Question(s) from a computer boob

fiveteamer · 02-24-09, 01:19 PM

get a memory card for $10.

AgainstAllOdds · 02-24-09, 01:21 PM

If its a desktop you can easily do it byjust switching over the hard drive to your new computer. And then sell the new harddrive on ebay or where ever for a few bucks.

It sounds like you really dont need to buy a new comp, just upgrade your processer.

fiveteamer · 02-24-09, 01:22 PM

AAO, I know mudder is into some crazy kinky shit. It would be wise for him to erase this HD before selling on ebay.

betplom · 02-24-09, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by Mudcat

I am using an Acer computer as my main computer. It is horrible. I hate it. No sense even getting into all the ways it is bad. Do not buy an Acer is my recommendation.

Okay, moving on.

I have decided to replace it so I need to transfer all my Word and Excel files. Plus I have a certain number of pics and vids. I have all my e-mail in Outlook Express. I think that's it as far as stuff that needs transferred. Maybe there are other obvious things that must be considered that I am overlooking.

Well okay, looking at my desktop I see icons for my scanner and various spyware/anti-virus functions. There is other stuff that I don't even know what it is. I can't stress the "boob" part enough.

So my question is, is transferring what's inside this computer to the replacement an easy thing that people do themselves with a couple clicks or do I need to take it to the shop and have an expert do it?

Acers are notoriously cheap, but you probably knew that already.

Backing up Word/Excel video, photo files, mp3 etc is as simple as drag/drop or copy/paste the files you want to an external device such as a usb hard drive, memory stick or even a recordable CD/DVD. You can then transfer them on to your new PC the same way.

Backing up outlook express is a little more difficult. Actually it can be backed up but it's a multi step process, I've done it for many people, if you were using Mozilla Thunderbird backing up is simple, all you do is copy a single file that contains everything - mail, contacts filters etc.

Let me know if you need some help, I can guide you through it.

Data · 02-24-09, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by Mudcat

is transferring what's inside this computer to the replacement an easy thing that people do themselves with a couple clicks

Yes, if you are running Windows XP. Go to Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

Immortality · 02-24-09, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by fiveteamer

AAO, I know mudder is into some crazy kinky shit. It would be wise for him to erase this HD before selling on ebay.

5T

AAO suggested to sell the new drive and put his old one into the new computer. The new drive will not have any persoanl information on it if he hasn't used it yet.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 01:28 PM

You can simply export your mail in Outlook Express to a PST, then import it on your other PC. It's not that difficult. You just have to create and configure a profile on your new machine.

VegasDave · 02-24-09, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by betplom

Acers are notoriously cheap, but you probably knew that already.

Backing up Word/Excel video, photo files, mp3 etc is as simple as drag/drop or copy/paste the files you want to an external device such as a usb hard drive, memory stick or even a recordable CD/DVD. You can then transfer them on to your new PC the same way.

Backing up outlook express is a little more difficult. Actually it can be backed up but it's a multi step process, I've done it for many people, if you were using Mozilla Thunderbird backing up is simple, all you do is copy a single file that contains everything - mail, contacts filters etc.

Let me know if you need some help, I can guide you through it.

Sounds like betplom is on it

All of the places like Best Buy, Staples, Office Max, etc. will have external hard drives or memory sticks. Both just pop into a USB port and it is as simple as dragging files from where they are on your computer onto the new drive, and then repeating the process when you plug it in to the new computer.

You shouldn't need much more than a memory stick, but while you are at it you should weigh the pros and cons of getting an external hard drive. It'll cost you more, but it is never a bad thing to have extra space handy. If you decide you don't need extra space and it would be a waste of money, a flash drive will work just fine for what you need.

If there is a Circuit City near you, check there! I just got a wireless router (something I needed anyway) for 40% off. You Circuit City may be picked apart already, but it is worth a look if it isn't too far out of your way. They will have flash drives and external hard drives (assuming they aren't sold out)

Betplom seems knowledgeable on the stuff, but I'm here as well if you need any more details.

fiveteamer · 02-24-09, 01:35 PM

Vegas Dave, are you trying to earn a comish on Mudcat's sale or something? Sounds like you are trying to sell him up on some shit he doesn't need.

Buy a ****ing $10 memory card.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 01:38 PM

Actually, he could just burn it to DVD or CDR. He doesn't even need a memory stick.

