, cuz Ron is taking me out for my 51st b-day and tomorrow I get a
present.. :)) I'm such a sucker for Christmas, T-day, B-days.. you
know... food and prizes:)

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*Network card (Question: My cable modem is working off my network card
-Ethernet-. Is it possible for me to use the card with the modem
and to have a LAN in my home, or would that require 2 network
cards?

It might be nice to have two network cards, but to be honest, I don't know
squat about how your cable supplier provisions things. They may prohibit
you from networking, but if they don't mind, I'll be glad to show you how
to do so by adding the second network card. Also, most motherboard
manufacturers these days put the first ethernet interface right on the
motherboard. Most work, too. 8-)

Hmmm, that's cool.. I haven't looked into all the things I've been
intending to.... Fixed IP address yada yada yada..

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*56K Built in modem on Motherboard

Uh, why?

Because... Ummm.. I don't know. I was thinking about travel, but
kinda forgot I'm taking the laptop for travel.. Uhhh.. DUH.. My
stupidity was showing there momentarily.

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
*Intake and output fans for the machine. My current computer has no

Good thinking, Conster!!!!! Also, get a heavy-duty 450 Watt power supply
*minimum* if the computer will be on 24/7. Add two fans for dual hard
drives, as well. (total 3 fans)

Cool.... gonna have to copy and paste this stuff.

Post by Dave Laird

Post by Conster
Stephanie and Leroy bought an E-machine, which I have always called a
disposable computer, but is buff and a very nice machine. I don't know
about the hardware. I have understood that E-machines cannot be
upgraded and some of the hardware isn't not repairable.

E-machines=JUNK. Dispose of when they break.

Post by Conster
I'll hunt for my tower, but will take an ordinary one if I HAVE TO :)I

Buy the tower separately. Save money. Order motherboard separately, but
with a processor and memory already configured and installed. Build
computer. Buy more parts. Sorry, I'm running out of time here.

Post by Conster
I have been told that my current tower (bought 10/2000) won't
accommodate the new motherboards they have now

I'd had to see it, but I think it probably would.

Post by Conster
can get the black inker to work, otherwise it's okay. I wouldn't
mind one of those 'does everything' printer, but some of the work
I chose to scan is older pictures that wouldn't do well unless in
a flat bed.

Ask Jack in the Cave about his experience with HP's All-in-One. 8-)

Post by Conster
Wow.. Techie boys.. can you give this old gal a hand or ideas on how
to get the most for my money. I would rather run ME, but Windows in
it's ultimate knowledge to take the most of your money have now made
many programs, even simple screen savers that require XP technology..

Get Linux screensavers. Don't run XP. 8-)

Post by Conster
Thanks guys..
Conster the Wanna be Techinological Monster Robot Babe. I got the
metal knees, it's a start :)

I like it, I like it. Conster the Robotics Monster. That makes me weak in
the knees. 8-)
Dave

War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength

From the book "1984"

[Dave Laird]

Good mawning, Conster...

Post by Conster
The computer I was referring to in this request for help, is the MS
run computer that I'm buying in about a month. The computer I'm
currently on is my 600 Mhz, 20Gig HD, clunker.

Actually, your current 600mz machine would work just fine for your first
Linux box, Connie. Put as much memory in it as you can afford and perhaps
a really *good* video card and a second hard drive. It's not a clunker, at
least for Linux, although it probably would like more drive space. It
wouldn't be the fastest Linux box in the world, because Jack-in-the-Cave
already bought that, but it would do for Linux.

Post by Conster
Are we talking big bucks? I didn't even know there was such a thing
and if it would work with a standard computer.. Standard being the
newest thing on the market

As I recently found out with a shock, the most recent memory is pretty
cheap... RIGHT NOW. However, if you start digging around looking for some
of the older memory modules, you're going to get a shock, because older
memory, including the SIMMS, are more expensive. However, new memory is
less than $50, and old memory less than $100 to buy a gig's worth.

Post by Conster
Along the line of parting out computers I apparently removed the SCSI
card. I have the scanner. I'd have to pull it out of the closet, I
think it's an ACE something, but I'll check. I have the software and
it's a very good machine.. does all that I want when I finally get the
color printer back, or buy another. They are getting so inexpensive.

What you are perhaps talking about is an Acer SCSI flat-bed scanner. Some
of them used a proprietary SCSI card, while some used regular SCSI
adapters. Either way, in its day, it was one of the *fastest* most
powerful scanners available. Originally manufactured to compete toe-to-toe
with the high-end Canon and HP scanners, it was one heck of a contender in
its day, and still will out-perform a lot of the USB scanners.

Something you can do to help yourself is dig it out of the closet, and
look closely at where the cables attach on the back. *Carefully* count the
number of pins on it, including both connectors if there are two. If you
have one or more 50 pin connectors, chances are good it is a true-blue
SCSI scanner, in which case, don't get rid of it. Start looking for that
SCSI card, because a new SCSI card will cost you a bit. If it *doesn't*
have fifty pins, please get me the name on the front of it. It might be
junk because of the proprietary interface. Remember, if it is true-blue
SCSI it will out-perform nearly any USB scanner made today.

Post by Conster
But does a Zip drive hold enough data. I had one years and years ago
and it of course was like 20 mb if I remember... if that.

Modern-day zip drives hold 250 megabytes, and are really handy for back
ups or moving data from machines where they aren't networked to one
another.

Dave