AgainstAllOdds · 02-24-09, 01:39 PM

FYI, I see some guys preaching "Buy Memory"...Memory is not the problem with the speed of your comp. In fact, most people will never use 512 MB's of ram let alone the 2 gigs some computers have now a days. The main factor is processor. This is commonly referred to as GHz on your computer.

pavyracer · 02-24-09, 01:42 PM

buy a USB flash drive and transfer all the files on it...then install on the new computer

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 01:42 PM

You can never have too much memory. That's a universal truth.

AgainstAllOdds · 02-24-09, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by MonkeyF0cker

You can never have too much memory. That's a universal truth.

Im sorry but your wrong.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 01:44 PM

I'm sorry but I have a degree in computer engineering. I might know about these things.

Mudcat · 02-24-09, 01:46 PM

Alright. I read these responses once and I became immediately overwhelmed and I almost decided to take my life out of despair.

But I took a deep breath and read again and I think I am getting the idea. I do not pretend to understand everything that has been said but I think there might be a series of logical steps for me and Step 1 is getting some kind of memory stick/flash device. I have a guy who owns a little shop who has been looking after my computers for years so I'll see if he has them.

Mind you, he sold me this fukking Acer. Oh well. He is close by. I will give him a call.

AgainstAllOdds · 02-24-09, 01:47 PM

Then you would understand that memory aka ram doesnt get used much beyond 512mb only gaming computers will use anything close to 2 gigs and that still highly unlikely.

WileOut · 02-24-09, 01:47 PM

I have an Acer laptop that I've had for almost 3 years now and its the best computer I've ever owned.

However every other person I've heard talk about an Acer said they are terrible. Maybe I just lucked out.

Mudcat you can buy a memory stick at walmart, circuit city, home depot, pretty much anywhere computer accessories are sold. They are cheap, easy to use, and hold vast amounts of information. You just plug it into your USB port and it installs itself. Then its just drag and drop folders into the memory stick that will show up in "my computer" once you plug it in. Trust me you will have no problem with it.

betplom · 02-24-09, 01:49 PM

Mudcat, depending on the size of the files you need to backup you should get one of these:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2513583&Sku=C13-2534

This is the 8GB model $24.99* Canadian $, if you don't need 8GB of space there are 2 & 4GB ones that are even cheaper.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by AgainstAllOdds

Then you would understand that memory aka ram doesnt get used much beyond 512mb only gaming computers will use anything close to 2 gigs and that still highly unlikely.

Try statistical models. Simulators. CAD applications. Gaming. Photoshop. Virtually any graphic design application. There are a ton of applications that surpass 512MB of RAM usage. A ton.

TLD · 02-24-09, 02:02 PM

Glad to see this question, because I’m probably at or only a little beyond Mudcat’s self-description when it comes to computers, so I struggle with this kind of thing too.

Isn’t there a distinction between files and programs? Every time I get a new computer it’s easy to move the files. I just use one of my external hard drives or some such device (or I think one time just connected the new and old computer to each other, I don’t remember for sure) and just transfer from Old to External and then from External to New.

But I thought programs don’t transfer like that. I always have to hope I kept the discs for anything I bought, or can find the websites for anything I downloaded, and re-install the programs from scratch on the new computer the same as if they had never been on the old one. And invariably there are one or more that I don’t have the discs for or for whatever reason can’t locate online to download again, so I end up having to live without them.

Am I wrong that transferring files and transferring programs are different processes?

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 02:06 PM

No. You are correct (sort of), TLD. Programs are files too but there are components nested in the framework of your computer which does not allow you to simply drag them over. So yes, your data files you can move over simply. Programs would need to be reinstalled.

Mudcat · 02-24-09, 02:15 PM

Thank you everyone who is trying to help. Sorry if I seem to be ignoring anyone's good advice. I am just trying to piece it together.

That was a good and very relevant question TLD.

Originally posted by MonkeyF0cker

No. You are correct (sort of), TLD. Programs are files too but there are components nested in the framework of your computer which does not allow you to simply drag them over. So yes, your data files you can move over simply. Programs would need to be reinstalled.

So I feel like I am back to the original question. If programs need to be re-installed, then should I just take the thing in to the expert? I don't know how to install programs.

Like, the computer I am going to use already has Word and Excel. I see it has Outlook Express and Windows Media Player.

Actually it has some anti-virus stuff too. Maybe I have answered my own question. I would just need to set it up with my printer/scanner which seems like it should be do-able.

Matt Rain · 02-24-09, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by AgainstAllOdds

Then you would understand that memory aka ram doesnt get used much beyond 512mb only gaming computers will use anything close to 2 gigs and that still highly unlikely.

Are you from the year 2000? A freshly-installed Vista uses more than that as soon as it shows the desktop.

Hell, Firefox itself is reserving more than 512megs right now - I've got SBRlines, Sportsinsights, CBS Sportsline, Flashscore and 6 books opened.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Mudcat

Thank you everyone who is trying to help. Sorry if I seem to be ignoring anyone's good advice. I am just trying to piece it together.

That was a good and very relevant question TLD.

So I feel like I am back to the original question. If programs need to be re-installed, then should I just take the thing in to the expert? I don't know how to install programs.

Like, the computer I am going to use already has Word and Excel. I see it has Outlook Express and Windows Media Player.

Actually it has some anti-virus stuff too. Maybe I have answered my own question. I would just need to set it up with my printer/scanner which seems like it should be do-able.

Honestly, I think it's in your best interest to have someone else do it for you. It shouldn't cost much.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by Matt Rain

Are you from the year 2000? A freshly-installed Vista uses more than that as soon as it shows the desktop.

Hell, Firefox itself is reserving more than 512megs right now - I've got SBRlines, Sportsinsights, CBS Sportsline, Flashscore and 6 books opened.

Heh. Exactly, Matt. It doesn't take much, especially with Vista.

RogueScholar · 02-24-09, 02:33 PM

Mudcat, how about this for a solution. Rather than invest in a memory stick or flash drive, how about just a cross-patch networking cable so that you can hook the two computers together when you find you need to transfer a file you need? You can leave the other computer intact and always have it to go back to if you find you forgot to transfer something. That way you can attack things one at a time, and it won't be so overwhelming to try to find everything you want to save all at one shot. If you want to go over it on the phone, just shoot me a PM and I'll give you my number.

Inner circles, now, inner circles...

Mudcat · 02-24-09, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by MonkeyF0cker

Honestly, I think it's in your best interest to have someone else do it for you. It shouldn't cost much.

This gave me such a mental picture of someone bright and trying-to-help reading my previous post and suddenly having the truth dawn on him, "He is not a boob, he is

COMPLETELY HOPELESS.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 02:52 PM

Heh. Not hopeless, Mudcat. It would just take much less time and less headache for you if someone who does this stuff everyday does it for you. I have no doubt you have the capacity to learn it. However, when that knowledge isn't at your disposal, it can sometimes do more harm than good and you may end up having to bring it in with more problems than what you had to begin with...

Mudcat · 02-24-09, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by RogueScholar

Mudcat, how about this for a solution. Rather than invest in a memory stick or flash drive, how about just a cross-patch networking cable so that you can hook the two computers together when you find you need to transfer a file you need? You can leave the other computer intact and always have it to go back to if you find you forgot to transfer something. That way you can attack things one at a time, and it won't be so overwhelming to try to find everything you want to save all at one shot. If you want to go over it on the phone, just shoot me a PM and I'll give you my number.

Inner circles, now, inner circles...

Slightly confusing to me.

Hopefully it doesn't come across a complete rejection of your idea but I am going to go buy a memory/flash thing right now. I called my guru guy and he has them in stock.

I see some potential for learning here and also some other application for it with my other computers down the road.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 02:59 PM

A crossover cable is probably just as expensive as a memory stick and probably something that you'd never use again, Mudcat. It also requires network reconfiguration, which would take you off of the Internet, and require reconfiguration to get back on the Internet. It's a bad idea. Stick to the memory stick if you choose to do it yourself.

Mudcat · 02-24-09, 03:32 PM

Well I now have a USB flash drive more-or-less like the pic betplom posted. I'm in a bit of a time crunch so I won't start fiddling with it now. I'll start the experiment with some Word files tomorrow morning.

MonkeyF0cker · 02-24-09, 03:36 PM

Good luck, Mudcat. Let us know if you need help.

Mudcat · 02-25-09, 12:53 PM

Okay here's a question. At the start of my list of Word files, there are a bunch of files with the suffix .tmp. I'm guessing that means temporary. They all look basically like this: ~WRL0131.tmp except the numbers change.

Should I transfer those? Is there ever any need to keep those?